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Math is challenging, as Alberta politicians helpfully keep reminding each other.

But here are some figures even a math-challenged columnist can understand: Calgary businessman Jim Brown just received a 55 per cent increase in the assessment on one of his commercial properties in the city’s northeast.

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According to the city’s handy-dandy tax calculator, this should see his municipal property tax bill climb by almost two-thirds this year. He’ll have to pass the costs — an extra $1,000 a month — along to his new tenant or swallow the expense himself.

Brown is also grappling with the new Alberta carbon tax, which came into effect Jan. 1. It will drive up fuel and natural gas bills at his two companies — Starburst Car & Truck Wash Ltd. and Elite RV & Trailers Ltd. — although he’s not sure what the final tally will be yet.

In October, he saw the provincial minimum wage rise to $12.20 an hour — on its way to $15 next year — which pushed up employment expenses.