The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is urging the Alberta government to exercise caution despite an improved fiscal outlook, highlighting concerns over rising debt and upcoming government union contract negotiations.The Alberta government’s first quarter fiscal update, released Thursday, revealed a forecasted surplus of $2.9 billion, a significant increase from February's initial projection of just $367 million. However, alongside this positive development, the provincial debt is expected to reach $86.1 billion by the end of the fiscal year, an increase of $4.2 billion from the previous year.“It’s very good news to see the provincial surplus increasing, but taxpayers are concerned the debt is still going up,” said Kris Sims, Alberta Director for the CTF. She commended Premier Danielle Smith for enacting legislation to bolster the Heritage Fund but emphasized the need for the government to fulfill its promise of cutting income taxes.Despite the surplus, the government faces mounting financial pressures. Interest on the debt is projected to cost $3.2 billion this fiscal year. Additionally, government spending is now estimated at $73.2 billion, an increase of $101 million from Budget 2024.Finance Minister Nate Horner acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly with ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with thousands of public sector workers, including teachers and nurses. He reiterated the government's commitment to cutting personal income taxes to save Albertans $1.4 billion annually.“Even though this is an improved surplus, the government doesn’t have cash to spare, so it can’t be blowing the budget on big pay hikes for government unions this fall,” Sims warned. “The Alberta government needs to deliver on its promise to cut income taxes.”As Alberta’s revenue is expected to climb to $76.2 billion — $2.7 billion higher than initially estimated — the CTF is calling for fiscal prudence to ensure the province doesn’t lose ground amid rising financial obligations..This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is urging the Alberta government to exercise caution despite an improved fiscal outlook, highlighting concerns over rising debt and upcoming government union contract negotiations.The Alberta government’s first quarter fiscal update, released Thursday, revealed a forecasted surplus of $2.9 billion, a significant increase from February's initial projection of just $367 million. However, alongside this positive development, the provincial debt is expected to reach $86.1 billion by the end of the fiscal year, an increase of $4.2 billion from the previous year.“It’s very good news to see the provincial surplus increasing, but taxpayers are concerned the debt is still going up,” said Kris Sims, Alberta Director for the CTF. She commended Premier Danielle Smith for enacting legislation to bolster the Heritage Fund but emphasized the need for the government to fulfill its promise of cutting income taxes.Despite the surplus, the government faces mounting financial pressures. Interest on the debt is projected to cost $3.2 billion this fiscal year. Additionally, government spending is now estimated at $73.2 billion, an increase of $101 million from Budget 2024.Finance Minister Nate Horner acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly with ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with thousands of public sector workers, including teachers and nurses. He reiterated the government's commitment to cutting personal income taxes to save Albertans $1.4 billion annually.“Even though this is an improved surplus, the government doesn’t have cash to spare, so it can’t be blowing the budget on big pay hikes for government unions this fall,” Sims warned. “The Alberta government needs to deliver on its promise to cut income taxes.”As Alberta’s revenue is expected to climb to $76.2 billion — $2.7 billion higher than initially estimated — the CTF is calling for fiscal prudence to ensure the province doesn’t lose ground amid rising financial obligations..This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.
