Monday, June 30: The Alberta government announces that the new 8 per cent tax bracket—applying to income up to $60,000, replacing the previous 10 per cent bracket—will take effect on July 1. The government says individual taxpayers will save up to $750 in 2025, with two-income families saving up to $1,500.
Read More: Should Alberta Have Higher Taxes?
Tuesday, July 1: Premier Danielle Smith wishes a “Happy Canada Day” in a message stating that “Alberta helps power, feed and drive this country forward. From our energy and agriculture to our innovation and entrepreneurship, Alberta is a driving force for good in a united and prosperous Canada.”
Read More: What is an Albertan?
Wednesday, July 2: The Alberta government names its provincial police force the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service and names its first chief, Sat Parhar. Danielle Smith called the appointment “a key milestone in Alberta’s plan to give municipalities a real choice in how their communities are kept safe.” Alberta NDP critic David Shepherd called a provincial police force “a zombie idea” put forward by the UCP to distract from the healthcare crisis and other issues.
Read More: Should Alberta Have its Own Police Force?
July 2: The provincial government announces that cannabis producers will now be able to apply for a retail license for farm-gate sales, allowing them to sell their products directly from their properties. Small liquor producers will now be able to own, operate and sell their products on “party bikes.”
Read More: Going to Pot
Thursday, July 3: Two companies that were suing Alberta over changes to coal mining rules in the province, Evolve Power Ltd. and Atrum Coal Ltd., announce they have reached settlements with the provincial government. While the settlement figures are not disclosed, the two companies were part of a five company joint case seeking more than $15 billion in damages.
Read More: UCP Fear of Lawsuits
Friday, July 4: Alberta’s new referendum rules, including lowering the threshold for citizens to initiative a provincial referendum on topics such as separation, take effect. The timing of the formalization of these rules coincides with American Independence Day.
