Edmonton - Alberta's finance minister is pleased that the federal budget is mirroring the provincial one by investing in infrastructure while holding the line on day-to-day spending.
Doug Horner says while Ottawa, like Alberta, is feeling the sting of lower oil revenues, he is heartened that the feds have resisted hiking taxes or introducing new levies.
“It's a strong reminder that all jurisdictions need to work together to insure market access for our energy resources to the benefit of all Canadians.”
He says despite the downturn, it's good to see the feds will extend the Building Canada program for another decade.
“The federal budget model affirms Alberta's approach to living within our means and that includes holding the line on spending. But at the same time, like Alberta, they're continuing to invest in infrastructure,” Horner said Thursday.
The program cost shares with provinces and municipalities for crucial infrastructure.
Horner says it's needed in Alberta, given the population is growing by 100,000 a year.
“This will be of great benefit to municipalities, especially Alberta's fast-growing communities.”
In the Alberta budget on March 7, 2013, Horner announced the province will borrow more than $4 billion this year to pay for roads, hospitals, and schools.