On March 7, I was proud to sit in the Alberta Legislature as Calgary-Greenway’s MLA  for the tabling of the 2013 Budget.

This financial plan delivers responsible change for Albertans. It strikes a balance  between delivering for Albertans today, and ensuring success for Albertans 20 years  from now when five million people will call our province home.

Budget 2013 is a big step in the direction we need to go as a province. As we continue  to feel the impact of the bitumen bubble, our budget will maintain our investment in core  programs and services, while putting us on a path to spend smarter, live within our  means, and work on expanding markets and getting higher prices for Alberta’s  resources.

We will not raise taxes, but instead challenge every dollar government spends through  results based budgeting and holding the line on salaries for public service managers  and MLAs. We have embarked on some important and necessary structural change to  government and our choices are focused on ensuring Albertans continue to receive the  outcomes they expect.

We know Albertans expect us to save in good times and in bad. Budget 2013 will  introduce an annual, legislated savings strategy for the province. Under our new  savings plan, the province’s total savings in various funds – including the Heritage  Savings Trust Fund – will grow to more than $24 billion over the next three years. This  will ensure we’re leaving a legacy for future generations.

Albertans also told us to continue investing in needed infrastructure. The province will  invest $15 billion into infrastructure projects over the next three years, including $5.2  billion this year. We will continue building Alberta by investing in the schools, health  facilities and roads needed in our communities and that will help our economy grow.

This budget builds on Alberta’s strengths, our strong economy and our ability to stand  tall in the face of challenges. It’s a responsible plan that will chart the future course of  our province, ensuring the tough decisions we’ve made today bring prosperity for future  generations.

I encourage you to read more about Alberta’s provincial budget at  www.budget2013.alberta.ca and as always, I welcome your feedback and advice. Feel  free to contact me at 403-248-4487 or visit me on my website at bhullar.mypcmla.ca.

Manmeet S. Bhullar is the MLA for Calgary-Greenway and the Minister of Service Alberta