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January 19th, 2015. A new Mainstreet Technologies poll of 3,184 Albertans finds 73% of decided
residents disapprove of a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to fight the looming Alberta deficit. The poll
carries an overall margin of error of +/- 1.74%, 19/20.
"This is an idea that quite frankly has fallen flat, said Quito Maggi, President of Mainstreet
Technologies. "The Premier has talked about a PST as a potential tool to fight the deficit but
Albertans prefer every other measure to it."
When Mainstreet polled a PST against other potential revenue streams it came in dead last with
9%. Albertans preferred method to raise revenue is an increase of user fees and Sin Taxes on
alcohol and cigarettes at 22%.
"The problem is that sin taxes and increased user fees will not be enough to balance the
budget, noted Maggi. When we looked at how Albertans want the Premier to deal with the
upcoming budget the most popular idea was to cut spending - but there just isnt much to cut.
This really places the PC government and the opposition parties in a tough bind. A PST has the
most potential to raise revenue but Albertans are firmly opposed.
Mainstreets January Alberta Issues poll is being released in two instalments. The second
instalment will be released January 20th, 2015.
For more information:
David Valentin
(613) 698-5524 - david@mainstreettechnologies.ca
Methodology
The poll surveyed a random sample of 3,184 Alberta residents by Interactive Voice Response
(IVR) on January 18th, 2015. Margins of error are greater for regional numbers. MoE Calgary: +/2.85%, 19/20. MoE Edmonton: +/- 3.04%, 19/20. MoE Rest of Alberta: +/- 3.16%, 19/20.
About Mainstreet Technologies
Mainstreet Technologies is an emerging national public research firm. With 20 years of political
experience at all three levels of government, President and CEO Quito Maggi is a respected
commentator on Canadian public affairs.
Mainstreet has provided accurate snapshots of public opinion, having predicted a majority PC
government in Alberta, a majority Liberal government in British Columbia, and a majority Liberal
government in Ontario. Most recently, Mainstreet was the most accurate pollster in the Toronto
municipal election.
43%
11%
9%
15%
21%
BREAKDOWNS
CUT SPENDING
BIGGER DEFICIT
INCREASE BORROWING
RAISE TAXES
NOT SURE
SAMPLE
CUT SPENDING
BIGGER DEFICIT
INCREASE BORROWING
RAISE TAXES
NOT SURE
SAMPLE
EDMONTON
41%
11%
11%
16%
21%
1040
CALGARY
40%
13%
11%
16%
21%
1184
MoE Calgary: +/- 2.85%, 19/20. MoE Edmonton: +/- 3.04%, 19/20. MoE Rest of Alberta: +/- 3.16%, 19/20.
CUT SPENDING
BIGGER DEFICIT
INCREASE BORROWING
RAISE TAXES
55%
14%
12%
19%
Male
45%
9%
10%
20%
16%
1525
Female
41%
13%
9%
11%
26%
1659
REST OF AB
45%
10%
8%
15%
22%
960
Premier Jim Prentice says the province will look at increasing taxes to raise
additional revenues in the future. What option would you favour the most?
Introduce a provincial sales tax. Increase the flat tax on personal income or
replace it with a progressive income tax. Reintroduce health care premiums.
Increase energy royalties. Increase user fees and so-called SIN taxes on alcohol
and tobacco.
PROVINCIAL SALES TAX
PERSONAL INCOME TAX*
HEALTH CARE PREMIUM
ENERGY ROYALTIES
USER FEES & SIN TAXES
NOT SURE
BREAKDOWNS
9%
17%
18%
14%
22%
19%
EDMONTON
12%
18%
19%
11%
23%
17%
1040
65+
9%
18%
18%
13%
21%
21%
1067
CALGARY
14%
17%
21%
14%
17%
17%
1164
Male
11%
19%
15%
17%
21%
17%
1525
REST OF AB
6%
16%
16%
16%
25%
21%
960
MoE Calgary: +/- 2.85%, 19/20. MoE Edmonton: +/- 3.04%, 19/20. MoE Rest of Alberta: +/- 3.16%, 19/20.
Female
7%
14%
21%
12%
24%
22%
1659
18%
28%
STRONGLY APPROVE
SOMEWHAT APPROVE
SOMEWHAT DISAPPROVE
STRONGLY DISAPPROVE
NOT SURE
9%
15%
18%
48%
10%
BREAKDOWNS
STRONGLY APPROVE
SOMEWHAT APPROVE
SOMEWHAT DISAPPROVE
STRONGLY DISAPPROVE
NOT SURE
SAMPLE
STRONGLY APPROVE
SOMEWHAT APPROVE
SOMEWHAT DISAPPROVE
STRONGLY DISAPPROVE
NOT SURE
SAMPLE
EDMONTON
12%
12%
20%
47%
9%
1040
65+
9%
15%
24%
42%
10%
1067
CALGARY
12%
12%
16%
53%
7%
1184
Male
9%
13%
21%
48%
9%
1525
REST OF AB
6%
18%
19%
46%
12%
960
MoE Calgary: +/- 2.85%, 19/20. MoE Edmonton: +/- 3.04%, 19/20. MoE Rest of Alberta: +/- 3.16%, 19/20.
STRONGLY APPROVE
SOMEWHAT APPROVE
SOMEWHAT DISAPPROVE
STRONGLY DISAPPROVE
10%
17%
20%
53%
TOTAL APPROVAL
TOTAL DISAPPROVAL
Female
8%
18%
16%
47%
11%
1659
27%
73%