Alberta's new taxes

[Hamloc]

Did a quick read on the proposed new taxes for Albertans. It appears we will have a carbon tax levied on gasoline of 5 cents a litre starting in 2017 raising to 7 cents a litre in 2018. A tax on natural gas used to heat our homes of 1.12 a gigajoule same time frame raising to 1.62 in 2018. A carbon tax on electricity as well. A timeline for phasing out coal generated electricity to be replaced by wind, solar and natural gas. Double whammy here as the price of generating electricity will go up as no doubt the price of natural gas due to increased demand. A much more expensive and regulated future is coming. What are everyone's thoughts as this will set the stage for what Trudeau will propose I am sure. Perfecto you have been a big supporter on Premier Notley on here is this what you expected and do you support it. Personally not surprised and not impressed.

[stonepicker]

yep lots of new taxes coming down the road, and all in the name of saving the enviroment, and lots of people will accept it as such too. Alberta is gonna need more money, i'm sure there will be a prov. sales tax in the not too distant future.

[tweety]

You can always move back here to Saskatchewan!

[blackpowder]

Whatever buys the votes baby!!

[rook]

I wonder what the tax on a tonne of urea will be.

[fjlip]

Can Saskatchewan stand alone against the INSANITY of "climate change"???? More f*cking taxes to what end?
Carbon is essential to all life on earth and the people in charge are running the opposite direction!!!
We are truly screwed, at least for 4 years. Just hope the earth cools enough by then to scare the shit out of their blind ideas. Or a party runs on trashing all this climate talk/taxes, after people are SICK of this crap.

[15444]

Wonder how many Albertans will be pleading for the return of the Conservatives in 4 years. Also wonder how much SK is going to boom. Might be the only sane place left to go live in this country.

[farmaholic]

Let me see, I'm supposed to be be "happy and grateful" I'm paying taxes because it means I made money. What about all the taxes I pay that aren't based on income but consumption. When is tax freedom day again?

According to the Fraser Institute for 2015:

May 19 for Alta
June 6 for Sask
June 11 for Man

[Oliver88]

You know it's a bad deal for Alberta when Al Gore approves it. 😂


https://www.algore.com/news/statement-by-former-vice-president-al-gore-on-alberta-s-economy-wide-price-on-carbon-announcement

Statement by Former US Vice President Al Gore, Chairman of The Climate Reality Project, on Today's Announcement by Premier Notley
November 22, 2015

“Today’s announcement by Premier Notley that Alberta will put an economy-wide price on carbon, phase out coal and increase its commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency represents an inspiring addition to the legacy of leadership and forward thinking action by Canadian provinces to speed our transition to a low carbon economy. This is also another powerful signal — well-timed on the eve of the Paris negotiations — that humanity is beginning to win our struggle to solve the climate crisis.

We do need to win faster. I encourage Premier Notley, and all of Alberta, to follow this first step with continued bold action to transition away from fossil fuels.”

[perfecho]

Will have to take a few days to digest. Think this day was to come some time...regardless of who was in power. The sooner we start on some of these initiatives, the better.
The gas tax...well corps seem to raise from $.95 to $1.30...even though oil is at an all time low...so really, we don't complain much about that, but 5 cents is going to break us? I have heard, and hope, this money is going into research and development...if so, I can live with it.
Changing the coal to natural gas...think I would rather have gas burning than coal, although I do believe that some plants were pretty efficient.
There are many who maybe right on climate change, either side...all I know is I don't know. But anything we can do to "make things better", I am ok with, maybe some of it will help pollution, that we definitely have.
I understand the review was done by government and industry, which I do like...so will see what transpires. Did think it was odd to release on a Sunday....wondering if she was hoping everyone was watching the football game......
One thing I do know, it is time to step aside for many of us that don't like change...this now belongs to a new generation..Apple, face book, the new technology, for the most part, is being developed by the young who think differently, have different priorities......and think that is good.
Not ready yet to go back conservative...

[TOM4CWB]

Perfeco,

I agree with your take on the increased taxes... more concerning is the shut down of work in the oil industry.

Was at the New [opened in Oct 2015]Leduc/Nisku Kenworth $25M dealership picking up parts Friday at 4pm... was shocked that I was the only person there. Parking lots for service and parts was empty.

Good side was they had every part I needed in stock... software nonsense is crazy... but after 30mins and going up the parts guys 3 higher... the manager did find all the needed parts... in stock... a massive warehouse twice as big as the west end store. Obvious they are going to need to close down a store somewhere if this keeps up.

Nisku A ghost town... the folks at KW were in as much shock as I was. No traffic tie ups at 4:30pm Friday in Nisku... UFA was deserted... when I stopped to get fuel... was the only vehicle there as well. Not like this since 1982.

[Hamloc]

Was listening to QR77 the other day and they were talking to the head of the Canadian oil well drilling contractors association. The projected wells to be drilled in 2016 hasn't been this low since 1983, when Alberta's oil industry was on its knees due to the NEP brought in by the last Trudeau in power. I don't see anything in the NDP climate policies which will turn this around just the opposite.

During both the Alberta provincial election and the federal election both eventual winners talked about the middle class standard of living going backwards and how they were going to reverse this. All I see so far is an acceleration of the lowering of our standard of living unless your a government employee.

[perfecho]

Woahh there Hammy....Although the NEP had an effect on work here in Alberta, take a look at the oil supply back then...the province and feds had things worked out in about a year, but low world prices and high interest rates made for a major recession...a recession that was world wide. Just like now, the ND's will be labelled with this one, even though they had bugger all to do with it. Again, I am not really an ND supporter, but I will not sit and blame just because it is not my party.
The real issue here is how the previous government had so much opportunity to make this province wealthy and diverse...and what we have is empty vaults and a bunch of wealthy corps.

[TOM4CWB]

Premier Stelmach did his job decently enough... interesting comment here:

"Former premier Ed Stelmach is lauding NDP premier Rachel Notley for living up to her campaign promises, in particular a plan to review royalty rates.

"She'll follow through on the commitment," he said. "I'm sure that she'll meet with industry, she'll meet with investors, meet with Albertans that will have their say."

Stelmach increased royalty rates in 2007, but was forced to roll them back in face of fierce opposition from industry.

He said times are different now, because the price of oil, while low, is stable.

"At least we know what they're going to be for the next few months," he said.

"When we did ours, oil was $145 and then dropped down to $37 and it was at that time there was very little capitalization simply because the banks were worried about remaining alive and financially stable. It was quite different."

Stelmach was at the legislature Monday to hear the speech from the throne.

Notley said Monday she will announce a panel to review the current rates by the end of summer."


Small pickings[royalty review]... compared to a massive move to confiscate Billions in revenue from all energy... right off the top...


The BIG hit is going to change Alberta; ready or not:

"Alberta's climate change strategy includes a tax on carbon, a cap on oilsands emissions, a phasing out of coal-fired electricity and an emphasis on wind power.

"Our goal is to become one of the world's most progressive and forward-looking energy producers," said Premier Rachel Notley. "We are turning the page on the mistaken policies of the past, policies that have failed to provide the leadership our province needed."

But the strategy will not be cheap and will be paid for not only by industry, but by ordinary Albertans.

If the policy is approved, the price of gas at the pump will jump by 4.7 cents per litre and home heating costs will rise by $320 per year by 2017 and $470 by 2018.

There will be, however, consumer rebates to offset some of those increases.

The carbon tax on industry is expected to raise $3 billion a year, which will be reinvested in renewable energy sectors and cover increased costs to consumers.

The province sees the emissions cap as motivation for the oilsands sector to innovate and become more globally competitive.

Greenpeace, industry approve

The plan is endorsed by environmentalists and the oilsands industry.

"On behalf of Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., my colleagues from Suncor, Cenovus and Shell, we applaud Premier Notley for giving us, to provide us the position of leadership on climate policy," CNRL chairman Murray Edwards said at the news conference.

Steve Williams, CEO of Suncor, shared Edwards' enthusiasm.

"This plan will make one of the world's largest oil-producing regions a leader in addressing the climate change challenge," he said.

While Greenpeace said the measures will help slow Alberta's growing emissions, diversify its economy and create jobs, they still require emission reduction targets.

"Targets give an important signal to business, let the world know where Alberta is headed, and help ensure that direction leads to the reductions that science and equity demand," said spokesman Mike Hudema.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) offered cautiously optimistic comments.

"From our industries point of view, there are certainly a lot of details that will need to be filled in on multiple different fronts, but in general we're quite supportive of the use of natural gas and the phase out of coal," CAPP president Tim McMillan said.

One of the few dissenting voices came from the opposition Wildrose Party.

Leader Brian Jean said Albertans face job losses and economic uncertainty.

"This new carbon tax will make almost every single Alberta family poorer, while accelerated plans to shut down coal plants will lead to higher power prices and further jobs losses," he said in a news release.

Notley unveiled the strategy Sunday afternoon at a news conference.

Alberta, provinces, to 'do their part' on climate change policy
Alberta climate-change panel to consult before taking action
ANALYSIS | Carbon taxes could hit oilpatch hardest
Here are some of details of the plan according to a government news release:

Coal and renewable energy

Alberta will phase out all pollution created by burning coal and transition to more renewable energy and natural gas generation by 2030.
Three principles will shape the coal phase-out: maintaining reliability; providing reasonable stability in prices to consumers and business; and ensuring that capital is not unnecessarily stranded.
Two-thirds of coal-generated electricity will be replaced by renewables — primarily wind power — while natural gas generation will continue to provide firm base-load reliability.
Renewable energy sources will comprise up to 30 per cent of Alberta's electricity production by 2030.
Carbon pricing

A price will be put on carbon to provide an incentive for everyone to reduce greenhouse gas pollution.
The price will be introduced in two steps: $20 per tonne in January 2017 and $30 per tonne in January 2018
An overall oilsands emission limit of 100 megatonnes will be set, with provisions for new upgrading and co-generation.
Methane reduction

In collaboration with industry, environmental organizations and affected First Nations, Alberta will implement a methane reduction strategy to reduce emissions by 45 per cent from 2014 levels by 2025.

Revenue neutral

All proceeds from carbon pricing will be reinvested in Alberta.
A portion of revenues will be invested into measures to reduce pollution, including clean-energy research and technology; green infrastructure, such as public transit; and programs to help Albertans reduce their energy use.
Other revenues will be invested in an adjustment fund that will help individuals and families make ends meet and provide transition support to small businesses, First Nations and people working in affected coal facilities.
Notley's unusual Sunday briefing came the day before Notley meets with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other provincial and territorial leaders in Ottawa to discuss a national climate change plan and a week prior to a major international climate conference in Paris.

Trudeau tweeted his approval following the briefing.

Congratulations @RachelNotley on unveiling Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan. A very positive step in the fight against climate change.

— @JustinTrudeau
The strategy is seen as critical to improving Alberta's environmental reputation at the international level in order to win better acceptance of the province's energy exports.

Former American vice-president, Al Gore, called the strategy inspired and forward thinking.

"This is also another powerful signal — well-timed on the eve of the Paris negotiations — that humanity is beginning to win our struggle to solve the climate crisis," he said in a statement.

The Alberta strategy is based on information gathered by a five-member climate change panel chaired by Andrew Leach, academic director of energy programs at the University of Alberta's business school.

Canada sets carbon emissions reduction target of 30% by 2030
How Canada's provinces are tackling greenhouse gas emissions"

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-climate-change-newser-1.3330153

[blackpowder]

Maybe its just me but....
I see a suspense novel involving the uncovering of the long hidden drivers of the anti-humanity green movement. This has changed from a anti waste - anti pollution concept to something totally different.
So lets see, Where did all the money come from over the last 2 decades????
Who did it go to??
It was all well planned strategy over a long time and to think otherwise is naive. Rewatch Avatar.
John Grisham will someday write a novel involving the Saudi Royal Family.
Perhaps room for a set of books when you consider their regional politics as well.