Alberta delivers budget, predicting big surplus, no new taxes

Alberta's United Conservative government delivered its last budget Tuesday before an election expected in May. It includes a $2.4-billion surplus and more spending in health care, education and justice.

Here are some of the highlights:

— A $2.4-billion surplus based on $70.7 billion in revenues and $68.3 billion in spending (including a $1.5-billion contingency fund).

— Taxpayer-supported debt is to fall to $78.3 billion.

— New fiscal framework legislation to mandate balanced budgets and operational spending caps.

— No new taxes.

— Operational health spending to rise 4.1 per cent.

— Kindergarten to Grade 12 operating expenses increases by 5.2 per cent.

— $178 million of revenue reductions over three years to make post-secondary education more affordable for students, including reduced loan rates, extended repayment grace period and tuition increases capped at two per cent starting in fall 2024.

— Operating and capital funding to municipalities to grow to $3.4 billion from $2.5 billion.

— $10 million over two years to promote rural tourism.

— An $800 million investment over three years from the TIER fund to programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to support green technology.

— The capital plan has $23 billion over three years for a range of projects, including roads, bridges, recreational centres and schools.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 28, 2023.