Sunday, December 21, 2025
ADVT 
National

Alberta imposes cost saving measures in face of falling energy revenues

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 15 Dec, 2014 01:39 PM

    EDMONTON — Alberta is imposing some cost-saving measures to help deal with sharply falling resource revenues.

    Premier Jim Prentice says government hiring will be restricted to critical or frontline positions.

    There will also be spending restrictions for goods and services and on discretionary items such as travel and training.

    Prentice has formed a special committee of cabinet ministers to work on the government's upcoming budget.

    He says the province faces significant challenges as oil prices drop below US$60 a barrel, which he calls a significant hit to Alberta's finances.

    Prentice says the government could see a $7-billion drop in resource revenue this year.

    The cost-saving measures will also apply to Alberta Health Services, schools, universities, colleges and agencies.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Harper earmarks $5.8B for federal infrastructure, including parks, museums

    Harper earmarks $5.8B for federal infrastructure, including parks, museums
    LONDON, Ont. — Prime Minister Stephen Harper unveiled a $5.8-billion menu of federal infrastructure improvements Monday in an announcement one political rival immediately described as a batch of recycled promises.

    Harper earmarks $5.8B for federal infrastructure, including parks, museums

    Vets needing PTSD benefits face dizzying paperwork, eight-month wait: auditor

    Vets needing PTSD benefits face dizzying paperwork, eight-month wait: auditor
    OTTAWA — Many of Canada's battle-scarred veterans wait up to eight months to find out if they are eligible for long-term, mental-health disability benefits and the department responsible for their care has no idea if its treatment programs are effective, the auditor general said Tuesday.

    Vets needing PTSD benefits face dizzying paperwork, eight-month wait: auditor

    Splitting off investigative role from Elections Canada cost $2.9 million

    Splitting off investigative role from Elections Canada cost $2.9 million
    OTTAWA — A Conservative government decision to move the office that investigates election fraud out from under the roof of Elections Canada is costing almost $3 million in up-front costs.

    Splitting off investigative role from Elections Canada cost $2.9 million

    Harper's infrastructure plan to cost $300M next year, will trim surplus to $1.6B

    Harper's infrastructure plan to cost $300M next year, will trim surplus to $1.6B
    That's Ottawa's new projection for next year's budgetary surplus following Prime Minister Stephen Harper's $5.8-billion infrastructure announcement.

    Harper's infrastructure plan to cost $300M next year, will trim surplus to $1.6B

    Defence rests its case at Luka Rocco Magnotta's first-degree murder trial

    Defence rests its case at Luka Rocco Magnotta's first-degree murder trial
    MONTREAL — The defence formally rested its case in the first-degree murder trial of Luka Rocco Magnotta on Tuesday without the accused having taken the stand.

    Defence rests its case at Luka Rocco Magnotta's first-degree murder trial

    Key witness testifies at fisherman's second-degree murder trial in Cape Breton

    Key witness testifies at fisherman's second-degree murder trial in Cape Breton
    PORT HAWKESBURY, N.S. — A crew member aboard a fishing boat told a murder trial in Cape Breton on Monday that Phillip Boudreau was shot at and hooked with a fishing gaff after the captain suspected him of "playing" with their lobster traps.

    Key witness testifies at fisherman's second-degree murder trial in Cape Breton