Red Deer man burns $100 in frustration over challenges applying for Energy Rebate

@rdnewsnow One #RedDeer man took his protest against the Alberta Energy Rebate to the streets this week, and rdnewsNOW was there. Full story, including gov’t response, is at rdnewsNOW.com. #ableg #abpoli ♬ original sound – rdnewsNOW

“The whole program is filled with bogus, difficult, problematic information, [and] I’m upset. I don’t usually get upset, but I am, so in protest, I’m going to burn, totally waste $100,” he conceded.

“I’m hoping people will react and say, ‘What on Earth are you doing?’ ‘What is this all about?’ [I ask] have you applied for the money and found out how difficult it is? I’ll shut up and just burn the money.”

Mackenzie did burn the money, and was asked next why he didn’t choose, given his strong feelings about it, to protest in some more positive manner.

Perhaps by giving the money to a charity that could really use it, or a person experiencing homelessness, it was suggested.

“I’d say that’s an excellent idea, and I’m glad that people’s hearts are into giving it to the food bank, giving it to the Lending Cupboard, or to so many worthwhile causes. But too many Albertans have been inundated with all of these goofy programs that they just don’t care anymore,” he continued, clarifying that the $100 he just burned wasn’t what he’d received from the Energy Rebate.

“I have tried to get this $100 back from our government. I went to the website. It was difficult. I had to give my driver’s license information. I was going to have to give my banking information, so I went to the list and Servus Credit Union was not there. Servus and [the amalgamated] Connect First have 600,000 Albertans as members, and are not on the list. Is this the kind of forethought that our government has given to this program, or is it all just smoke and mirrors, and they’re trying to make some fancy political statement?”

It’s “very sad,” added Mackenzie, who explained he’s spent lots of time volunteering at local non-profits.

Mackenzie’s friend Peter Swales watched on as the polymer note’s smoky tendrils drifted upward at Ross Street and Gaetz Avenue.

Swales said he was there to support Mackenzie’s message, and understands the potential shock value, but didn’t really agree with toasting the hundo.

“One of my biggest concerns is how those who could really benefit from that $100 are going to get it. My understanding is you can only get it if you have a bank account,” he said, alluding primarily to people experiencing homelessness.

“The other sad thing is I feel she decided we’re not worth that 13 per cent she promised to give in a tax break on gas. All of a sudden, Albertans aren’t worth that 13 per cent, but how hard would it have been to put it on for a time? The $100, it’s nice, but it’s a long way from ‘Ralph Bucks’ which actually made a difference.”

Swales said it’s sad that it comes to people doing what Mackenzie did.

“I’m on the side of donating that to a worthy cause; but today I got to stand with my buddy, and to hear him say he believes that’s his worthy cause, then [let him] do it.”

Mackenzie’s final complaint is that by the time the dollars spent implementing the rebate, plus advertising it, are taken into account, Albertans will really be in the green less than $100 each.

In a June 17 news conference, Premier Danielle Smith explained the government’s perspective on how this is doing one better than eliminating the gas tax.

“The thing to keep in mind is that the average Albertan uses 200 litres of gas a year, so they would’ve paid, on average, $65 in taxes over the past quarter. This is going to be a $100 rebate, and so it’s $35 more than what they would’ve got with the fuel tax program,” she stated.

“We have legislation in place to give a rebate equivalent to what the fuel tax would be, which is about $ 350 million. We wanted to make sure it would be a meaningful amount and go to as many people as possible, and that’s why we have a limit for those making under $225,000.”

The Ministry of Treasury Board and Finance shared with rdnewsNOW Thursday that as of July 15, 783,000 Albertans have successfully applied for the money, with around 325,000 having received it already.

That ministry notes applications will remain open until Sept. 30, and that if you begin the application, it is supposed to save your progress to return to later.

“Albertans’ privacy remains a top priority, and Alberta’s government built the Verified Account with personal privacy and security in mind. Account information is protected using both server authentication and data encryption, ensuring that it is safe, secure and private,” says Jonathan Gauthier, press secretary, Ministry of Technology and Innovation.

“Bank verification through Interac is available to any Canadian bank that chooses to participate. Not all banks currently choose to offer this service to their customers; anyone whose bank does not participate can use Document Verification instead. These steps protect Albertans — confirming that each payment reaches the right person. Our safeguards are working, and we have blocked about 35,000 requests matching known threat indicators between July 1 and July 9 alone. The extra steps add a little time, but it’s a fair trade for keeping public money out of the wrong hands.”

As for those Albertans who have limited access to a computer or may need help signing up for a verified account, the ministry encourages them to ask a trusted friend or family member for help.

“[They can also] visit a local public library for computer access, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre for computer access and on-site assistance in applying,” notes Juliana Rodriguez, press secretary, Treasury Board and Finance.

“Alberta’s Navigation Centres are also available to connect those experiencing homelessness to services that best meet their support and care needs, with on-site supports and referrals for vulnerable individuals. That includes connections to shelter, housing, financial services, Indigenous cultural supports, mental health and addiction supports, and access to Alberta ID and income tax support.”

They add that Albertans receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit and those enrolled in Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) – including AISH clients transitioned to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) – and Income Support as of July 1, 2026, were automatically enrolled to receive their rebate. No application was required.

A news release from the Alberta NDP on Thursday described the rebate program as a “total failure,” and they claimed 20,000 Albertans have “given up and walked away.”

This week, rdnewsNOW heard anecdotally from two other people, who requested anonymity, that they’d either given up because they needed their spouse’s information to complete their own application, or that they didn’t trust the system with their banking information.

“The ’Dani Dimes’ scheme is a total mess. Albertans are abandoning applications while the premier has admitted to at least 35,000 fraudulent claims,” said Court Ellingson, Alberta NDP Shadow Minister for Finance.

“For months, we’ve been calling on the UCP government to simply cancel the provincial gas tax while prices are high and give Albertans immediate relief at the pump.”

Party leader Naheed Nenshi added that for many people, driving isn’t optional.

“Danielle Smith is forcing Albertans to do more work, and jump through government hoops, just to get $100,” Nenshi remarked.

“The Alberta NDP is focused on practical solutions that will save an average family $350 a year at the pumps. We are also offering long-term solutions to actually lower costs for families.”

Albertans can apply for the rebate here.

by Josh Hall

Red Deer man burns $100 in frustration over challenges applying for Energy Rebate

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