When resource revenue is relatively high, the government faces pressure to increase spending.
alberta taxes
In 2019, the Alberta government spent $2 billion on corporate welfare.
Lower income tax rates incentivize people to work, save, invest and engage in entrepreneurial activities.
Future governments can easily and unilaterally change any law passed by the legislature.
A majority of respondents in the province believe the average family should pay 25 per cent or less of its income in total taxes.
If it held the line on spending, the government could have run a $6.7 billion surplus in 2023/24.
The province's top combined income tax rate increased from 39 per cent in 2014 to 48 per cent today.
In 2015, the government replaced the single-rate personal income tax with five tiers that include a top rate of 15 per cent.
In 2016, the Trudeau government added a new top personal federal income tax rate, increasing the top rate to 33 per cent.