Manitoba premier says he'll 'never let gas tax get as high' as it was under previous government

Manitoba's premier opened the door Thursday to the provincial gas tax eventually returning at a lower rate than the previous 14 cent per litre levy.

While the Opposition Progressive Conservatives pressed Wab Kinewduring question period on the rising price of gasolineslated to climb further in April once the carbon tax increases the premierseemed tosuggest some form ofrelief would be permanent.

The provincial tax is currently under a temporary exemption, introduced by Kinew's NDP government.

"I have a pretty simple answer: I'll never let the gas tax get as high as it was under hisgovernment," Kinewsaid, referring to PC finance critic Obby Khan.

Following question period, Kinew would not elaborate on what he said in the chamber, nor confirm that he intends tocap the tax under the 14 cent per litre mark, or lower it.

"Sometimes you say things in the back and forth of question period that just reflect the moment that you're in," Kinew said.

"In other times, you're offering sneak peeks at future government policies, so I guess time will tell which one this falls into."

The gas tax was increased from 11.5 cents per litre to the current 14 cents under the NDP government in 2012.

More relief coming: Kinew

Kinew said Manitobans can expect to get more information on how the NDP plans to help them at the pump when hisgovernment's budget is released in early April.

The NDP's temporary suspension of the gas tax began in January, and is slated to lastat least six months.

Gas prices initially dropped to around $1.10 a litre, but have gradually climbed in subsequent weeks, mirroring some of the increases elsewhere in Canada.

The average price for a litre of regular gas in Winnipeg is now around 139.9 cents, according to the tracking website Gas Wizard.

Earlier this week, Kinew said he's thinking about extending the holiday, which could last the duration of the year under the terms of the government's legislation.

His party has boasted during question period this week that Manitoba hasthe lowest gas prices and lowestinflation rate in the country.

Meanwhile, thePCs have called on Kinew to extend the tax holiday, in light of fears gas prices will surge after the temporary shutdown of a pipeline that brings fuel to Winnipeg and surrounding communities.