What a difference a year makes: Rachel Notley to deliver 'State of Province' address Wednesday

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley will deliver a 'State of Province' update Wednesday in a different economic environment from last year's address.

Much has changed since she addressed the province last year on Nov. 5.

The price of oil has rebounded, somewhat, and some analysts are looking at 2017 as a year for economic improvement.

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The province's budget announced in April introduced details of a carbon tax, which included new programs to create jobs and diversify the economy.

The Wildrose and PC party leadership candidateJason Kenney have both hammered away at the tax saying it will cost Albertans hundreds more a year and rebates for some taxpayers won't offset higher costs for consumer goods and electricity.

Notley's budget included $250 million over two years for job creation but that's been offset by tens of thousands of job losses in oil and gas.

Unemployment in the province increased to 8.5 per cent this month, up from 6.5 per cent last October.

Notley will speak in the lobby of theJack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary at 12:30 p.m. MT and CBC Calgary will livestream the event.

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