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| What Is That Number? |
 That number is how much money the Alberta government sent to Ottawa, on your behalf, since the January 1st of this year, over the amount of money Ottawa "gives back" through complicated transfer calculations. Think of it as a donation? That is what it costs Albertans to be Canadians. The amount is based on numbers from Alberta's 2003
estimates. In 2003, the Alberta government estimated it sent $11,100,000,000 (that is eleven point one billion dollars) of our money to Ottawa. This year, the amount could be much higher, perhaps
$12 billion to $15 billion. |
| Analysis |
 How many generations of Albertans are Albertans willing to sacrifice? Only you can answer that question. One billion dollars would install and operate approximately 200 MRIs for a year. In 2003, Alberta sent Ottawa the equivalent of 2,200 new, operational MRIs. And we have problems accessing health care in a timely fashion. One billion dollars would fund 10,000 new police officers for a year. Officers on the street are the best way to both solve and prevent crimes. In 2003, Alberta sent Ottawa the equivalent of 10,000 new police officers for 11 years. And we have problems controlling crime. One billion dollars would fund more than 12,820 new teachers for a year. More teachers would mean fewer students per class, better learning opportunities, and a stronger Alberta. In 2003, Alberta sent Ottawa the equivalent of 12,820 new teachers for 11 years, almost an entire generation of students. And we have problems with too many children in too few classrooms with too few basics, like books. How many generations of Albertans is Ottawa willing to sacrifice? Whatever it takes to keep the Ottawa machinery in motion. How many generations of Albertans are Albertans willing to sacrifice? Only you can answer that question. |
