The Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Premier
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Dear Premier Wakeham:

Re: Temporary Suspension of Provincial Gasoline and Diesel Tax

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce recognizes the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s decision to permanently reduce the provincial taxes on gasoline and diesel. We encourage the government to build on that measure by temporarily suspending the remaining provincial fuel taxes through January 31, 2027, providing additional relief to businesses and households facing elevated fuel and transportation costs.

The federal government has already set its fuel excise tax to zero through January 31, 2027, while Prince Edward Island suspended its provincial fuel taxes effective September 26, 2026.

Newfoundland and Labrador already faces disproportionately high costs due to our geography which is only exasperated further due to higher fuel Virtually every sector that depends on the movement of people and goods are affected by the cost of gasoline and diesel. Ultimately, higher transportation costs are reflected in the price of goods and services throughout the province and across the region.

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce has long advocated for policies that reduce the cost of doing business and support affordability while maintaining fiscal responsibility. A temporary, clearly defined suspension of the provincial fuel tax would provide targeted relief without creating a permanent fiscal commitment.

We therefore call on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to temporarily suspend the remaining provincial taxes on gasoline and diesel for a defined period, aligned as closely as possible with the federal fuel-tax suspension through January 31, 2027.

A temporary provincial fuel-tax suspension would provide practical and immediate relief to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians while supporting the competitiveness of businesses that depend on affordable transportation. It would also demonstrate that governments at all levels are prepared to take concrete action to reduce the cost pressures facing businesses and households.


Sincerely,

Vice President, Policy & Government Relations
Atlantic Chamber of Commerce