Alberta Budget 2020 Post-mortem (Host: University of Alberta)

Alberta’s Budget 2020, delivered by Travis Toews, Treasury Board President and Minister of Finance comes at an interesting time. The recent withdrawal by Teck of its Frontier oilsands mine application and the Alberta Court of Appeal’s decision on the federal carbon tax have added more uncertainty to both the political and economic environment. Falling oil prices and financial markets have added to the gloom. The UCP government’s fiscal austerity goals are resulting in push-back from various quarters, including not-for-profit and labour sectors.

With its release on Thursday, the political struggle begins to gain support from the public for the budget’s merits or its harm. In a polarizing climate, the public is looking for relevant, informed debate which this forum provides.

The conversation brings a range of diverse perspectives to help understand major initiatives contained in this budget. Perspectives from education, labour, business, economics, political science, urban municipalities, and media will be aired at this important event.

Speakers:

• Ricardo Acuna, Executive Director, The Parkland Institute, University of Alberta
• Professor Laurie Adkin, Professor of Political Science, University of Alberta
• Akanksha Bhatnagar, President, Students’ Union, University of Alberta
• Nicole Martel, Executive Director, Alberta Urban Municipalities Association
• Carman McNary, Counsel, Tax and Corporate Strategy, Dentons LLP
• Sheila Pratt, Alberta Prime Time
• Kate White, former Deputy Minister, Government of Yukon
• Moderator: Bob Ascah, Abpolecon.ca