April 1, 2009

Bill 204 will provide a new funding deal for Alberta’s cities: Blakeman

Edmonton – Alberta Liberal Deputy Leader Laurie Blakeman is calling upon Albertans and county and municipal councilors to support her Private Member’s Bill, Bill 204. If passed into law, the bill will give municipalities a portion of provincial income tax, helping Alberta’s cities and towns sustain services and infrastructure.

“Giving municipalities a portion of income tax revenue will help our communities meet the challenges of the future. But Bill 204 won’t pass without your help,” says Blakeman.

Bill 204 will create a new fund for Alberta’s cities, towns and counties, the Provincial-Municipal Tax Sharing Account. It will provide these communities with a portion of 2.5 per cent of the province’s personal and corporate income tax revenue for operating expenses, on an unconditional basis.

“Municipalities require a stable and predictable level of funding from the government to effectively plan and deliver programs and services,” she continues. “Municipalities provide the services that we use every day. They are in the best position to move Alberta forward, building sustainable communities and protecting our quality of life.”

But property tax revenues are insufficient and too inflexible to meet these challenges.

“We need a new relationship between the province and municipalities, one that recognizes the significant role that cities, towns and villages play in our province,” concludes Blakeman. “I look forward to a good debate in the Legislature.”

Bill 204 was introduced in the Legislative Assembly on March 19 and will be debated for Second Reading on April 20. If passed, Bill 204 will make over $300 million available to the operating budgets of Alberta communities.

More information on Bill 204, including video clips from Laurie Blakeman, is available online at http://www.laurieblakeman.com/bill204