Over these recent years, many constituents have shared personal and professional difficulties they have experienced while living with the impacts of a severe economic downturn.
Budget 2019 is in response to our government’s platform commitments following extensive consultations with Albertans and advice from the McKinnon Panel.
This provincial budget is built on three themes: getting Albertans back to work, making life better for Albertans and standing up for Albertans.
Budget 2019 delivers on our mandate of creating jobs and growing the economy. Our government’s budget plan includes supports to spur our economy while promoting investment and helping businesses to succeed. It lays the foundation for sustainable economic growth and creates favorable conditions for long term economic prosperity.
I have heard from many constituents that they favor Alberta living within our means while protecting the essential role provided by front line services. Currently, Alberta is spending more dollars per person on public services than comparable provinces without achieving better results. While maintaining or increasing support for core social services, this budget will identify and reduce unnecessary, inefficient and wasteful spending. Current funding to education will be maintained and allocations for enrollment growth of 2.2% have been included. A new framework that supports parents’ choice and school system needs has been introduced.
Budget 2019 is part of an overall strategy to bring the province’s finances back to balance. We are setting a path for a more sustainable future. Presently, interest payments on the debt consume 3.5% ($5 million a day) of the provincial budget. Our plan includes moderate targeted spending reductions of 2.8% over 4 years to eliminate Alberta’s deficit while protecting core services. A balanced budget will be achieved by 2022/23. Once the budget is balanced, we can pay down Alberta’s debt.
As Albertans, we want our province to be treated fairly and respectfully. Through the implementation of the Canadian Energy Centre, our government will combat misinformation and promote Alberta’s clean energy and responsible practices. We continue to stand up to the federal government to fight for our energy sector and pipelines so that we can get our ethically produced products to market.
These decisions our government has made will be challenging for Albertans. We strive to preserve the opportunities for future generations that we Albertans have experienced and enjoyed for so long.
I wish you a very ’Merry Christmas.’ It is my hope that you will enjoy special times with family and friends during this holiday season.
Community Announcement: John Costello School is building an accessible playground at their school. More information can be obtained at the Parks Foundation website under School Park Projects.
