In her letter, the Premier outlines her expectations that Alberta continues to balance budgets, limit operation spending to less than inflation plus population growth, lower the provincial debt and grow the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. She also directs Minister Horner to deliver on platform commitments to Albertans, including:
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Amending the Alberta Taxpayer Protection Act to ensure no future government can increase personal or business income tax rates without approval from Albertans in a referendum.
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Creating a new eight per cent tax bracket on income under $60,000, thereby saving each Alberta taxpayer approximately $760 per year.
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Legislatively extending the fuel tax pause until Dec. 31, 2023.
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Continuing to index personal income tax brackets annually.
The Premier also tasks Minister Horner with:
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As lead, working with the Minister of Affordability and Utilities and stakeholders to review and develop short and long-term recommendations to make automobile and property insurance more affordable for Albertans.
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Reviewing the mandate of ATB and making recommendations on how it can become more competitive in financing Alberta businesses and homebuyers, and making other recommendations to strengthen the institution’s financial position to ensure it remains viable and contributes to Alberta’s unique provincial economy in the long term.
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Releasing the Alberta Pension Plan report and consulting with Albertans on its findings to determine whether a referendum should be held to establish an Alberta Pension Plan that will increase pension benefits for seniors, reduce premiums for workers and protect the pension interests and benefits of all Albertans.
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Exploring the feasibility and advantages of establishing an Alberta Revenue Agency to collect all provincial tax revenues and developing a detailed strategy for its implementation should the government choose to pursue it.
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Implementing a halal financing option for Alberta's Islamic communities.
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Working with the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, assist in designing a ministry-specific job-attraction strategy to raise the awareness of young Albertans (aged 16 to 24) and adults changing careers of the skilled trades and professions available in each economic sector, including pathways for education, apprenticeship, and training.
“We’ve already made great strides in positioning Alberta as a pro-growth, low-tax province and we’re committed to building on that. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in cabinet and Treasury Board as we discuss new opportunities that will encourage further growth and diversification for the benefit of Albertans today and for generations.”