Entries tagged with
taxation
Despite promises of "a path to balance" and "compassionate belt-tightening," and dire warnings of an economic apocalypse, Alberta's Budget 2018 is ... a little bit dull, writes Rebecca Graff-McRae.
Parkland Institute research managers Rebecca Graff-McRae and Ian Hussey respond in this National Observer op-ed to the recent paper on the Alberta budget by Janice MacKinnon and Jack Mintz.
Most Albertans don't go around thinking, “Gee, I wish I paid more taxes,” so opposition to the new carbon levy isn't surprising. But when a recent poll commissioned by Parkland Institute dug a little deeper, it found increased support if the funds raised by the levy were tied to enhancing specific public services or other particular outcomes.
The Alberta government has introduced Budget 2017, dubbed the "Working to Make Life Better" budget. Parkland Institute Research Manager Ian Hussey lays out 10 key things you need to know about the budget.
Results from a public opinion poll commissioned by Parkland Institute show that although a majority of Albertans feel they pay too much in taxes, they support progressive taxation and feel that Alberta’s highest-income earners do not pay enough in taxes, and that low-income earners are paying too much. Most Albertans would also be willing to pay slightly more in taxes if it meant protecting or enhancing key public services.
Discussions about Alberta’s $10 billion deficit and estimated debt of $33 billion by 2018-19 have dominated the media since the introduction of Budget 2016. Parkland Institute Research Managers Ian Hussey and Rebecca Graff-McRae argue that revenue, not debt, is the immediate concern coming out of the budget.
Action needed to close Alberta’s gender income gap
Pay equity legislation a key part of essential policy changes
On the eve of International Women’s Day, a new report released today by Parkland Institute finds that Alberta continues to have the largest gender income gap in Canada, and one of the largest gaps of any jurisdiction in the world.
Equal Worth
Designing Effective Pay Equity Laws For Alberta
Alberta has the largest gender income gap in Canada. With a gender income gap of 41%, the average man in Alberta will have earned as much by Canada Day as it will take a woman the entire year to earn. Effective pay equity legislation that ensures women receive equal pay for work of equal worth is a key element in a package of needed policy changes to start closing the gap.
No alternative to a sales tax
Tax measure would help Alberta get back onto a solid financial footing
Alberta must bring in a harmonized sales tax. This is the conclusion reached by myself and 18 economists, political scientists, sociologists and other public policy experts in an article that recently ran in two major Alberta newspapers. Why did we say this?
Put simply, there is no realistic alternative if the province hopes to return to a balanced budget and pay for necessary services.