Just when we thought spending couldn't get any worse - Alberta's Red Tory Budget
- 17% hike in program spending
- 37% increase in capital spending
- Virtually no tax breaks for Albertans
"The government is suggesting this is the 'price of prosperity' and they are merely 'managing our growth' with a 17 per cent increase in spending, but with the growth of the economy at less than 7 per cent, it's clear this government has an addiction to spending," said CTF-Alberta director Scott Hennig.
"Even before this irresponsible spending spree, six in ten Albertans wanted to see the government introduce a legislated cap on spending - that number undoubtedly will grow after today," said Hennig.
The 2007 budget contained little in the way of tax relief with only two small targeted tax reductions for university students and for those who donate money to charity. The total tax savings though were off-set by increases to other taxes.
"It's unfortunate this government is taking a page out of the book of the new Conservative government in Ottawa by using boutique tax cuts instead of broad-based relief," stated Hennig.
"With spending increasing by $4,400 per Alberta family (of four), it is ridiculous this government is saying they can't afford to eliminate the $1,056 per family health care premium," concluded Hennig.
In March 2006 the CTF made 15 recommendations for the 2007-08 provincial budget, only one of which was accepted and acted upon in Budget 2007 - agreeing not to increase program spending in-year.
Copies of the CTF's pre-budget report, "Steadying the House of Cards," can be found on-line at:
Steadying the House of Cards or by contacting the Alberta office at 1-800-661-0187.