The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) says a series of Government of Alberta policy decisions have cost its members $332 million in tax revenue over the last three years, and the group is urging the province to make changes to ease the financial strain on rural communities.
“This is not just about taxes—it’s about the long-term viability of rural Alberta. Municipalities need stable revenue streams to support roads, bridges, and services that benefit both residents and the oil and gas industry. Instead of that, we’re seeing the implementation of policies that equate to a handout of companies, many of which, quite frankly, don’t need them,” said RMA President Paul McLauchlin.
McLauchlin said policy decisions that cut costs for the oil and gas industry failed to consider the impact on the rural communities those companies operate in.