Alberta’s rural municipalities say some energy companies are still failing to pay millions of dollars in taxes.

A survey from Rural Municipalities of Alberta says oil and gas producers missed $43 million in payments last year.

The association says that brings the total amount owing to nearly $252 million.

That’s a slight decrease from last year.

But Rural Municipalities of Alberta president Paul McLauchlin says the fact some companies are still not paying shows the problem isn’t going away.

He says the Alberta Energy Regulator has to hold some companies accountable for poor business decisions, high risks and a lack of concern for the public interest.

The regulator says rule changes have allowed it to enforce tax payment in some cases and that tax enforcement remains the responsibility of municipalities.

McLauchlin says the impact of those changes has been minimal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 28, 2024

The Canadian Press