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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Premier Stelmach promises to return Alberta to surpluses in three years
In a province-wide televised address tonight, Premier Stelmach said Alberta will be back into a surplus position and saving again for the future in three years.
He also announced the return of Alberta Capital Bonds, so Albertans can lend money to the provincial treasury to finance further government spending. A list of government projects to be financed by capital bonds will be announced this fall.
The Premier outlined his government’s plan to weather the recession and position the province for a strong economic recovery. The plan includes:
1. trimming spending, including a two-year wage freeze for civil service managers - an effort in which the entire public sector will be asked to share;
2. using cash reserves - the $17-billion Sustainability Fund - to cover three-quarters of the revenue shortfall and protect key programs during the downturn;
3. continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and
4. ensuring that Alberta’s energy sector and other industries are globally competitive and continue to attract investment.
“We’re not going to give up on our long-term goals. One recession, no matter how serious, isn’t going to derail Albertans’ hopes and dreams,” Stelmach said.
He also underlined the need for improvements to the health care system based on the Vision 2020 plan for health care.
“We’ve been talking about these issues for years, yet we’ve failed to act on the improvements we know are needed to a health care system that was designed in the 1960s,” Stelmach said. “I believe our province will lead the way in improving access and delivery of public health care in Canada.”
The 17-minute program was broadcast throughout Alberta. The cost of production and airtime was $134,000.
Posted by Matthew Johnston
Posted by westernstandard on October 14, 2009 | Permalink
Comments
Don't worry, be happy. WOW! That was the most expensive pat on the head I ever got!
Three years? I'll be broke by then.
Nice suit, Ed.
Posted by: po'ed in AB | 2009-10-14 9:08:19 PM
I am in the Public Sector and I guess my raise in April 2010 is the last one for a while.
Yup we all gotta tighten our belts is the motto.
Bring on WRAP I say!!!
Posted by: Merle Terlesky | 2009-10-14 9:33:54 PM
Ed hosts TV specials about as well as he runs a provincial government.
The broadcast was so dreadful, so cringe-worthy, so lacking in style, substance, or purpose that he might have done some real damage to his party's optics -- if anybody had managed to stay awake the whole 15 minutes.
Posted by: John Collison | 2009-10-14 11:41:31 PM
Bring back Ralph Klein. At least he had the sense not to bite the hand that fed him.
Posted by: Shane Matthews | 2009-10-15 8:57:24 AM
Yup John indeed.
Posted by: Merle Terlesky | 2009-10-15 8:54:56 PM
Anyone have any idea what those bonds are paying?
Posted by: DrLiberty | 2009-10-15 9:08:30 PM
Stelmach has only 3 weeks left as premier. He will lose the leadership review.
Posted by: snowgirl | 2009-10-16 10:51:05 PM
Stelmach has already caved in to the tree huggers and the global warming bullshit. If Ralph Klein ran again he would win hands down. Stelmach is finished no matter what. He is too weak.
Posted by: peterj | 2009-10-17 12:13:38 AM
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