March 14, 2016

Premier Notley,
We write to you today about the dire economic situation impacting all Albertans.
We are an alliance of business associations and employer groups that is unprecedented in scope.
Collectively we represent virtually every sector of the Alberta economy and employ hundreds of
thousands of Albertans. Individually we have unique and often competing challenges and priorities, but
we all share a common concern for Alberta’s future.
Albertans from all walks of life are experiencing hardships not seen in decades. Low energy prices have
crippled Alberta’s energy industry, affecting businesses both directly and indirectly associated with
energy production. Business and consumer confidence are nearing all-time lows and the provincial
unemployment rate is soaring.
We acknowledge that this downturn is beyond any government’s control. However, we have also seen
the rapid deployment of a series of ambitious government policies that have further undermined
business confidence and competitiveness. Rising corporate and personal taxes, a costly carbon tax and
an historic increase to the province’s minimum wage are impacting Alberta’s economy when it most
needs a boost.
We also acknowledge that the Alberta government is facing a significant budget shortfall. Together, we
must find a way to balance the provincial budget while at the same time setting the conditions for
economic success. One cannot happen without the other.
We applaud your government’s efforts to secure better market access for Alberta energy. The recent
royalty review process wisely maintained Alberta’s existing oil and gas royalty structure, acknowledging
that the industry needs long term cost certainty. This pragmatic approach should prevail in other
aspects of policy-making. The establishment of the Premier’s Advisory Committee on the Economy is
also a positive step that acknowledges the severity of the challenges faced by Albertans and promises
action.
Beginning with the upcoming provincial budget, we ask for two things. First of all, a moratorium on
major new public policies that will have a detrimental impact on the ability of businesses to create and
preserve jobs, attract capital or effectively compete in a global market until the economy recovers.
Specifically, we ask that tax increases be categorically ruled out, that the proposed increase in the
minimum wage be delayed, and that the coming carbon tax be made truly revenue neutral with
offsetting tax reductions.
Secondly, we ask that the government move quickly on a number of other areas that will allow
businesses and their employees to confidently make decisions with certainty about the environment
within which they operate. For instance, the details about a potential job creation strategy and the
program aimed at mitigating cost increases on businesses imposed by the forthcoming carbon tax
should be immediately unveiled.

 As a first step toward identifying and implementing meaningful solutions, we respectfully request a
meeting with you and your Cabinet colleagues to begin a dialogue on these issues and identify a path
forward. In the coming days, we will be in touch with your office in order to arrange a suitable time to
meet and further lay out our ideas for preserving jobs and prosperity for Albertans.

Sincerely, the undersigned:

Alberta Enterprise Group
Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors
Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors
Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Alberta
Canadian Institute of Steel
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Landscape Alberta
Merit Contractors Association
Petroleum Services Association of Canada
Progressive Contractors Association of Canada
Restaurants Canada
Retail Council of Canada
The Talent Pool

Cc:
Hon Joe Ceci, Minister of Finance
Hon. Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development
Hon. Christina Gray, Minister of Labour