Dear Editor;
In an interview at the First Minister Conference in Ottawa on Jan. 15, Premier Stelmach warned Albertans we may face Klein era-like cuts in our budget and services.
While very few Albertans cannot see financial hard times closing in on us, I have to wonder what Mr. Stelmach is pondering. Is he thinking about reducing costs in education? Our schools are already in desperate shape, not yet fixed up after the Klein cuts. Is the premier thinking about closing more rural hospitals? Is he thinking about reduced policing? Social services? Highways?
Hard times certainly look like they are on the way. Many Albertans are going to be thrown into desperate straights. As petroleum prices continue to fall, Alberta’s coffers will empty further. As Albertans lose jobs, the government will lose its tax base. There is no arguing with Mr. Stelmach’s concerns. But does anyone want to bet whether the MLA salary increase from last year (34 per cent) will feel the axe? Does anyone else want to bet the government will tighten up on the petroleum companies to pay a fair percentage price for oil and gas... or will it ease up on the royalty rate to make it easier for the oil companies to operate in these tough times.
A cut back in their own salaries (let’s say 30 per cent or so) and no special deals for oil companies--who have profited so handsomely in the good times--would go a long way to convincing Albertans that we are all in this together. What do you say, Mr. Stelmach?
William Munsey
New Sarepta, Alta.