EDMONTON, Alta. — The Alberta government is expected to take a much closer look at public-private partnerships that may open the door for private sector investments in roads.

Premier Ralph Klein’s Cabinet is expected to endorse a plan that would allow public-private partnerships (P3s). If given the green light by Cabinet, Finance Minister Pat Nelson, will look into the subject further and present the concept as part of the spring budget in March.

Klein has hinted in the past that he is in favor of P3s in Alberta. However some critics have warned it may mean higher taxes.

One critic has been Opposition Leader Ken Nicol.

“I’m one of those who has a strong belief we can do it cheaper in the public sector,” says Nicol. “We can borrow money cheaper, we can meet our own specifications and we can be in contol.”

It was reported by local media that the government will set up a group called Capital Alberta to judge each P3 proposal before making recommendations to the government.