The United Conservative Party (UCP) has released a new advertisement featuring Premier Danielle Smith, in which she highlights the government's achievements, particularly in lowering taxes. However, readers have responded with criticism, pointing to rising property taxes and reduced services.
Property Tax Increases Under Fire
One reader, John DeSorcy of Calgary, received his updated property tax bill and noted a significant increase in the provincial education tax. In 2022, he paid $1,296; this year, it is $2,110—a 63 percent increase over five years. This comes at a time when the UCP government has drastically reduced per-pupil funding to public schools. In contrast, the city portion of his property taxes increased by only 16 percent over the same period.
DeSorcy calculated that if the province had raised taxes at the same rate as the city, his increase would be approximately $200, not $800. He urged Premier Smith to stop 'gaslighting Albertans' regarding public education and health care and to act wisely to make Alberta a desirable place for long-term investment.
Bike Commuting Not Feasible for All
Another letter from April Crossley of Okotoks responded to a column suggesting alternative commutes due to high gas prices. Crossley argued that the author, Karen Almadi, is out of touch with how most families live. Crossley noted that taking transit would extend her commute from 30 minutes to over two hours each way, and biking is impractical when she must drop off and pick up her child from school.
Crossley applauded those who can bike or take transit but emphasized that Calgary and the modern world are not set up to accommodate such commutes for most people.
Coal Mining Support Questioned
Janet Wees of Calgary responded to a column claiming that many Crowsnest Pass residents support a coal mine. Wees pointed out that voter turnout was only 53.6 percent, and of those, 72 percent voted in favour—amounting to just 38.5 percent of all residents. She called this hardly decisive.
These letters reflect growing discontent with provincial policies on taxation, education, and resource development.
