Prince George, B.C. - Provincial Finance Minister Colin Hansen says the natural gas industry is now the number one revenue generator for the province. “It puts about $2 and a half billion dollars into the coffers.” Revenue from forestry is expected to be down about $300 million dollars this year, making it the worst year ever for revenue from forestry.

Speaking on the Meisner program this morning on live streaming audio on Opinion 250, Hansen says the surpluses the government has taken criticism for having before, have turned out to be a positive. “The surpluses were used for a good cause, (paying down the operating deficit) but now they give us a cushion for some of the hits we have taken.”

When will it all turn around “We rely on all the leading economists from the around the world. First of all, they say we will see an up-tic in the economy in late 2009 and early 2010.”

Hansen reiterated that while the Province will maintain health and education spending, there won’t be any money for new programs or increases to existing programs. He has also stated there will be no deficit spending.