Alberta budget 2009

[Frequitude]

I watched the Q&A on Shaw late last night while procrastinating sleep. It was actually pretty entertaining and interesting. I'll definitely watch more often in the future.

Specific to the budget, the most notable part I caught was some opposition member asking the Finance Minister "what is your forecast for our debt", to which she replied something along the lines of "I'd like to defer my answer until a later time". WEAK.

Other issues included farmer relief hiccups, Chronic Wasting Disease in elk, and many other Albertan issues.

[LChoy]

Alberta's 5 Priorities

1. Resourceful. Responsible - Ensure Alberta’s energy resources are developed in an environmentally sustainable way.
2.A Healthy Approach - Increase access to quality health care and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care service delivery.
3.Strong Communities - Promote strong and vibrant communities and reduce crime so Albertans feel safe.
4.Creating Opportunity - Enhance value-added activity, increase innovation, and build a skilled workforce to improve the long-run sustainability of Alberta’s economy.
5.Building Tomorrow - Provide the roads, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing economy and population.

Health's Role:

Increase access to quality health care and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care service delivery, and
Lead the following initiatives:

- Implement Vision 2020 to optimize health service delivery by increasing efficiency, improving access and guiding capital planning;
- Finalize and implement the Pharmaceutical Strategy to improve the drug approval process, establish a common Alberta drug benefit program and a more sustainable and equitable program;
- Within the Continuing Care Strategy, improve the quality of care for Albertans by offering more alternatives for long-term care;
- Continue to ensure Alberta has the health care professionals we need to meet future demand; and
- Implement a strengthened governance and accountability framework with all health providers.

Hello folks

As some of you know, I'm working at AHW so I thought I'll share some of the more health related high lights

- 2009-10 program expense includes $12.6 billion in operating support, an increase of $558 million, or 4.6 per cent from the 2008-09 forecast.
- The province is going ahead with the restructuring of the health system, and AHS got an increase of 7.7 per cent to their operating grant for a budgetof over $7.7 billion
- Vision 2020 is the action plan that the government is following to reorganize the system
- Drug strategy framework has been on burner for years now. Cancer drugs are one of the thing targetted to ensure that they are cheaper for Albertans
- Biggest thing, chiropractor services has been delisted for a savings of $53 million a year. Chiropractors knew the writing was on the wall though, so I expect their rates to jump now. Also, if anyone wanted a sex change, that has been delisted too, but at a much smaller savings of $700,000 a year. We're probably be getting some ARs about that now here at the office
- My area of Primary Care got a big boost. Especially with a centralized authority, it is now more important than ever to develop primary care services and the Primary Care networks across Alberta
- Sorry smokers, but Cigarettes will have their tax increased

[Patrick]

At the end of the day you have people making huge decisions for Alberta that are equivalent to clowns.

No grasp on balancing the budget.

[mykalberta]

I have defended this government for long enough. I refuse to defend this disgrace of governance.

Its unfortunate that there is no reasonable alternative.

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by Patrick

At the end of the day you have people making huge decisions for Alberta that are equivalent to clowns.

No grasp on balancing the budget.

What's the point of balancing the budget?

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I have defended this government for long enough. I refuse to defend this disgrace of governance.

Its unfortunate that there is no reasonable alternative.

How is this a disgrace of governance?
Seems to me they did a smart thing by building up the provinces coffers with surplus after surplus while times were good.
So now that things have slowed down instead of cutting everything back and defering a lot of projects that couldn't get done when things were too busy, they are going to run a deficit, is that such a horrible thing?

If this was a case similar to far to many governments where they pretty much project to run a deficit forever with no plan to change things then I'd agree it's a horrible thing, but at least in this case they are acknowleding that it is only temporary and they do have some projections that back this up, and show that if things don't take another left turn we should be back in the black relatively soon.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

How is this a disgrace of governance?
Seems to me they did a smart thing by building up the provinces coffers with surplus after surplus while times were good.
So now that things have slowed down instead of cutting everything back and defering a lot of projects that couldn't get done when things were too busy, they are going to run a deficit, is that such a horrible thing?

If this was a case similar to far to many governments where they pretty much project to run a deficit forever with no plan to change things then I'd agree it's a horrible thing, but at least in this case they are acknowleding that it is only temporary and they do have some projections that back this up, and show that if things don't take another left turn we should be back in the black relatively soon.

To post the biggest deficit in Alberta's history when oil is still close to $50 is a disgrace of governance. This budget is just the culmination of a number of bonehead moves.

[Thunderball]

Overwhelming ineptitude. That's all there is to it. I fail to understand how Saskatchewan can post a surplus, and yet, Alberta, with all its might, can only manage a $5 Billion deficit. Oh wait, never mind. We have a Premier content on scaring away any remaining investment dollars to satisfy his disgruntled rural socialist lunatic fringe.

The Sin Taxes are just cowardly. Nothing like a regressive tax to spur on the black market. Normally, I'd be in favor on a tobacco tax, but frankly, the taxes on booze and smokes are already rather high. What they are going to get is a real surge in black market cigarettes from the US. Alcohol is already ridiculously taxed, but its hidden, so people don't realize how much of a ream job they are getting. Right now, I'd estimate its easily a 80-100% markup from tax. However, this is the logical next step coming from Premier Temperance and his band of puritan social conservative hillbillies. Its enough to make one want to vote Liberal. God, did I actually say that?

[llama64]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

To post the biggest deficit in Alberta's history when oil is still close to $50 is a disgrace of governance. This budget is just the culmination of a number of bonehead moves.

Bonehead move #1: Alberta's insistance to vote the EXACT SAME party into office for over three decades.

Ultimately the responsiblilty lies with the voters. Don't like what you see, don't vote for them.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by llama64

Bonehead move #1: Alberta's insistance to vote the EXACT SAME party into office for over three decades.

Ultimately the responsiblilty lies with the voters. Don't like what you see, don't vote for them.

Pretty much. However, the biggest problem in Alberta's Dynastic Political System is there's no heir apparent. Stelmach is the PC's Harry Strom, but significantly less intelligent. However, neither the Liberals or WRA seem at all capable of usurping him, unlike the Aberharts and Lougheeds of yesteryear.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

To post the biggest deficit in Alberta's history when oil is still close to $50 is a disgrace of governance. This budget is just the culmination of a number of bonehead moves.

Okay, that's an interesting point, but I'd say it lacks context.
It's the biggets deficit in history, sure, but I'd love to see what it is based on % of the total economic activity, or an inflation adjusted deficit.

Also, the oil price arguement is a little odd. Sure oil is still at $50/bbl, but what about natural gas at $3.50? If anyone thinks that prices that low are actually sustainable they are definitely in the minority. Eventually they'll come up and the province will be back in the black, and who knows, maybe we'll have made it through all of this a little better off because we had a government that instead of being shortsighted and completely afraind of a deficit, actually put some thought into the best way to handle a turndown like this one.

For years, just about everyone in the province has been crying about Alberta's infrastructure deficit, and now that we have a great opportunity to do it a little cheaper, and in a way that will help sustain jobs durring a slowdown, people want the government to tighten the purse strings and stop spending?

I'll be the first to admit that Stelmach hasn't been very good for the province, but at least in this case they're doing their best to avoide knee jerk reactions and doing what may be unpopular but in the long run better off for everyone. (Oh god, I can't beleive I just defended Ed Stelmach)

[llama64]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

Overwhelming ineptitude. That's all there is to it. I fail to understand how Saskatchewan can post a surplus, and yet, Alberta, with all its might, can only manage a $5 Billion deficit. Oh wait, never mind. We have a Premier content on scaring away any remaining investment dollars to satisfy his disgruntled rural socialist lunatic fringe.

The Sin Taxes are just cowardly. Nothing like a regressive tax to spur on the black market. Normally, I'd be in favor on a tobacco tax, but frankly, the taxes on booze and smokes are already rather high. What they are going to get is a real surge in black market cigarettes from the US. Alcohol is already ridiculously taxed, but its hidden, so people don't realize how much of a ream job they are getting. Right now, I'd estimate its easily a 80-100% markup from tax. However, this is the logical next step coming from Premier Temperance and his band of puritan social conservative hillbillies. Its enough to make one want to vote Liberal. God, did I actually say that?

Why is voting Liberal such a bad thing? Other then their incompetant leader, the provincial Liberal platform is pretty decent for urban centers. Alberta has such a ridiculous tunnel vision when it comes to politics.

I personally would much rather see health conditions brought on by harmful habits recieve less publically funded care.

If people want to destroy their health with poor diet, drug abuse and other such vices, go right ahead. Just don't expect us to pay for your medical problems later on in life.

[llama64]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

Pretty much. However, the biggest problem in Alberta's Dynastic Political System is there's no heir apparent. Stelmach is the PC's Harry Strom, but significantly less intelligent. However, neither the Liberals or WRA seem at all capable of usurping him, unlike the Aberharts and Lougheeds of yesteryear.

Too true.

Liberals need to change their name -- if that occurs I could see them gaining some traction over the next couple elections.

Southern Alberta seems fed up with Stelmach, though I doubt they would be willing to change their vote just yet.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by llama64

Why is voting Liberal such a bad thing? Other then their incompetant leader, the provincial Liberal platform is pretty decent for urban centers. Alberta has such a ridiculous tunnel vision when it comes to politics.

I personally would much rather see health conditions brought on by harmful habits recieve less publically funded care.

If people want to destroy their health with poor diet, drug abuse and other such vices, go right ahead. Just don't expect us to pay for your medical problems later on in life.

I think the Alberta Liberals just don't do themselves any favors. Despite their agenda seeming pretty moderate, they tend to come off very left. During the Leadership Debate, Taft took his one chance at the big seat, and lowered himself into a socialist contest with Mason to see who could tax and spend Alberta into oblivion quicker. What the Liberals were crying for was a leader who is a social moderate, but a fiscal conservative. Dr. Swann was the wrong direction, and that puts significant doubt as to whether or not they would be an upgrade.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, what Alberta needs is a combination of the WRA and the Liberals. Fiscally conservative enough to not tamper in the economy every chance they get, but with enough of a socially liberal lean to muzzle the disenchanted social conservative relics and come up with a nice balance.

I agree with the sentiment that people who bring on their illnesses with poor lifestyle choices should get less coverage... but its impossible to enforce without completely revamping the system into something more resembling insurance. As well, there's the fact that people who lead active and healthy lifestyles costing more in the long run (longer life expectancy, more injury-related treatment, etc.).

I just hate that the only solution to these people is a tax hike. Its cowardly and ineffective when dealing with addictive substances like tobacco. Ramping up the cost of a case of beer is also totally ineffective. Alcoholics will pay that extra 75c and cause the same problems, if not exacerbated by their diminished funds. The rest of us normal drinkers are just getting yet another slap in the face. Tax me harder, I'm Canadian!

[transplant99]

Bonehead move #1: Alberta's insistance to vote the EXACT SAME party into office for over three decades

Nothing to do with the "party" itself...everything to do with those in charge. This bunch is so far from conservative its embarrassing.

Klein was terrific for a majority of his time...but ever since it appears things are "the inmates running the asylum" style decision making.

Stelmach is horribly over his head.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

If this was a case similar to far to many governments where they pretty much project to run a deficit forever with no plan to change things then I'd agree it's a horrible thing, but at least in this case they are acknowleding that it is only temporary and they do have some projections that back this up, and show that if things don't take another left turn we should be back in the black relatively soon.

My issue is I don't belive that.

We plan a surplus as long as oil stays above... $70? ...and don't want to build more hospitals or roads, don't face new spending demands etc.

Suddenly a populace and government thats shown no restraint for 10 years will get a fiscal conscience? I don't buy it.

[Shazam]

In regards to NG prices, I don't see a recovery happening. There's a massive glut of supply resulting from NG shale extraction finally being truly realized in the US. They have massive reserves down there.

Also, NG isn't truly fungible, nor truly a commodity.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by Shazam

In regards to NG prices, I don't see a recovery happening. There's a massive glut of supply resulting from NG shale extraction finally being truly realized in the US. They have massive reserves down there.

Also, NG isn't truly fungible, nor truly a commodity.

NG is tied strongly to the Oilsands, since I believe most companies use Natural Gas for their extraction process. Therefore, once Oil gets to a point where the Oilsands are profitable, the supply glut will be eaten up pretty quick.

[LChoy]

It was a conservative "wait and see" budget imo
Alberta should be praying for a bad hurricane season as that will bring the price up for oil again

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

NG is tied strongly to the Oilsands, since I believe most companies use Natural Gas for their extraction process. Therefore, once Oil gets to a point where the Oilsands are profitable, the supply glut will be eaten up pretty quick.

Enough to make NG $11/GJ again?