You are not alone! CAA knows that Canadians are seeing gasoline prices rise and motorists are upset at what they see as unfair prices and taxes at the pump. Gasoline pricing is one of the most talked about and studied consumer-related issues in Canada. The volatility of gasoline prices and recent high fuel prices continue to generate discussion about market fairness and the competitive nature of the retail gasoline market in Canada.

The recent rise in gasoline prices and the debate over what should be done has many consumers wanting to know what they can do. CAA wants to offer this information to help you make sense of this complex issue, give you some tips on how to make the most of your gasoline dollar, and tell you who to contact to actually make a difference.

Again, you are not alone! Did you know that the federal government annually collects almost $4.7 billion in gasoline taxes but invests only a very small percentage of these proceeds on road construction and highway development?

In a recent CAA opinion survey, 75% of Canadians said that improving roads and highways should be one of the federal government’s top four priorities. Fifty-seven per cent indicated that nearly half of the excise tax revenue is likely required to address the need for improvements to Canadian roads and highways. More than three in four stated that the amount spent last year is not enough.

Canadians overwhelming believe that inadequate resources have been allocated to investment in our roads and highways, and believe that more of the excise fuel tax should be devoted to this issue. As the ones who pay that tax, motorists deserve to be heard when the government determines how those dollars are spent on infrastructure.