The finance minister says government has settled on an oil price projection for the upcoming provincial budget.

The price of oil has a profound impact on the budget.

While Craig Pardy won’t tip his hand as to what the projected price will be, he does say that market volatility due to the conflict in the Middle East is why a budget date was not announced sooner.

He says extreme oil prices have resulted in surpluses for the province in the past. They don’t know how long current prices will last, but as money comes in they will tackle affordability issues.

The budget will be tabled next Wednesday.