Gas prices rise in Winnipeg

It was no April Fool's Day joke when the price at the pump once again saw a jump.

On Friday, gas prices went up by about 2.2 cents a litre due to the federal carbon tax.

The latest gas hike has Manitobans feeling the pinch at the pump.

"I only use it to haul stuff," said Jay Myshkowski about his truck. "We have a hybrid at home. Honestly, this truck we used to drive all the time, now if it leaves the driveway once a week we're lucky. We can't afford to drive this vehicle."

Aaron Dolyniuk, the executive director of the Manitoba Trucking Association, said around one billion litres of diesel is used in the province every year, which equals roughly a $3 million increase a month in tax funds generated from diesel.

"That cost gets passed on to you and I. Things become more expensive because fuel is more expensive. It increases our operating costs per industry," said Dolyniuk.

Curt Hull, project director with Climate Change Connection, said it's not just the carbon tax that is making prices climb – the tax only accounts for 11 cents a litre. He says global issues such as the invasion of Ukraine have also impacted the pumps.

"So there's $85 you spend, of which five bucks could be used to help get us off our reliance on fossil fuels and the rest of it is going to global factors that are bigger than all of us," said Hull.

Although prices are higher, there are some benefits. The federal government estimates that a Manitoba family of four will now receive an $832 rebate.

Hull says the rebate system doesn't encourage green initiatives.

"There is only so much we can do with personal choice. This is a system change that's required here, and that's expensive. It requires funding – and what better source than the pollution itself?"

Hull suggests the Manitoba government should create its own carbon pricing system that meets the federal government's guidelines so it could control where the money goes.

Myshkowski feels any extra tax right now is an added hassle.

"I think with what's going on in the world right now. Increase in oil prices, obviously getting hit at the pump, I think we could use a bit of a calming period," said Myshkowski.

Manitoba is one of four provinces that uses the federal carbon tax.