By Ashley Wiebe

Finance minister discusses ways to rein in spending with local leaders

Jan 23, 2017 | 11:37 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Finance Minister Joe Ceci is meeting with local leaders to get a better understanding for how they believe the Notley government can control its spending.

The NDP is projecting a $10.8 billion deficit.

Ceci has spent the last three weeks touring different parts of the province, meeting with officials, but the discussions are by invite-only. MLA Drew Barnes has said that shows a lack of transparency.

Ceci said the consultations were never meant to be an open forum.

Young minds, big ideas: Elementary students learn about urban planning with 'Box City'

9h ago

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

“We intended for these to be dialogues and discussions and not town halls,” he said. “They were never intended to have hundreds of people in the room because you really can’t have a discussion then.”

“Mr. Barnes has been invited today as well as the MP so I think it would be fair to say that it’s a pretty transparent and open dialogue about the issue,” said MLA Bob Wanner.

The public does have a chance to weigh in on the upcoming budget.

Ceci will be holding a telephone town hall with the premier on January 30th and 31st.