2003-04 Quarterly Budget Report:
Third
Quarter Activity Report
Released:
February 25, 2004
Table
of Contents
Updating
Albertans
The government has three core businesses that make
up its overall business plan and guide government in its decision-making
on behalf of Albertans. The core businesses are:
PEOPLE - The goals
for the People core business are directed at improving
the quality of life in Alberta for individuals and their families
through the government's priorities for health, education, our children,
those in need, and Aboriginal Albertans.
PROSPERITY - The
goals for the Prosperity core business focus on protecting
the quality of life in Alberta through the government's priorities
for our economy, work force and work places, infrastructure, value-added
industries, export trade, and financial and fiscal position.
PRESERVATION -
The goals for the Preservation core business
reflect the government's priorities for community safety, our renewable
resources, the environment, our natural, historical and cultural
resources, and Alberta's
relations with other levels of government.
The purpose of this quarterly
activity report is to show Albertans what activities the government
undertook in the Third Quarter of this fiscal year in support of
People, Prosperity and Preservation. The following pages include
some of those activities from each of the government departments.
Listening
to Albertans
The activities that support Alberta’s core businesses
are often influenced by the input government receives from Albertans.
Through public consultations, surveys, letters, phone calls and
e-mails, Albertans tell government what’s important to them
and what concerns them. In the Third Quarter, Albertans had a say
as government:
announced
an MLA Committee on Strengthening Alberta’s Role in Confederation.
The committee will solicit input from Albertans on the current state
of federal-provincial relations. (International and Intergovernmental
Relations)
decided
not to support a proposed Canada-US softwood lumber interim agreement,
following consultations with Alberta stakeholders. (International
and Intergovernmental Relations)
released
the MLA committee report on The Alberta Recreation Corridors Legislative
Review for public comment. (Community Development)
hosted
open houses for Albertans to provide input on a draft management
plan for the Whaleback region protected areas, Black Creek Heritage
Rangeland and Bob Creek Wildland. (Community Development)
hosted
an open house, attended by more than 50 people, to provide information
regarding ongoing reclamation efforts for the Turner Valley Gas
Plant National and Provincial Historic Site, as well as existing
and pending plans. (Community Development)
received
more than 330 original compositions from Albertans for consideration
as Alberta's Official Song. The activity level of the Centennial
2005 web site indicated high interest in the contest with 3,455
downloads of the song contest submission package. (Community Development)
developed
a Beef Product and Market Development Loan Program ($25m Fund) through
AFSC Commercial in response to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE) crises. The program encourages innovative solutions for the
use of beef that is 30 months and older. (Agriculture, Food and
Rural Development)
held
56 meetings with about 7,800 Alberta producers to introduce the
Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program and to
listen to concerns regarding risk management programs. In addition,
the CAIS program was presented in 32 meetings hosted by commodity
groups, boards and agriculture societies. (Agriculture, Food and
Rural Development)
commissioned
an Ipsos-Reid survey on marketing choice for Alberta wheat
and barley producers. The results show that Alberta producers strongly
support a free and open marketing system. (Agriculture, Food and
Rural Development)urveyed
presented
Business Risk Management program information to 1,000 producers
at 15 producer and industry meetings. (Agriculture, Food and Rural
Development)
facilitated
the province-wide Regional Health Council Governance Review. (Community
Development)
formed
a Ministerial Advisory Committee as part of the Water for Life
strategy to review the policies and practices associated with industrial
activities that remove water from the active hydrologic cycle. The
Advisory Committee will provide recommendations in spring 2004.
www.waterforlife.gov.ab.ca. (Environment)
consulted
with representatives from about 120 organizations to discuss a proposed
provincial environmental waste program. Results from the consultations
will be used to help develop a formal environmental waste program
proposal for government review in 2004. www.gov.ab.ca/env/waste/ewaste
(Environment)
met
with more than 140 public, private and contracted training providers
to obtain feedback on the Skills Investment Strategy. This will
help ensure skills investments programs and services continue to
be effective, efficient and responsive to the needs of our clients
and the Alberta economy. (Human Resources and Employment)
conducted
a survey with the hospitality and restaurant businesses in Whitecourt
in partnership with Métis Nations of Alberta and Yellowhead
Business Development Centre to assess needs and develop strategies
and services. (Human Resources and Employment)
responded
to about 35,000 calls through the Alberta Seniors 1-800 Information
Line and Regional Seniors Information Services Offices. In addition,
the regional offices provided in-person assistance to more than
6,000 clients. (Seniors)
presented
Seniors Benefit Information Sessions to almost 500 Albertans
in 19 presentations and attended seven major events where our information
displays reached more than 2,000 individuals. (Seniors)
participated
in the Aboriginal Information Communication Technology Forum, which
brought together federal, provincial, Aboriginal and municipal governments,
K-12 and post secondary education organizations, Aboriginal service
agencies and the technology industry to discuss developing the technology
capacity of urban and rural Aboriginal communities. (Aboriginal
Affairs and Northern Development)
participated
in the Air Services/City Centre Airport Consultation Group,
which is examining the Edmonton City Centre Airport issue. (Aboriginal
Affairs and Northern Development)
conducted,
in association with the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund Standing
Committee, the Annual General Meeting of the Alberta Heritage Savings
Trust Fund. The meeting was held in Grande Prairie and allowed Albertans
to provide input and learn more about the Heritage Fund. (Revenue)
launched
a new electronic publication entitled ReveNews to offer insights
into the operations of Alberta Revenue and provide information on
new initiatives currently under development. (Revenue)
provided
advice and information on registries, landlord-tenant matters and
consumer issues to more than 40,000 Albertans through a toll-free
call centre. (Government Services)
continued
to solicit, listen to and analyze consumer concerns through Alberta’s
Utilities Consumer Advocate, which also provided advice and guidance
to a diverse group of stakeholders. The Alberta Energy and Utilities
Board and other regulatory bodies such as Rural Electrification
Associations are being monitored and their proceedings analyzed.
Consumers are also being informed about changes in Alberta’s
restructured electricity and natural gas markets. (Government Services)
established
an MLA Review Committee to consult with stakeholders and assess
public response to proposed health and safety standards for secondary
suites. (Municipal Affairs)
involved
stakeholders in developing the Cypress Hills Elk Management Plan.
(Sustainable Resource Development)
conducted
public meetings about fisheries and wildlife management in many
communities in northwestern Alberta and spoke with more than 250
hunters and anglers in 11 communities about proposed regulation
changes and improved walleye harvest opportunities in the province.
(Sustainable Resource Development)
held
meetings with Fort McKay First Nations representatives and Canadian
Natural Resources Ltd. to develop an access management plan to address
access issues in the Fort McKay area. (Sustainable Resource Development)
gathered
public input on direction for the Ghost-Waiparous region and continued
with access management planning for the area. (Sustainable Resource
Development)
hosted
the second annual Alberta Visitor Information Providers Conference
in Edmonton. Thirty-five representatives of community and regional
visitor information centres shared success stories and ideas on
customer service, staff recruitment and training, and information
management. (Economic Development)
implemented
the revised, more responsive natural gas rebate program to assist
Albertans when gas prices and consumption are highest. Until March
2006, rebates will be deducted from consumers' bills each winter
month (Nov.- March) when the regulated gas utility price on the
majority of Alberta consumer bills exceeds $5.50 per gigajoule.
(Energy)
supported
the establishment of the Utilities Consumer Advocate to assure consumers
that a specific body will represent their interests in the area
of utilities. (Energy)
extended
the option to remain on regulated electricity rates to July 1, 2006
to allow more time for consumers to learn how to best manage their
energy costs and more time for competition for small volume customers
to intensify. (Energy)
People
The following activities
support the People core business and,
in particular, the areas Albertans have identified as priority areas,
including health, education and children.
PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The state of Alberta’s health care system is a priority for
all Albertans. The Alberta government continues to search for innovative
ideas and initiatives to improve the sustainability of the health
system and reassure Albertans that their health care needs will
be addressed. In the Third Quarter, the government continued to
focus on the health of Albertans as it:
signed
an unprecedented eight-year agreement with the Alberta Medical Association
and Alberta’s health regions, which is aimed at changing how
physicians, health regions and government work together to improve
patient care. (Health and Wellness)
introduced
Bill 52, the Health Professions Amendment Act. This Act
expands information that can be collected and shared about health
professionals while protecting their privacy. Information collected
will be used to build and maintain the Alberta Provider Directory,
a database identifying practitioners authorized to access information
from the electronic health record. (Health and Wellness)
awarded
$20 million in capital funding to Alberta’s regional health
authorities. As part of the Health Sustainability Initiative Fund,
this grant will fund 18 projects that expand the range of health
care services available to Albertans. (Health and Wellness, Infrastructure)
launched
Sport for Life, in partnership with the Alberta Alcohol and Drug
Abuse Commission (AADAC) and the Calgary Olympic Development Association,
to promote the benefits of active lives without tobacco. (Health
and Wellness)
distributed
10,000 “Live Outside the Box” toboggan posters to Alberta
communities. The campaign was launched in 2003 to encourage youth
aged 10 to 14 years to be more active. (Community Development)
received
a Citation Award from the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association
at their 2003 annual conference for the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage
Village’s “Special On-site Driving Tours Program for
Mobility Impaired Seniors”. (Community Development)
presented
recommendations for a new air emissions management framework for
the provincial electricity sector to the government. Alberta Environment
co-chaired the Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA) multi-stakeholder
team consisting of industry, government and non-government organizations
that made the recommendations, which will help make Alberta a leader
in emissions standards for electricity generation in North America.
www.casahome.org (Environment)
provided
benefits to 64,430 children of low-income families participating
in the Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACHB) program. This is an increase
of nearly 4,000 over last year. The provision of health benefits
through this program contributes to the long-term health and well
being of children in low-income families, and helps their performance
in school. (Human Resources and Employment)
completed
a partnership project with Lakeland Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
clinic to produce an information booklet for employers and agencies
regarding potential employees with FAS. (Human Resources and Employment)
opened
the Critical Care Building and Third Level of the Red Deer Regional
Hospital. Government contributed $41.7 million to this project.
(Infrastructure)
launched
the Alberta Heart Institute by breaking the ground for
the $125 million facility. (Infrastructure)
started
construction on the final phases of the $2.3 million upgrade and
addition to the High River Hospital. (Infrastructure)
started
construction on the $17.3 million 89-bed long-term care plus 24
assisted living units Wing Kei Care Centre in Calgary. (Infrastructure)
supported
the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) in
its distribution of an audio-visual program featuring the message
of anti-smoking advocate Barb Tarbox to Alberta schools. Each school
with Grade 6 to 12 classes received information packages that can
be used to educate students on the dangers of smoking. (Learning,
Health and Wellness)
launched
the annual Joint Forces CheckStop winter billboard campaign in partnership
with law enforcement agencies to reduce impaired driving incidents.
(Transportation)
began
the award-winning “Collision Prime Time” campaign with
its traffic safety partners to promote safe driving behaviours through
radio advertising. The advertisements began in October and focus
on common driving behaviours associated with collisions. (Transportation)
provided
a grant to the 10th Annual Knowing Our Spirits Conference, organized
to help provide information to participants in areas of cultural
awareness, language, traditional medicine, economic opportunities,
new initiatives in education, and social development. (Aboriginal
Affairs and Northern Development)
implemented
a pilot health care practicum placement program with Northern-based
regional health authorities. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
implemented
a new bursary program for medical students that assists in recruiting
physicians to Northern Alberta. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development)
reminded
Albertans about the importance of getting a flu shot. The 2003 enhanced
program was better able to protect seniors and those who are chronically
ill. The $1.5 million the government invested on the flu shots program
included all persons who live with Albertans at high risk. (Health
and Wellness)
announced
the provincial plan to manage a pandemic influenza outbreak. Alberta's
plan aims to slow the spread of disease, minimize serious illness
or death, and maintain essential community services. (Health and
Wellness)
provided
information to Albertans concerning a new strain of the flu virus.
Albertans were told not to be alarmed about the A/Fujian strain
as it was closely related to the A/Panama strain and was one of
the components of the 2003 flu vaccine. (Health and Wellness)
provided
information to the public about how hunters could voluntarily submit
the heads of deer and elk for chronic wasting disease testing. (Sustainable
Resource Development)
SUPPORTING
EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
The
Alberta government supports learning as a lifelong process and offers
Albertans access to a variety of learning opportunities. In the
Third Quarter, the government honoured its commitment to education
and lifelong learning as it:
approved
216 grants totalling $1.3 million to public libraries and library
systems to address increased operations and maintenance costs. (Community
Development)
hosted
a Coaches and Officials Symposium in Calgary, providing educational
sessions for 150 volunteer coaches and officials. Also launched
several new coaching development initiatives, providing an additional
$50,000 annually towards the education and development of volunteer
coaches from grass roots to high performance levels. (Community
Development)
updated
the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission’s resource
document, Exploring Human Rights with Children and Teens: An
Annotated Bibliography. Prepared with the assistance of the
Calgary Public Library, the document shows how children can make
a difference concerning human rights and diversity. (Community Development)
established
the Advancing Futures Bursary Program to assist young people who
have been, or continue to be, under the care of Alberta Children’s
Services. Young people can apply if they are interested in upgrading
their high school education, earning a degree/diploma from an Alberta
post-secondary institution, learning a trade, and/or earning a license
or certificate. (Children’s Services)
enrolled
225 (year-to-date: 870) high school students as production
technicians and supervisors under the Green Certificate program.
(Agriculture, Food And Rural Development)
partnered
with and provided resources to communities and school programs to
support community-led farm accident prevention campaigns. (Agriculture,
Food And Rural Development)
developed
farm safety resources such as fact sheets and a farm safety CD to
provide the farm industry with the motivation and resources required
to farm in a safe manner. (Agriculture, Food And Rural Development)
worked
with partner organizations such as the Tire Recycling Management
Board, the Alberta Used Oil Management Association and the Beverage
Container Management Board to encourage Albertans to reduce their
personal waste by participating in hazardous and electronic waste
roundups, and composting kitchen, garden and yard waste during Waste
Reduction Week. www.wrwcanada.com (Environment)
responded
to approximately 30,482 inquiries regarding student funding issues
through the Student Funding Contact Centre. (Human Resources and
Employment)
entered
into consultation with the Métis Nation of Alberta
and several petroleum companies in the Hinton/Edson/Grande Cache
area, to identify training needed for Aboriginal people to work
in oil fields. (Human Resources and Employment)
developed
five new training and work partnerships with bands under the First
Nations Training to Employment Program. (Human Resources and Employment)
encouraged
Alberta school children to think about the role that science and
technology play in their every day lives during Science and Technology
Week in October 2003. The week recognizes the achievements of Alberta’s
science and technology communities, and promotes the role that science
and technology plays in contributing to Alberta’s high quality
of life. (Innovation and Science)
participated
in official school openings for nine new and replacement schools
in Red Deer, Innisfail, Castor, Edmonton and High River. Total provincial
support for these projects is $48 million. (Infrastructure)
released
$33 million to the Universities of Calgary ($12 million) and Alberta
($21 million) as partial payments for the two Health Research Innovation
Centres, Natural Resources Engineering Facility and the University
of Alberta Power Plant. These funds are part of the $100 million
government commitment for new university projects announced as part
of Budget 2003. (Infrastructure)
opened
the new Provincial Archives of Alberta in Edmonton. Total cost of
the work is $21.3 million. (Infrastructure)
committed
an additional $60 million this school year, including $37
million provided in Fiscal 2003-04, to school boards. This funding,
together with $30 million announced in July 2003 for operations
and maintenance, fully covers the shortfall identified by the Commission
on Learning in its final report: Every Child Learns. Every Child
Succeeds. Also provided another $2.7 million to address cost
pressures in school jurisdictions that have experienced large enrolment
declines. (Learning)
injected
$37 million thus far this fiscal year into the education system.
This funding, together with $30 million announced in July 2003 for
operations and maintenance, fully covers the shortfall identified
by the Commission on Learning in its final report: Every Child
Learns. Every Child Succeeds. Also provided another $2.7 million
to address cost pressures in school jurisdictions that have experienced
large enrolment declines. (Learning)
signed
a Memorandum of Understanding supporting the proposed merger of
Augustana University College and the University of Alberta. The
proposed merger will provide rural Alberta students with increased
access to a high quality university education, and ensure the long-term
sustainability of the Augustana campus. (Learning)
signed
a letter of intent supporting an agreement between the Northern
Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and Aurora College in the
Northwest Territories to work together to assess needs, combine
resources and develop shared solutions. The agreement further strengthens
the partnership between the Alberta and NWT governments. (Learning)
committed
to support 84 of the 95 recommendations of Alberta’s Commission
on Learning, including class-size guidelines, greater emphasis on
fine arts and second-language learning and increased focus on supporting
Aboriginal students and students with special needs. Also committed
to further review another nine recommendations (Learning)
awarded
168 dedicated Alberta apprentices with Alberta Apprenticeship and
Industry Training Scholarships valued at $1,000 each. The scholarships
were created through a partnership between industry and the Alberta
government. (Learning)
launched
Alberta Learning’s 2004 Excellence in Teaching Awards. This
program offers an opportunity for Albertans to recognize the many
outstanding teachers and principals in our learning system. (Learning)
released
the results of an external review of the Bachelor of Education
programs at The King’s University College and Concordia University
College, which concluded that these programs are of high quality
and have proven sustainable over the long term. (Learning)
encouraged
Grade 9 students from across the province to trade their textbooks
for lab coats and hardhats during national Take Our Kids To
Work Day. The annual event gave Grade 9 students the opportunity
to job shadow their parents, or a volunteer host, and experience
the realities of the work world. (Learning)
recognized
and rewarded 50 Alberta Registered Apprenticeship Program
(RAP) students with $1,000 scholarships. RAP is an innovative program
that gives students an opportunity to earn credit towards a high
school diploma and an apprenticeship program at the same time. (Learning)
launched
joint initiatives with the Government of Canada to attract and retain
more foreign students to Alberta and expand existing measures to
draw more skilled immigrants to the province. (Learning)
advanced
learner-centered education in Alberta through the 2003 Online Learning
Symposium, where more than 850 educators and technology experts
explored the latest advances in learning technology. (Learning)
passed
legislation that will give students better access to a greater diversity
of post-secondary programs. The Post-secondary Learning Act,
2003, allows for increased access to degree opportunities at
universities, colleges and technical institutes throughout the province
and helps institutions provide greater choice to students. (Learning)
participated
in a review of the Danish education system as part of the Organization
for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD) team. Alberta
and Finland were selected as reference countries as a result of
learning system excellence and outstanding student achievement.
(Learning)
launched
the log-haul radio advertising campaign in partnership
with the Alberta Forest Products Association, to provide information
and promote safety with regard to logging trucks. (Transportation)
held
Walk the Talk Day in October 2003 to highlight the annual Walk the
Talk About Back to School Safety program. Government and its partners
teach children about traffic and school bus safety along with safe
ways to cycle, skateboard, and in-line skate. (Transportation)
provided
two scholarships to members of the Edmonton Métis Cultural
Dance Society. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
provided
a grant to National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation for Blueprint
for the Future Career Fair designed to increase the awareness of
the diversity of employment opportunities available within the Canadian
workforce. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
published
Alberta’s Aboriginal Population: Socio-demographic Characteristics
(2001). This document outlines the socio-demographic characteristics
such as educational attainment and labour force activity of Aboriginal
people residing in Alberta and selected urban centres. (Aboriginal
Affairs and Northern Development)
published
A Guide to Aboriginal Organizations in Alberta. This directory
contains a listing of Aboriginal organizations across Alberta in
several categories, including economic development and tribal/regional
groups. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
funded
projects under the Northern LINKS Program with goals to assist Northern
Alberta students make decisions related to the transition from secondary
to post-secondary education. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
produced
and distributed an Awards, Bursaries and Scholarships
booklet to assist students who require funding while pursuing a
post-secondary education. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
expanded
the Fish in Schools program to allow students from more schools
to raise fish in their classrooms and learn about fish management,
habitat conservation and stewardship. (Sustainable Resource Development)
SUPPORTING
FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
Every government department is responsible for initiatives
that contribute to an atmosphere where Alberta families can succeed
and flourish. In the Third Quarter, the government:
launched
a new bilateral initiative in cooperation with the Government of
Canada to provide $1.2 million over three years to support a number
of programs aimed at increasing the participation in sport of under-represented
groups including girls and women, Aboriginal people, economically
disadvantaged persons, and persons with disabilities. (Community
Development)
provided
more than $300,000 to open 14 new women’s emergency shelter
spaces in Edmonton and Calgary. The Lurana Shelter in Edmonton received
$108,000 to open seven new beds. The Sherrif King Home in Calgary
received $121,000 to fund four new beds. The Calgary Women’s
Emergency Shelter received $72,000 to open three new beds. Throughout
Alberta, there are 413 provincially funded beds in women’s
emergency shelters. (Children’s Services)
launched
a new Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) public awareness campaign.
Your Decision: Baby’s Future, to run in newspapers and on
television, is designed to inform women and their partners that
alcohol can damage the brains of unborn children and result in a
preventable birth defect known as FASD. (Children’s Services)
provided
about $5.8 million through the Supplementary Accommodation
Benefit to some 8,000 low income seniors living in long term care
facilities to assist them with their accommodation fees. (Seniors)
provided
about $41 million to some 127,000 seniors under the Alberta Seniors
Benefit program. Average monthly cash benefit was $104 per senior.
(Seniors)
approved more than 9,700 applications from low-income
seniors under the Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program for
a total of about $11 million. This is a 163 per cent increase in
approved applications over the previous year. (Seniors)
distributed
more than 34,000 copies of the 2003-04 Seniors Programs and
Services Information Guide, the primary source for information
on programs and services for seniors in Alberta. (Seniors)
approved
$4.83 million in grants to support the housing needs of low-income
families, seniors and people with special needs. (Seniors)
provided
$5.65 million to support 16 homeless shelters. (Seniors)
disbursed
$192,300 to 46 applicants under the Home Adaptation Program to assist
individuals in completing homes modifications to improve wheelchair
access and mobility. (Seniors)
provided
$119,700 to the Unique Homes program to cover additional operating
and maintenance expenses. (Seniors)
provided
$3 million in homeless funding through the Provincial Homelessness
Initiative to Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray,
Red Deer, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. (Seniors)
Prosperity
The following activities
support the Prosperity core business and contribute
to a better quality of life for Albertans.
STRENGTHENING THE ALBERTA ECONOMY
Alberta
is expected to be a leader in economic growth in 2003-04 and various
government departments are involved in a number of initiatives to
ensure that trend continues. In the Third Quarter, the government:
introduced
a sweeping auto insurance reform framework into legislation, which
will provide for fair premiums for good drivers and fair compensation
for injured persons. (Finance)
confirmed
the province’s effective fiscal management with the Second
Quarter Update, demonstrating continued commitment to reducing the
debt, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring a sustainable fiscal
framework. (Finance)
froze
auto insurance premiums for consumers effective October 30, and
ensured consumers are treated fairly under the freeze and receive
refunds or credits if they overpay their premiums. (Finance)
released
a discussion paper to gain feedback within the pension industry
to improve how the plans are managed, and particularly on how financial
problems with the plans can be better identified and addressed.
Input may be used to shape any changes to the Employment Pension
Plans Act in the spring session of the Alberta Legislature.
(Finance)
released
a discussion paper to gain feedback regarding unlocking pension
funds for individuals facing financial hardship. Input may be used
to shape changes that may be made to the locking-in rules in this
spring’s sitting of the Alberta Legislature. (Finance)
signed
a Protocol of Cooperation with the Government of BC committing both
governments to work cooperatively to find ways to save taxpayers
money, reduce the cost of government, and influence federal government
policies and decisions in areas of mutual concern. (International
and Intergovernmental Relations)
negotiated
a formal Memorandum of Understanding between AFSC Commercial and
27 Alberta-based Community Futures Development Corporations. This
agreement will assist in providing further consulting and financial
assistance on a joint basis to rural Alberta businesses and strengthen
and support the rural economy. (Agriculture, Food and Rural Development)
released
and promoted Workplaces that Work: Creating a Workplace
Culture that Attracts, Retains and Promotes Women in Alberta.
This report encourages employment leaders to place women in high-growth
industry sectors. (Community Development)
provided
$500,000 to Growing Alberta, an industry-supported communications
program, to inform Albertans of agriculture’s contribution
to our economy and efforts to improve and promote environmental
responsibility. (Agriculture, Food And Rural Development)
continued
to provide grant assistance under the Rural Gas and Rural Electric
programs to help rural Albertans access essential natural gas and
electric utility services. (Agriculture, Food And Rural Development)
introduced
a $4-million Beef Product and Market Development program to help
regain and develop new markets in a post BSE environment. (Agriculture,
Food And Rural Development)
announced
a $400,000-Food Processor Assistance Initiative to help companies
with their export inventories following the discovery of a single
case of BSE. (Agriculture, Food And Rural Development)
coordinated,
in cooperation with the Canadian agri-food industry and other governments,
an advocacy strategy to discourage mandatory country-of-origin labelling
regulations by the US. (Agriculture, Food And Rural Development)
worked
cooperatively and strategically with the beef industry and the federal
government towards re-opening export markets for Alberta and Canadian
beef products following the discovery of the single case of BSE.
(Agriculture, Food And Rural Development)
distributed
$46,257 to farmers under the 2002 Southern Alberta Flood Disaster
Recovery program. (Agriculture, Food And Rural Development)
distributed
$86,951 to producers under the 2003 Northwest Alberta Disaster Recovery
program. (Agriculture, Food And Rural Development)
distributed
about $152.2 million to producers under various BSE programs, including
Canada-Alberta BSE Recovery, Alberta Fed Cattle Competitive Bid,
and the Alberta Fed Cattle Competitive Market Adjustment program.
(Agriculture, Food And Rural Development)
awarded
17 grants totalling $92,500 from the Alberta Sport, Recreation,
Parks and Wildlife Foundation to provincial associations, communities,
and local organizations to host events in Alberta. (Community Development)
passed
Bill 37, the Climate Change and Emissions Management Act
in the Legislature during the 2003 fall session. The Act strengthens
and complements Alberta’s existing legislation on environmental
protection and resource management related to greenhouse gas emissions.
A copy of the Act is available at the Queen’s Printer: www.qp.gov.ab.ca.
(Environment)
placed
seven Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped clients in various
full and part-time positions in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
(Human Resources and Employment)
negotiated
a multi-service contract to develop programs for the Calling Lake
community, including youth employment services, in partnership with
Human Resources Development Canada, Bigstone First Nations, Ability
Employment Services and Northlands School Division. (Human Resources
and Employment)
released
results from Aboriginal Labour Force Survey conducted in conjunction
with Statistics Canada on Aboriginal people living off reserve in
Alberta. Alberta is leading the way with this initiative –
this is the first survey of its kind in Canada. (Human Resources
and Employment)
released
Skills Investment Strategy: Supporting the Development of a
Skilled Workforce in Alberta, which sets the direction for
adult training and employment programs over the next three to five
years, and is designed to help Albertans prepare for, train for,
find and keep employment, while helping ensure Alberta employers
have a skilled and productive workforce to meet their present and
future needs. (Human Resources and Employment)
sponsored
a Career Learning Day for youth in Calgary to help build
career and labour market awareness, promote career planning and
connect them to career role models and mentors. More than 300 youth
aged 16 to 24 years attended, some of whom were hearing impaired,
developmentally challenged or involved in rehabilitation programs.
(Human Resources and Employment)
concluded
the ‘WorkABLE’ Project, which provided assessment, placement
and support services to disabled Albertans. (Human Resources and
Employment)
contributed
$1.8 million to Bredin Institute - Edmonton, in support of the Foreign
Trained Professionals Centre to help more than 1,000 newcomers with
professional designations find employment. (Human Resources and
Employment)
placed
a record 13,641 job postings onto the Job Bank for Employers through
Canada-Alberta Job Order Services (JOBS). JOBS is the largest web-based
network of job postings for Canadians with over 500,000 new jobs
posted every year in Canada. (Human Resources and Employment)
initiated
job placements through a new employment program in Camrose
and continued job coaching and employment support for 16 mental
health clients and their employers in partnership with Canadian
Mental Health, Human Resource Development Canada, and the Lotteries
Foundation. (Human Resources and Employment)
developed
and hosted an event for 175 new Canadians and career practitioners
to promote career planning and enhance opportunities for workforce
participation of immigrants living in Calgary. (Human Resources
and Employment)
participated
in the BSE Impact Partnership, made up of social service family
support organizations, the private sector and government. Conducted
town hall meetings in the communities in Southern Alberta that have
been significantly impacted by BSE, and provided information on
government programs and services. (Human Resources and Employment)
facilitated
the sharing of career and employment information to more than 9,500
Albertans who attended Western Canada’s largest Career Fair
in Edmonton. At the two-day event,114 different industries and training
institutions offered information and advice. (Human Resources and
Employment)
provided
funding to the Alberta Online Consortium to develop tools,
including a web site, to promote and inform Albertans about career
opportunities in the logistics business. This initiative is part
of a partnership with ocal school boards and post-secondary institutions
to promote career pathways into the logistics sector of the transportation
industry. (Human Resources and Employment, Learning)
achieved
a 75 per cent employment success rate through 90 days for
students who began the Petroleum Land Administration Skills for
Work Program in May 2003. The program is funded by government and
delivered by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).
(Human Resources and Employment)
participated
in a unique trade mission to Texas and California involving
the premiers of Alberta and British Columbia. The mission highlighted
Alberta and BC as leaders in the technology industry, focused on
investment opportunities in high-tech sectors and promoted the two
provinces as secure sources of energy for North America. (Innovation
and Science, Economic Development)
sold
32 properties for a total value of $15.6 million. These properties
had been declared surplus to government requirements. (Infrastructure)
purchased
18 properties worth $8.8 million in support of government programs
primarily in the Transportation and Utility Corridors, to allow
for the extension of the ring roads in Edmonton and Calgary. (Infrastructure)
started
work under the new 10-year agreement with Earth Tech Canada
(Inc.) for the operation of the Swan Hills Treatment Centre, including
approving a three-year business plan. (Infrastructure)
promoted
the excellence and innovation of Alberta’s high-quality learning
system during round table discussions on e-learning and helped showcase
the world-class Banff Centre in Los Angeles and Anaheim, California.
(Learning)
highlighted
Alberta’s education system as being one of the best in Canada,
through Education Indicators in Canada: Report of the Pan-Canadian
Education Indicators Program 2003. The report highlights that
Alberta’s 15-year-olds not only performed significantly better
than the Canadian average, but ranked first in the world in reading
and third in mathematics and science. Alberta was the only jurisdiction
in the world where students placed among the top three in the world
in all three areas of assessment. (Learning)
promoted
Alberta as a leader in learning technology to key advisors
and decision makers around the world during the Public Services
Summit and Nobel Week in Sweden and Norway. (Learning)
expanded
access to high-quality learning opportunities for students through
the launch of eCampus Alberta. Post-secondary students will have
even greater choice and access with a variety of courses that are
being made available online. (Learning)
wrapped
up another successful construction season and invested
over $620 million in Alberta’s highway network, which improved
1,107 kilometres with 365 kilometres receiving chip seal coating.
(Transportation)
opened
Calgary’s Deerfoot Trail Extension to traffic, which connects
Deerfoot Trail to Highway 2. Completing the extension is a major
step toward completing the North-South Trade Corridor. (Transportation)
approved
$17 million worth of projects for 19 rural Alberta municipalities
through the Resource Road Program. The program supports infrastructure
improvements to local roads facing increased resource-based or new
industrial truck traffic. (Transportation)
provided
a grant for the Calling Lake Economic Development Foundation’s
Economic Development Initiative to develop economic and socio-economic
initiatives like job skill training plans and youth training programs.
(Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
provided
grants for an Economic Development Officer in Peerless Lake and
Calling Lake to develop and strengthen relationships between the
community and industry, to generate business and employment opportunities
for the community members. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
coordinated
an Economic Development Workshop in St. Paul that included representatives
from municipalities, First Nations, Métis settlements, regional
economic development offices, chambers of commerce and tourism associations
based in Northeast Alberta. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
coordinated
the signing of the extension for the Alberta-Northwest Territories
Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation and Development.
(Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
undertook
a study on air transportation connections between Northern Alberta
and the Northwest Territories. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development)
collaborated
with Economic Development and northern stakeholders on strategies
to re-open the rail connection between Hythe, Alberta and Dawson
Creek, British Columbia. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
released
the 2003-04 Second Quarter Update for Alberta Heritage Savings Trust
Fund. At September 30, 2003 the Fund’s fair value stood at
$11.9 billion. Increases in the first six months of the year almost
entirely reverse the decline of the past two years. (Revenue)
broadened
tax and revenue administration's waiver policy to include Canadian
corporations that are adversely affected by BSE. Corporations that
qualify may apply to Alberta Revenue, Tax and Revenue Administration
(TRA) for a waiver of interest on tax owing. More details are available
at www.revenue.gov.ab.ca. (Revenue)
passed
and enacted legislation to protect the privacy of Albertans
in the private sector. Under the Personal Information Protection
Act, businesses need to ask Albertans for consent when collecting
their personal information. (Government Services)
issued
4,897 surface approvals for oil and gas wells and pipelines on public
lands. Each approval included criteria to minimize the impact on
Alberta's natural resources. (Sustainable Resource Development)
gained
authority to deal quickly and effectively with non-compliance on
public lands as well as permit some bison grazing on public land,
through the Public Lands Amendment Act. (Sustainable Resource
Development)
received
31 new applications to the Natural Resources Conservation
Board for confined feeding operations (CFOs), made decisions on
28 previous applications, and investigated 268 public complaints
related to 123 existing CFOs. (Sustainable Resource Development)
supported
BSE Market Recovery in the international marketplace through market
re-entry programs held in the US and Mexico. These programs were
delivered through the Beef Information Centre in the US and the
Canadian Beef Export Federation in Mexico. Activities included technical
seminars, senior buyer missions, communication and promotional products.
(Economic Development)
finalized
the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding with China to strengthen
mutual cooperation in agricultural production and processing. (Economic
Development)
opened
Alberta’s new international office in London, United Kingdom.
The new office will promote Alberta as an excellent place to invest
and support Alberta businesses selling products and services in
the UK. (Economic Development)
partnered
with the Canadian Embassy in Kazakhstan to showcase Alberta and
its capabilities in the oil and gas industry, identifying trade
opportunities for export-ready Alberta companies. Market intelligence
was also gathered and relationships with key contacts in Russia
and Kazakhstan were strengthened and established. (Economic Development)
promoted
the Alberta Film Advantage and Alberta beef on a two-day mission
to Los Angeles in October 2003. The mission highlighted the advantages
of Alberta’s diverse locations, experienced crews, production
facilities, and competitive costs. (Economic Development)
expanded
recognition of Alberta oil sands reserves as a long term, secure
supply to include frequent coverage by influential, international
public media (The Economist, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington
Post, Time Magazine, etc.). (Energy)
promoted
and obtained support for integration and growth of value-added
manufacturing in the upgrading, refining and petrochemical sectors
in Alberta, based on Alberta’s vast bitumen resource through
working with industry partners, Alberta Economic Development and
the Alberta Energy Research Institute. (Energy)
IMPROVING
EFFICIENCY AND INNOVATION
Albertans
have worked hard to establish our province as a leader in technology
and innovation. In addition the government is constantly examining
ways in which it can provide services to Albertans more efficiently.
In the Third Quarter, the government:
initiated
a digitization project through the Provincial Archives of Alberta
to make some of its photographic images available electronically.
(Community Development)
provided
improved service through Internet access at the Provincial Archives
of Alberta to aid the researching public in conducting their work.
(Community Development)
processed
7,686 Farm Income Disaster Program claims through AFSC prior to
December 31, 2003, an increase of 60 per cent in the number of claims
processed over the previous years’ 4,888. (Agriculture, Food
and Rural Development)
continued
work with irrigation producers to increase crop production with
existing water supplies, and sustain crop production and quality
during times of water storage. (Agriculture, Food And Rural Development)
worked
with the federal government and other provinces to implement
the Science and Innovation component of the national Agricultural
Policy Framework. (Agriculture, Food And Rural Development)
passed
Bill 36, the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Amendment
Act, in the Legislature during the 2003 fall session. The Act
improves government’s regulatory processes and enables more
efficient and effective environmental protection programs. www.qp.gov.ab.ca
(Environment)
introduced the Gaming Information for Charitable
Groups program to help the 9,000 charity and volunteer groups that
conduct licensed gaming events gain a better understanding of their
responsibilities under Alberta’s unique charitable gaming
model. (Gaming)
launched
the on-line versions of the Employment Standards Complaint
Form and Self-Help Kit, giving Albertans improved access to Employment
Standards services. (Human Resources and Employment)
received
an award for innovation and leadership in addressing privacy issues.
The award recognizes Alberta’s privacy protection framework
that guides the design of its computer systems. The Office of the
Chief Information Officer received the award at the 5th Annual PrivacyCon
conference in Columbus, Ohio. (Innovation and Science)
sponsored
the Alberta Science and Technology Leadership Awards Foundation’s
“ASTech Awards” in November 2003. Awards and prizes
go to outstanding individuals and organizations that have contributed
significantly to the success of science and technology in Alberta.
(Innovation and Science)
sponsored
with Western Economic Diversification Canada and Global TV the third
annual Alberta Innovation 2003 documentary, broadcast provincially
on Global TV. The program contained some of the world’s renowned
researchers and industries in Alberta that are having a positive
impact on our quality of life and are continuing to build Alberta’s
knowledge-based economy. (Innovation and Science)
celebrated
the ceremonial groundbreaking for the permanent home of the National
Institute for Nanotechnology. The new building will be one of the
world’s most technologically advanced research facilities
and will house laboratory space that will be the quietest in Canada.
(Innovation and Science)
created
the office of the Corporate Chief Information Officer (CCIO).
The role of the CCIO is to help the government stay current in the
systems and processes used to serve Albertans, as well as help lead
government toward greater coordination and efficiencies in government-wide
computer and information systems. (Innovation and Science)
completed
negotiations on the two “green power” contracts with
Canadian Hydro Developers Inc. and Enmax Energy Corporation. This
is the most significant commitment for the use of sustainable energy
from benign sources of any jurisdiction in Canada. (Infrastructure)
developed
the business case analysis for the Turner Valley Gas Plant Management
Plant. This is an Historic Site and the recommendation is to re-channel
the Sheep River away from the site to avoid future contamination.
(Infrastructure, Community Development)
continued
with development of an Environmental Management System
that focuses on the handling of hazardous materials during new construction,
renovations and demolitions and the management of contaminated sites.
(Infrastructure)
engaged
the services of Alberta Research Council to develop a Building Mould
Assessment and Management Program, to help assess health threats,
ensure best practices in remediation, and support communication
on this issue. (Infrastructure)
prepared
a draft of minimum building system performance standards that would
be acceptable in continuing care facilities. Regional Health Authorities
are considering these standards for future use, including public-private
partnership projects. (Infrastructure)
contributed
$900,000 in one-time funds to start the eCampus Alberta project,
which will see 15 publicly funded colleges and technical institutes
collaborate to increase access to online learning opportunities
and reduce inefficiencies across the system by sharing courses online.
(Learning)
celebrated
25 years as a Public Guardian to dependent Albertans in the province.
(Seniors)
signed
a Memorandum of Understanding with the British Columbia Ministry
of Transportation to build a joint vehicle inspection station at
the BC-Alberta border east of Golden. The joint facility would be
more efficient for both the carrier industry and both provinces’
inspection services. (Transportation)
coordinated
Alberta’s participation in the Aboriginal Strategies Conference
in October 2003. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
participated
in a national strategies session on Aboriginal Tourism.
(Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
implemented
Internet payment service for Corporate Income Tax, Insurance Corporations
Tax, International Fuel Tax Agreement, Fuel Taxes, Propane Tax,
Health Cost Recovery Levy, Tobacco Tax and Hotel Room Tax. (Revenue)
received
nine grant applications for the ME first! program, totalling
$14.2 million. ME first! is a four-year, $100 million program
($25 million per year) that allows Alberta municipalities to access
interest-free loans for energy efficiency projects. ME first! was
launched in September 2003. (Municipal Affairs)
introduced
the Alberta Waitlist Registry. Albertans can now access the Internet
to view wait times across the province for publicly funded surgeries,
MRIs, CT scans, radiation and chemotherapy. The web site provides
patients with accurate information on wait times and allows them
to discuss options for treatment with their physician. (Health and
Wellness)
launched
the Electronic Health Record province-wide – the first of
its kind in Canada. The record links physicians, pharmacists, hospitals,
home-care and other providers across the province. By storing pertinent
information on-line, health care providers may access a patient’s
prescription history, allergies, and laboratory test results. (Health
and Wellness)
received
a national technology award for Alberta Wellnet, a branch of Alberta
Health and Wellness. The Internet-based tracking system uses a patient’s
provincial health number to match birth records with blood test
results from Alberta’s Newborn Metabolic Screening program.
Since 1999, this technology ensured that an average of 800 additional
babies were screened for inherited disorders each year across Alberta.
(Health and Wellness)
ugraded
water treatment systems at the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery and
incorporated onsite wetlands to treat hatchery wastewater prior
to discharge in the Bow River. (Sustainable Resource Development)
donated
refurbished computers under the Alberta Visitor Information Program
to 49 eligible community visitor information centres to assist them
with travel counselling and accessing Internet-based tourism information
resources. (Economic Development)
established
Alberta as Canada’s number one wind power producer, which
comes as a result of electricity deregulation and subsequent investor
confidence in wind power developments in Alberta. (Energy)
achieved
a target that states that Alberta’s average residential natural
gas price will be less than the annual average national residential
price. During 2003, Alberta residential rates were 19 per cent lower
than the national average. (Energy)
awarded
to the Internet based Petroleum Registry of Alberta was
the prestigious Technology in Manufacturing (TIM) Award, winning
in the “Most Innovative Software Implementation” category.
The TIM awards, announced annually by Canada’s IT for Industry
magazine, recognizes the top technology implementations in the country.
A recent article in the International Oil and Gas Journal states,
“the Petroleum Registry of Alberta has transformed an archaic,
paper-based system into a time and money-saving web-based space”.
(Energy)
committed
to considering a proposed long-term solution to gas-over bitumen
and partnering with industry to work together on technical solutions.
(Energy)
approved
an electricity transmission policy that paves the way for significant
improvements to Alberta’s transmission infrastructure, which
will ensure Albertans continue receiving reliable service regardless
of where they live by supporting new investment in generation to
meet the demands of economic growth. (Energy)
Preservation
The following activities
support the Preservation core business
to ensure Alberta's communities are strong and safe, and Alberta's
natural, cultural and historical resources are protected.
BUILDING
STRONGER AND SAFER COMMUNITIES
Albertans take pride in their communities. They require leadership
from government on issues of safety, and flexibility from government
on determining what initiatives will best strengthen their communities.
The government supports numerous initiatives that improve safety
and build stronger communities. In the Third Quarter of 2003-04,
the government:
passed
Bill 45, the Family Law Act, which consolidates provincial
family law while updating it to reflect current legal practices,
making it easier for Albertans to understand. It addresses areas
such as spousal and adult interdependent partner support, child
support, guardianship and parenting. (Justice)
introduced
Bill 56, the Alberta Court of Justice Act, which provides
the legal framework to establish a unified family court in the province.
The new court would have jurisdiction over family law and youth
matters, improve access to the justice system and provide a more
positive experience for Albertans involved in family law. (Justice)
initiated
an inter-governmental working group in Alberta to develop a strategy
to deal with the increase in methamphetamine use. The group will
look at what preventative steps can be taken with a coordinated
approach to meth labs. (Solicitor General)
profiled
Alberta’s crime enforcement initiatives at the 2003 Crime
Stoppers International Training Conference in Australia. (Solicitor
General)
launched
an awareness initiative called Help Make a Difference
to show the benefits of intercultural understanding. This initiative,
in partnership with Global TV, consists of two major components:
a series of public service announcements broadcast across Alberta,
and a website created to complement the announcements, www.helpmakeadifference.com.
(Community Development)
partnered
with The Alberta Library to obtain a contribution from
Industry Canada of $1.2 million to support public access computers
in public libraries in Alberta. (Community Development)
presented
six Albertans with a Star of the Millennium volunteer award on International
Volunteer Day. Recipients of the Stars of the Millennium Volunteer
Awards were inducted into Alberta’s Volunteer Wall of Fame.
(Community Development)
awarded
90 grants totalling $181,365 for various provincial and community-based
projects in the areas of sport, recreation, parks and wildlife.
(Community Development)
provided
funding for a number of community-based Alberta 2005 Centennial
projects: Foothills Centennial Centre in Okotoks ($500,000), Nord-Bridge
Seniors Centre in Lethbridge ($200,000), Morinville Agriplex ($250,000),
Ponoka Golf Clubhouse ($200,000), St. Paul Golf Course and Clubhouse
($350,000) and Peace Memorial Multiplex in Wainwright ($1,000,000).
(Community Development)
awarded
the 2006 Alberta Winter Games to the communities of Hinton, Jasper
and Edson. $410,000 of lottery funding will be used to support the
Games, including a $60,000 grant from the Alberta Foundation for
the Arts. (Community Development)
co-chaired
the Joint Management Committee in November 2003 to review grant
fund applications for the federal Community Mobilization Program
(CMP). Twenty-three projects from Alberta were recommended for funding
totalling more than $900,000. (Solicitor General)
chaired
the government panel at the recent joint Alberta Energy
and Utilities Board/federal hearings for Canadian Natural Resources
Limited Horizon and Shell Jackpine. The purpose of the hearings
were to assess the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the
proposed construction and operation of oilsands mining projects
in the Fort McMurray area and to determine if these projects are
in the public interest. (Environment)
released
Water for Life: Alberta’s Strategy for Sustainability
in November 2003, the most comprehensive strategy of its kind in
Canada. Water for Life is based on over 18 months of consultations
and discussions with Albertans and water experts. The plan outlines
a series of short-, medium- and long-term actions, worth an estimated
$916 million, aimed at ensuring Albertans have safe, secure drinking
water, healthy aquatic ecosystems and a reliable water supply to
support provincial economic development. www.waterforlife.gov.ab.ca.
(Environment)
removed
over 90 tonnes of potentially hazardous crop protection products
from Alberta’s environment during the 2003 Operation CleanFarm
program. Farmers in Central Alberta were given the opportunity to
drop off obsolete or unwanted pesticides at one of 35 sites for
safe disposal – at no cost. www.gov.ab.ca/env/protenf/pesticide/cleanfarm/index.html
(Environment)
issued
1,151 charitable gaming licenses to community groups throughout
the province. These fundraising activities support everything from
minor league hockey to religious organizations, and promote community
involvement throughout Alberta. Through charitable gaming events,
over $200 million was raised last year for various community organizations.
(Gaming)
maximized
the benefits to charities conducting bingo events by strengthening
the terms and conditions that govern operations for Alberta’s
bingo industry. The changes were made after extensive consultation
with industry groups and stakeholders and reflect policy direction
from the 2001 Gaming Licensing Policy Review. (Gaming)
provided
invaluable funding to projects throughout Alberta through the Alberta
Lottery Fund. Lottery funding has assisted in areas such as crime
prevention ($73,865 to the Clean Scene Network), protecting our
historical resources ($12,118 to the Bear Lake Canuck Historical
Society), and facility upgrades that better the lives of Albertans
($23,415 to Chrysalis: Alberta Society for Citizens with Disabilities).
(Gaming)
expanded
the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission web site to include information
on tobacco enforcement. To help deter tobacco-related offences,
the site also lists those who have been charged with an offence
and their infractions. (Gaming)
released
the new Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code,
which contains all the technical requirements for workplace health
and safety previously contained in 11 regulations. (Human Resources
and Employment)
produced
and distributed brochures explaining the Work Safe Alberta
mentorship program, which helps employees reduce injury rates. (Human
Resources and Employment)
released
the guidelines and application for the first annual Awards for Innovation
in Workplace Health and Safety, a Work Safe Alberta program, to
recognize health and safety initiatives in Alberta workplaces over
the past year. (Human Resources and Employment)
participated
in the official opening of the Beverly Lodge. This is a 73-unit
seniors lodge in Edmonton recently upgraded under the Lodge Upgrading
Program. Total government support for this project was about $1
million. (Infrastructure)
agreed to provide up to $472,000 in additional
emergency shelter funding to the Calgary Drop-In Centre to increase
shelter capacity by 200 spaces during the winter months. (Seniors)
entered
into a two-year agreement with the Dream Centre in Calgary to provide
$290,400 for up to 44 short-term transitional housing spaces. (Seniors)
provided
about $11.9 million in funding under the Canada Alberta Affordable
Housing Program to construct affordable housing units in Edmonton,
Fort McMurray and Brooks. (Seniors)
launched
the Alberta ski season by reminding skiers and snowboarders of theft
prevention through ski check. Ski check is a crime prevention program
that offers tips to skiers and snowboarders to help them prevent
theft of their equipment. (Solicitor General)
passed
a private member’s bill to amend the Traffic Safety Act.
The amendment allows police to seize vehicles from anyone caught
trying to solicit a prostitute. The goal of the bill is to reduce
street prostitution and its negative effects on urban neighbourhoods.
(Transportation)
approved
grants to seven cities for a total of $16.4 million through
Alberta Transportation’s Cities Special Transportation Grants
program. Grants are available to Alberta cities, other than Edmonton
and Calgary, to address road, transit, or airport growth. (Transportation)
invested
approximately $17.7 million in infrastructure projects in 32 communities
through the Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program. Alberta Transportation
administers this joint federal-provincial funding program on behalf
of the province. (Transportation)
provided
a grant to A Better Choice - A Better Life Mentoring Project.
The initiative is a mentoring program based on a youth-helping-youth
model that utilizes peer support, peer counselling and education.
The primary focus is to address the escalating issue of urban Aboriginal
youth and gangs. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)
participated
with the Athabasca Oil Sands Developers on an initiative to develop
transportation infrastructure in support of the oil sands activity
occurring in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. (Aboriginal
Affairs and Northern Development)
partnered
with Municipal Affairs on the launch of an interactive tool to educate
children on fire prevention safety. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development)
issued
consumer alerts to caution Albertans on unscrupulous businesses
and provided consumer tips for dealing with a variety of situations
in the marketplace. Subjects included home renovators and funeral
home operators. (Government Services)
handed
the largest fine ever imposed under the province’s Fair
Trading Act to a home renovator convicted of multiple charges.
(Government Services)
completed
577 investigations related to consumer protection and recovered
more than $162,000 for Alberta consumers. (Government Services)
opened
the new, state-of-the-art Emergency Management Alberta Operations
Centre, which will be used as the province’s coordination
centre during disasters or major emergencies. The $1.4 million,
17,000 square foot facility is the first of its kind in Canada and
has been cited as an excellent model for the rest of the country
to follow. (Municipal Affairs)
received
11 grant applications under the Regional Partnerships Initiative,
which encourages and assists municipalities to foster regional cooperation
in the delivery of municipal services to Alberta residents. Two
grants totaling $125,000 were approved and the remaining applications
are still under consideration. (Municipal Affairs)
allocated
$500,000 to support training of emergency management personnel and
ground search and rescue volunteers. This special initiative will
provide training to local personnel that will enable them to continue
to effectively respond to major emergencies and disasters. (Municipal
Affairs)
allocated
$500,000 to support training of emergency management personnel and
ground search and rescue volunteers. This special initiative will
provide training to local personnel that will enable them to continue
to effectively respond to major emergencies and disasters. (Municipal
Affairs)
organized
a workshop to bring the province’s fire service and mental
health communities together to learn about juvenile fire-setting
and receive information on a Canadian program that can be used to
help deal with this serious problem. (Municipal Affairs)
participated
in a regional hazardous material response exercise organized
by the Montana Department of Disaster and Emergency Services. The
exercise simulated a terrorist strike with poison gas at the border
crossing facility between Coutts, Alberta and Sweetgrass, Montana.
(Municipal Affairs)
certified
74 first responders to train others throughout Alberta on how to
identify and assess chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear
hazards. The training provided to these first responders will establish
an additional level of security against potential threats. (Municipal
Affairs)
amended
the Municipal Government Act to provide municipalities
with the authority to collect an off-site road levy as a condition
of subdivision or development to help offset transportation costs
attributable to new growth. Other amendments dealt with liabilities
associated with contact sports and dates for changes in assessment
requirements. (Municipal Affairs)
continued
to implement FireSmart planning and operational activities in more
than 26 communities identified as priority areas. (Sustainable Resource
Development)
responded
to more than 320 wildlife-human conflict situations, which resulted
in the relocation of 77 bears, 24 ungulates and 43 other animals.
(Sustainable Resource Development)
fought
nearly 80 reported wildfires. (Sustainable Resource Development)
PROTECTING
ALBERTA'S NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
Albertans want to ensure Alberta's awe-inspiring
natural beauty and rich cultural heritage is preserved for future
generations. In the Third Quarter, the Alberta government:
provided
$209,500 in total grants to assist with the implementation of the
Alberta portion of the Historic Places Initiative, which is aimed
at preserving Alberta’s heritage. (Community Development)
opened
the new Provincial Archives of Alberta, an Alberta 2005 Centennial
legacy project. (Community Development)
partnered
with the French community in Edmonton and the Francophone Secretariat
to set up a formal process of preserving the community’s documentary
heritage at the Provincial Archives of Alberta. (Community Development)
unveiled
the final artwork, the Story of Life, a 40-foot long by
eight-foot high mural, of renowned Canadian artist Lorraine Malach
at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Malach spent more than two years designing,
modeling and firing the project, which was nearing completion at
the time of her death in March 2003. (Community Development)
partnered
with the Friends of Fort Victoria to reconstruct the historic kitchen
at the Clerk’s Quarters at Victoria Settlement Provincial
Historic Site. (Community Development)
continued
to develop science-based phosphorus limits for all agricultural
lands in Alberta to sustain agriculture development without negatively
impacting the province’s surface water quality. (Agriculture,
Food And Rural Development)
supported
Hallmark Entertainment Group’s Dreamkeeper, a two-part
mini-series made for ABC television, filmed in southern Alberta
and included more than 1,500 Aboriginals in all aspects of making
the film. (Aboriginal Development and Northern Affairs)
assisted
the Lac La Biche/Lakeland Interpretative Society with its interpretative
centre project proposed for the Town of Lac La Biche. (Aboriginal
Development and Northern Affairs)
contained
a mountain pine beetle outbreak in the Bow Corridor area,
through a joint program with Parks Canada and the Town of Canmore.
(Sustainable Resource Development, Community Development)
increased
penalties for wildlife poaching offences. Fish and Wildlife officers
also gained additional ways to respond to poaching. (Sustainable
Resource Development)
spoke
with more than 14,450 people during compliance checks, and investigated
about 1,600 complaints of illegal activities involving fish and
wildlife resources. (Sustainable Resource Development)
led a pilot project in northeast Alberta designed
to develop a protocol and process for engagement of Alberta's Aboriginal
communities in regional economic development initiatives. (Economic
Development)
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