Alberta
Taxpayers: Scrap Calgary Bag Tax
From the Canadian Taxpayers Federation
Author: Kris Sims
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the City of Calgary to scrap its mandatory bag tax.
“Many families are fighting to afford groceries right now and it makes life harder when the city nickel-and-dimes them with nuisance taxes,” said Kris Sims, Alberta Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “Calgary should scrap this bag tax before it balloons into wackier plans like the one the City of Vancouver had to abandon.”
The Calgary bag tax is called the “Single Use Items Bylaw,” and it is similar to the bylaw that started in Edmonton a few months ago.
The Calgary bylaw is now under review and may be repealed.
Businesses must charge customers a minimum 15 cents per paper bag and $1 for a bag that is deemed reusable. Those fees will jump to 25 cents per paper bag and $2 minimum for a reusable bag next year.
The tax also applies to paper bags used for delivery and take-out meals and for bags handed-out in fast food drive-thru lanes. The policy is detailed in an 18-page report on the City of Calgary’s website.
The city of Vancouver recently abandoned its paper cup tax due to pushback from residents and businesses.
“It’s better to leave the policing of shopping bags, cups and forks to customers and businesses instead of adding to the bureaucracy at Calgary City Hall,” said Sims. “Calgary City Hall should focus on keeping the streets safe, clean and repaired and stop creating new problems for overburdened taxpayers.“
Alberta
Official statement from Premier Danielle Smith and Energy Minister Brian Jean on the start-up of the Trans Mountain Pipeline
Alberta
Protecting the right to vote for Canadian citizens: Minister McIver
Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver issued the following statement in response to Calgary City Council’s vote to extend the right to vote to permanent residents:
“Yesterday, Calgary city council passed a motion advocating for permanent residents to be extended the right to vote in civic elections. Alberta’s government has been clear since the beginning: only Canadian citizens are able to vote in civic elections. That will not be changing.
“The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms affirms the right of every Canadian citizen to vote and to run as a candidate. This right extends to voters in municipal, provincial and federal elections.
“Protecting our democracy is of the utmost importance. Our provincial election legislation, like the Local Authorities Elections Act, has also been clear since its inception that voting is a right of Canadian citizens.
“Alberta’s government is also ensuring that voting is accessible for more Albertans. The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act proposes to enable special ballot access for any voter who requests it, without having to provide any specific reason such as physical disability, absence from the municipality or working for the municipal election. The ministries of Seniors, Community and Social Services and Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction are also making it easier for individuals to obtain the identification Albertans need for a variety of services, including the ability to cast a ballot.
“Our government will continue to protect the integrity of our elections and make sure voting is accessible for all Albertans who are Canadian citizens.”
-
Alberta2 days ago
Alberta’s vision for passenger rail
-
Alberta2 days ago
Three Calgary massage parlours linked to human trafficking investigation
-
Uncategorized2 days ago
Making Alberta a geothermal energy leader
-
Canadian Energy Centre1 day ago
North America LNG project cost competitiveness
-
Alberta19 hours ago
Official statement from Premier Danielle Smith and Energy Minister Brian Jean on the start-up of the Trans Mountain Pipeline
-
conflict1 day ago
Columbia on Lockdown After pro-Palestinian Protesters Take Over Building, Hold Janitors Hostage
-
Economy22 hours ago
Today’s federal government—massive spending growth and epic betting
-
Economy20 hours ago
Young Canadians are putting off having a family due to rising cost of living, survey finds