Calgary council puts off decision on tax breaks for business

Calgary city council has opted not to give businesses in Calgary a break. At least for now.

Ward 8 councillorEvanWoolleywanted council to pass a motion that would reduce business taxes by $30 millionin both 2016 and 2017, but council put off making a decision until next week when it will discuss a report on economic resiliency.

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Somecouncillorssuggested the tax relief would be too small to make a difference and is too narrowly focused.

"Like Isaid before, if we're talking about providing some tax relief toCalgarians, then it should be allCalgariansor none. All or none," said Ward 10's AndreChabot.

Woolleysaysthe city has already helped homeowners and transit riders, so it's time to give struggling businesses a hand.He's frustrated byopposition to his plan, but will ensure his motion is on the table next week.

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"I'm challenged by someone saying that putting $1,200back into a business's pocket is no big difference," he said.

"The same thing could be applied when we talk about reductions in our residential property tax rates, right? Every little dollar that we can put back into Calgarians' pocket especially at times right now Ithink is really important."

Woolley wants the tax shortfall to be covered by city savings.

"Last year, that fund grew by $75 million. This is a significant amount of money. This fund is in a very, very healthy position and I would argue that a rebate back to our business community would be a fair and reasonable proposal," he said.