Budget 2012:  Investing in People

Budget 2012 Quick Links

The Government of Alberta is following through on its commitments to Albertans by responsibly investing in programs that support Albertans’ quality of life without raising taxes and positioning the province to balance the budget by 2013-14.

Albertans have been clear about their priorities: health, education, jobs, services for seniors and our most vulnerable, infrastructure, communities and their children’s future. The Alberta Legislature approved Budget 2012 on Tuesday, March 20, allowing the Government of Alberta to move ahead on delivering on those priorities.

Promises kept

  • Additional $400 per month support for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) clients.
  • Providing full child care subsidies to families making $50,000 or less per year.
  • Improved wages for employees of contracted agencies serving vulnerable Albertans.
  • Continuing the $107 million reinstated this year to increase classroom supports.


Investing in Alberta's priorities

  • About 80 per cent of the province’s operating budget goes to core programs of health, education and human services.
  • Three-year predictable funding for school boards, post‑secondary institutions and municipalities to allow greater stability and improved planning.
  • Continued delivery of important infrastructure like schools, hospitals and highways.
  • Creating jobs by keeping taxes low and investing in economic development and diversification.

Balancing the budget

  • Less than a $1 billion deficit for 2012-13.
  • Projected balanced budget next fiscal year.
  • Forecast surplus of $5.2 billion for 2014-15.


No new taxes

  • No new taxes or tax rate increases.
  • Albertans and Alberta businesses continue to enjoy the lowest overall tax burden of all the provinces.

Page last updated:  March 28, 2012