(EDMONTON, AB) March 20, 2025– Naheed Nenshi’s NDP has once again proven how out of touch they are with everyday Albertans. During a meeting of the Resource Stewardship Committee, NDP MLA Sharif Haji questioned the value of cutting taxes for hardworking Albertans and dismissed the annual savings tax cuts in Budget 2025 provide.
This shocking statement comes only one day after NDP MLA Court Ellingson suggested Alberta adopt British Columbia levels of taxation, which would include increasing taxes on Albertans by more than $20 billion through higher income taxes and a provincial sales tax of 7 per cent. These comments further demonstrate why the NDP fails to understand the damage of high-tax policies.
“Albertans know that every dollar counts, yet the NDP seems to think letting people keep more of their own money is somehow a bad thing,” said Chief Government Whip Shane Getson. “Whether it’s groceries, rent, or saving for the future, tax relief makes a real difference in people’s lives. The fact that the NDP can’t see that tells you everything you need to know about their priorities.”
Naheed Nenshi’s track record on taxes speaks for itself. During his time as mayor of Calgary, property taxes skyrocketed by nearly 81 per cent, hitting homeowners and small businesses with ever-increasing costs. His reckless spending left Calgarians paying more while receiving less, forcing businesses to close and driving away investment. Now, as the leader of the NDP, he’s doubling down on the same failed high-tax policies that hurt Albertans before. The NDP took their only opportunity to introduce a punitive $1.4 billion carbon tax, which increased taxes on everything, taking an extra $1,150 from Alberta families every year.
United Conservatives recently introduced a budget that cuts taxes, saving families up to $1,500 and individuals up to $750 each year. These savings help Albertans afford everyday essentials, pay down debt, and invest in their future. The NDP’s refusal to acknowledge these benefits paired with their refusal to acknowledge how higher taxes negatively impact families, show they would rather take more from hardworking Albertans with BC-style taxes than support real affordability measures.
“The NDP’s approach is simple: tax more and make life harder for everyone,” added Getson. “Their dismissal of tax relief proves they don’t understand the realities facing Alberta families. Instead of saving Albertans up to $750, they would rather increase costs by up to $2,100 by adopting a BC-style tax structure. United Conservatives believe every dollar left in the hands of Albertans is a dollar that can be used to build a stronger future.”
While United Conservatives work to lower costs and put money back into Albertans’ pockets, Nenshi’s NDP continues to push for higher taxes, bigger government, and policies that drive up costs. Albertans will not be fooled by NDP claims they support working Albertans. It is clear only the United Conservatives are ready and willing to lower costs for Albertans and ensure they keep more of their hard-earned money.
