Re: “Alberta’s cautionary tale,” editorial, Feb. 1.
There is ample evidence that Alberta’s resource-royalty rates have been on the low side. Readers could read a little about this here: policyalternatives.ca/publications/commentary/managing-oil-wealth.
If Albertans are unwilling to seek a fair price for their natural resources, the obvious solution is contained in your editorial that was printed immediately above, “MSP premiums should be axed.”
Alberta need not adopt a regressive sales tax. They have ample room to simply return their regressive, flat 10 per cent provincial income tax to a progressive income tax with rates increasing with ability to pay, as necessary to balance their budget.
They would still have among the lowest income-tax rates in Canada.
Rick Lebitschnig
Crofton
