ron liepert

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If, as the newly released census data indicates, you’re one of many arrivals to Alberta in the last half-decade, here’s the shortcut to understanding Alberta’s politicians: On budget day, they replay their favourite “spend-now, tax-later” 1980s tunes.

Some history: Between the fiscal years 1986 and 1994 (fiscal years end March 31), the province of Alberta ran nine consecutive deficits. That happened because for too long, politicians assumed boom-time revenues would soon return. They were mistaken.


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As Albertans ponder Premier Alison Redford’s first budget, they would be wise to ignore Finance Minister Ron Liepert’s assurance that Albertans can “[take] comfort in our fiscal situation.” A closer look at the budget reveals a dearth of prudence and no credible plan to return Alberta to a balanced budget position.