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By Alice McFarlane

A large majority of Canadians want a carbon tax exemption for farmers: poll

May 28, 2024 | 3:42 PM

A poll conducted for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) said most Canadians want a carbon tax exemption for farmers.

CTF released Leger polling showing 70 per cent of Canadians support the farmers’ opposition to the tax.

CTF Prairie Director Gage Haubrich said the poll is clear.

“The vast majority of Canadians want the government to get farmers relief from the carbon tax. Canadians know that keeping costs down for farmers helps lower costs at the grocery store for all of us,” Haubrich said.

The federal government exempts its carbon tax from gasoline and diesel used on farms. Members of Parliament are currently considering Bill C-234, which extends the carbon-tax exemption to include natural gas and propane used on farms. Farmers use these fuels to dry grain and heat barns.

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In the Leger poll, Canadians were asked if they support taking the carbon tax off natural gas and propane used by farmers. Respondents who strongly supported farmers was at 39 per cent while 31 per cent somewhat supported removing the carbon tax.

While 15 per cent didn’t know, only eight per cent were somewhat opposed and seven per cent strongly opposed.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer had said without any relief, the carbon tax on natural gas and propane will cost farmers $1 billion by 2030.

CTF Federal Director Franco Terrazzano said MPs need to get farmers and families relief now and take the carbon tax off all farm fuels.

“Ottawa needs to listen to Canadians and stop charging farmers carbon taxes that make all of our lives more expensive,” he said.