Budget reaction mixed in business sector

The budget is garnering mixed reactions with the province’s business sector. Business leaders are disappointed to see that the debt issue of the province was not addressed at a time when oil revenues are peaking, and warn that tackling the debt will become much harder in coming years when those oil revenues decline. Finance Minister Tom Marshall playing defence: “They want us to pay down the debt. They also want us to eliminate the payroll tax, which would cost $63 million,” he said. “Everybody wants something. I’m the guy who has to balance it all.”