Jason Kenney speaking May 30 (Photo credit YouTube)

By The Canadian Press

ALBERTA

Kenney promises to end provincial carbon tax by month’s end

May 13, 2019 | 12:38 PM

Alberta’s premier says the province’s carbon tax will no longer exist as of May 30.

Jason Kenney says a bill to eliminate the Alberta levy is to be introduced next week when the legislature begins sitting.

He says the United Conservative government wants to review court decisions in Saskatchewan and Ontario before it decides if it will challenge the federal tax in court.

The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal recently ruled in a split decision that the federal tax imposed on provinces without a carbon price of their own is constitutional.

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The Ontario government is waiting for a decision on its court challenge.

Kenney campaigned for and won Alberta’s election last month on a platform that included repealing the provincial carbon tax.

Kenney and Finance Minister Travis Toews have announced the third bill introduced at the upcoming session would see the business rate go to 11 percent from 12 on Canada Day, if it is approved. It would then drop to 10 percent on January 1.

Kenney says nine out of the ten businesses that will benefit from this are small and medium sized ones.

“They will benefit from this tax reduction, but it’s also important to restore investor confidence for large companies that are the largest employers in our economy.”

Kenney adds that the business tax rate will further drop nine percent on January 1, 2020 and eight percent on New Year’s Day of 2022.

Toews says this cut will bring back the Alberta Advantage.

“Industry by industry, we’re going to get Alberta back to work. We want to provide (a) stable, world-class commercial enviroment that supports investment, growth, and helps businesses thrive.”

Kenney says that these cuts should lead to job growth, as he believes it sends what he calls, “a very strong pro-investment message.”

– with files from Curtis Galbraith