Dear editor,
I am writing this open letter to Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie to urge him to oppose the property assessment change proposed for counties and municipal districts in our province.
I am a long-time member of the oil industry. I have been involved in the start-up and day-to-day operations of two public companies in the oil services industry. I have invested and been involved with many oil companies. I know for a fact that the corporate tax rate reduction from 12 per cent to 8 per cent by 2022 will be more than enough to attract any investment if it is meant to be.
By changing the property tax assessments, you will hamstring the ability of counties to maintain infrastructure and to provide essential services like road maintenance, fire and ambulance services to rural communities of our province. Who do you think maintains most of the roads the oil industry uses to move rigs and equipment around the province?
The United Conservative Party (UCP), which I voted for, is starting to look more like President Donald Trump's Republican party in the United States, rather than a party looking to restore the Alberta advantage. These proposed assessment changes would seemingly disadvantage the voters that put the UCP in power.
I can assure you this policy will increase the bonus factor of oil company executives, but the province of Alberta will not see any of that money in taxes or in additional spending. Meanwhile, you have significant revenue losses in the counties. That revenue has to come from somewhere, and it will come in the form of property tax increases to the every day Albertan.
I do not know who thought up this ridiculous plan, but if this is the way you are planning to move forward, you are as bad for Alberta as the federal Liberal party, if not worse as you seem content to ignore the needs of the people of Alberta. Please do the right thing and stop this policy from moving forward.
Brent Clark
Division 8
