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Businesses Hurting From Tax and Fee Increases

Feb 17, 2016

February 17, 2016

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is speaking out for businesses that are reeling under the weight of new taxes, fees and other costs being layered on by all three levels of government.

The cumulative effect of all orders of government looking to generate more revenue is pushing some businesses to the tipping point. When businesses are hurting, people and families are also affected.

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is taking this message to governments at all levels to say, “Stop! Look both ways. Think before you tax.”

“We want them to stop and take a look at the total impact of this on businesses, because at the end of the day, there’s only one taxpayer,” says Chamber President & CEO Janet Riopel.

The long list of cost increases for businesses in Edmonton includes a two per cent increase in provincial corporate taxes; higher business license fees; increases to Alberta’s minimum wage; a new carbon tax; and higher business and property taxes.

The cost of doing business is especially high in Edmonton. Data collected by KPMG suggests Edmonton is on track to become one of the most expensive major cities in Canada to open a manufacturing or corporate services operation.

“Policy-makers across all levels of government should be focused on making us more competitive, not less,” says Riopel.

We need municipal, provincial and federal governments to look carefully at the costs that are being piled on to create a clear view of how tax increases, higher fees and rate increases are negatively affecting businesses.

The Edmonton Chamber will be presenting its new policy position on these issues to all three levels of government in anticipation that action will be taken.

Media Inquiries:

Warren Singh
Vice-President, Policy
780-409-2615
wsingh@edmontonchamber.com

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