And Alberta! Don’t forget about Alberta!
June 13, 2007 · By Aaron Unruh
According to federal figures, if the cap was removed, Nova Scotia’s fiscal capacity in 2008-09 would reach $6,841 per capita, about $60 higher than Ontario…
Despite having the highest debt per capita in the country, neither Nova Scotia nor Newfoundland and Labrador can expect the taxpayers of Ontario to keep shovelling cash eastward to provinces that are bringing in more revenue per head than their own government.
Alberta contributes significantly more per capita to the equalization kitty than Ontario does. Why should Albertans be financing the debts of reckless Maritime governments after we endured our own deficit reduction program in the 90s?
Once again, the solution is obvious.
Is Alberta testing out a form of direct democracy?
News Release
Governing with integrity and transparency
June 13, 2007
Government wants to hear from you on Alberta’s budget
Edmonton… Albertans are being asked to help the government determine the direction for Alberta over the next few years through a pre-budget consultation questionnaire.
“Whether you are preparing a household budget or the provincial budget, it is all about choices,” said Finance Minister Dr. Lyle Oberg. “Just as homeowners must balance income with expenses, purchases and savings, government initiatives must be affordable and sustainable. The responses from Albertans will assist us in balancing priorities for the three-year plan to be outlined in Budget 2008.”
Alberta’s strong economy presents both opportunities and challenges. While employment and business growth are high, costs are increasing, particularly in the construction sector. Rapid population and economic growth also increase the demand for services and infrastructure.
The web-based questionnaire, at http://www.budgetconsultation.alberta.ca, asks Albertans to indicate how they would allocate funds within the budget. It also asks Albertans to:
rate their priority for increased spending, lower taxes and saving for the future; and
choose what to do with any surpluses the government may receive in coming years.
The questionnaire provides information on various challenges and opportunities facing Alberta in the coming years. The questionnaire also gives respondents an opportunity to provide their own ideas.
“We receive input throughout the year from different groups and individual Albertans on the direction the government should take,” said Oberg. “This questionnaire is one more tool to help us make those decisions.”
Albertans have until August 31 to respond through the consultation website at: http://www.budgetconsultation.alberta.ca, or by calling 310-4455 and requesting a copy be mailed to them. Results of the consultation will be used to help build the province’s three-year fiscal plan.
Consulting with Albertans on the budget is a key part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to govern with integrity and transparency. Other priorities for the government are to build a stronger Alberta, manage growth pressures, improve Albertans’ quality of life, and provide safe and secure communities.
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Editor’s Note: Questionnaire attached
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Jay O’Neill, Director
Alberta Finance Communications
(780) 427-5364
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
This news release is available on the Alberta Finance homepage at: http://www.finance.gov.ab.ca
I would like to see stable long term funding for Alberta’s major cities who have to deal with the effects of the oil boom.
Also more affordable housing for lower income earners, how about the Gov’t sponsoring row housing projects? (Private builders will not do this)
As a senior , I would like higher thresholds for receiving benefits; particularly help with dental bills which are exhorbitant.