Bonjour everybody, it's that time of the week where I put my thinking cap on and come up with a topic that will hopefully both engage and entertain (long shot I know). This week, I'm going to do things a little differently – sure, I'll write a column, but I'm doing so for the purpose of getting a response from as many local people as possible, so here it goes.
The provincial budget was announced over a month ago now, and still we're getting phone calls, tips and press releases here at the office from individuals and organizations that have been hit hard by the cuts. I honestly don't think I'd be exaggerating if I said I'm into double figures for stories written that involve the budget in one way or another.
So my question for you, the residents and taxpayers of Alberta: how do you feel about the provincial budget? Do you agree with the cuts that have been made? Do you think there are other places the province could have taken money from first before cutting back on such things as pharmacies, the STEP program and the farmers fuel rebate program?
I've spoken to several different people from many walks of life considering this budget and if I can be completely honest, I'm yet to find someone that is especially happy with it. Sure, when there is a deficit certain sacrifices have to be made and usually people understand and accept that, but that doesn't seem to be the case this year.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but Alberta is the wealthiest province in Canada. This is where the money is, and it's the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about moving to find work. It was certainly the first on my mind.
So how, with all the resources being extracted up here, all the investment, all the wealth, is the province running a deficit that will breach the $5 billion mark in 2015. How?
I can't begin to wrap my head around it. If the leading province in one of the leading countries in the world is running a deficit as big as that, what chance do other regions have? Or is that just naivety of the system on my behalf?
Anyway, I hope you don't take this the wrong way – this is not an attack on the provincial government. I haven't been around long enough to have formed a political opinion at this point, I just want to hear what the general reception and opinion is regarding this budget – because at the moment I've only heard the bad and somewhat unsatisfied, but surely there are people out there that can see it in another light. You know what though, even if you hate the budget, even if you're as clueless as I am as to how the province is running a deficit, get a hold of me. I want to hear from you too!
You can contact me anytime during the week and I'll write my column next week on my findings – I feel like a scientist conducting an experiment!
My phone number here at the office is 780-826-3876 ext. 112, or alternatively fire me an email at [email protected]
I‘ll do my best to respond to everyone that reaches out. Come on Bonnyville, don't be shy!
