April 2022 MLA Report – Calgary Currie – Nicholas Milliken

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Calgary Currie

Dear Neighbours,

I would like to wish you all a happy spring. Just as there is warmer weather on the way, we also have a lot to look forward to in the latest provincial budget.

Budget 2022 presents a balanced budget. Alberta has not seen a balanced budget since 2014. Budget 2022 keeps taxes low and increases spending on health, education, postsecondary education, children’s services, and social services. Alberta has seen revenue growth across the entire economy as a direct result of the government’s pursuit of pro-growth, open-for-business policies, and economic diversification.

Healthcare is a major focus of Budget 2022. Following the challenges presented by the pandemic, government is committing a total of $3.5 billion for health facilities, equipment, and IT systems to expand health-care capacity for Albertans no matter where they live and create thousands of good-paying jobs. This includes $133 million over three years to upgrade and expand hospital operating rooms and departments as a part of our commitment to providing every Albertan the surgery they need. In Calgary, we’ll see a $63.5 million project at the Foothills Medical Centre adding 11 new operating rooms and 17 additional recovery beds.

Alberta’s government recognizes the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on school jurisdictions and the pressures they’ve faced due to growing or declining enrolments. Budget 2022 commits $342 million over the next three years to help school authorities address these cost pressures such as staffing, inflation, increasing insurance, and enrolment growth. Additionally, increases in base and operations, as well as maintenance grant rates, will support all school jurisdictions and address increasing costs to retain teachers and support staff. This will help maintain clean, healthy, and safe school spaces.

Budget 2022 is a blueprint for strength, prosperity, and hope in Alberta for years to come.

MLA Nicholas Milliken

MLA – Calgary Currie Nicholas Milliken proudly serves the following Communities: Bankview, Currie, Glenbrook, Glendale, Killarney-Glengarry, Richmond-Knob Hill, Rosscarrock, Rutland Park, Scarboro, Scarboro/Sunalta West, Shaganappi, Spruce Cliff, Sunalta, Westgate