‘Still very early:’ Alberta economy improving, but no change to $10.8B deficit
EDMONTON — A rebounding oil sector is delivering an extra $1.5 million to the Alberta government this year, but Finance Minister Joe Ceci says that money — and more — has already been spent and the deficit will remain at $10.8 billion.
Critics say no matter whether times are good or bad Premier Rachel Notley’s government lacks the will and the fibre to make hard decisions needed to balance the books.
“We’re still very early in the recovery phase. Alberta families are worried about the basics and the government is focused on basics,” Ceci said Thursday as he released the third-quarter update for 2016-17.
“We’re here to make life better for Alberta families.”