By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Cost of Living

“Life is already more affordable in Alberta,” says finance minister on inflation

Jul 21, 2022 | 3:04 PM

People are struggling with the rising cost of living in every part of the country, but one Alberta government official believes the impacts are being felt the least here.

Statistics Canada reported the annual rate of inflation for June 2022 was 8.1%, the highest annual increase since January 1983.

Finance Minister Jason Nixon issued a statement in response, saying Alberta’s government is working to help Albertans keep more money in their pockets.

“Life is already more affordable in Alberta, and the government is providing $2.3 billion in additional measures to bring down costs on daily necessities like fuel and utilities and supporting those who need it most,” says Nixon.

He says the Fuel Tax Relief Program, which temporarily halts the collection of the provincial gas tax, saves drivers “around $18.50” every time they fill up their gas tank.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

The Electricity Rebate Program saves residents $50 per month until the end of December 2022.

The minister also pointed to the new childcare agreement that lowers costs for families. This is thanks to an investment of $3.8 billion by the federal government that will see the creation of a $10-a-day child care program by 2025.

“All of these measures keep more money in Albertans’ pockets and boost Alberta’s existing affordability advantage,” says Nixon. “We already have the lowest overall taxes among provinces while our major cities have some of the lowest housing prices and rental costs among Canadian urban centres.”

Not everyone is convinced that the Government of Alberta is doing everything it can to keep costs down for everyday Albertans.

Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley says many Albertans are struggling to make ends meet, adding that the reigning UCP party has made many decisions that make life more expensive.

“This is a cost-of-living crisis. Meanwhile, the UCP has made a bad situation worse by increasing income taxes, property taxes, tuition, debt on student loans, park and camping fees, utilities, and auto insurance,” says Notley.

She is calling for what she says would be “real relief” for Albertans.