Close X
Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. has no plans to cut gas taxes, Farnworth

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 07 Mar, 2022 04:38 PM
  • B.C. has no plans to cut gas taxes, Farnworth

VICTORIA - British Columbia's minister of public safety says the province has no plans to follow Alberta's lead to reduce its tax on gasoline to ease rising prices at the pumps.

Mike Farnworth told a news conference Monday gas prices are driven by events outside of provincial control, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has upset energy markets around the world.

Alberta has responded by reducing its tax by 13-cents per litre on both gasoline and diesel.

Farnworth says there's no simple solution to the rising fuel price situation as the cost rose above $2 a litre in Metro Vancouver.

He says economists have noted that fuel companies don't simply raise prices to take advantage of the margin.

Farnworth says the only planned gas price increase in the province is a hike in the carbon tax at one-cent per litre starting April 1.

"The reality is that there is significant instability in the energy markets on a global basis, directly related to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia," he says.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said Monday residents need relief from increasing costs.

Kenney also announced the government would give $150 rebates on electricity bills starting April 1.

MORE National ARTICLES

Industry demands end to COVID-19 travel testing as eased restrictions take effect

Industry demands end to COVID-19 travel testing as eased restrictions take effect
At a Monday news conference at the Calgary airport hosted by the Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable, WestJet communications vice-president Richard Bartrem said the carrier's flight volume remains at half of its 2019 level of roughly 700 trips per day.

Industry demands end to COVID-19 travel testing as eased restrictions take effect

Man sentenced to 25 years for child sexual abuse

Man sentenced to 25 years for child sexual abuse
The Seattle Times reports Brandan L. Wilkins pleaded guilty in February 2021 to enticing a minor, traveling with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor and possessing and receiving child pornography. Wilkins was a Transit Security Administration agent at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and has been in custody since his arrest in 2018.

Man sentenced to 25 years for child sexual abuse

Canada welcomes Ukrainians temporarily

Canada welcomes Ukrainians temporarily
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression can find a safe haven in Canada using expedited temporary visas for emergency travel. The minister also announced a new reunification program for Ukrainians with family in Canada and wish to come on a permanent basis.

Canada welcomes Ukrainians temporarily

Two arrested, one handgun seized following traffic stop

Two arrested, one handgun seized following traffic stop
As the driver attempted to flee, he dropped a loaded handgun as he was running away from police. SGET officers took possession of the suspected firearm. The passenger was arrested a short distance away with assistance from the Metro Vancouver Transit Police.

Two arrested, one handgun seized following traffic stop

Ukraine war raises issues for energy sector

Ukraine war raises issues for energy sector
Russia's invasion of a sovereign European nation has had wide-ranging energy implications, and is now being used as ammunition by oil and gas sector proponents who offer it as proof that Canada must grow its domestic fossil fuel sector if it wants to ensure energy security.

Ukraine war raises issues for energy sector

442 COVID19 cases for Wednesday

442 COVID19 cases for Wednesday
There are 517 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 73 are in intensive care. In the past 24 hours, 10 new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,883.    

442 COVID19 cases for Wednesday