Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley has pledged to eliminate the small business tax if elected. She held a rally at the Galt Museum & Archives in Lethbridge on May 8, 2023. (Photo: Alberta NDP)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta NDP pledges to eliminate small business tax if elected

May 15, 2023 | 2:24 PM

CALGARY – Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley has announced a campaign commitment that she claimed would save many small businesses thousands of dollars.

She said, if elected, her government would completely eliminate the small business tax.

“Alberta’s small business owners have been through the ringer over the last few years and they deserve better from their government,” said Notley. “By eliminating this tax, we can help thousands of local businesses get back on their feet, and we can support aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.”

The small business tax rate in Alberta currently sits at two per cent on the first $500,000 of income generated. The NDP said in a media release that more than 100,000 small businesses would save up to $10,000 per year.

Notley also pledged that an Alberta NDP government would not raise personal income taxes and would not introduce a provincial sales tax.

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“Eliminating the small business tax is a bold proposal that will keep local business thriving and help owners reinvest in their staff, their products, and their work supporting our economy,” Notley said. “Along with bringing back the STEP program, this announcement makes it clear that Alberta’s NDP is the only party in this election with a plan to support small business.”

According to Statistics Canada, there were approximately 159,000 small businesses in Alberta as of 2021, meaning companies who employed fewer than 100 workers.