(Ottawa, Canada) – The Conservatives are pressing the federal government to remove federal diesel taxes until Canada Day and reduce spending before the November 5 budget.

The Canadian Press reported Sunday that Pierre Poilievre set out the demands in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney. The opposition leader also called for suspending the GST on fuel until summer and permanently eliminating what he describes as the fuel standard tax.

Requests ahead of the fiscal plan

The letter urges the Liberals to cut spending the Conservatives characterize as wasteful and inflationary, and to keep commitments to reduce debt and deficits relative to the size of the economy.

These are opposition proposals. The letter does not establish that the government has accepted them or changed the taxes motorists pay.

Finance Canada’s October 20 advisory confirms Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne will table Budget 2026 on November 5. The department says the plan will address affordability, investment and economic resilience.

Source: The Canadian Press via CKOM, November 1, 2026; Finance Canada budget-date advisory, October 20, 2026; The Canadian Press via CKOM, November 1, 2026; Finance Canada budget-date advisory, October 20, 2026.

Lead image: The Northern Current editorial illustration.