By Tristan Tuckett

Liberal MP Addresses Economy During Pre-Budget Consultation

Feb 9, 2016 | 1:14 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Federal Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr was in Lethbridge on Tuesday for a pre-budget consultation meeting hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

Hehr took questions on a number of topics dealing with the economy, low oil prices, the housing market, and tax changes.

Hehr told the audience that Canada could be faced with $30 oil for the next couple of years.

“What you’re seeing from the federal Liberals and in this budget are things that will work for Alberta at this time. One, we’ve done a middle class tax cut that will see more money in people’s pockets. Two, we’re brining in a child benefit package that will raise 300, 000 kids in this country out of poverty and will allow more money into the system as well.”

Another highlight of the budget will be the Liberal infrastructure program, which Hehr points out will help get people back to work in Alberta. The federal government already fast tracked $700-million to the provincial government when the Prime Minister visited Edmonton and Calgary last week.

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As the government moves through the budget cycle, Hehr says they continue to identify more projects in the province to help cities and rural Alberta.

Hehr adds there is no simple cure for $30 oil, but the government is doing what they can to make sure that Alberta comes out of this situation stronger when the market turns around.