Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the United Conservative Party would lower income taxes if if it forms government again. .“Taxes are the biggest cost for most Alberta families,” said Smith at a Monday press conference. .“That’s why the United Conservative Party is committed to making life affordable by cutting taxes for all Albertans.” .If re-elected, Smith said the UCP would create a new 8% tax bracket on income under $60,000. .This means every Albertan earning more than $60,000 will save $760. Those earning less than $60,000 will see a 20% reduction to their tax bills. .The premier went on to say this permanent tax cut will allow people to put savings towards their priorities. She added people “earned it; it's not the government's.” .The UCP will reindex tax brackets to keep up with inflation. This will offer protection from the Canadian government’s high spending, debt, and carbon tax. .Smith said the UCP will extend the fuel tax cut until December 31, ensuring people save 13 cents per litre at the pump. This is a savings of about $10 on average every time people fill up their vehicles. .Smith took to the airways in November to say substantial help was on the way, as she was introducing the Inflation Relief Act and suspending the fuel tax..READ MORE: Smith announces Inflation Relief Act and suspends fuel tax in Alberta.“We are facing a very difficult time as a country and as a province,” she said. .The Alberta government will provide $600 over six months for each dependent child under 18 years of age and senior. This will be targeted at middle class families with household incomes below $180,000..Smith acknowledged Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley hiked taxes 97 times and raised the business tax by 20%, leading to people leaving in droves. Under the NDP, there were 13 consecutive quarters of people leaving Alberta. .Businesses closed their doors, industries were forced to lay off workers, and investment dried up, she said, adding the choice in this election could not clearer. .Smith concluded by saying this choice is “between a UCP government that will cut your taxes and make life more affordable, or an NDP government that will make you pay more across the board from taxes to fuel to groceries and more.” .“We can’t afford to go back,” she said. .Alberta United Conservative Party candidate Matt Jones (Calgary-South East) said the province has made too much progress to throw it away to Notley and the NDP. .“This could quite possibly be the most important election in Alberta’s history,” said Jones. .“Conservatives are committed to creating opportunities for all Albertans with good-paying jobs, low taxes, a strong economy, and also ensuring our communities are safe and secure.” .The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) applauded the UCP lowering income taxes and further suspending the fuel tax. .“These promises would save Alberta taxpayers hundreds of dollars per year, and that’s the right thing to do to help families struggling to afford mortgage payments and grocery bills,” said CTF Alberta Director Kris Sims. .Sims said lowering income taxes and suspending the fuel tax would "make our province even more affordable, and that’s great for taxpayers." .Smith signed the No Tax Hike Guarantee on Wednesday, promising not to increase personal or business taxes if re-elected. .READ MORE: UPDATED: Smith pledges to not raise taxes if re-elected.“The current Taxpayer Protection Act already provides protection against the introduction of a provincial sales tax,” she said. .“But under a UCP government, we will expand the act to include personal and corporate income taxes so no government can increase them without approval from Albertans through a referendum.”.Due to a high level of spam content being posted in our comment section below, all comments undergo manual approval by a staff member during regular business hours (Monday - Friday). Your patience is appreciated.
