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Let the government know if you’re unhappy with the budget

The recent Alberta budget seeks to deal with our province’s financial situation by downloading costs as opposed to addressing the real issue. Moreover, the premier and cabinet fail to comprehend that there is only one taxpayer and that she/he has only one pocket.

The recent Alberta budget seeks to deal with our province’s financial situation by downloading costs as opposed to addressing the real issue. Moreover, the premier and cabinet fail to comprehend that there is only one taxpayer and that she/he has only one pocket.

Were we to cite education funding, as an example, we see a net reduction in grants. Local boards’ only recourse is to increase local fees — whether they are disguised as student fees, book rentals, transportation supplements or as a lunch-time monitoring assessment.

Why have Ms. Redford and Mr. Horner not addressed the other real problem, which is revenue? Consider the flat tax. As has been pointed out by Public Interest Alberta, Albertans who believe the myth that we pay the lowest taxes in Canada will be surprised to see that they are paying more income tax than if they lived in B.C. or Ontario. An Albertan with a taxable income of $1 million will pay $41,095 less than if they lived in B.C. and $75,157 less than if they lived in Ontario. However, an Albertan with a taxable income of $70,000 will pay $1,434 more than if they lived in B.C. and $919 more than if they lived in Ontario (PIA March 6, 2013 media release).

And aside from the flat tax issue, we are literally giving our royalties away. Provincial revenue is the other — some would say major — half of Alberta’s fiscal problem.

One maxim does remain true: the “Alberta advantage” continues. But the Alberta advantage exists for only a very select few.

This brings us to the question: What can we citizens do? May I offer a suggestion? We can write, email or phone our MLA to tell him/her how unhappy we are with this budget. Don’t forget the premier, for she has recently said on CBC radio that Albertans are supportive of this budget.

Please make a noise.

I have. Will you?

Doug Janssen

Red Deer