Higher than-expected oil prices are pushing the Alberta forecasted surplus to $2.9 billion at the end of 2024-2025.
The government presented its First Quarter update on Thursday, August 29. This report showed the forecasted surplus $2.6 billion higher than expected.
​​ With a stronger surplus than projected at budget, the government continues to invest in the needs of Albertans while managing its debt and saving for the future. The government’s plan to pay down debt, paired with responsible spending, will save Albertans in the long term and sustain vital programs for years to come, said a release.
“People across the country see a bright future for Alberta, and they continue to come here in record numbers. While this population growth is creating challenges and putting pressure on our hospitals, schools and other services, our prudence and discipline are helping to manage these challenges,” said Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance.
It does note, the province’s economic growth and outlook brings some challenges as the population is set to surge 4.6 per cent in 2024.
On the revenue side, it is forecasted at $76.2 billion, up $2.7 billion from Budget 2024. Personal income tax revenue has increased $458 million to $16.1 billion, reflecting population growth and gains in Alberta’s labour market.
Non-renewable resource revenue is forecast at $19.8 billion, up $2.5 billion from budget due to higher oil prices, a narrower light-heavy differential,

higher oil production and a lower exchange rate.
Other tax revenue is forecast to be $38 million down from budget, in part because of less tobacco tax revenue and the government’s policy to limit insurance premium increases for good drivers.
They are also seeing expense increasing $101 million from Budget 2024. Operating expense is up by $195 million, mainly due to $125 million more to support enrolment growth and inflation pressures in education.
Disaster and emergency spending to date is $573 million. This has been allocated to disaster and emergency spending from the province’s contingency fund. This includes $550 million to fight the wildfires, $10 million to match donations to the Canadian Red Cross, and $13 million for emergency evacuation payments to evacuees.

Students at Morrin School are heading into the 2024 school year in a brand new school with brand new leadership.
Back to school is on August 28 for students at Morrin School. For decades Don Yavis was at the busses greeting students on their way in. This year Principal Rebecca Webster will be taking that role.
“The best thing about the first day of school is the opportunities and possibilities it presents,” said Webster. “It’s a fresh start for everyone, and school staff and students have 10 months ahead of them to work together and make the most of it, whether that be academically, socially, in their extracurriculars, etc.”
She looks forward to working in the new school.
“I have always had great respect for Don Yavis, and the staff at Morrin School. I sat around the Prairie Land principal’s table with Don for 8 years as Prairie Land’s Principal of Colony Schools, and I was always impressed with Morrin’s school culture, their focus on student success, and the close community. I am so excited to be a part of all of that,” said Webster
Morrin School is in a healthy position with an enrollment of about 115 students. This is up slightly from the previous year.
“We hope to see that trend continue. We are still accepting student registrations for the new school year, and parents/guardians can always contact the school for a tour or more information about all that Morrin School has to offer,” she said.
The school welcomes Mr. David Schnetkamp. He comes from Edmonton where he has been substituting for a couple of years. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary and has a background in music. He will be the school’s primary High School science specialist but will also teach junior high and high school Drama.
Former Greentree School teacher Mrs. Sharon Walker will also be joining the staff at Morrin School this fall and will be teaching Grades 5-6 for the first semester. She will be filling in for Mrs. Nelson until the end of January.
With the new school comes new possibilities.
“This year should prove to be very exciting; we have a brand new school building, and with the completion of the Hub (scheduled for December 2024) students will have access to a new Arts and Science lab, Prairie Land’s largest Shop, as well as a brand new Fitness room and batting cage,” said Webster. “I want to take full advantage of these spaces and offer more experiences to students, especially increased Arts, and Career & Technology/Trades programming. On top of that, we will offer a baseball option to junior high students in the second semester, and we hope to bring that to High School eventually as well.”