Zero for Zero – Common Sense Calgary Supports Sutherland’s call for 0% pay increase

• Zero wage increase in 2018 for zero property tax in 2017.
• Measure would cover 3.4 per cent of the proposed 4.7 per cent 2017 increase.
  
  

CALGARY, AB: Common Sense Calgary is encouraging City Hall today to adopt an idea suggested by Councillor Ward Sutherland that is gaining support in the community.  This idea would see a zero per cent increase in the wages of city workers beginning in 2018 in order to deliver a zero per cent increase in property taxes starting in 2017. 

“Councilor Sutherland has a great idea," said CSC Executive Director Stephanie Kusie. "The idea he is suggesting can be used with other operational and capital spending for no further property tax increase in 2017 if city employees do their part and take a wage freeze – just like many Calgarians have seen.  Given many people in business have lost their jobs and taken deep pay cuts, we feel strongly that this isn’t too much to ask for."

In just seven years, council has pushed through compounded residential tax rate increases of 55 per cent.  More than 45 per cent of the city’s tax-supported spending goes to salaries, wages, overtime and benefits. This measure would provide much needed relief to all Calgarians covering 3.4 per cent to the proposed 4.7 per cent in 2017.

"We support this initiative whole heartedly," added Kusie, "We are encouraging other Calgarians to let their voice be heard and support for “Zero for Zero.”

For further information please contact:

Stephanie Kusie

Executive Director, Common Sense Calgary

Cell: 587-432-7100 Email: [email protected]

About Common Sense Calgary: Common Sense Calgary is an advocacy group dedicated to lower taxation and responsible spending at City Hall. For more information, please visit: http://www.commonsensecalgary.com