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“I can tell you it is absolutely my personal first priority with respect to something we will move forward on as finances recover.”

Ceci also cited the government’s financial challenges when a Calgary resident called for the government to increase inadequate payments to recipients of the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program.

“We can’t do everything. And one of those things we can’t do is look at increasing AISH at this time,” he said.

The NDP has said it sees positive signs for the economy after two years of recession spurred by low oil prices. But they are not moving away from a timeline that projects the deficit — currently pegged at $10.8 billion for 2016-17 — won’t be eliminated until 2024.

A Lethbridge resident took Ceci and Notley to task for running “massive” deficits and not taking action to reduce spending.

“We’ll be crippled by this massive debt. What’s the plan?” said the caller.

The government maintains it is acting on a “shock absorber” by not cutting spending when oil prices are low. Ceci said the government has been finding efficiencies, slowing down platform commitments and freezing wages for political staff and managers.

The premier and minister heard numerous questions about the carbon tax that came into effect Jan. 1.

One Calgary caller said that while she was thankful for the rebate, it doesn’t cover the costs piling up from the new levy.

The NDP team also faced questions on what they would do for both unemployed tradespeople and energy sector professionals in Calgary, as well as whether there would be action to lure businesses back to Calgary that have left for lower-tax provinces.

But Notley said that even with the carbon tax, “there are actually no lower-tax provinces.”

“I’m pretty confident we’re headed in the right direction,” she said.

jwood@postmedia.com