Continuing its efforts to engage Albertans in major decisions the Alberta Government is holding a series of open houses to discuss the next provincial budget.
“Developing a sound budget means reaching out to Albertans and finding out what is important to them and their families. Last year it was savings and infrastructure. Now we want to build on those priorities. We want to learn how Albertans think the province’s savings should be used and explore more options to finance public infrastructure” said Finance Minister Doug Horner in an October 1 press release.
Between October 9 to 18 there will be 11 sessions each taking place in a different Alberta community. Horner will attend each session.
Unlike the somewhat controversial by-invitation-only budget open houses the government held in 2012 these events are genuinely open to the public. Calgary’s open house is Wednesday October 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Greenwood Inn & Suites.
An online survey is also available on the Alberta government website until October 31 ( alberta.ca/Budget-Take-Part.cfm ). The eight-part survey asks participants to list their spending priorities for the 2014 budget.
