Unceded Anishinaabe Algonquin Territories [OTTAWA], 14 April 2026:
In response to this morning’s announcement that the federal government will pause the excise tax on gasoline and diesel, Caroline Brouillette, Executive Director of Climate Action Network Canada, issued the following response:
“Right problem, wrong solution. The inflated cost of oil and gas is hurting Canadians, while fossil fuel companies reap tens of billions of dollars in profits. We’ve seen this show before, and are going to be stuck watching reruns over and over again until we end our dependence on volatile and expensive fossil fuels altogether.
“With his new majority mandate, Prime Minister Carney should focus on the solutions that foster real affordability and resilience: building a national, renewable-based electricity grid and helping Canadians electrify their homes and means of transportation. As Clean Energy Canada has pointed out, pausing the gas tax will save a typical driver $17 a month for five months, whereas EVs save $250 a month indefinitely. Meanwhile, a windfall profits tax on oil and gas companies could redirect billions from the pockets of oil and gas executives towards helping Canadians who need it most.
“We must not forget the bigger picture behind these secondary cost-of-living impacts: the United States’ and Israel’s illegal wars, which are causing suffering for millions of people in Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza. Canada must recognize and name the real culprits, end its complicity, and work to untangle our world from fossil-fuelled wars and destruction.”
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Canada’s farthest-reaching network of organizations working on climate and energy issues, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat (CAN-Rac) Canada is a coalition of close to 200 organizations operating from coast to coast to coast. Our membership brings environmental groups together with trade unions, First Nations, social justice, development, health and youth organizations, faith groups and local, grassroots initiatives.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Vicky Coo, Communications Manager
comms@climateactionnetwork.ca