Oil and gas producers missed $43M in taxes last year, say Alberta rural municipalities
Some energy companies are still failing to pay millions of dollars in taxes, says a survey released this week by the Rural Municipalities of Alberta.
Oil and gas producers missed $43 million in payments last year, the group says.
“Year after year, the problem drags on due to a lack of industry regulation and accountability,” said president Paul McLauchlin in a news release.
The association found oil and gas companies owe the communities in which they operate nearly $252 million in all.
That’s down slightly from last year’s total of $268 million. As well, the pace at which the arrears is growing seems to have slowed.
In the 2023 survey, companies owed about $50 million in “fresh” taxes from the previous year.
Still, the most recent total is a big jump from the $173 million owed in 2019.
The fact some companies are still not paying shows the problem isn’t going away, McLauchlin said.
“This issue is not settled. Companies continue to profit from Alberta’s resources while ignoring their community obligations and funnelling profits to executives and shareholders.”
Since last year’s survey, the government made rule changes giving the Alberta Energy Regulator tools to enforce tax payment.
Municipalities are now able to recover unpaid taxes during bankruptcy or insolvency hearings. As well, the regulator can no longer approve licence transfers or new licences for companies with outstanding property tax arrears above $20,000.
McLauchlin said those measures helped, but weren’t enough.
“Neither target the companies at the root of the problem — the ‘zombies’ that continue to operate but have no interest in growing,” he said.
McLauchlin said the regulator has to hold some companies accountable for poor business decisions, high risks and a lack of concern for the public interest.
The regulator said tax enforcement remains the responsibility of municipalities.
“The [regulator] is using information reported by municipalities and collated by Municipal Affairs to identify energy companies that have municipal tax arrears and municipalities remain responsible for the collection and enforcement of their municipal taxes,” said spokesperson Renato Gandia in an email.
“We encourage the Rural Municipalities of Alberta to continue discussions with the government regarding unpaid municipal taxes.”
View original article here Source
Utopia Bedding Bed Sheet Set - 4 Piece Queen Bedding - Soft Brushed Microfiber Fabric - Shrinkage & Fade Resistant…
$21.99 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap Refill - Clean Aloe Vera 1.47 Liters - Moisturizing Hand Wash, Savon a Main,…
$5.97 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate Powder 425g - Creatine Supplement for Increased Muscle Mass*,…
$29.99 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Bedsure Satin Pillow Cases 2 Pack Queen - Grey Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin - Similar to Silk Pillow Cases…
$11.99 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Royale Velour Toilet Paper, 12 Equal 24 Rolls, 142 Bathroom Tissues per roll
$8.97 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw for Sports and Travel, BPA-Free, 32oz,…
$38.69 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels, 8 Double Plus Rolls = 20 Regular Rolls, White
$21.98 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Under Eye Mask - Reduce Dark Circles, Puffy Eyes, Undereye Bags, Wrinkles - Gel Under Eye Patches, Vegan Cruelty-Free…
$19.72 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Sahara Sailor Water Bottle, 32oz Motivational Sports Water Bottle with Time Marker - Times to Drink - Tritan, BPA Free,…
$14.99 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)