The recently-announced provincial budget could become a big part of the upcoming election campaign and local candidates say they’re comfortable with that.
The budget introduced Thursday forecasts a roughly $900 million deficit in the 2012 fiscal year, before the province’s books return to positive financial territory in the years that follow.
There are no tax increases in the budget and spending will rise in a few departments. Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) payments will rise, as will eligibility for daycare subsidies.
Newly-selected PC candidate Stephen Khan was on hand Thursday for the budget reveal and he said he will be happy to run on the party’s record during the upcoming campaign.
“I thought it was a fantastic budget. I think it shows a lot of leadership and vision from our premier. It shows a lot of follow through,” he said.
Khan said he followed Premier Alison Redford’s progress in the leadership race last year and believes this province reflects what she spoke about then.
“It is very consistent to what she was talking about during that campaign about listening to Albertans and delivering on priorities for Albertans,” he said.
Alberta Party candidate Tim Osborne said the budget was what he expected.
“I think it is a pre-election budget. I don’t think there are any surprises in there,” he said.
He also gave the government credit for improving AISH payments.
“I am happy to see the AISH numbers going up, that is something that is long overdue,” he said.
Both the budget and the throne speech from earlier this week signalled the government is interested in having a broader discussion with Albertans about their fiscal future. Osborne said a discussion of that magnitude should not wait until the campaign is over. Under new election rules passed late last year, Albertans will head to the polls no later than May 31.
“It is interesting to hear that we are going to have a discussion after the provincial election. I would rather have that discussion during,” Osborne said.
If the government is intent on changing how the province spends, saves or raises revenue, voters should know before they cast ballots, he said.
“I think people should have an opportunity to debate and to decide.”
NDP candidate Nicole Bownes said she did not have any comment on the provincial budget on Friday and the Gazette was unable to reach Wildrose candidate James Burrows.
The Alberta Liberals have not yet selected a candidate in the St. Albert riding.
