Budget 2015 Speech: Supporting Jobs, Supporting Families. The Alberta Way

“This government is working towards a vision of a province that is more prosperous – and whose prosperity is much more widely and fairly shared.”

Mister Speaker, let me begin by thanking the thousands of Albertans who have spoken to me about their priorities and ideas for this first budget presented by Alberta’s new government, led by Alberta’s new Premier.

The values of the people of Alberta came through loud and clear during our consultations.

We are a hopeful and optimistic people.

We are entrepreneurial and enterprising.

We are community-minded.

We care about our neighbours.

What we desire for ourselves, we wish for all.

That is the Alberta way.

And those are the values that drive this budget.

This government is working towards a vision of a province that is more prosperous – and whose prosperity is much more widely and fairly shared.

We are working towards a vision of a province with Canada’s healthiest and best-educated people.

And we are working towards a vision of a province that is the world’s most environmentally-progressive energy producer – a sustainable, diversified engine of the Canadian economy that all Canadians will be proud to support… as well as to benefit from, as we have all done for many years.

Mister Speaker, this summer Albertans told us they want their families’ health care and education to be protected, while ensuring that every public dollar is well-spent, and that the rate of growth in budgets is brought under control.

Albertans told us they want to see a plan to return to balanced budgets. Albertans know that lower oil prices mean deficits for the Government of Alberta, since we are currently so dependent on oil revenues to pay for public services. The citizens of this province want to see a plan to balance the budget within a reasonable amount of time – without reckless cutbacks that will only have to be repaired later.

And Albertans told us they want us to look for ways to diversify. Energy is going to be Alberta’s business and the heart of our economy and our economic development for many decades to come. But jobs and diversification must also be at the top of our agenda this year and every year from now on.

Albertans are well aware that the recent drop in the price of oil is presenting our province with a serious challenge.

Albertans also know that by making better decisions, we can and we will get through our current challenges to better days.

We’ll do it the Alberta way – by encouraging a vigorous and successful private sector; by building on our strengths and gifts; and by making better decisions about our future together.

We will do it while looking after each other.

While looking after our seniors.

While looking after our children.

While giving those who have hit hard times a hand up, just as neighbours have always done for each other in this province.

Read More: http://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=38745A394B4AC-E351-1902-C80B529E9A001D59

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