Six Alberta United Conservative Party leadership candidates signed a pledge from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) at the Citadel Theatre to never impose a provincial sales tax and not raise taxes if they become the next Alberta premier. .“The reason why we do this is because as we know, politicians like to make all sorts of great promises when they’re running for office,” said CTF Alberta director Kris Sims at the Tuesday event. .“Holding them to those promises gets a little bit trickier.” .The CTF had every Alberta UCP leadership candidate who wanted to sign put their name on the line. Sims said events such as this one “really pack a punch.” .UCP leadership candidate Travis Toews said he signed the pledge because it is “a commitment to Albertans.” .“Instead of raising taxes, I’m going to lower taxes,” said Toews. .“It’s critical that we have the lightest tax burden on Albertans, and I commit to providing that.” .He said he will continue the fuel tax suspension if he becomes Alberta premier. .The Alberta government said in June it would forgo the provincial fuel tax for three more months, and two million people would receive electricity rebates effective July. .READ MORE: Alberta extends fuel tax break, promises electricity rebates next month.Alberta implemented fuel tax relief in March because of record high gas prices. The electricity rebate program is meant to address high utility costs..“We are providing targeted support to help hard-working Albertans deal with the rising cost of living,” said Alberta Natural Gas and Electricity Associate Minister Dale Nally. .UCP leadership candidate Todd Loewen said he wanted to “sign this pledge in blood.” .“I support lower taxes to help Albertans,” said Loewen. .“I have always been against a PST, unlike some of the other candidates in the race.” .Loewen said he wants to be held to this pledge if he breaks it. .UCP leadership candidate Rebecca Schulz said she was happy to sign the pledge. .“I have always been against a PST,” said Schulz. .“Not having a PST is a competitive advantage for Alberta.” .She vowed to suspend the small business tax for two years to provide tax relief. .The other UCP leadership candidates who signed the pledge were Danielle Smith, Brian Jean, and Leela Aheer. UCP leadership candidate Rajan Sawhney declined to fill it out. .Sims said if the next Alberta premier breaks his or her promise, the CTF will “hound them until the ends of the earth.” .“Alberta’s the only one without a PST,” she said. .“And it’s a major advantage for Albertans to not have to pay PST.”
