During the month of October, the Ministry of Finance has been consulting the public – in person and through an online survey – about priorities for the 2013 provincial budget. A ministry spokesperson says, so far, the results indicate that spending on health and education is more important to Albertans than balancing the budget.
The findings come from open houses held in nine Alberta communities between October 4-13 and the results of the online survey, called “Dollars and Sense.” Finance Minister Doug Horner and Associate Minister of Finance Kyle Fawcett attended the open houses in Calgary, Drumheller, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Bonnyville, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray and Edmonton.
Robyn Cochrane, the Communications Director for the Ministry, tells Global News the open houses in Edmonton and Calgary saw the highest turnout, with about 60 people each.
People attending the sessions were asked a series of questions to help the province understand Albertans’ priorities for the 2013 budget. The online survey asked similar questions; asking respondents to rank the following priorities in order of importance: balancing the budget, spending on core areas (health and education), keeping taxes low, and saving for the future.
Cochrane says the results indicate Albertans’ top priorities are health and education. She says while balancing the budget is a priority; it’s not the first priority.
“It’s important, but not as important as health and education,” she says.
Cochrane adds the results are consistent with prior surveys asking Albertans to share their spending priorities.
This year, instead of surveying a group of invited guests, the province opened up the consultations to all Albertans.
Cochrane estimates around 6,000 people have taken the online budget survey. She said the results of the both the online consultation and the open houses will be included in a “What We Heard” report that will be completed in time for the 2013 budget discussions. The province will also consider feedback from financial and business experts.
Fawcett told Global News the findings will go to an all-party committee and any changes made in light of the report will be evident in next year’s budget.
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