Premier Ralph Klein has released some numbers regarding the 'prosperity cheques' that Albertans will be receiving thanks to the record surplus in the province. From what Klein said, each citizen of Alberta should be getting about $400 in the one-time windfall, meaning that my household can look forward to an additional $1600 or so in income this year. Of course, such action has to have a reaction, and it didn't take long for the opposition leaders to come out swinging at the Premier. "The premier is spending the inheritance as if it was his own," spewed Alberta Liberal leader Kevin Taft. "It isn't. It belongs to all Albertans, including future generations."

Trust the Liberals, federal or provincial, to find fault in good fortune. "For the Tories to spend $4 billion in one afternoon is frightening." he continued. Taft speaks like a beaten man on this. He is caught in a Catch 22: on one hand, he must do his duty and critique the government. Doing this, however, is difficult due to the simple fact that Albertans deserve the money. On the other hand, he cannot stay quiet while the Liberal chances for success in the next provincial election fall away. ND leader Brian Mason reacted with typical out-of-touch style when he stated:
"They're trying to find ways to get rid of the money because it's embarrassing and they feel it's tempting the federal government," he said. Well, Mason might be right about one thing: the federal Liberals are no doubt sniffing around Albertas surplus. Mason and Taft have completely missed the real reason why Albertans are receiving this money - we deserve it.

The surplus is being split, with billions going to much-needed areas. Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan are going to be able to break ground on new (and very hard fought for) hospitals, while Calgary and Edmonton hospitals will see more beds. Infrastructure, the current hip term, is getting a good chunk of the cash. Social needs are being met with the governments plan. More than anything, Albertans are getting what they have sacrificed for.

As you already know, the province went through a terrible crisis in the 1980s, as the National Energy Program devistated the Alberta economy. Following the blast from that crippling economic policy, Albertans chose the hard route and voted in Ralphs Team to tackle the debt. After more than 10 years of cutbacks, layoffs, and slashes to services, Alberta has finally emerged from the dark. The budget is balanced, the debt all but gone. Now, those very same Albertans who made the sacrifices are being rewarded. We chose to stay in Alberta during the lean years. We remained loyal to the province, knowing that with hard work and smart decisions, we would come through to better times and more stability. After over 20 years, we have made it. We have played a two decade game of economic Survivor. We have endured financial storms and competitions. We have seen other provinces win federal immunity time and time again, and yet Alberta is standing at the end of the game.

Now if only we could trust Klein and Co. to stand up to Ottawa.