SURREY Mayor Brenda Locke and the Surrey Connect team on Friday called on the federal and provincial governments to immediately remove all taxes on commercial diesel fuel to provide urgent relief to truckers and protect Canada’s supply chains.
“Truckers are the backbone of our economy,” said Locke. “They move the goods that keep Surrey’s businesses running, stock our shelves, and connect our rail yard, which is the largest west of Montreal, and industrial hubs to the rest of Canada and the world. High diesel costs are squeezing hardworking truckers and driving up prices for everyone. Removing taxes on commercial diesel is a practical, immediate step that will lower costs, support jobs, and keep our economy moving.”
Surrey Connect emphasized that relief for the trucking sector is especially critical as Canadian businesses face ongoing pressure from American tariffs.
“American tariffs are creating real challenges for Canadian workers and businesses,” Locke said. “Surrey is a major logistics and industrial centre. We must stand with our truckers, our manufacturers, and our exporters. Cutting taxes on commercial diesel will reduce operating costs right away and help our economy stay competitive while we build stronger trade relationships beyond a single market.”
Locke and Surrey Connect also welcomed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement on Thursday designating the Pacific Link pipeline a project of national interest.
“Prime Minister Carney’s decision to advance Pacific Link is an important step toward diversifying Canada’s energy exports, creating good jobs, and reducing our reliance on any one trade partner,” Locke said. “This project, with meaningful Indigenous ownership and a focus on Canadian workers and materials, strengthens our economic sovereignty. Surrey Connect supports nation-building infrastructure that expands markets, generates revenue, and builds long-term prosperity for communities across British Columbia and Canada.”
Surrey Connect reiterated its commitment to practical economic policies that support working families, small businesses, and critical industries in Surrey. The team will continue advocating for measures that lower costs for essential sectors such as trucking while backing major projects that expand Canada’s economic opportunities.
“Surrey’s strength has always been its people and its ability to get things done,” Locke added. “Supporting our truckers with diesel tax relief and backing projects like Pacific Link are clear ways to protect jobs, strengthen our economy, and position Surrey and Canada for success in a changing global environment.”
