Alberta Budget Forecasts $367 Million Surplus, Increases Health and Education Spending

Alberta’s 2024-25 budget tabled on Feb. 29 is forecasting a surplus of $367 million, while increasing spending in health, education, and reserves for dealing with natural disasters. President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner announced a budget that increases spending by 4.4 percent in both health care and education. It also increases funding to deal with contingencies like wildfires and drought in the coming year. At the same time, it allocates about $3.2 billion to pay down the province’s $78.4 billion in debt. “Budget 2024 is maintaining Alberta’s competitive advantage, boosting jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening our position as the nation’s economic engine,” Mr. Horner said at a news conference....