Ontario: The Premier Doug Ford announced to extend the Ontario province’s gas tax cut for another year, aiming to provide relief to people amid rising inflation.
Doug Ford said his government wants to bring in a bill through which the tax cut that reduces gas prices to 5.7 cents per liter can be continued until the end of 2023.
The cut was first implemented on July 1 and was scheduled to expire on December 31. Speaking at a gas station on the west end of Toronto, Ford said, “We know that every dollar helps. This gas tax cut is another initiative by our government to save the money of Ontarions.”
Ford said that the main reason for taking this decision is the rising inflation and the ongoing instability in the global economy. This will also sustain the loss of 5.3 cents per litre in diesel prices. The tax cut would save the average household $195 over an 18-month period.
The opposition NDP said the premier should have focused on curbing grocery, housing and living prices instead of cutting the gas tax scheme. The bill for tax deduction will be introduced on Monday along with the province’s economic statement.
Meanwhile, When Ford was asked on Sunday whether the government was going to reimpose the rules regarding masks, the premier did not give a clear answer.
There are also speculations that Ontario’s leading doctor Kieran Moore will recommend the public to wear masks again on Monday.
Earlier, Ford urged everyone to wear a mask when needed, especially those with respiratory problems. He also said that when it comes to the rules regarding masks, he considers advise of the Dr Moore.