Alberta needs new deficit slayer
Posted Apr 18, 2011 11:52 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein and Former Alberta Treasurer Jim Dinning are being honoured Monday for how they balanced the province’s books back in the 90’s.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation will recognize the pair during a special fundraising dinner at the Fairmont Pallliser Hotel.
A local economist hopes another deficit slayer is waiting in the wings.
Dr. Frank Atkins tells 660 News spending in the province is out of control.
Atkins says a simple check of the books shows Alberta is spending about $8 billion dollars more a year than it can afford.
That figure is based economic growth tied to population and inflation increases from the last time the goverment was in the black.
Dr. Atkins says the only party in the province sounding the spending alarm is the Wildrose Alliance.
He fears the important issue of reining in goverment spending will be swept under the rug as the Tories choose a successor for outgoing Premier Ed Stelmach.
