Newsrelease

July 14, 1998
Edmonton, Alberta

"We started this tax review process because we wanted to hear from Albertans. We want to know how they think tax reform can best be accomplished in this province, further improving and strengthening the Alberta Advantage."

Tax Review Committee wants to hear from Albertans

Albertans are being asked how to make the province's personal income tax system more effective. In addition to asking for written submissions, Alberta's 1998 Tax Review Committee will hold an open, public consultation in Calgary on Thursday, July 16 and another in Edmonton on Wednesday, July 29.

The committee was established in February by Provincial Treasurer Stockwell Day to examine several tax issues. They first looked at tax incentives for knowledge-based industries, releasing a Phase I report on May 5, 1998. Their Phase II report, dealing with personal income taxes, will be released by September 30, following the current consultations.

"Tax reform poses important questions for the province. While changes that result from reform won't mean tax increases or any extra returns to fill out, the changes could leave Albertans with more money in their pockets come pay day," Day said.

During Phase II of the review, the committee is asking Albertans:

• Should Alberta move away from the current system where provincial personal income tax is calculated as a percentage of federal tax, to a system where provincial tax is calculated as a percentage of taxable income?
• If that change is made, should the province use the new flexibility to make changes to provincial tax rates, the number of provincial tax brackets, and the kinds of provincial tax credits provided?
• Should the Alberta government continue to lower personal income taxes?

"Experience tends to show that putting more cash in the hands of consumers, savers and investors would give taxpayers more fuel to keep the province's economy firing," Day said.

People in the Calgary area wanting to take advantage of the opportunity to make a presentation to the committee, or who are interested in hearing other presentations, can drop by McDougall Centre, from 10 a.m. - noon and 1 - 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. People in the Edmonton area wishing to make a presentation can schedule a time by contacting 427-6524 (toll-free by dialling 310-0000). Any Albertan interested in providing written submissions can contact that same number for details.

For further information, please contact:

Shannon Taylor
A/ Director of Communications
or
Stockwell Day
Provincial Treasurer
Alberta Treasury
Telephone (780) 427-5364
taylosha@treas.gov.ab.ca

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