Portage MLA outlines opposition party concerns over 6-month gas tax cut

The PC opposition government in Manitoba convened until late hours Wednesday night about the proposed Fuel Tax Amendment Act Bill. Portage MLA Jeff Bereza works with the ag sector, and says the bill discusses the affordability for all Manitobans, but notes it misses the point.

"Especially when it comes to agriculture. It's not clear in the Act. It talks about roadway and, of course, farm equipment is only on a roadway going from one field to the other," says Bereza. "The most amount of fuel that a combine, tractor, or a swather is going to burn is going to be in the field when it's doing the work to put the crop in, to spray the weeds of the crop. Or it's to harvest the crop, and that's not defined in this bill."

He explains fuel tax is crippling the farmers. Bereza says the opposition is looking for an amendment to the bill so that it's better for everyone involved. 

Another concern he outlines is the loss of money for roadways and other infrastructure by taking off 14 cents a litre for gas costs. Bereza notes this means we are losing funding for such projects and are thereby facilitating truckers drivers from Saskatchewan for discount on their fuel bills as a result.

He adds there are also questions about recreation vehicles and reducing gas tax, including snowmobiles, off-road, motorcycles, and ATVs. that aren't on roadways. Bereza asks if these vehicles are covered by the savings on fuel tax or not.

"Farmers use dyed gas," continues Bereza. "There is a federal tax relief for farmers for using dyed gas. And again, it is not included in this Act."

Bereza asks if vehicles will be able to use dyed gas on the roads.

"All we're asking for is let's make it simpler for Manitobans and let's include all gases," continues Bereza. "The other one that's missing is propane. We have buses that are running on propane. There are still vehicles that are running on propane due to less emissions. It is a cleaner fuel, yet this government has chosen to leave that out of there, as well."

He notes the issue also covers firefighting equipment by municipality or local government district. Bereza says Hutterite colonies often help in extinguishing fires, and no mention is made for their sakes.

Bereza says they also asked the province to stand up for farmers in Manitoba and come against the federal coalition of NDP and Liberals and to keep the gas tax. He notes he can't stress enough how much pressure is on farmers over the tax, affecting how they can sell grain, cattle, chicks, turkeys, and mushroom farms. Bereza says it has the potential to put them out of business. Farmers must dry their grains and crops, and rely heavily on propane or natural gas which are especially hit hard. 

In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.