Skip to Main content

19.14°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Jan 2, 2025 4:03 PM - The Canadian Press

New year brings new Alberta taxes, electricity 'rate of last resort'

Share On

new-year-brings-new-alberta-taxes-electricity-rate-of-last-resort

The rate is set at about 12 cents per kilowatt hour until 2027. It's meant to shield against price spikes, as the previous option fluctuated from month to month.

Alberta's electricity ``rate of last resort''starts today, replacing the province's previous default rate forconsumers who don't have a contract.

The rate is set at about 12 cents per kilowatt hour until 2027. It's meant to shield against price spikes, as the previous option fluctuated from month to month.

Retailers must confirm with customers whether they want to sign on to a competitive rate, which can be much lower.

Albertans also start paying today a tax on vaping products to fall in line with existing federal taxes.

The governments say the tax is meant to discourage vaping,especially by young people.

Early in the new year, Alberta plans to impose a $200 registration tax on electric vehicles. The move is meant to recoup what electric vehicle drivers don't pay in fuel taxes.

An exact start date for that tax has yet to be announced.

Latest news

AlbertaJul 24, 2026

Experts say latest U.S. tariff threats could affect provinces unevenly

Economists say the latest U.S. tariff threats are expected to have different impacts across Canada, with Alberta and Saskatchewan among the least exposed provinces based on current export patterns. University of Calgary economics professor Trevor Tombe said Alberta and Saskatchewan are each expected to see about one per cent of their total exports affected by the latest U.S. tariff list. According to Tombe, that is a lower level of exposure than many other provinces. The Trump administration has cited Canadian restrictions on U.S. alcohol sales as one of the reasons for the proposed tariffs. A

nenshi-says-alberta-referendum-promotion-has-cost-taxpayers-at-least-365-000

AlbertaJul 24, 2026

Nenshi says Alberta referendum promotion has cost taxpayers at least $365,000

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says the provincial government has spent at least $365,000 promoting its planned referendum on Alberta separation, arguing taxpayers are covering the cost of a political campaign. According to Nenshi, government contracts show the spending includes the production and distribution of a televised address and promotional videos for social media platforms. He said the costs are tied to efforts to inform the public about the upcoming referendum. Premier Danielle Smith has defended the referendum, saying the vote is intended to settle the question of Alberta separati

b-c-businesses-could-access-1-5b-federal-emergency-fund-if-new-u-s-tariffs-take-effect-eby-says

B.C. businesses could access $1.5B federal emergency fund if new U.S. tariffs take effect, Eby says

British Columbia Premier David Eby says businesses affected by potential new U.S. tariffs would be eligible to access a $1.5 billion federal emergency fund if the measures are implemented. According to Eby, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the regional emergency fund remains available to support provinces facing economic impacts from U.S. trade action. Eby said the funding could provide relief to B.C. industries if the United States proceeds with proposed tariffs on Canadian goods, including duties of up to 50 per cent on certain wood products beginning Aug. 19. The premier said uncertaint

carney-says-canada-prepared-to-respond-if-u-s-tariffs-take-effect

CanadaJul 24, 2026

Carney says Canada prepared to respond if U.S. tariffs take effect

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is prepared to impose retaliatory tariffs if negotiations with the United States fail and new U.S. trade measures are implemented. Speaking to reporters Thursday following the conclusion of a three-day meeting of Canada's premiers in Charlottetown, Carney said the federal government's priority remains reaching a trade agreement with the United States. However, he said Canada is prepared to take all necessary steps to protect its economic interests if a negotiated solution cannot be reached. Carney also described the tariff threat as a familiar pressure ta

fuel-costs-on-the-rise-as-latest-geopolitical-turmoil-drives-up-crude-oil-prices

CanadaJul 23, 2026

Fuel costs on the rise as latest geopolitical turmoil drives up crude oil prices

Fuel costs are on the rise in Canada as geopolitical turmoil drives the price of crude oil to its highest level in more than a month. Gasbuddy.com, which crowdsources pump price data from across Canada and the U.S, says the Canadian national average now sits above $1.80 a litre- a two-cent increase from a day earlier and an eight-cent bump from a week ago. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gasbuddy, says that could rise by another five to 10 cents over the next week or two as the full impact of the crude price jump works its way through the supply chain. West Texas Intermediate cr

Related News

Experts say latest U.S. tariff threats could affect provinces unevenly

Experts say latest U.S. tariff threats could affect provinces unevenly

Economists say the latest U.S. tariff threats are expected to have different impacts across Canada, with Alberta and Saskatchewan among the least exposed provinces based on current export patterns. University of Calgary economics professor Trevor Tombe said Alberta and Saskatchewan are each expected to see about one per cent of their total exports affected by the latest U.S. tariff list. According to Tombe, that is a lower level of exposure than many other provinces. The Trump administration has cited Canadian restrictions on U.S. alcohol sales as one of the reasons for the proposed tariffs. A

Nenshi says Alberta referendum promotion has cost taxpayers at least $365,000

Nenshi says Alberta referendum promotion has cost taxpayers at least $365,000

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says the provincial government has spent at least $365,000 promoting its planned referendum on Alberta separation, arguing taxpayers are covering the cost of a political campaign. According to Nenshi, government contracts show the spending includes the production and distribution of a televised address and promotional videos for social media platforms. He said the costs are tied to efforts to inform the public about the upcoming referendum. Premier Danielle Smith has defended the referendum, saying the vote is intended to settle the question of Alberta separati

Carney says Canada prepared to respond if U.S. tariffs take effect

Carney says Canada prepared to respond if U.S. tariffs take effect

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is prepared to impose retaliatory tariffs if negotiations with the United States fail and new U.S. trade measures are implemented. Speaking to reporters Thursday following the conclusion of a three-day meeting of Canada's premiers in Charlottetown, Carney said the federal government's priority remains reaching a trade agreement with the United States. However, he said Canada is prepared to take all necessary steps to protect its economic interests if a negotiated solution cannot be reached. Carney also described the tariff threat as a familiar pressure ta

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital