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Province introduces legislation to amend carbon tax rules

May 17, 2017 | 9:03 PM

EDMONTON –  Alberta is bringing in new rules to make amends to more than four-thousand families who lost a loved one and were ordered to pay back their carbon tax rebate.

If passed, the Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2017, would change the way rebates are paid to Albertans so that families are no longer asked to repay amounts if a death in the household changes their eligibility for the program.

“The loss of a loved one is a tragedy for any family and the last thing they need is a letter that adds further stress,” said Finance Minister Joe Ceci in a statement. “That’s why we are taking action so that families who lose a loved one do not have to repay rebates or child benefit payments. This is an important, practical change that will make a difference for Alberta families.”

Ceci says it was a problem he and his department had not anticipated, but are determined to make right.

Since January 1st, the province has been taking in tax on gasoline at the pumps and on home heating bills to pay for initiatives to move Alberta to a more green economy.

Middle- and lower-income families get the money back in rebates paid out on a sliding scale.