Kenney gives preview of provincial budget before Thursday’s release

EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says his government will cut overall spending on programs by nearly three per cent in tomorrow’s provincial budget.

But in a TV address tonight, Kenney reiterated that health and education funding will not be reduced and front-line services will remain a priority.

He says the impact on public service jobs will be “modest” as the overall size of government is to be reduced through attrition.

Kenney says some capital projects will be delayed or scaled back and that inefficient programs will get less money or even scrapped.

He says the funding will increase for mental health, addictions, and some social programs for the most vulnerable.

Kenney says the changes are necessary to get more value for tax dollars and to end a recent run of multibillion-dollar budget deficits and spiralling debt.