UCP platform gets passing grade for lower taxes and balanced budgets

Author: Kris Sims 2023/05/18

LETHBRIDGE, AB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation welcomes the tax relief and balanced budgets in the United Conservative Party’s platform released today.

“Albertans need tax relief and balanced budgets for life to be affordable, so it’s very good to see these commitments from the UCP,” said Kris Sims, Alberta Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “The Alberta government has already passed balanced budget and debt repayment laws and it’s good to see income tax relief and a commitment to not raise taxes.”

The UCP released its costed election platform on Thursday. The platform includes a $3.4-billion surplus over four years, $1 billion of annual income tax relief and no tax hikes.

The UCP promised to expand the Taxpayer Protection Act to require a referendum before a future government can raise income or business taxes. The UCP also promised to extend the provincial fuel tax suspension.

In March, the Alberta government passed a law requiring balanced budgets, using surplus money to pay down the debt or to save in the Heritage Fund.

“The UCP’s commitments to leaving more money in Albertans’ pockets and cutting gas taxes will go a long way in easing the pain of high prices,” Sims said.

-30-

A Note for our Readers:

As you may know, we're working hard to stop Prime Minister Trudeau's attempt to add a 2nd carbon tax upon Canadian taxpayers. If you are against this tax, would you take a moment today to read and consider signing the petition below?

When you do, your name will be added to the growing list of tens of thousands across our country who want to tell the government that we are opposed to these new taxes. Please take a moment to read the petition below and consider signing it today.

To Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:

The federal government is introducing new fuel standard regulations to require industry to reduce the carbon content of fossil fuels. If industry can’t meet the standard, they’ll have to pay Trudeau's second carbon tax. This tax will ultimately hit already struggling families and businesses.

It’s bad enough that taxpayers are already paying for one carbon tax. Canadians certainly can’t afford a second carbon tax.

We, the undersigned, call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to scrap plans for a second carbon tax.