Alberta's Ministry of Treasury Board and Finance manages the provincial government's financial affairs, including preparing the annual budget, collecting taxes, and overseeing government spending. The ministry makes economic forecasts that shape budget planning, manages provincial debt, and administers tax programs including corporate and personal income taxes collected on behalf of the federal government. Treasury Board reviews spending requests from all ministries, ensuring fiscal discipline. During economic downturns or oil price crashes, this ministry makes difficult decisions about balancing budgets, potentially cutting services or increasing debt.