Fifteen business associations and employer groups collectively penned their concerns in an open letter to Premier Notley in an attempt to persuade the provincial government to agree to a moratorium on policies that hurt businesses.
In the letter, dated March 14, 2016, the minimum wage hike, a costly carbon tax, corporate tax increases and personal tax increases are identified as hindrances to businesses already struggling through one of the worst economic downturns in Alberta’s history.
"We acknowledge that this downturn is beyond any government's control," said the group in its letter. "However, we have also seen the rapid deployment of a series of ambitious government policies that have further undermined business confidence and competitiveness."
The collective associations have requested a meeting with Notley and her cabinet members to 'begin a dialogue on these issues and identify a path forward'.
The letter is co-signed by:
- Alberta Enterprise Group
- Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business
- Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors
- Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors
- Canadian Home Builders' Association-Alberta
- Canadian Institute of Steel
- Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
- Landscape Alberta
- Merit Contractors Association
- Petroleum Services Association of Canada
- Progressive Contractors Association of Canada
- Restaurants Canada
- Retail Council of Canada
- The Talent Pool
According to the premier’s office, meetings are underway and the budget, slated to be released in April, will focus on economic growth and employment.
On Monday, Notley reiterated her stance on a campaign promise saying the government will not reverse its changes to corporate and personal income taxes.
With files from CTV's Alesia Fieldberg
