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Chamber sends out policy alert to members

The Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce is looking to help its members avoid higher rates when providing dental and health benefits.

The Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce is looking to help its members avoid higher rates when providing dental and health benefits.

An email, sent out on January 26, requested members to write in letters to their local Minister of Parliament, Blaine Calkins in order to steer the federal government away from a tax that could dissuade businesses from providing health care benefits to their workers.

“In addition to hundreds or thousands of dollars that would be added to Canadians’ tax bills, it also means that many employers will no longer provide coverage to employees,” an email from Executive Director Denise Williams stated. “When a similar tax was introduced in Quebec, 20 per cent of employers dropped health and dental benefits for employees. Studies suggest the removal of this tax benefit across the board could result in a decrease of 50 per cent of small firms who will be able to offer health benefits.”

The Chamber was made aware of this potential policy change after the Canadian Chamber of Commerce sent out an alert to the smaller jurisdictions.

“The Alberta Chamber of Commerce supports this call to action as does the Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce,” the email stated. “We have sent a letter to both the Minister of Finance and our local MP, Mr. Blaine Calkins. We encourage all of our members to do the same and let them know that this move would harm the people the federal government promised to champion; the middle class.”

If you would like more information, you can log on to the Chamber’s website at www.sylvanlakechamber.com.

reporter@sylvanlakenews.com