Pre-election UCP budget released

The Alberta UCP government announced a steady surplus budget last week, with a focus on building on the continued tax advantages of Alberta, as well as additional investments in health and education. For the second year in a row, no new taxes or fees were introduced.

Today, Albertans pay $20 billion less in taxes than they would if they lived in the next lowest-taxed province. Thanks to record-level resource revenues, the province remains in good financial health, despite the softening economy, even paying off over $13 billion of debt last year.

Beyond a focus on education and health, the government continues its commitment to its Affordability Action Plan which provides over $3 billion in relief measures to support families, seniors, students, and those most vulnerable.

Alberta businesses, including RCC members, will also continue to benefit from the UCP’s commitment to the 8% corporate tax rate, electricity and fuel rebates, several renewed training grant programs, and investments in the justice system. Alberta’s unemployment rate remains stable, and population is expected to grow by about 3.3% this coming year.