Dear Constituents, 

A lot has taken place over the spring and summer on the political scene. First, I want to congratulate the Federal Conservatives for the majority government that was attained late this spring. This stability at the federal level in our country will be very important for investment as the global economic situation remains shaky.

Provincially of course, we now have a new Premier. Alison Redford was officially sworn in as Alberta’s 14th Premier on October 7, 2011. I was also pleased to be asked to serve as Minister of Finance in her new government.

The first order of business for both me and our government will be the preparation of a budget to be introduced early in the new year. As mentioned, the uncertainty in the world continues to put pressure on Alberta’s financial situation. Earlier this year, it appeared the province may be on the verge of balancing our budget in this current fiscal year. However, another significant downturn in the international markets and a 20 per cent drop in world energy prices now make that look very uncertain.

Meanwhile the province is committed to a six per cent funding increase for Alberta Health Services next year and a promise of a long term funding agreement for education. Soon after being elected, Premier Redford also followed through on her promise to increase funding for education in this fiscal year by $107 million. These commitments alone will likely add close to one billion dollars to our expenditures for 2012-13.

Despite those challenges our province continues to lead North America in growth. Talk in Alberta is about shortages of skilled workers and not unemployment. Driving that growth is the oil and gas sector. Industry has already broken last year’s record for land sales, adding over $3 billion to the provincial coffers. It is this commitment to sustaining our financial situation that allows Alberta citizens to continue to be the lowest taxed and receive the highest level of health and education services in the country.

Our constituency of Calgary-West continues to see tremendous growth as the LRT construction is mercifully moving toward completion. I’m pleased to be able to assist in a number of community activities such as the new West Springs elementary playground, the Rundle College artificial surface and continued community centre upgrades through lottery funds.
 

Thank you for your support and your contribution to making our province a great place to live.

Sincerely,


Ron Liepert, MLA
Calgary-West