I would just explain that what I face in our municipality is related to taxation. We have two streams of revenue: one is user fees, the other is property taxation. Independent of output or the levels of profitability for these oil sands companies, we can only assess the value of the project. Projects are not valuable until they are producing. We have a time lag between when they are producing and when the infrastructure is required.
When we look at our Municipal Government Act and what we're entitled to do, machinery and equipment is the bulk of industry-type assessment. What happens in our region--despite the amalgamation, which is a very positive move and we're glad it happened--is that I can't distinguish between Mr. Allen's businesses versus industry. If I escalate tax rates, I will potentially harm the small businesses, to the point of unsustainability. As much as I would love to be able to acquire more from the major cause of our growth and development, I am restricted by the effect I'll have on other businesses in the region. That's one of my hindrances; it's not one of the principles our government is based on.
We have made application to the provincial government to change that in the Municipal Government Act. They're going to give it consideration the next time they do a major restructuring.