Albertans are to get an update on whether the province is still on track to record a $13-billion surplus in this year’s budget.
Finance Minister Travis Toews will roll out results of the second quarter of the 2022-23 fiscal year on Thursday.
The budget Toews presented in February predicted a surplus of just $511 million, but that projection soared to $13.2 billion in the first-quarter update on the strength of oil prices in the US$100-a-barrel range.
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Alberta budget 2022 forecasts rosy economic future using ‘credible but cautious’ energy projections
The benchmark price for West Texas Intermediate has since softened but remains strong at around US$80 a barrel.
Spending will now have to take into account a massive injection of inflation-fighting aid announced this week by Premier Danielle Smith.
Smith has pledged $2.4 billion on a range of supports targeted mainly toward middle- to lower-income families, seniors and the vulnerable.
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