ACCOUNTABILITY
STATEMENT
This Business Plan
for the three years commencing April 1, 2004 was prepared under
my direction in accordance with the Government Accountability
Act and the government’s accounting policies. All of the government’s
policy decisions as at February 27, 2004 with material economic
or fiscal implications of which I am aware have been considered
in preparing the Business Plan.
The Ministry’s priorities
outlined in the Business Plan were developed in the context of the
government’s business and fiscal plans. I am committed to achieving
the planned results laid out in this Business Plan.
[original
signed]
Ron Stevens, Minister
of Gaming
March 4, 2004
The
ministry
The
Ministry of Gaming includes the Department of Gaming, the Alberta
Gaming and Liquor Commission, the Alberta Lottery Fund, the Alberta
Gaming Research Council, the Racing Appeal Tribunal and responsibility
for the Horse Racing Alberta Act. The Ministry is responsible for
ensuring that the gaming and liquor industries in Alberta operate
with integrity, accountability, and in a socially responsible manner
while maximizing benefits to Albertans.
Gaming activities
contribute to Albertans' quality of life by providing opportunities
for charitable groups to raise funds directly for their valuable
work, by providing entertainment options to adults in Alberta, and
by providing funding used by government to support community and
volunteer initiatives. In 2002-2003, charitable and religious organizations
raised approximately $206 million through licensed gaming activities
under Alberta's unique charitable gaming model. In addition, over
$1 billion of gaming proceeds is provided annually to volunteer
groups and public and community-based initiatives through the Alberta
Lottery Fund.
Alberta's unique
privatized liquor industry has more than 1,000 stores and retails
over 11,000 listed liquor products. The private sector operates
the retailing, warehousing, and distribution of liquor in Alberta
and the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission licenses and regulates
the industry. The province receives approximately $550 million annually
through the mark-up on liquor products sold in Alberta.
DEPARTMENT
OF GAMING |
The
Department's primary responsibilities are strategic services,
communications, and administration of various lottery-funded
programs, including the Community Facility Enhancement Program
and the Community Initiatives Program. The Department benefits
from services provided by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
in the areas of human resources and information technology and
from other administrative services provided through the Alberta
Corporate Service Centre. |
ALBERTA
GAMING AND LIQUOR COMMISSION |
The
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC), a commercial enterprise
within the Government of Alberta, consists of a Board and a
Corporation. The Corporation acts as the operational arm of
the organization, while the Board is responsible for policy
and regulatory matters. The Commission ensures that gaming and
liquor activities in Alberta are conducted honestly, openly,
and with the highest level of integrity. The Commission also
endeavours to maximize the economic benefits of gaming and liquor
activities in the province to the benefit of Albertans. |
ALBERTA
LOTTERY FUND |
The
Alberta Lottery Fund, established in 1989, comprises the government's
portion of revenues from provincial lotteries (ticket lotteries,
slot machines, video lottery terminals, DIGI Bingo, and Keno).
Expenditures from the fund are voted in the Legislature and
support programs, projects and foundations administered by various
ministries. The AGLC administers the Alberta Lottery Fund and
the Department of Gaming delivers various lottery-funded programs. |
ALBERTA
GAMING RESEARCH COUNCIL |
The
Alberta Gaming Research Council is a broad-based advisory group
to the Minister of Gaming. The Council is made up of six public
representatives and one representative from each of the following
organizations: Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC),
Alberta Health and Wellness, and Alberta Gaming. The Council
was established to help direct the research activities of the
Alberta Gaming Research Institute. The Institute is an independent
consortium of the Universities of Alberta, Calgary and Lethbridge
that promotes research into various aspects of gaming, emerging
gaming trends and problem gambling prevention and treatment. |
RACING
APPEAL
TRIBUNAL |
The
Minister appoints members to the Racing Appeal Tribunal, as
prescribed in the Horse Racing Alberta Act, to hear
appeals arising from rulings or directions of horse racing officials.
The Tribunal's costs are borne by Horse Racing Alberta. |
HORSE
RACING ALBERTA ACT |
The
Minister of Gaming is responsible for the Horse Racing Alberta
Act. The legislation places responsibility for management
and regulation of the horse racing industry in Alberta on a
private, not-for-profit organization - Horse Racing Alberta. |
link
to the government business plan
The
Ministry of Gaming contributes primarily to two of the goals in
the Government Business Plan: Goal 7 - Alberta will have a prosperous
economy; and Goal 11 - Albertans will have the opportunity to participate
in community and cultural activities and enjoy the province's historical
resources and parks and protected areas.
vision
A province that strives
to balance choice and responsibility in its gaming and liquor industries,
uses revenue derived from these activities for the benefit of Albertans,
and provides opportunity for competition and enhanced service in
its gaming and liquor industries.
MISSION
To ensure integrity
and accountability in Alberta's gaming and liquor industries, and
to achieve the maximum benefit for Albertans from gaming and liquor
activities.
CORE
BUSINESSES
Core
Business 1: Ensure that Alberta’s liquor industry operates
with integrity and accountability and in a socially responsible
manner.
Goal 1 - The
integrity of Alberta’s liquor industry is maintained and
liquor policies achieve a balance between choice, social responsibility
and economic benefit.
Goal 2 - Albertans are aware of prevention and treatment programs
for alcohol abuse.
Core
Business 2: Ensure that Alberta’s gaming industry operates
with integrity and accountability and in a socially responsible
manner.
Goal 3 - The
integrity of Alberta’s gaming industry is maintained and
gaming policies achieve a balance between choice, social responsibility
and economic benefit.
Goal 4 - Albertans are aware of prevention and treatment programs
for problem gambling.
Core
Business 3: Ensure the Alberta Lottery Fund benefits Alberta communities.
Goal 5 - Lottery
Funds are effectively managed and support volunteer, public and
community-based initiatives.
Goal 6 - Albertans are aware of the initiatives supported by the
Alberta Lottery Fund.
GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
The
Ministry has adopted the following guiding principles for gaming
and liquor in Alberta. These guiding principles are subject to ongoing
review to ensure they continue to reflect Albertans' values.
- The
integrity of gaming and liquor activities will be ensured.
-
Gaming and liquor policies will reflect a commitment to social
responsibility.
-
Gaming and liquor policies will be supported by sound research
and consultation with the public and stakeholders.
-
The collection and use of gaming and liquor revenue will be open
and accountable.
-
Gaming activities will meet standards of quality to protect the
integrity of gaming activities, provide gaming entertainment value
to consumers and help to keep gaming dollars in Alberta.
-
Alberta's liquor industry will continue to be among the most progressive
and competitive in the country and continue to lead the nation
in terms of supply, distribution, pricing and customer service.
-
The financial return to eligible groups from charitable gaming
and from provincial lotteries is to be maximized for the benefit
of Albertans.
SIGNIFICANT
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
The Ministry
has identified several challenges related to achieving its vision.
The most significant challenges are ensuring the ongoing integrity
of gaming and liquor activities, achieving a balance between consumer
choice and the responsible provision of alcohol and gaming entertainment,
and managing the ongoing evolution of the gaming and liquor industries,
including the anticipated growth in the gaming industry.
The integrity
of gaming and liquor activities requires constant vigilance. In
facing this challenge, the Ministry continues to establish rigorous
processes to ensure only eligible applicants are licensed and devotes
considerable resources in monitoring ongoing operations and investigating
all potential threats to integrity.
The cornerstone
of Alberta's approach to its gaming and liquor industries is that
all activities are conducted in a socially responsible manner. The
Ministry continues to identify opportunities to work closely with
all stakeholders to develop appropriate policies and innovative
programs to minimize problem gambling and alcohol abuse.
Finally, the
Ministry of Gaming has substantially completed implementation of
the major recommendations arising from the Gaming Licensing Policy
Review. As the implementation of the remaining recommendations is
completed, the Ministry is well positioned to establish the framework
for assessing emerging issues and meeting the government's commitments
to future policy and legislative reviews. These commitments include
a review of the First Nations Gaming Policy and reviewing gaming
policies and the Gaming and Liquor Act and Regulation.
STRATEGIC
PRIORITIES 2004-07
Alberta Gaming
continues to identify and work on major strategic initiatives related
to gaming and liquor in the province. These initiatives include:
- Ensuring
that Alberta's liquor industry remains progressive and ensuring
that the interests of Alberta consumers are protected.
Linkage: Goal 1
The
integrity of Alberta's liquor industry is maintained and liquor
policies achieve a balance between choice, social responsibility
and economic benefit.
-
Maintaining
the highest level of integrity for gaming and liquor activities.
Linkage: Goal 1
The integrity of Alberta's liquor industry is maintained and
liquor policies achieve a balance between choice, social responsibility
and economic benefit.
Goal 3 The integrity of Alberta's
gaming industry is maintained and gaming policies achieve a
balance between choice, social responsibility and economic benefit.
-
Developing
policies and programs to ensure that the gaming and liquor industries
continue to operate in a
socially responsible manner.
Linkage: Goal 2
Albertans are aware of prevention and treatment programs for
alcohol abuse.
Goal 4 Albertans are aware of prevention
and treatment programs for problem gambling.
-
Managing
the changing landscape of the maturing gaming industry, including
the relationship with the
Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC).
Linkage: Goal 3
The integrity of Alberta's gaming industry is maintained and
gaming policies achieve a balance between choice, social responsibility
and economic benefit.
-
Ensuring
the First Nations Gaming Policy provides opportunities for gaming
facilities on First Nations land
and benefits for First Nations communities.
Linkage: Goal 3
The integrity of Alberta's gaming industry is maintained and
gaming policies achieve a balance between choice, social responsibility
and economic benefit.
-
Managing
the Alberta Lottery Fund and increase awareness so that Albertans
understand how the Fund benefits volunteer groups and public
and community-based initiatives.
Linkage: Goal 5
Lottery Funds are effectively managed and support volunteer,
public and community-based initiatives.
Goal 6 Albertans are aware of the
initiatives supported by the Alberta Lottery Fund.
CORE
BUSINESSES, GOALS, STRATEGIES AND MEASURES
CORE
BUSINESS ONE: Ensure that Alberta's liquor industry operates with
integrity and accountability and in a socially responsible manner.
GOAL
1: The integrity of Alberta's liquor industry is maintained
and liquor policies achieve a balance between choice, social responsibility
and economic benefit.
What it means
The Ministry is committed to ensuring
Alberta's liquor industry will continue to be among the most progressive
and competitive in the country and continue to lead the nation in
terms of supply, distribution, pricing and customer service. The
Ministry ensures the regulation of the liquor industry through the
provisions of the Gaming and Liquor Act and Regulation.
Strategies
- Monitor emerging issues and trends, and where necessary, develop
policies to address the social and economic implications of
these issues.
- Ensure the liquor industry operates in compliance with legislation
and policy.
- Work with the liquor industry to ensure Alberta's unique
privatized liquor industry remains progressive and competitive.
- Ensure liquor policies protect the interests of Albertans
and benefit Alberta's consumers.
- Consult with stakeholders on major policy initiatives.
Performance Measure
![](/web/20061208012512im_/http://www.finance.gov.ab.ca/publications/budget/budget2004/gaming1.gif)
GOAL
2: Albertans are aware of prevention and treatment programs
for alcohol abuse.
What it means
The Ministry is committed to ensuring
that Alberta's liquor industry operates in a socially responsible
manner. The Ministry partners with the Alberta Alcohol and Drug
Abuse Commission (AADAC), stakeholders and others to ensure the
availability of prevention and treatment programs for alcohol abuse.
Strategies
- Partner with AADAC and the liquor industry to develop and
deliver programs related to the responsible sale and consumption
of liquor.
- In partnership with AADAC and the liquor industry, ensure
consumers of alcohol are aware of prevention and treatment programs
for alcohol abuse.
- Support research and education related to the responsible
use of alcohol in areas such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Performance Measure
CORE
BUSINESS TWO: Ensure that Alberta's gaming industry operates with
integrity and accountability and in a socially responsible manner.
Goal
3:
The integrity of Alberta's gaming industry is maintained and gaming
policies achieve a balance between choice, social responsibility
and economic benefit.
What it means
The Ministry
is committed to ensuring that Alberta's gaming industry operates
with integrity and that legislation and policy strike a balance
between choice, social responsibility and economic benefit. The
Ministry ensures the regulation of the gaming industry through the
provisions of the Gaming and Liquor Act and Regulation.
Strategies
- Monitor
emerging issues and trends, and where necessary, develop policies
to address the social and economic implications of these issues.
- Develop
a framework for the review of gaming policies, legislation and
regulation.
- Ensure
Albertans are consulted with respect to major policy initiatives.
- Ensure
Alberta's charitable gaming model continues to provide maximum
benefit to charities.
- Ensure
the gaming industry operates in compliance with legislation
and policy.
- Manage
First Nations Gaming Policies and ensure policies are consistent
with the charitable gaming model and the government's Aboriginal
Policy Framework.
- Work collaboratively
with First Nations to develop and implement the framework for
the First Nations Development Fund.
- Fulfill
government's commitment to review the First Nations Gaming Policy
- Ensure
the accountability of Horse Racing Alberta for its legislated
responsibilities and the funding provided to it under the Racing
Industry Renewal Initiative.
Performance Measure
![](/web/20061208012512im_/http://www.finance.gov.ab.ca/publications/budget/budget2004/gaming3.gif)
Goal
4:
Albertans are aware of prevention and treatment programs for problem
gambling.
What it
means
The Ministry
is committed to ensuring the gaming industry operates in a socially
responsible manner. The Ministry partners with AADAC, stakeholders,
and others to ensure the availability of prevention and treatment
programs for those who may experience a problem with gambling. Research
into various aspects of gaming is funded to enhance understanding
and assist policy development.
Strategies
- Partner with AADAC and the gaming industry to develop and
deliver programs related to the responsible delivery of gaming
entertainment.
- In partnership with AADAC and the gaming industry, ensure
consumers of gaming products are aware of prevention and treatment
programs for problem gambling.
- Conduct research into various aspects of gaming related to
attitudes, problem gambling and economic analysis.
- Collaborate with the Alberta Gaming Research Council to identify
priority research needs.
Performance Measure
![](/web/20061208012512im_/http://www.finance.gov.ab.ca/publications/budget/budget2004/gaming4.gif)
CORE
BUSINESS THREE: Ensure the Alberta Lottery Fund benefits Alberta
communities.
Goal
5:
Lottery Funds are effectively managed and support volunteer, public
and community-based initiatives.
What it means
All provincial government gaming revenue
from gaming operations is directed to the Alberta Lottery Fund and
identified for use by specific volunteer groups, and for public
and community-based initiatives. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
(AGLC) is responsible for administration of the Alberta Lottery
Fund and the Department of Gaming delivers various lottery-funded
programs.
Strategies
- Allocate Alberta Lottery Fund proceeds according to government
policy.
- Provide Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) matching
grants to improve Alberta's community public-use facilities.
- Support project-based initiatives through the Community Initiatives
Program (CIP).
- Fulfill government commitments to allocate gaming revenue
to specific initiatives such as the Racing Industry Renewal
Initiative and Bingo.
- Continue to enhance the reporting systems related to grants
and charitable gaming proceeds.
Performance Measures
![](/web/20061208012512im_/http://www.finance.gov.ab.ca/publications/budget/budget2004/gaming5.gif)
Goal
6:
Albertans
are aware of the initiatives supported by the Alberta Lottery Fund.
What it means
The Ministry
informs Albertans about the Alberta Lottery Fund and its support
of volunteer groups, and public and community-based initiatives.
Strategies
- Manage
and expand the information and awareness initiative about the
Alberta Lottery Fund and how it is used to benefit Albertans.
- Ensure
optimum use of all communication vehicles, including the Internet,
to provide information about the Alberta Lottery Fund.
- Work with
other ministries, lottery-funded agencies, and other stakeholders
to enhance awareness of lottery-funded initiatives.
Performance Measures
![](/web/20061208012512im_/http://www.finance.gov.ab.ca/publications/budget/budget2004/gaming6.gif)
expense
by core business
![](/web/20061208012512im_/http://www.finance.gov.ab.ca/publications/budget/budget2004/gaming7.gif)
ministry
statement of operations
![](/web/20061208012512im_/http://www.finance.gov.ab.ca/publications/budget/budget2004/gaming8.gif)
CONSOLIDATED
NET OPERATING RESULT
![](/web/20061208012512im_/http://www.finance.gov.ab.ca/publications/budget/budget2004/gaming9.gif)
Go to: Government
Services Business Plan
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