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The Alberta government is making good on their campaign promise and is implementing a 25 per cent discount on personal registry services for Albertan seniors.
Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, announced Thursday morning the discount will not be income tested and will apply to all Alberta seniors. Nally said the initiative is part of the province’s commitment to help seniors who are struggling as the cost of living increases.
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“I’ve heard first hand from seniors that inflation is a problem because many of them are on fixed incomes. We are coming out of a high inflationary environment, we know that many of them are struggling with the carbon tax, so this is a way that we can provide a little bit of relief,” Nally said in an interview with Postmedia.
Starting April 1, eligible Alberta seniors over the age of 65 will automatically receive a 25 per cent discount on personal registry services including drivers licenses, license plates and birth certificates. In the future, Nally said the province plans to roll out discounts on drivers medical exams and camping fees.
While Nally could not say how much the average senior will save, he said the amount each Albertan will save will vary from a few dollars to more depending on the services they are paying for. He said the province anticipates the discount will benefit more than 725,000 seniors across Alberta.
According to a Thursday news release, the discount will amount to an annual savings of $16.5 million to $20 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
“As the fastest growing age group in Alberta, many seniors rely on low-income supports to meet basic needs, afford essential supports, and age safely in their homes,” said Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon in the release. “Putting money back in their pocket will make their lives better.”
The discount will be applied to a range of personal registry services at point of sale at Alberta registry agent offices. Seniors purchasing personal registry services online through MyAlberta eServices will also be able to access the discount.
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