Scrapping the carbon tax, cutting taxes on business and government red tape are among the key commitments in Brian Jean’s policy to secure Alberta’s economic future.
The United Conservative Party leadership candidate spoke in Calgary Tuesday to announce his plan for a New Alberta Advantage.
If elected, Jean says Albertans can expect a 50 per cent drop in the small business tax, and a reduction of business taxes from 12 to 10 per cent.
“We have one of the highest small business tax rates in Canada and the highest in western Canada, that means businesses and individuals won’t open businesses and businesses won’t move here to Alberta,” said Jean.
“What we need to do is be competitive, the most competitive tax rate in the world like we were in North America for certain. We don’t even know what the Americans are going to do yet so we know this plan needs to be adjusted accordingly because they are going to be more competitive.”
Saying the days of big government in Edmonton are over, Jean promises to establish a fiscal reform commission that forces all levels of government to fundamentally shrink the size of government while protecting the core services Albertans rely on.
“Less borrowing means less interest payments to big banks, we can balance the budget and we can fix the damage the NDP has done to our economy and we can do it in a way that ensures that the core services Albertans rely on are there for the long term.”
Jean promises the introduction of a child tax benefit once the budget is balanced, and he says his plan would see that happen in three years and 35-thousand new private sector jobs within two years.
The party will elect its new leader Oct. 28.
