Close X
Monday, December 16, 2024
ADVT 
National

Rachel Notley Looking For $1Billion In Infrastructure Money, Employment Insurance Changes In Federal

The Canadian Press, 19 Mar, 2016 02:06 PM
    CALGARY — Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says she is looking for at least $1 billion in infrastructure funding for her province in next week's federal budget.
     
    She says she is also looking for changes to employment insurance for laid off workers that carry pretty large price tags.
     
    Notley made the comments after being asked about Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall's demand for $570 million in new money from Ottawa.
     
    Wall, who is in the middle of a provincial election campaign, argues that's the amount his province will pay into equalization this year.
     
    Notley's government has already indicated it will be dealing with a spending deficit that could be as high as $10 billion when it tables its budget next month.
     
    Thousands of workers whose jobs depend on the energy industry have been laid off due to a downturn in oil prices.
     
    "That's what drives our ask — supporting families and creating jobs," Notley said Friday.
     
     
    "Those are the first items that we have identified, because those are focused on immediately supporting families who have lost their jobs and immediately supporting the ability to create new jobs through infrastructure."
     
    Finance Minister Joe Ceci said a recent uptick in oil prices to around US$40 a barrel has him sleeping a little easier at night.
     
    He said the government is "cautiously optimistic" that oil will find a higher level soon. 
     
    "That will be a significant help to our debt and deficit situation going forward."
     
    Notley said no one should be surprised by the budget when it comes out April 14.
     
    She said the government is aiming to hold spending increases at the rate of inflation plus growth in population.
     
    "That would, in and of itself, be a change from what we have seen in the past," Notley said. "I believe we will be very close to that target."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Homeless And Their Advocates Expect Help, Solutions In Federal Budget

    Homeless And Their Advocates Expect Help, Solutions In Federal Budget
    The fading hardwood floor of the old church, littered with pigeon feathers and dried bird droppings, creaks with every step. Below it, in the basement, is where Vince Maratt and five other tenants call home.

    Homeless And Their Advocates Expect Help, Solutions In Federal Budget

    Saskatchewan Premier Wants $570m From Ottawa In Federal Budget

    REGINA — Premier Brad Wall says Saskatchewan has put money into a federal program to help other provinces and now it's time to get some payback.

    Saskatchewan Premier Wants $570m From Ottawa In Federal Budget

    B.C. Real Estate Advisory Group Looking Into Predatory Sales Practices

    B.C. Real Estate Advisory Group Looking Into Predatory Sales Practices
    Terms of reference for the group, chaired by Superintendent of Real Estate Carolyn Rogers, were released Tuesday.

    B.C. Real Estate Advisory Group Looking Into Predatory Sales Practices

    Ancient Forest With Some Of The Largest Cedar Trees In B.C. Will Be Class A Park

    Ancient Forest With Some Of The Largest Cedar Trees In B.C. Will Be Class A Park
    A unique rainforest comprised of some of the largest cedar trees in British Columbia is set to become a provincial park.

    Ancient Forest With Some Of The Largest Cedar Trees In B.C. Will Be Class A Park

    DND Still Conducting Full Security Review 18 Months After ISIL-inspired Attacks

    DND Still Conducting Full Security Review 18 Months After  ISIL-inspired Attacks
    The wounding of two uniformed soldiers in north Toronto this week is the second violent incident to take place at a military centre.

    DND Still Conducting Full Security Review 18 Months After ISIL-inspired Attacks

    Sizing Up The Federal Deficit: Experts Ponder How Deep Ottawa Should Go

    Sizing Up The Federal Deficit: Experts Ponder How Deep Ottawa Should Go
    The Liberal government has acknowledged the deficit could rise above $20 billion as it fulfills election vows and introduces economy-boosting measures, such as infrastructure spending.

    Sizing Up The Federal Deficit: Experts Ponder How Deep Ottawa Should Go