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The Gas Tax Holiday Ends in 24 Days — Here's the Real Math on What You'll Save

  Published August 14, 2026 Ottawa's fuel excise tax suspension shuts off September 7. Here's what it's actually been worth at the pump, what changes the next morning, and who should plan a fill-up before Labour Day. The Countdown The federal fuel excise tax returns to full rate on September 8, 2026 — that's 24 days from today. Prices reset to their pre-April 20 rate the moment the clock hits midnight. If you've noticed gas feeling a little less painful since spring, that wasn't your imagination. On April 20, 2026, Ottawa suspended the federal fuel excise tax — 10 cents a litre off gasoline, 4 cents off diesel — as Middle East oil-supply disruptions pushed pump prices toward $2 a litre in some cities. The suspension, passed as part of Bill C-30, has been running for nearly four months. It ends September 7, inclusive. On September 8, the tax comes right back. What the holiday actually saved you The headline number — 10 cents a litre on gas — undersells it sligh...
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Are rate hikes over for Canada


The Canadian economy is expected to show a modest growth of 0.4% in the third quarter of 2023, according to the latest estimates from Statistics Canada. This is lower than the 0.6% expansion in the previous quarter, and well below the 2.1% growth rate that the Bank of Canada projected in July.

The weak GDP numbers have fueled the speculation that the country may be heading into a recession, as global trade tensions, lower oil prices, and household debt weigh on the economic outlook. 

However, not everyone is convinced that the situation is so dire. Some forecasters argue that the third quarter slowdown was mainly due to temporary factors, such as a strike at a major auto plant, a drop in agricultural output due to drought, and a slowdown in housing construction. They expect that the economy will rebound in the fourth quarter, as these factors dissipate and consumer spending picks up.

Moreover, some forecasters point out that the inflation rate remains within the central bank's target range of 1% to 3%, suggesting that there is no need for further monetary stimulus. They also note that the labour market remains strong, with the unemployment rate at a near-record low of 5.5%, and wage growth at a solid 3.2%.

Therefore, some forecasters believe that the Bank of Canada will maintain its wait-and-see approach, and keep interest rates unchanged until there are clear signs of either a sustained recovery or a prolonged downturn. They argue that the central bank has already done enough to support the economy, by cutting interest rates three times in 2022, and that any further easing could fuel financial imbalances and inflationary pressures.

In summary, the GDP numbers for the third quarter of 2023 are likely to spark more debate about the state of the Canadian economy and the direction of monetary policy. However, some forecasters are more optimistic than others, and think that the rate hikes are over for now, unless there is a significant change in the economic conditions.

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