The Alberta government has opened applications for a $100 affordability payment aimed at helping residents cope with the high cost of living. Eligible Albertans can now apply online for the one-time rebate, which the province announced earlier last month as an alternative to reducing the provincial fuel tax. Premier Danielle Smith has said fuel tax cuts are not always passed on to consumers. The province estimates nearly 3.4 million Albertans qualify for the payment and has set a deadline of Sept. 30 to apply. The government formally amended its fuel tax relief regulation last week to allow for the payments. Officials say funds are expected to be deposited within two weeks of an approved application. Applications can be submitted at alberta.ca.
