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As we head into the month of July and Albertans make plans for a long awaited season of warmth, our government continues to plan for the future by fostering educational and technological innovation, building capacity for change in rural communities, and by increasing support for at-risk youth. With these initiatives, our goal remains the same: unleash Alberta's economic potential and continue to improve the quality of life for all Albertans. |
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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 maintain our heritage and 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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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.
The report stresses engaged thinking, ethical citizenship and entrepreneurial spirit as the three foundational competencies that must be fostered in every student by Alberta's education system.
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.
The Steering Committee Report is available online at www.inspiringeducation.alberta.ca. |
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Alberta stimulates new energy investment, new technologies
To further energize investment, the Alberta government recently unveiled initiatives to accelerate new technologies to encourage development of Alberta's vast unconventional and deep resource pools and finalized royalty curves for conventional oil and gas.
Building on the work of government and industry that resulted in the release of Energizing Investment in March, the Emerging Resources and Technologies Initiative modifies the royalty rate for wells that require use of high-cost technologies. This strengthens a producer's ability to invest in additional wells, as well as research and development. Stimulating application of new technologies in resources that have not been tapped is expected to increase overall production, resulting in increased economic activity and secure long-term royalty revenue from new resource discoveries.
In all, energy development in Alberta represents almost 30 per cent of the province's total gross domestic product and directly or indirectly supports almost one in every seven jobs. Over the next 25 years the Canadian Energy Research Institute forecasts that oil and gas development in Alberta has the potential to add $2.5 trillion in new economic activity. More economic activity means more opportunity and more jobs for Albertans.
The Emerging Resource and Technologies Initiative will be reviewed in 2014 and the Alberta government has committed to providing three years notice to industry at that time if it decides to discontinue the initiative.
The government is also initiating two studies to expand the mapping, geological and resource knowledge of shale gas in Alberta and the enhanced oil recovery potential of conventional oil pools in Alberta. The studies will provide important data to help industry make better-informed investment decisions and help guide future government policy development. |
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Grants help rural communities maximize economic potential
Communities across Alberta are sharing $1.74 million to support projects aimed at maximizing economic opportunities and building capacity for change in rural communities.
The three-year Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program is focused on increasing the capacity of rural communities to respond to changing economic circumstances.
Now in its final year of implementation, the program is providing funding for the following projects:
- Flagstaff County will use a $130,700 grant to promote inter-municipal economic development and strengthen the communities of Alliance, Forestburg, Galahad, Heisler, Lougheed, Strome, Daysland, Hardisty, Killam and Sedgewick.
- A $246,095 grant will support the Southwest Alberta Sustainable Community Initiative Centre to implement various capacity building activities to foster growth in the Pincher Creek region.
- Community Futures Big Country will receive $196,200 to support a business plan for youth retention in the medical services sector, in Drumheller.
- The Town of Three Hills will receive $270,760 for a geocaching tourism initiative in the Canadian Badlands and Boomtown Trail Region.
- A $73,230 grant will assist the Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society with an outreach project promoting consumer-focused sustainable food production/management in the counties of Flagstaff and Red Deer, and the municipal districts of Pincher Creek and Willow Creek.
- Community Futures Network of Alberta will use a $387,200 grant to support economic diversification projects in Brooks, Crossfield, Two Hills and Vegreville.
- The Town of Viking will receive $436,000 to develop activities that capitalize on community potential and relate to sustainability/demonstration projects.
Funding for this program was made available through the Government of Canada's Community Development Trust Fund to help provinces and territories assist communities, organizations and workers move towards greater economic sustainability. |
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Province increases support for at-risk youth in Red Deer
At-risk youth in Red Deer will have better access to services such as opportunities for wellness, mentoring and extra-curricular activities thanks to a new project by the Alberta government.
The Power Youth Initiative will focus on at-risk youth by creating a one-stop community-based venue to help reconnect young people to family, schools and community by providing seamless access to services.
Led by the Parkland Youth Homes Society, this initiative is receiving $1.3 million from the Alberta government's Safe Communities Innovation Fund. This pilot project will provide opportunities for adult mentors and positive peer interaction. In partnership with the local RCMP, activities will be designed to reconnect youth who have involvement with gangs and criminal activities with police officers to create positive relationships.
This initiative is a partnership between the City of Red Deer Social Planning; Career Assistance Network; Central Alberta Child and Family Services Authority; Employment Placement and Support Services; Secure Consulting Services; Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools; and Teen and Young Adult Sexual Health.
The project is supported by the following Safe Communities partner ministries: Children and Youth Services; Education; Health and Wellness; and Employment and Immigration. 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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