Alberta budget talks held in Sylvan Lake

Alberta's finance minister is trying to understand the public's priorities forthe upcoming budget.

• Alberta's $6B budget shortfall: running the numbers
• Jim Prentice says 'tough choices' needed to face Alberta's financial crisis

Robin Campbell is already warning the 2015 budget will be difficult based on the sharp drop in oil prices and a slowing provincial economy.

Campbell wasin Sylvan Lake to hold a consultation on the budget and provide an update on the current financial situation. He plans to hold similar discussions in 20 or 30 communities over the next month.

Campbell said this week he has not set a date for when the budget will be delivered, but itwill be a decision made by the premier.

The federal government is delaying its budget because of market volatility.

The Alberta government is currently projecting a$6.7billiondrop in resource revenue based on the price of oilforecasting at $65 US a barrel in the upcoming year.

Premier Jim Prentice is considering raising taxes or introducing a sales tax.

• Watch the video below for more from Sylvan Lake. On mobile? Click here.

Campbell on9 budget concerns

Dropping oil prices:

"It's the last thing I check before going to bed and the first thing I check in the morning."

Oil forecasting:

"There is no shortage of doom and gloom projections out there. We are going to budget for the worst."

Government spending:

"Even at $100 barrel of oil, spending by government is too high....The Human Services Department is too top heavy."

Provincial sales tax (PST):

"The Premier is not embracing a sales tax... but he is willing to listen."

PST revenue:

"It would be about$1.2 billionfor every 1 per centPST. I am not advocating for it, so I haven't looked into it."

Infrastructure woes:

"All Albertansnew and old need schools and hospitals."

Possible changes to infrastructurefunding formunicipalities (MSI program):

"We will honour the commitments that we have this year. I have a hard time giving money to municipalities that put it in the bank. Some municipalities don't need it."

Leaving Alberta Health Services (AHS) alone:

"With AHS, some of the problems we have are because politicians meddled too much."

Bringing back health-care premiums:

"It's back on the table."