Unpaid oil and gas taxes causing concern for rural Alberta municipalities [Video]

Editor’s note: This story originally stated $250 billion in oil and gas taxes have gone unpaid, when the correct figure is $250 million. This story has been updated. Global News regrets the error. 

Over $250 million in oil and gas taxes have gone unpaid over the last half decade in Alberta, leaving rural municipalities hanging.

It’s a polarizing topic that’s ignited a debate, one that has the potential to impact tax bills for those living in the southern Alberta town of Taber.

Tamara Miyanaga is the reeve of the M.D. of Taber and said the unpaid taxes hurt the residents of her municipality above all else.

“We make sure it’s made well aware that in (the) 2024 budget, we’re budgeting $700,000 of uncollected oil and gas taxes. That’s too much for any resident to have to endure, so they’re not happy about it, they want everyone to pay their fair share of taxes,” said Miyanaga.