RMA has raised concerns and questions regarding government’s revised TAMP methodology and is seeking member input ahead of discussions with Alberta Municipal Affairs
Earlier this year, the Property Tax Accountability Strategy (PTAS) process concluded with the release of a final report containing 16 recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability for unpaid oil and gas property taxes, mitigating municipal impacts, and improving coordination between municipalities, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), and the Government of Alberta (GOA).
Following the release of the report, RMA called on government to establish a clear implementation plan and engagement process to guide the consideration and adoption of the PTAS recommendations. In May 2026, RMA provided the GOA with Property Tax Accountability Strategy: RMA’s Priorities and Expectations for Government Action, which outlines RMA’s expectations for how the province should advance implementation of the PTAS recommendations.
Revised TAMP Methodology Released
Shortly after the PTAS Final Report was released, the GOA announced that it would pause Tax Arrears Monitoring Program (TAMP) reporting and develop a revised methodology.
Historically, TAMP has served as the mechanism through which municipal tax arrears information is collected and shared with the AER for the purpose of enforcing Ministerial Order 096/2024. The Ministerial Order prohibits the AER from approving licence transfers where a company has more than $20,000 in municipal tax arrears.
In July, Municipal Affairs distributed a revised TAMP reporting template and fact sheet to municipalities which outlines the new methodology. RMA was not involved in the development of the revised approach and was provided less than one week to provide feedback before materials were distributed.
Outstanding Questions
RMA has identified several outstanding questions regarding the revised methodology, including its intended purpose, desired outcomes, and how it relates to the PTAS Final Report and recommendations.
RMA’s understanding is that the PTAS Final Report remains under consideration by Cabinet and that the recommendations have not been formally endorsed or implemented. As a result, the relationship between the revised TAMP methodology and PTAS implementation process remains unclear.
RMA is seeking greater clarity from government regarding:
- The purpose and objectives of the revised methodology;
- How the revised approach aligns with or supports PTAS recommendations;
- Whether the revised methodology reflects future policy direction related to PTAS implementation; and
- How municipalities will be engaged on future changes to tax arrears reporting and accountability mechanisms.
Next Steps
RMA has requested a meeting with Municipal Affairs to discuss the revised methodology and associated concerns. Municipal Affairs has indicated its willingness to meet with RMA later this month, with a meeting date currently being finalized.
To support those discussions, RMA is seeking feedback from members on the revised TAMP reporting approach. Members who have identified concerns, implementation challenges, questions, or potential impacts arising from the revised methodology are encouraged to contact RMA’s Policy and Advocacy team. Member feedback will play an important role in informing RMA’s discussions with government and future advocacy related to PTAS implementation.
For more information, contact RMA’s Policy and Advocacy Team at advocacy@rmalberta.com or 825.319.2383.