-- Data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute published on Friday finds a majority of Canadians want their provincial government to ease taxes at the pump during this period of high gasoline prices, though they are divided over how long that relief should last.
A majority (55%) believe provincial gasoline taxes should either be removed entirely (20%), paused (18%), or reduced (17%) until September, even if it means a hit to provincial government budgets, noted Angus Reid.
One-third (35%) believe the revenue from gasoline taxes is best utilized for provincial social services and the taxes should be unchanged.
Cost of living remains a high concern for Canadians, it stated.
The Angus Reid Institute's Financial Pressure Index measures the economic challenges Canadians face, including debt, grocery and shelter costs, employment stability, and whether they feel they are falling behind financially. One-in-five (21%) Canadians are categorized as under High financial pressure, and one-in-five (19%) are categorized as under Medium pressure.
Two-thirds of those in these groups facing economic challenges want to see some sort of relief from their provincial government's gas taxes, whether it is a temporary pause or cutting the tax entirely, added Angus Reid.