Critics say the government's new budget misses the mark on education and health-care funding

Critics say the government's new budget misses the mark on education and health-care funding, leaving issues like emergency room wait times and overcrowded classrooms to go from bad to worse.

Alberta Teachers' Association president Jason Schilling says the nearly 10-billion dollars set aside for the K-to-12 school system doesn't keep up with population growth and inflation.

Schilling says he understands that oil revenues are expected to drop and potential tariffs from the United States are putting the province in limbo, but education should be a priority.

Public Interest Alberta executive director Brad Lafortune (lah-FORT'-chun) says health care also doesn't seem to be a priority in the new budget.

He says the 5.4 per cent funding increase compared to last year for health care also doesn't meet population growth and inflation pressures.

He says he's concerned the spending won't address issues like Alberta's shortage of family doctors or long emergency room wait times.

Finance Minister Nate Horner says the province is trying to keep up with record population growth, but it can only act as far as provincial revenue allows.

He says Health, Education and Social Services are the ministries that are top of mind for the province in handling population growth, but it will take time for provincial revenue to catch up.