The National Post reports in its Tuesday, March 31, edition that an imminent 2 per cent federal tax hike on alcohol is coming under fire from critics who say it will only worsen Canadians' affordability challenges and cost jobs. The Post's Stewart Lewis writes that the Canadian Taxpayers Federation estimates the 2-per-cent hike, taking effect on Wednesday, will add about $41-million in extra tax revenue to Ottawa's coffers. The hike is expected to cost consumers a few cents per drink or a few dollars per case, but the exact amount will depend on what you buy and how producers pass the tax on to consumers. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on Friday said the tax increase "means higher prices for workers and more costs for our local brewers, wineries and distillers." First passed in the 2017 federal budget, the taxpayers federation noted the alcohol "escalator tax" automatically increases excise taxes on beer, wine and spirits every year -- without a vote in Parliament. The tax increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index and automatically goes up in line with inflation. The taxpayers federation argues the automatic increase is "undemocratic" because taxpayers have no meaningful say each time it jumps.