Wild Rose MP Blake Richards said the key to reducing the federal budget is eradicating “waste and duplication of services.”
“I think first and foremost, the federal government is like any other large organization and there is some waste,” he said at a budget consultation in Airdrie, Jan. 20. “We need to go through government spending and remove that waste.”
He expects the approximately $56 billion federal deficit will be balanced by 2015.
“This year alone, I expect the deficit to be cut by more than half as we continue to find savings,” he said.
“There are lots of opportunities for us to balance the budget and we just need to find the ways to do that. The Finance Minister has been very clear, we will balance that budget.”
A survey mailed to constituents asks residents what measures would best help the government eliminate the deficit: a full review of government spending and operations, sale of Crown corporations and assets, public service hiring freeze, targeted federal spending reductions, or more measures to eliminate government waste.
“We have seen stacks and stacks of these surveys,” said Richards.
“We have had a very heavy response and I am looking forward to reading them.”
The survey also includes questions on how to lay the foundation for long-term sustainable growth of the economy led by the private sector, the creation of jobs and what the government’s top priority should be after the budget is balanced.
The MP said although the budget was the number one topic he heard from residents, he has fielded a number of other questions from locals during his 10 consultations around the Wild Rose constituency.
“These are the most productive meetings I’ve had in three years,” he said. “This is an important budget and I think people sense that. I have spoken to hundreds of people and they are also asking about things like when the election will be held, crime and justice issues, and pensions.”
Richards said he hopes he is wrong, but he feels the Opposition will force an election in the spring.
“We are ready for an election,” he said. “We would like to see the budget fully through.”
Richards will host his remaining budget consultations on Jan. 27 in Caroline from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Ravenwood Café, Sundre from noon to 2 p.m. at the Sundre Golf Course and in Olds from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Town Office.
If you were unable to attend the open houses but would like to have your say on the 2011 budget, contact Richards by phone 1-800-667-0410.
