Alberta budget on track for operational surplus, capital spending deficit

EDMONTON – Alberta Finance Minister Doug Horner expects the province to run a $1.4-billion surplus on day-to-day spending this year, but says the government will remain in the hole when paying for roads and schools.

The third-quarter budget update for 2013-14 says stronger oil and gas revenues, along with a lower Canadian dollar, have boosted the bottom line on operational spending.

Horner says the province has borrowed $2.7 billion to pay for infrastructure.

The rainy day savings contingency account is projected to be at $4.6 billion.

Horner is to deliver the new provincial budget March 6.

He says he plans to hold spending in place given the volatility of oil and gas revenues.