Raising city taxes prompts public outrage whenever the subject is broached by city councillors, but seldom does the criticism come from a federal politician.
Conservative Michelle Rempel, Calgary Centre-North MP and the Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification), posted a message on her Twitter account comparing the state of the federal budget and the possibility of increased taxes in Calgary.
While #yyccc is looking at raising taxes, the federal tax burden is at its lowest levels in half a century, and we posted a balanced budget.
— Michelle Rempel (@MichelleRempel) May 20, 2015
The Tweet comes at a time when city council attempts to locate funding for several potential future projects including possible LRT line extensions and improvements to the Macleod Trail corridor.
Some Calgary councillors are questioning Rempel’s stance considering municipal projects are often handcuffed by a lack of federal funding, but Rempel disagrees with their claims.
“It's fair for us, city council, the mayor, has criticized the federal government on many occasions,” explains Rempel. “I think it's fair for us to say ‘What is in the best interest of the taxpayer?’ because there is only one taxpayer and that's a question we should ask.”
“We are creatures of the federal and provincial government by virtue of legislation,” explains Ward 10 Councillor Andre Chabot. “They pass on legislation that we then have to adhere to.”
“Our expenses grow but not proportionate to the population,” said Chabot. “We continue to find efficiencies. If you look at the costs to deliver services to every Calgarian now compared to what it was like 10 years ago, you’ll see a significant decrease in the cost per person.”
Ward 4 councillor Sean Chu says he has not seen Rempel's Tweet but says her boasting could open dialogue on federal contributions.
“I think it’s healthy,” said Chu. “Let’s talk about it. Where’s the money coming from?”
Mayor Nenshi has criticized the federal government’s distribution of funds on several occasions. In November 2011, the federal government issued a letter to the mayor stating the funding for four recreation centres in Calgary had been pulled after the city contributed millions of dollars towards the project.
Following the 2011 announcement, Nenshi said Calgarians can no longer count on Ottawa and they will now be without the facilities they need.
