Premier Danielle Smith, alongside Jason Nixon and RJ Sigurdson, announced a new affordability measure at Heritage Park Historical Village in Calgary on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The Alberta Energy Rebate aims to help families manage high living costs, but columnist Lorne Gunter calls it a slap in the face.
Gunter argues that Albertans should have received a 13-cent per litre reduction in fuel taxes for at least three months, as per provincial law. Instead, the government is offering a $100 cheque—what he dismissively calls "Dani Dollars."
A Broken Promise?
According to Alberta's fuel tax legislation, if West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude exceeds US$90 per barrel for a three-month period, the entire 13-cent tax should be removed. Since Trump's conflict with Iran, WTI has rarely dipped below $90, and never to $80. Despite recent price drops of 20%, Gunter notes Albertans should still see a 4 to 8.5 cent reduction per litre.
Instead, the government opted for a flat $100 rebate. Gunter calculates that a full-sized pickup with a 93-litre tank would save over $12 per tank with the full tax cut. After eight tanks—less than a busy farm or summer driving holiday would use—the driver would come out ahead.
Insult to Injury
Smith stated the rebate offers flexibility for families to use the money where needed most. But Gunter scoffs, suggesting the amount is trivial—enough for "a couple of pizzas, a dozen beer and a bag of chips to watch the World Cup." He calls the announcement an insult and a failure to follow the law.
Gunter concludes that Albertans deserved meaningful relief, not a token payment that falls short of the statutory formula.
