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As we head into the summer months, I know many of you are out and about enjoying the warm weather and gearing up for the return of the Calgary Stampede! Stampede is a great opportunity to showcase our city and show the world what Calgary has to offer. I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the festivities, whether it be attending a traditional Stampede breakfast in your community, taking in a rodeo event or having fun on the midway! |
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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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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 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 and navigability 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.
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 report is available at 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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Transforming education in Alberta: Inspiring Education Steering Committee Report released
Inspiring Education, a report outlining high-level direction and a vision for education over the next 20 years, was released by the 22-member Steering Committee of Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans. Approximately 4,000 Albertans participated in this unique public engagement project last year through facilitated community sessions, a conversation kit, a provincial forum and various social media tools.
In addition to setting out the competencies the education system should strive to develop in youth, the Steering Committee's report outlines education policy shifts required to support a future vision, and guiding principles that will help shape the future of education in Alberta. It also examines the broad implications for governance and leadership in education.
On June 15th, Education Minister Dave Hancock released an education discussion paper, which lays the ground work for further changes in the education system, including new education legislation. The steering committee's report serves as a basis for the discussion paper.
The Steering Committee Report is available online at www.inspiringeducation.alberta.ca. |
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Alberta Health Act consultation continues
Alberta's 12 local Health Advisory Councils are hosting workshops in their respective areas as part of the recently announced consultations on a new Alberta Health Act.
Each Council will invite a diverse cross-section of the community to attend, including youth, seniors, Albertans with disabilities, and local health care providers, for example. The program will include small group discussions on proposals for the health legislation made by the Minister's Advisory Committee on Health earlier this year. The topics will range from guiding principles and values to the proposed Alberta patient charter of rights and responsibilities, and will include other areas of interest to participants.
To date, there have been more than 3,150 visits to the site and more than 340 surveys have been completed by Albertans.
Albertans can find additional information on the consultation process, the schedule of community workshops and the survey at www.yourhealthact.alberta.ca. Albertans can also call 1-888-436-0986 for more information on the community sessions.
Fred Horne, MLA for Edmonton Rutherford, who was appointed by Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky to lead the consultation on behalf of government, and his advisory committee have also asked for written submissions from more than 100 health care provider groups, advocacy groups and other key stakeholders. Many of these organizations and stakeholders will also be meeting with Horne and the advisory committee to share their views on a new Alberta Health Act. |
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Cabinet Ministers connect with Albertans on key issues during spring tour
After logging thousands of kilometres across the province and attending hundreds of meetings and events, Alberta's Cabinet Ministers heard input directly from Albertans on the key issues facing our province.
During the tour from April 26 and June 1, groups of Ministers met with local elected officials and business and community groups in every region of the province. They also met with individual Albertans, sometimes casually over lunch or coffee in restaurants. Meetings ranged from informal one-on-one talks to structured group sessions.
Members of Cabinet toured local attractions; cultural and recreational facilities; state of the art high-tech facilities for everything from pharmaceuticals to recycling; schools and educational institutions; primary and long-term health care facilities; and agricultural and manufacturing operations.
"Albertans recognize that we fared much better than most jurisdictions during the recent economic downturn," said Premier Stelmach. "They appreciate that that our government did not over-react and slash spending or eliminate the programs Albertans need. That said, we were reminded of the need to keep a tight rein on spending as we emerge from the recession."
"We also heard loud and clear that government must listen more and the act on what we hear," the Premier added. "We're doing just that. The input from this tour will help shape our legislative calendar and the programs and policies we will implement over the next year."
For more information on the spring tour, including the schedule and itineraries; blogs, photos and videos visit: www.alberta.ca/home/1256.cfm. |
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