As the provincial government prepares for a new budget this spring the Opposition finance critic is asking government to provide more ways to help people struggling with the rising cost of living.

Tony Wakeham says residents are dealing with federal increases to CPP and EI premiums, and an upcoming increase in the carbon tax which could lift fuel prices to the highest in the country.

Wakeham says that’s in addition to the provincial government’s sugar tax.

He’s calling on Finance Minister Siobhan Coady to remove the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, and extend gas tax relief into 2024. He’s also asking that the province hold the line on personal income tax, lower consumer taxes and fees and that Ottawa scrap the carbon tax.