Backlog defers debt for future generations.
The Auditor General’s report says the PC government rarely considers the lifelong maintenance costs of an infrastructure project when its Treasury Board approves the construction costs. This, coupled with inadequate budgeting for routine upgrades or repairs, has meant the Conservative government keeps deferring work - $2.8 billion worth for schools alone as of March 2007.
Due to the PC government’s lack of planning, Albertans owe over $6 billion dollars in critically needed infrastructure, not including approximately $10 billion worth of reclamation to well sites and industrial sites.
When Ralph Klein commented about being on “auto-pilot” and “not giving a tinker’s damn,” he forgot to say: read the small print.
Why Alberta Liberal policy gets a better grade:
The Alberta Liberals have repeatedly called for sustainable, predictable funding for municipalities to address growing infrastructure needs.
Albertans don’t want a government that drags its feet and shirks its responsibilities. The longer repairs are delayed, the greater the costs and the risk to Albertans.
An Alberta Liberal government would make a firm, multi-year commitment to municipalities and would address the infrastructure deficit through the Funding Alberta’s Future plan, which would see a portion of annual resource revenues invested into a Capital Account.
Solutions: Read more...
