The 2017-2018 Provincial Budget was unveiled on March 16th and there's already some praise and criticism.

Among some of the biggest items in the budget was funding for 24 new schools and upgrades to 200 more, including three from Airdrie and two from Cochrane.

Minister of Municipal Affairs and NDP MLA Shaye Anderson says, these schools needed to move forward.

"It might sound cliche to say but 'the kids are our future'. We got to make sure that they have a place to learn that's safe and comfortable, it's a big deal for all of us."

The plan to move ahead with these schools and other projects does come with a hefty price, as Alberta is again projecting a $10 Billion deficit that could balloon to over 77 Billion in 3 years.

Anderson says the numbers are staggering, but the work needs to be done.

"You ask for things, well then how is that going to be paid for? I think one of the Government's jobs is to be a shock absorber and taking the brunt of that for everyday Albertans and make sure that we're protecting the services that they need."

Anderson points out that the Province has been in a deficit for quite some time, long before the NDP regime came in.

Read More:

Alberta Budget Promises Airdrie School

 

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