Prentice raises fuel tax 4 cents per L

[TOM4CWB]

I guess Premier Prentice finds easy picking on Alberta folks who move things... Fuel tax increase!

[furrowtickler]

Welcome to the real world

[binthere]

so much easier than raising royalties when they had the chance. maybe next time. its always easier to go after the working stiff.

[Oliver88]

Who is higher between Saskatchewan and Alberta now?

Saskatchewan is becoming the number 1 place to live in Canada.

[helmsdale]

Fuel tax rates in western canada are: BC-$0.2267/L(Includes carbon tax), AB-$0.13/L, SK-$0.15/L, MB-$0.14/L

[SASKFARMER3]

Alberta had a chance to do some good things and get back on a solid footing. But no they didn't, wait and hope and pray that oil will go back up in price.

[TOM4CWB]

I hear Rumours that Premier Prentice is likely to call a General Election on Monday... as the MLA's that resigned Jan 26-31 requires him to call by-elections.

This promises to be an interesting and entertaining political event... as previously (2011) the governing PCers past Legislation giving Alberta fixed election dates... which should cause the next election to be held in the spring of 2016. If Premier Prentice breaks his own law... the results will promise a court challenge to stop an illegal election!

[mustardman]

Gee I wonder what party will get elected in Alberta ? Lol

[grassfarmer]

There is absolutely no reason for Prentice to call an election - he just thinks its an opportune time and the best chance of extending the PC reign. Nothing to do with what's good for the Province or the people.
I'd predict they win with a bigger majority than ever but on a smaller voter turnout. Big oil's reign continues.

[wilagro]

Still with the Farm Fuel advantage, farmers are not that dis-advantaged.

Not clear yet about the increase...are farmers sheltered from the new 13 cent sales tax or just the old 9 cent sales tax?

[wilagro]

Just got an answer from Alberta Finance...and here it is:

Marked Fuel

The exemption of tax on marked fuel, including the exemptions provided under the Tax Exempt Fuel User (TEFU) and Alberta Farm Fuel Benefit (AFFB) programs administered by Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, Tax and Revenue Administration (TRA), will be capped at $0.09 per litre. Therefore, fuel used in unlicensed vehicles and equipment that was previously tax-out for eligible off-road activities, farming operations or for use in licensed farm vehicles, will now be taxed at $0.04 per litre for gasoline and diesel. Full direct remitters should charge and remit $0.04 per litre on fuel that is dyed after 12:01 a.m. on March 27, 2015. All other marked fuel vendors currently approved by TRA to dye fuel should charge $0.04 per litre on fuel that is dyed after 12:01 a.m. on March 27, 2015, and TRA will process your rebrand claim accordingly.

So there we have it...farmers WILL pay the extra 4 cents a litre as the exemption is capped at 9 cents a litre.
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[TOM4CWB]

Very nice... at 16gph consumption on a combine... we get to pay $3.20/hr highway taxes while out in the field harvesting and seeding. A $4,000/year tax on growing crops for our farm on machinery that does not operate on primary highways.