By Todd Loewen
Albertans know the number one rule for any government during a time of economic turmoil is to do no further harm.
Generations of Albertans have seen recessions come and go. They know and understand that the government can’t control the price of oil. In times like these, they want to see their government make sure it encourages Alberta’s world-famous entrepreneurial spirit, protects families from escalating tax increases and ensures our province remains an attractive place for business to invest.
This is why Wildrose has worked hard to protect our economy by releasing positive ideas and alternatives. Ideas like launching an equalization fairness panel to stop Alberta from being treated unfairly by Ottawa on transfer payments, releasing a Jobs Action Plan, and 10 recommendations to put Alberta back on a path back to balance.
Unfortunately, since the NDP government was elected in May 2015, several steps have been taken that hurt confidence in Alberta as a place to start a family or build a business.
Recently, legislation on the new carbon tax was introduced and it’s bad news for Albertans. It means $500 or more in direct taxes coming out of the average Alberta household, with hundreds more in indirect costs as prices rise for all consumer goods.
For many families sitting around their kitchen tables and trying to balance their monthly budgets, this carbon tax could mean the difference between affording hockey registration or dance classes for their kids.
Other than families, the carbon tax will also have negative implications for our charitable sector, businesses and core front line services like health and education.
As the economic downturn has deepened, demand has increased on food banks, shelters and other charitable groups that take in our most vulnerable. With a carbon tax raising the price of heating and fuel, it means charities already struggling for resources will see more funding go to new taxes instead of going to those in need.
Anyone who relies on agriculture for their livelihoods will see costs climb too. While some exemptions for farm items like purple gas remain in place, added costs for heat, electricity, and water will impact farmers’ bottom lines.
The carbon tax will also take funding away from municipalities, health care facilities and schools. To date, the government has failed to be fully transparent about the total costs, but we know hospitals alone will pay $6 million more in heating costs. That’s equal to conducting 240 hip surgeries, or hiring 60 new nurses. For our education system, it will mean millions of dollars that won’t be going to classrooms.
Overall, this legislation is deeply flawed and will just make things worse for families. There remains too many unanswered questions on costs and the impact on our economy and members of the Wildrose cannot support it.
Todd Loewen is the Wildrose Shadow Environment Minister and MLA for Grande Prairie-Smoky