Alberta Tool Tax Lobbying!
In December of 2001, Rob Lougheed, the MLA for Fort Saskatchewan introduced and PASSED Bill 207, an act to allow Alberta trades people to claim tool tax deductions on their personal income taxes!
The industry has struggled for years to get rid of unfair tax treatment and, when we least expected it, we have won two victories on this front. Last fall’s federal budget extended a federal tool tax deduction for automotive apprentices starting this year. And, now a government backbencher convinced the legislature to extend a provincial tax deduction to all journeymen and apprentices in the trade.
There is just one problem: The bill which has passed the legislature and been signed by the Lieutenant Governor only comes into effect when "Proclaimed" by the cabinet! So far the cabinet, led by the finance minister, has been reluctant to proclaim this bill. We must organize an effective lobby to get the government to take the final step on this very positive action.
Below you will find a sample letter that you can send to your MLA and the Premier to encourage them to finish their great work.
[Please print on your letter head]
RE: Proclamation of Bill 207
Dear
[insert MLA’s name here]:I was very pleased to learn that the Alberta Legislature enacted Bill 207: ALBERTA PERSONAL INCOME TAX (TOOLS DEDUCTION) AMENDMENT ACT, 2001.
Passing this act overcomes a long-standing problem facing Alberta’s trades’ people: the unfair tax treatment they receive. Unlike individuals in other industries, the trades are not allowed to deduct legitimate expenses that they must incur in order to make a living. As an employer of trades, I congratulate you and the other members of the Legislature for passing this act and fixing this problem.
I call on you to lobby Cabinet and have this act proclaimed! My employee’s and all of Alberta’s trades’ people need this relief. My industry is facing labour shortages, anything that will make my trade more attractive will help.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you require specific examples of how this act benefits my employees, my industry and Alberta as a whole.
Sincerely,
[insert your name here]
ˇ