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| Our government continues to lay the groundwork for future growth with our clear plan for economic recovery - The Way Forward. Our plan set the stage for Budget 2010, which strikes the right balance of meeting today's needs while supporting our vision for lasting prosperity. This vision centres on a strong, competitive Alberta, with the most advanced infrastructure in Canada and the best publicly funded health care. |
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Surgeries increased, wait times reduced
Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Alberta Health and Wellness announced Tuesday, February 16th, a six-week plan through March 31 to immediately increase the number of surgeries in high-priority areas.
Surgeries will be further increased during April, May and June as more surgical capacity becomes available, including more operating-room time and increased availability of surgeons and surgical teams.
At least 2,230 more surgeries and non-surgical procedures with long wait lists have been approved for the initial surge through March 31, including urgent cancer surgery, orthopedic surgery (including hip and knee replacements), neurosurgery, heart surgery and cataract surgery. As well, 3,500 more MRI and CT scans will be added immediately.
Increases in non-surgical services (such as endoscopies) are also now underway. More surgeries and non-surgical services will be performed at several hospitals throughout Alberta, including: Foothills Medical Centre, University of Alberta Hospital, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Peter Lougheed Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Northern Lights Health Centre, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, and the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Grande Prairie.
The number of surgeries performed will continue to increase steadily, and AHS is compiling wait time and wait list information that will be publicly reported annually. The impact on wait times and wait lists will be evaluated as part of the longer-term plan. AHS will also provide the year-over-year increase in total surgeries at that time.
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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Municipal investment reaches across the province
In Budget 2010, Alberta municipalities (outside of Calgary and Edmonton) will receive $460 million in Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding - a $247 million increase over last year.
Since the program was announced by Premier Ed Stelmach in 2007, Alberta municipalities have seen more than 1,500 key projects approved.
With this year's funding, municipalities are continuing to receive considerably more than they did before the MSI program was introduced in 2007.
To view this year's funding by community, visit: http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/images/MSI_2010.pdf
The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong 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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Highway projects pave the way in central, southern Alberta
This year's highway work ensures smoother journeys for motorists in central and southern Alberta.
Major highway projects in central and southern Alberta include:
- Highway 607 - Converting the highway from gravel to pavement near Rimbey;
- Highway 604 - Converting the highway from gravel to pavement near Morningside;
- QE II-Highway 11A Interchange - Converting the interchange near Red Deer from a cloverleaf to a modern diamond design;
- Highway 9 - Widening and reconstruction (15 km) between Beiseker and Highway 836;
- Highway 22 - Re-paving (33 km) between Highways 53 and 11 near Rocky Mountain House;
- Highway 27 - Re-paving (42 km) between Sundre and Queen Elizabeth II Highway;
- Highway 36 - Re-paving (57 km) between Alliance and Viking;
- Highway 13 - Re-paving (68 km) between Hardisty and Daysland;
- Highway 9 - Widening (21 km) between Chestermere and Kathyrn;
- Highway 62 - Re-paving (38 km) between the U.S. border and the Jensen Reservoir;
- Highway 23 - Re-paving (22 km) in the Champion area; and
- Highway 524 - Re-paving (26 km) west of Redcliff.
In 2010, the Alberta government will invest $1.9 billion in the provincial highway network. Visit www.transportation.alberta.ca to view Alberta's three-year highway construction program.
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Province reduces regulatory costs for cattle producers
To help reduce regulatory burden on producers, the Alberta government is reviewing the existing regulatory process to identify barriers in order to reduce costs and enhance competitiveness for our agricultural industry.
As a first step in this review, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development will provide a grant of $25,000 to Livestock Identification Services to cover the cost of livestock inspection for Alberta beef producers who graze their cattle in Saskatchewan or British Columbia. This initiative will reduce trade barriers between provinces, lower production costs, and ease the regulatory burden for producers.
The grant will cover inspection costs of cattle that temporarily move into Saskatchewan or British Columbia for the 2010 grazing season which starts in April. Traditionally, about 25,000 head of cattle move between the provinces for seasonal grazing.
The Alberta government is working to be one of the most competitive jurisdictions in the world and has a clear plan for strong economic recovery. An important part of The Way Forward is making sure Alberta's industries remain globally competitive. For more information on the plan visit Alberta.ca.
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