Budget 2006 — Strengthening Today, Securing Tomorrow

In Budget 2006, the Alberta government produces its 13th consecutive balanced budget, which will continue to address infrastructure needs and improve services for Albertans while lowering taxes and increasing savings.

Highlights include:

• $4.1 billion surplus forecast: allocated mainly to savings, the Sustainability Fund, and capital investment
• 16 per cent increase in operating funding for post-secondary education
• Additional $127 million in annual funding for continuing care initiatives by 2008-09
• Three-year Capital Plan allocates $13.3 billion for infrastructure, an increase of 45 per cent
• Funding increase for AISH, seniors assistance and services for children
• 80 new RCMP positions, more prosecutors, establishment of organized crime surveillance team

Surplus

The projected surplus of $4.1 billion in 2006-07 will be primarily allocated to savings and paying for capital.

This includes a total of $1.9 billion that will be invested in

• the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
• endowment funds
• the Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund.

The Sustainability Fund will be increased by $325 million, providing added protection against sudden declines in energy revenues and costs of emergencies and disasters.

Another $813 million will be allocated for capital investment.