Alberta PCs consider taking on debt to pay for infrastructure

Alberta's population is growing faster than anywhere else in Canada.

But a larger population means more money needs to spent on schools, hospitals, and roads.

The Progressive Conservatives have spent more than four billion dollars a year on capital since 2000, that's 38 per cent more per person than any other province. But is it enough?

The government is considering ending Alberta's debt-free status and borrowing to build.

"We will be looking at innovative ways of making sure that we provide the infrastructure Albertans need today and not tomorrow," says Deputy Premier, Thomas Lukaszuk.

But critics disagree, contending going back into debt will do more harm than good. The province will pay $139 million in interest this year on P3 projects. The opposition claims that number will increase dramatically. The Wildrose wants a referendum on the issue. A University of Alberta political science professor believes it wouldn't go their way.

"People want the schools, people want the hospitals; we understand, we electors understand what infrastructure is and we want it. If you have to borrow, do so," says Jim Lightbody.

But it's the "have to" some aren't convinced about because while the population has grown 37 per cent since 1997, the budget has also grown by 300 per cent during the same period.

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The province's fiscal update is due by the end of November.