This week, students from across Canada returned to classrooms. But with the cost of living still so high, many parents are likely feeling a pinch in their pocketbooks. But parents in Alberta, however, are finding a little more money left in their bank accounts when compared to their provincial neighbours.

A new report from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation shows how provincewide, parents have saved about $18 million total (or about $50 each) when it comes to supplies for the new school year because of the lack of a provincial sales tax.

Kris Sims, the report's author, joined The Gunn Show on Wednesday to dive into the details.

After Sheila pointed out how $50 may seem small but can really matter, Kris pointed out how that could be used for a couple of backpacks, a pair of new winter boots. Families struggling to pay the bills, Kris said, was a big reason for her desire to raise awareness about the benefits of Alberta's lack of a provincial sales tax: 

If you start thinking about this as a family, and you start adding all of that up on the PST on pretty much everything except fresh food. It's an outrageous burden on families, and it's when times come around — things like Christmas shopping, things like back to school, holidays — that's when it really shows for that price tag.

I really wanted to highlight the difference that we pay here in Alberta — it is a real Alberta advantage — and also highlight how unfair this is in other provinces.