We’re two weeks into October, and despite the reported “Super” El Niño autumn we are supposed to have, Canadians are already starting to turn on their furnaces, and bracing for the bill.

Regardless of whether your furnace runs on heating oil, propane, or even natural gas, the price of diesel is driving those fuels’ costs through the roof. 

And those aren’t the only prices that sky-rocketing diesel is affecting. 

Canada’s food supply-chain relies heavily on diesel at every stage. We need diesel to produce, harvest, and transport our food. 

As goes the price of diesel, so goes the price of food. And with record numbers of Canadians turning to food banks, our government needs to do something to address this. 

Especially because, while not the only reason for elevated fuel prices, it is a key source of the problem.

To seriously address this matter, the Carney Liberal government should immediately remove all taxes on fuel and repeal the regulations that are driving up prices. 

That includes the so-called Clean Fuel Standard (CFS), a regulation which is costing us 19 cents per litre on diesel. 

And GST/HST, which is especially galling because as a percentage tax, governments collect more revenue every time the price rises. Ottawa and the provinces are effectively profiting from our pain. 

Yes, international events matter. Disruptions linked to the conflicts involving Iran and Russia have constrained supply and pushed refining costs up. But domestic taxes and regulations are entirely within the federal government’s control. Continuing to pile them on while blaming only global factors is indefensible.Canadians should not have to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table this winter. 

Scrapping the CFS and every tax on fuel would deliver immediate, meaningful relief.

Ottawa must act. Winter is coming.