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Moving in to the summer, we are all preparing to enjoy the many festivals and outdoor events that Edmonton has to offer! Here at the legislature, we continue to move forward with the Premier's four-point plan for economic recovery through initiatives that enable seniors to age in the right place, work with at-risk youth, find regulatory efficiencies, and paint a picture of what Alberta's economy will look like in forty years. Altogether, Alberta is recovering from the recent economic downturn and is firmly positioned to become one of the most competitive jurisdictions in the world. |
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Premier's Council for Economic Strategy invites Albertans to help shape our future
Albertans have a history of looking ahead, planning for the long term and determining what must be done now to ensure prosperity and success in the future. The Premier's Council for Economic Strategy is continuing that tradition, and inviting Albertans to contribute their thoughts.
The Council, established in July 2009, consists of 12 individuals from around the globe with strong ties to Alberta and Canada, and diverse experience in business, academics, government and not-for-profits. They've been asked by Premier Ed Stelmach to provide their expert views on what actions must be taken in the next few years - not just by government, but by organizations in every sector and by individual Albertans - to ensure that future generations enjoy opportunity and success.
Their conversations to date have led to the development of a discussion paper that poses six questions. Throughout the summer, the council is inviting Albertans to help shape their thinking in these areas:
- What must Alberta do to earn a global reputation as a responsible energy producer and natural resource steward?
- How can we ensure the Alberta of the future has a robust, stable economy and fiscal position?
- What steps can Alberta take to create new wealth through knowledge and innovation?
- How do we ensure we have the healthy, skilled and engaged citizens needed to drive innovation and sustain prosperity?
- How do we ensure Alberta's urban and rural communities are vibrant, supportive and inclusive?
- How can Alberta engage more strategically with the rest of Canada and the world?
To contribute your thoughts on any or all of these topics, please visit the Premier's Council for Economic Strategy.
The Premier's Council for Economic Strategy is an important part of Alberta's long-term plan for prosperity. The Government also has a clear short-term plan for economic recovery; The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity. |
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New projects for at-risk youth focus on schools as community hubs
New projects in Edmonton will help keep at-risk youth off the streets by using schools as community hubs to increase accessibility of services and providing ways for youth to participate in sport and creative opportunities. In addition, a new restorative justice project will help at-risk youth to take responsibility for their actions and learn to make positive contributions to their communities.
The three Edmonton projects receiving funding through the Safe Communities Innovation Fund include:
- An Integrated Approach to Schools as Community Hubs in Edmonton: $1.48 million to the City of Edmonton to help increase the accessibility of critical services by connecting parents and families in the geographic neighbourhood of the school hub during evening and weekend hours;
- Edmonton Urban Games: $100,000 to ihuman Youth Society to engage high risk youth in urban art and sporting events, while at the same time providing education and employment opportunities; and
- Restorative Justice Project: $680,000 to the Alberta Conflict Transformation Society and Edmonton Police Service Southeast Division to help address crime and community safety through restorative justice, which will allow youth to be accountable for their actions and supported in moving forward to contribute positively to their community.
These projects are led by the following Safe Communities partner ministries: Justice, Solicitor General and Public Security, Aboriginal Relations and Education. The Safe Communities Innovation Fund builds on the work of the Safe Communities initiative to address crime on an immediate basis, as well as over the long term. For more information please visit: http://www.safecommunities.gov.ab.ca/scif. |
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New initiative helps seniors age in their own communities
Programs that partner volunteers with seniors or those with disabilities to help them with everyday tasks and keep them connected with their communities are being launched in Edmonton and Jasper.
The province is providing $500,000 over two years to support the new 'neighbours helping neighbours' initiative. The municipalities will work with community stakeholders such as community leagues, seniors centres, local businesses and church or volunteer groups to deliver the program. Community groups will then coordinate supports for seniors, which may include mowing lawns, providing rides to appointments or even social visits.
The first of these programs was launched last month in Edmonton, where community audits will also be completed to assess how age-friendly the community is and determine which supports are required to help seniors remain healthy in their home and community. In addition, to help with household tasks, an outreach worker involved in the Jasper program will provide education and counseling on overall well being, and foster connections between its seniors and existing services.
Upon evaluation of the Edmonton and Jasper programs, this initiative will be introduced in at least six other communities around Alberta within the next two to three years.
The creation of 'neighbours helping neighbours' programs around Alberta is one of the many initiatives identified in the province's Continuing Care Strategy, Aging in the Right Place. Planning for a balance of community-based services and appropriate accommodations will meet the growing needs of seniors and those with disabilities who wish to maintain their independence.
The Alberta government has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. An important part of The Way Forward is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care, education and safe and vibrant communities. For more information on the plan, visit alberta.ca. |
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Regulatory efficiencies improve Alberta's oil and gas competitiveness
Substantive actions to improve Alberta's competitiveness are highlighted in the 90-day progress report of Alberta's Regulatory Enhancement Task Force. The task force report, Enhancing Assurance: The First 90 Days, identifies how the Alberta government is pursuing a comprehensive review of the regulatory system for oil and gas development, and successes that have been achieved on specific enhancements.
The task force reports that ongoing savings in time and cost for both industry and government are being achieved while protecting public safety, conserving resources and ensuring industry complies with Alberta's strict environmental standards.
Alberta's regulatory agencies have reduced time delays and related costs and improved clarity of rules and regulations. Substantial annual financial savings that can be re-invested in the Alberta economy by industry are estimated at between $80 and $170 million. Progress to date includes:
- pilot work towards a system of coordinated compliance inspections;
- successful streamlining of assessment submissions required prior to oil sands developments;
- simplification of sub-surface well spacing requirements;
- improved access to information and regulations;
- clarification and simplification of regulatory publications;
- elimination of obsolete and expired regulatory publications; and
- harmonizing regulations with other provinces.
As part of a comprehensive review, key issues and barriers have been identified and a stakeholder engagement process has begun. Recommendations for a renewed regulatory and policy assurance system will be delivered by the end of 2010.
To view the 90-day progress report, visit www.energy.alberta.ca.
Enhancing the oil and gas regulatory system is part of the Government of Alberta's clear plan to support a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will ensure Alberta is in a surplus position in three years; uses cash reserves to protect key programs; continues to invest in public infrastructure; and attracts the investment necessary to maintain jobs and prosperity. |
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