News Release

July 26, 2000
Edmonton, Alberta

"This government is committed to leaving more money in the pockets of all Albertans. The Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit is a critical part of that commitment."

Provincial Treasurer Steve West

The province is sending out cheques this week to low and middle-income working families as part of the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit (AFETC) program.

Through the AFETC, the province gives $80 million a year to over 320,000 children in 162,000 families. The credit is paid in two installments per year and is available to families with annual earned income up to $50,000. The maximum credit is $1,000 per family.

"This program started back in 1997 as the first phase of our plan to cut the personal tax burden of Albertans," said Provincial Treasurer Steve West. "Now, three years later, it’s an important part of our new single-rate personal income tax system, which will be fully implemented on January 1st."

Under Alberta’s new tax system, working families with two children who earn less than $33,000 a year will receive AFETC cheques that exceed what they will pay in Alberta income tax. In fact, the new tax plan will benefit Albertans at every income level, removing 190,000 lower income earners from the tax rolls altogether and saving Albertans $1.3 billion. And Albertans are already saving thanks to the recent reduction of $60 million a year in user fees and charges and the fact Alberta doesn’t have a provincial sales tax.

Families who have questions about the AFETC can call 1-800-959-2809 toll free for more information.

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