LAKELAND - Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr believes the 2024 provincial budget strikes a balance between fiscal responsibility and meeting the needs of Albertans.
The budget, which was released on Feb. 29, presents three more years of balanced budgets, starting with a forecasted surplus of $267 million in 2024-25.
Cyr said this year’s budget addresses the challenge of paying down debt accrued by the previous NDP government, while significantly investing in vital infrastructure.
The Lakeland area MLA explained that the budget spans several key areas, adding that significant investments will be made in healthcare, education, affordable housing, and public safety.
“One of my favourite highlights in the budget, and one I think many Lakeland residents will appreciate, is the allocation of $20 million to advance the plans for a new stand-alone Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton,” Cyr told Lakeland This Week. “The impact of a new hospital will extend beyond Edmonton, benefiting innumerable families in Lakeland who have or do rely on the hospital’s critical services.”
In addition to this investment in healthcare there will be $1 billion set aside to transform the province’s continuing care system. Furthermore, $475 million is going to support the continued implementation of the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System Initiative, including $200 million over two years to improve access to family physicians.
Other healthcare funding includes $10 million for primary health initiatives in Indigenous communities, along with $15 million to further develop a compensation model for nurse practitioners.
In the area of education, Cyr said there will be a $1.9 billion investment for new and modernized schools, which he says emphasizes support for vulnerable students.
“Affordable housing is bolstered with $717 million in capital grants, aiming to construct new units within our constituency,” he stated. “For public safety, the budget increases funding for emergency services, flood and drought mitigation, and wildfire response, highlighting our commitment to community safety and security.”
Another notable aspect of the budget, he says, is the restoration of Alberta’s Heritage Fund, which aims to stabilize Alberta's economy by reducing reliance on resource revenue.
When asked about the effect the budget will have on the Lakeland region, Cyr stated that it not only lays the foundation for a prosperous Lakeland but also addresses past concerns about capital investment and demonstrates a commitment to the area’s development.
This will include a $13 million investment that will be spread across the constituency, marking a substantial increase in funding for critical infrastructure projects. Specifically, he said, the budget allocates funds to go toward various projects such as the Cold Lake Regional Utility Services Phase 4 Upgrade, the Cold Lake Wastewater Treatment Facility, 50th Avenue curb and gutter improvements in Bonnyville, and several other projects totaling over $13 million.
Additionally, another $3.25 million is dedicated to advancing key highway projects, including the improvement of Highway 28 and other vital transportation infrastructure.
This investment strategy, he said, underscores the current government’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure in the Lakeland.
“The focus on both immediate projects and long-term planning, especially for Highway 28, reflects our commitment to addressing local needs and concerns,” he said. “Budget 2024 is more than just a financial plan - it’s a commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the Lakeland area.”
