April 23, 2026 Hamilton, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
The global landscape is rapidly changing. In response, Canada's new government is focused on what we can control - building a stronger, more independent, more resilient economy. We're building an economy where Canadians are empowered with greater security, certainty, and a lower cost of living.
Global conflict and ongoing supply disruptions in the Middle East are driving up fuel prices around the world. To make Canada more energy secure and less reliant on external factors, our government is advancing major projects to realise Canada's full potential in clean and conventional energy. We're building big in electricity, LNG, and nuclear to provide all Canadians with clean, reliable, and affordable power. As we build for the long term, we are providing immediate relief to bring down costs for Canadians right now - including cutting taxes for 22 million Canadians, cancelling the consumer carbon tax, and protecting and expanding vital social programs.
In that spirit, the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), took part in an event marking the announcement that the government is temporarily suspending the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline and diesel across Canada. Starting April 20, 2026, Canada's new government will suspend the full amount of the tax on gasoline and diesel until September 7, 2026. This is expected to reduce costs for Canadians at the gas station by 10 cents per litre on regular gasoline and 4 cents on diesel. The government is also temporarily suspending the federal fuel excise tax on aviation fuels.
Cutting the tax on gasoline and diesel until Labour Day is a responsible measure that will reduce operating costs for truckers and businesses in the food, agriculture, housing, construction, and delivery sectors. With lower costs and greater financial strength, businesses can hire more workers, confidently build, and export more products to global markets.
Secretary Zerucelli also highlighted that eligible Canadians will receive a one-time GST/HST credit top-up on June 5, 2026. The payment is part of the transition to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit which will replace the GST/HST credit in July 2026. This new benefit will provide a family of four up to $1,890 this year, and more than $1,400 a year for the next four years; and a single person up to $950 this year, and more than $700 a year for the next four years. The benefit will provide increased financial support for more than 12 million Canadians, helping offset elevated grocery bills that have risen faster than the inflation rate due to the global landscape.
Canada's new government was elected to build a more resilient economy - an economy that creates good careers, strengthens our sovereignty, and empowers all Canadians with a lower cost of living. We're moving with speed and ambition to build a country where all Canadians have greater certainty, security, and prosperity.
