“A vibrant and prosperous province
where
Albertans enjoy a superior quality of life
and are confident about the future for
themselves and their children.”
introduction
The
Government of Alberta Strategic Business Plan consists of:
Alberta's
Vision: Today's Advantage, Tomorrow's Promise: Alberta's
Vision for the Future;
20-Year
Strategic Plan: Today's Opportunities, Tomorrow's Promise:
A Strategic Plan for the Government of Alberta;
Medium-Term
Strategies: Cross-Ministry Initiatives and Medium-Term
Strategic Plans; and
3-Year
Business Plan: 2004-07 Government of Alberta Business
Plan.
The
Government of Alberta Strategic Business Plan consists
of the following:
Alberta's
Vision for the Future which lays out Alberta's vision of
"A vibrant and prosperous province where Albertans enjoy a
superior quality of life and are confident about the future for
themselves and their children".
It outlines
the values that Albertans hold and four key opportunities or “pillars”
to realize Alberta's vision: unleashing innovation; leading in learning;
competing in a global marketplace, and making Alberta the best place
to live, work and visit.
A Strategic
Plan for the Government of Alberta which is a 20-year strategic
plan that flows from the vision document, Today's Advantage, Tomorrow's
Promise: Alberta's Vision for the Future. The 20-year plan sketches
a picture of Alberta in the year 2025 and contains broad strategies
for achieving the four key opportunities outlined in the vision
document.
The 20-year
strategic plan is based on what the government has heard from Albertans
in different forums over the last few years. It provides strategic
direction for government planning and policies.
Cross-Ministry
Initiatives and Medium-Term Strategic Plans. The Cross-Ministry
Initiatives section sets out the objectives and targets for four
policy initiatives that bring together various ministries to address
corporate government-wide issues. This approach recognizes that
many issues are not isolated to a single ministry. The 2004-07 policy
initiatives are: the Aboriginal Policy Initiative, the Alberta Children
and Youth Initiative, the Economic Development Strategy, and the
Health Sustainability Initiative.
The Medium-Term
Strategic Plans section provides information on government strategies
to address priority issues over a longer period of time.
The
2004-07 Government Business Plan which is an ongoing three-year
plan linked to the fiscal plan and aligned with the broader strategies
in the 20-year plan. The government business plan is published annually.
It lays out the government's goals, strategies, and performance
measures to track progress towards goal achievement.
Ministry business
plans are also published annually and cover a three-year period.
These ministry business plans are required to indicate how they
link to the government business plan.
STRATEGIC
POLICY FRAMEWORK
The Alberta
Government has a strategic policy framework with a vision, linking
long-term, medium-term and short-term plans. The vision document
is at the top and sets out Alberta's vision for the future. Next,
the long-term 20-year strategic plan sets out major strategic themes
on how that future will be achieved. Each subsequent plan provides
a greater level of detail. In addition, at the ministry level, operational
plans and management performance contracts are developed. This alignment
ensures that all of government is "pulling together" and
that all strategies are linked to Alberta's vision and 20-year strategic
plan.
Today's
Advantage, Tomorrow's Promise:
Alberta's Vision for the Future
Just
over 10 years ago, the Alberta government set a course for a new
future. Since then, Albertans and their government together have
brought in an era of enviable growth and unmatched prosperity. Making
great strides toward achieving the vision of: "A vibrant and
prosperous province where Albertans enjoy a superior quality of
life and are confident about the future for themselves and their
children", Today's Advantage, Tomorrow's Promise: Alberta's
Vision for the Future renews and refreshes that vision for the next
20 years. Building on Alberta's strengths and its successes over
the last decade, it is a renewed vision for the promise of our future.
Promises
Kept, Mission Accomplished
In
1993 Albertans faced some tough choices. The economy was not performing
to potential and the government was spending more than it could
afford. Red tape and regulations were hurting business and government
had become too big. Albertans told their government to take action
and their government listened. Alberta's government is now more
open, transparent, accessible and accountable than ever before.
Enormous achievements
have been realized. Deficits are a thing of the past and the debt
is almost eliminated. The economy has grown strongly and steadily.
Alberta's outstanding economic growth has created over 375,000 new
jobs in just 10 years. Regulations have been streamlined and government
has become more effective, efficient, adaptable and value driven.
Personal and business taxes are lower. Important changes have been
made to the way we organize and structure Alberta’s health
system. The Mazankowski Report has provided a blueprint to continue
strengthening and ensuring the sustainability of the system, and
to create a strong foundation for the challenges of the future.
The Learning Commission has examined the fundamentals of the learning
system to assist us to build on a similar strong foundation in education.
But perhaps
the most significant achievement of the past decade is the change
in how Albertans and their government work together. Individuals
and communities now want and expect to be full participants in governing
the province. Public participation in future-shaping events such
as the Growth Summit and the Future Summit has
brought government closer to the people and has empowered individuals
to become planners of their own future while government is asked
to ensure the infrastructure is there to enable them to succeed.
The Government of Alberta has forged partnerships with communities
to find local solutions to important issues. From consultation in
every policy or legislative change, to community engagement in program
areas from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention to community
justice committees to economic development authorities and tourism
councils, the door has been opened to individual and community participation.
We now expect community governance as a normal operating procedure,
not a special event.
Albertans' accomplishments
have set the stage for the next decade and beyond. The global environment
is challenging and chaotic. Success requires a strong foundation,
a clear sense of values and a strength of purpose. We can't stand
still. We must recognize and build on the accomplishments of the
last decade; not rest on them. Respecting the ongoing need for the
sound fiscal policies which got us to where we are today, Today's
Advantage, Tomorrow’s Promise works to achieve our vision
that Alberta is a place where all Albertans can realize their full
potential, where we are stewards of Alberta's natural beauty and
resources, and where sustained economic growth leads to continued
prosperity and realized opportunity.
Keeping
Albertans' Values in Mind
Central
to the government's vision for the future are the values this province
has been built on. Past successes were achieved as a result of these
values - and future successes will be achieved with these values
in mind.
At the core
of our vision is Albertans' desire for the freedom to control their
own lives and their rejection of unnecessary rules or red tape.
Albertans have always had a strong belief in the freedom to pursue
personal success. Albertans recognize that their right to self-determination
is balanced by their responsibility to their family and to the greater
community.
Albertans also
have a pioneering, entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to take
risks and embrace new technologies. Our vision is built on Albertans'
desire to take advantage of these new opportunities and to maximize
their personal achievements and potential.
Equally important
is Albertans' desire for strong leadership - strong leaders that
listen to Albertans and create an environment where individual Albertans
have the opportunity to achieve their goals - strong leaders who
will forge directions, make decisions and take action to protect
our high quality of life and reflect our independent spirit.
Taking
the Next Step
Achieving the
new vision will require effort from all of us. Individuals, communities,
non-profit organizations and businesses all have an important role
to play. So does the Alberta government.
Leadership in
government provides the framework through economic, social and regulatory
policies - and in partnership with other levels of government, communities,
business, industry and not-for-profit sectors - they together create
the environment for all to flourish. Leadership requires promoting
Alberta's interests and securing benefits for Albertans as an equal
partner in a strong, united Canada.
Albertans have
defined the role their government should play in creating the best
possible future for the province. Government's role is to create
an environment that allows people to freely take advantage of opportunities.
Government's role is to ensure the right infrastructure is in place
for Albertans to make their own opportunities. Government's role
is to provide Albertans with an opportunity to acquire the knowledge
they need to identify and participate in future opportunities. And
government's role is assurance - that Albertans have safe water,
air, land and food and have access to quality health care.
The vision within
Today's Advantage, Tomorrow's Promise is centred on people,
preservation and prosperity.
People
are at the core of the Alberta Advantage that is envied around the
world. As our best resource, Albertans will realize their potential
and be confident about the future. This requires hope, personal
and community resourcefulness to meet challenges, and support where
needed. It requires valuing the diverse gifts that all Albertans
bring to their communities, whether building economic strength or
contributing to making the community a vibrant, safe and healthy
place to live. This requires valuing the healthy development of
all people, to achieve their highest potential.
The government
will promote this success by making sure Alberta's children get
the best possible start in life and by ensuring Albertans have the
capacity to educate themselves as well as the freedom to create
innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities. Individuals make and
must be responsible for choices which impact their own health and
the health of others, but influencing some of the factors that lead
to healthy human development requires our common action. We need
to ensure that quality health care is there when people need it.
Albertans are
caring and compassionate and have concern for their fellow citizens.
Albertans will always ensure that essential services are there for
those of us in need to enable each of us to be the best that we
can be.
Preservation
means maintaining an environment that is unsurpassed in the world.
In balance with sustainable economic growth, Albertans value the
preservation of the province’s clean, healthy, natural environment,
where the majestic beauty of Alberta is protected for future generations
to enjoy.
Through careful
stewardship, the Alberta government will manage these resources
in a sustainable manner, maintain our system of parks and protected
lands, and ensure clean air, land, rivers and lakes.
Prosperity
is essential to maintaining and improving Albertans' overall quality
of life. Unmatched, sustainable overall economic growth is a cornerstone
of realizing the province's full potential.
Today's
Advantage, Tomorrow's Promise is a vision to ensure economic
growth that is unmatched in Canada, North America and around the
world. It is a vision that ensures individual Albertans will have
the chance to work or seize an opportunity.
The base for
this growth will be achieved through sound management that enables
the sustainable development of our natural-resource-based economy.
Along with individual Albertans and Alberta businesses, the Alberta
government has a role in creating an attractive tax, fiscal and
regulatory climate that stimulates all sectors of our economy and
makes new, innovative business possible. And the government will
also target areas of emerging excellence by placing an emphasis
on research and development in health, energy, climate change, and
value added agriculture and resource development.
Ultimately,
although financial well-being is the anchor of prosperity, other
dimensions of family, social, spiritual and physical well-being
are essential to fulfill human aspirations and are the true measure
of our prosperity as Albertans.
Achieving
the Vision
Today's
Advantage, Tomorrow's Promise is based on ensuring that people
grow and develop into vibrant, confident individuals, families and
communities that achieve their full potential. This is achieved
through four key opportunities - unleashing innovation, leading
in learning, competing in a global marketplace, and making Alberta
the best place to live, work and visit.
Unleashing
innovation focuses on becoming a world leader in innovation,
research, development and commercialization of new ideas. This applies
both to our existing strengths in energy, agriculture and forestry
as well as new businesses that create wealth by commercializing
new technologies, creating new products, and adding value at home
for export abroad.
Leading
in learning requires making sure Albertans have the opportunities
they need to learn, adapt and develop new knowledge and new skills.
This means making certain our educational opportunities are second
to none and our children have the chance to get a healthy start
in life. It requires our support of opportunities for lifelong learning,
developing both skills and knowledge.
Competing
in a global marketplace is creating a business and investment
environment that is recognized around the world as an excellent
place to do business. It requires setting policies that allow Albertans
to compete and succeed in a global marketplace. It means competing
for our share of the growing global market for manufactured goods
and business services, welcoming visitors both as tourists within
a clean and sustainable industry, and as potential citizens interested
in investment and living opportunities. Albertans, with heritage
from all parts of the world, live in harmony in a cosmopolitan society
setting an example for the world and providing a key advantage in
global relations and trade.
Making Alberta the best place to live, work and visit
is where these strategies translate into a superior quality of life
for Albertans. Making Alberta the best place to live, work and visit
means attracting people to live in Alberta because it provides an
environment in which they can contribute their talents and create
a quality of life that meets their dreams. It means maintaining
strong and viable rural and urban communities, protecting wildlife
and parks, and promoting the diversity and excitement of Alberta's
cultural, arts and recreational opportunities. It means promoting
safety and ensuring Albertans' security. Above all, it means making
certain we are able to raise our children in a safe and healthy
environment.
Today's
Advantage, Tomorrow's Promise is the Alberta government's vision
of an Alberta from Albertans - a vision designed by listening to
Albertans. It is a vision of unmatched economic prosperity. It is
a vision about unleashing the talents of individual Albertans. It
is a vision about maintaining a clean and healthy environment. And
it is a vision where all of these combine to create an exceptional
quality of life. It is a vision for the future. It is a vision of
hope.
TODAY'S
OPPORTUNITIES, TOMORROW'S PROMISE:
A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
"Today's
Opportunities, Tomorrow's Promise" is a strategic plan that
lays out a course for the Alberta government for the next 20 years.
It lays out a vision for the future; identifies four opportunities
or “pillars” for Alberta to maximize its potential;
and suggests a number of specific strategies to take advantage of
those opportunities.
The
Vision
The plan's vision
statement for the province is: "A vibrant and prosperous province
where Albertans enjoy a superior quality of life and are confident
about the future for themselves and their children." A broad
picture is sketched of what Alberta could look like in just over
20 years, in the year 2025. Among other features, the picture is
of a province where people are free to realize their full potential
and are capable of creating and capitalizing on opportunity, the
vulnerable are protected, and the economic fundamentals of the province
are strong.
The
Opportunities and Strategies
The four areas
of opportunity for the province over the next 20 years are taken
from the government's 2003 vision document. The opportunities, and
the plan's strategies to realize them, are summarized below.
1. Unleashing
Innovation
- Creating
the environment and infrastructure that enables knowledge and
technology to invigorate our traditional economic strengths and
to create new economic opportunities.
- Developing
and using energy and natural resources wisely and exploiting new
technologies to maximize the benefits of all resources.
- Implementing
a long-term water strategy and completing an effective land use
policy that ensures the most appropriate use of these basic resources,
while recognizing our obligations as stewards for future generations.
- Ensuring
Albertans are able to continuously explore and understand our
changing world, identify and mitigate emerging risks before they
become crises, and see and grasp emerging opportunities.
2. Leading
in Learning
- Investing
in our learning systems to assist Albertans in their desire to
have their children succeed and to ensure that the province benefits
from its human potential.
- Ensuring
the accessibility, quality and affordability of the basic education
system.
- Promoting
the importance of lifelong learning as the necessary way for each
Albertan to maximize his or her potential to the benefit of all
Albertans.
- Helping
Albertans get the work and life skills they need to achieve their
aspirations.
3. Competing
in a Global Marketplace
- Ensuring
reliable export markets, including a possible customs union with
the U.S.A.
- Protecting
Alberta's achievements by being a strong partner in Confederation
and by effectively projecting our influence within and beyond
Canada.
- Building
on Alberta's economic cornerstones, such as oil and gas, agriculture,
forestry and tourism.
- Continuing
to keep taxes low and ensure competitive, safe and efficient regulatory
systems.
4. Making Alberta the Best Place to Live, Work and Visit
- Ensuring
adequate revenue to properly fund Albertans' priorities through
government programs.
- Keeping
basic services such as health, education and social programs contemporary,
responsive and affordable.
- Building
a modern infrastructure that supports Albertans' social and economic
goals.
- Working
with municipal governments to support strong, viable, safe and
secure communities.
- Protecting
Albertans' basic personal and economic freedoms.
Conclusions:
Building on Albertans' Self-Reliance
Government will
need to work in partnership with Albertans to achieve the vision
it has laid out for the Alberta of 2025. The role of government
is to work together with Albertans to support self-reliance, manage
uncertainties and realize opportunities. The core value of Albertans
is self-reliance. This core value will shape the Alberta of tomorrow
and help achieve tomorrow's promise.
Introduction:
An Array of Opportunities; A Theme of Self-Reliance
In the first
part of the 21st century, Alberta is Canada's high-energy province.
It leads the nation in nearly all economic indicators, and is the
destination for Canadian families who are looking to start new careers,
open new businesses, and realize their dreams.
For Albertans,
economic success is not an end in itself. Albertans look at economic
strength as a key to achieving their personal goals, and essential
to enjoying the advantages afforded by strong communities, good
health and education systems, low taxes, and a high level of personal
freedom and autonomy. While financial well-being is the anchor of
prosperity, other dimensions of family, social, spiritual and physical
well-being are essential to fulfill human aspirations and are the
true measures of prosperity. For this province, a strong economy
is not merely about numbers on a spreadsheet. It's about opportunity.
Alberta is blessed
with an abundance of natural resources that have contributed to
its economic fortune. But Alberta's success is built on more than
the luck of geography. The vital ingredient in Alberta's success
story is the hard work and dedication of the people who make up
the province; people who dedicate themselves to continuous improvement
for themselves, their families, their communities, and their province.
Albertans expect
their government to create an environment in which they can maximize
opportunities. For them, government's job isn't to do the work for
them; it's to let them do the work themselves. Albertans call this
self-reliance, and it's a principle that has shaped this province
and its people for the last century and longer.
It has been
self-reliant Albertans, not government, who have built the farms
and ranches that developed this province. It has been self-reliant
Albertans, not government, who have drilled the oil and gas wells
that made energy the engine of the province's economy. It has been
self-reliant Albertans, not government, who have built Alberta's
businesses, raised Alberta's families, taught in the province's
schools, cared for patients in Alberta's hospitals, and built communities
where people feel safe, respected, and free.
Today's Albertans
cherish their independence and insist on being self-reliant, just
as yesterday's Albertans did. As Alberta looks forward to its second
century as a province, its people recognize that self-reliance will
be the foundation of the province's future, just as it was the foundation
of the province's past.
This commitment
to self-reliance shouldn't be confused with a lack of caring - for
neighbours, or for the province as a whole. Albertans believe that
every citizen has the right to maximize his or her personal opportunities,
and the responsibility to help those who need help.
Nor does self-reliance
mean that there aren't important expectations for government. Albertans
expect their government to provide a framework for success through
economic, social and regulatory policies that create opportunities
for all to flourish. They also expect that government will work
in partnership with Albertans, and their municipalities, First Nations,
Métis Settlements, businesses, and Aboriginal and other communities,
to build Alberta together. They expect that government will help
lead the development of the tools for the 21st century economy -
tools such as research, innovation and the development and commercialization
of technology. They expect their government to provide the proper
infrastructure needed for growth and prosperity, and to protect
the environment so that Albertans have safe water, air and land
today and tomorrow. In short, government should fund basic services
fairly, avoid big government, manage public dollars wisely, and
... get out of the way!
Over the next
20 years or so, the government wants to help the province match
or improve its record of success over the previous decade. That's
why it has developed this long-range plan. The plan expands on the
province's vision for the future by painting a picture of what Alberta
could look like in 2025. It then lays out Alberta's abundant opportunities
for the future and ideas for realizing the full potential of those
opportunities.
The 20-year
plan has not been developed out of thin air. It's based in large
part on what the government has heard from Albertans, in different
forums, over the last few years. Consultative events such as summits
in agriculture and health, discussions with Alberta’s Aboriginal
communities and opinion-gathering activities such as mail-out surveys
to Albertans on issues ranging from fiscal planning to the future
of the Heritage Savings Trust Fund, have all helped shape the direction
of this plan. And, in 2001, the Future Summit gave Albertans
from all walks of life the opportunity to contribute ideas and outline
priorities to a long-term vision of Alberta's future. Those who
took part in these forums, and those who followed them, should see
much of those discussions reflected here.
Having long-term
goals - a destination - is obviously important; just as important
is making the journey as rewarding and fulfilling as possible for
all those involved. This plan talks about how to do that. But it
also emphasizes that the participation of Albertans will be essential
to its success. Achieving tomorrow's promise for Alberta is within
the grasp of all Albertans. Today, let's start building tomorrow.
The
Vision - Alberta in 2025
In February
2003, the Alberta government renewed its vision for the future.
This look forward, titled Today's Advantage, Tomorrow's Promise:
Alberta's Vision for the Future, builds on Alberta's strengths
and successes over the last decade, and sets a framework for the
government to follow in the future. The vision for Alberta is: "A
vibrant and prosperous province where Albertans enjoy a superior
quality of life and are confident about the future for themselves
and their children."
Based on this
vision statement, the government considered the question: What do
Albertans want their province to look like in 20 years or so, say,
in the year 2025? The result is that the government sees Alberta
in 2025 as a province of four million people, slightly older than
today's population and more diverse. Alberta in 2025 will be a place
where:
- Its people
are free to realize their full potential, and personal choice
is the only limit to opportunity
- Government
is a responsible steward of the province's abundance of natural
resources.
- People feel
safe in their homes, on their streets, at work and in their communities.
- The economic
fundamentals of the province are strong, and the tax system is
designed to stimulate individual entrepreneurship and the transformation
to a knowledge-based economy.
- The economy
shifts toward a knowledge-based approach, with research, technology
development and value-added products having a much larger part
in the province's prosperity.
- Essential
public services such as health and education are contemporary,
accessible, and affordable, and individuals have a role to play
in using these services responsibly.
- The potentially
vulnerable in society, including seniors, children, and the disabled,
have the support they need to live in dignity, achieve personal
satisfaction and independence, and continue to contribute to the
betterment of the province.
- Albertans
are able to enjoy the province's unspoiled natural areas and wide
variety of arts, cultural and recreational opportunities.
- Aboriginal
Albertans have achieved a socio-economic status equivalent to
that of other Albertans.
- The province's
small towns, farms and ranches are a vital part of Alberta, and
rural communities, like large urban communities, are vibrant and
growing.
- The province
is a full, participating partner in Confederation, and the views
of Albertans are respected by the federal government.
- Municipalities
and the provincial government work in a fair partnership to serve
their constituents.
This is a picture
that captures the values of Albertans - values that have shaped
the province and its unique place in Canada over the previous century.
To realize this
vision, to make this picture come to life, the government has identified
four areas of focus - four opportunities:
- Unleashing
innovation
- Leading in
learning
- Competing
in a global marketplace
- Making Alberta
the best place to live, work and visit.
This plan discusses
those opportunities in detail and lays out ideas for seizing each
of them.
The
Plan
Over
the next 20 years, Alberta will be a place of great opportunity
- just as Alberta was a place of opportunity a decade ago. Just
over 10 years ago - in 1993 - the province faced deficits and mounting
debt, complex and unnecessary regulatory systems and a government
that had become too big. Albertans had an opportunity to make things
better. Albertans and their government developed a plan to capture
those opportunities by eliminating the deficit and paying down the
debt, removing taxes and regulations that impaired business competitiveness,
and refocusing the role of government from direct intervener to
partner and facilitator. By following the plan - 10 years later
- Albertans and their government have created the Alberta Advantage.
Today's opportunities
are different than those 10 years ago, but the approach remains
the same. With a solid plan and a commitment to following it, Albertans
and their government can build on the solid foundation created over
the past decade.
This plan looks
at the boundless opportunity that Albertans enjoy. Building on today's
foundation, this plan focuses on strategies for achieving a future
that Albertans, their children and their grandchildren can look
forward to today.
The plan is
based on four key opportunities or “pillars”. Each opportunity
is presented separately, but they are interwoven and interdependent.
Each complements the other - and success in seizing one opportunity
will lead to success in seizing the others.
Opportunity
1: Unleashing Innovation
Over the past
10 years, Alberta's economic growth has been unparalleled. Fuelled
by higher than expected oil and natural gas prices, annual economic
growth has been consistent and strong.
While natural-resource-based
industries will continue to play a vital role in the provincial
economy for many years to come, the province can't continue to rely
on high natural resource prices forever. Alberta's economy must
expand from its natural resource base, enhance the value of manufactured
goods and business services produced, and venture boldly into bio-technology
and the life-sciences, nano-technology and other research and development
opportunities in order to achieve exceptional growth.
The Alberta
government has developed “Securing Tomorrow’s Prosperity”
to achieve the economic component of the government’s business
plan. It is a market driven, value-added strategy with a long-term
vision to upgrade primary resources, expand manufacturing, develop
business services and foster knowledge based sectors. It is also
focused on the growth of a competitive and innovative value-added
and business services industry.
Achieving
the New Economic Promise: A Knowledge-Based Approach
A knowledge-based
approach doesn't mean abandoning Alberta's traditional strengths
- it means building more value into our traditional goods and services
in order to achieve greater returns in the international export
market. It also means using technology to make the most effective
use of limited resources to get the best value and return for Albertans
and using the strong base of information technology and life sciences
to lead in the development and production of new knowledge based
products.
Over the past
decade, the provincial government has made great strides toward
encouraging a broader economic base. Alberta's strong fiscal position
and favourable personal and corporate tax rates have transformed
Alberta into Canada's economic powerhouse. And the elimination of
needless government regulation has positioned Alberta as a business-friendly
province.
Having a high
quality of life characterized by a clean environment, valued cultural
and recreational opportunities, safe and caring communities, great
health care, outstanding educational opportunities, and a fair and
safe work environment has made Alberta a desirable place to live
and do business. Our 21st century society, where Albertans have
roots all over the world, provides yet another advantage - windows
to the world.
The results
have been impressive. Many large companies have invested and expanded
operations in the province over the last decade, and Alberta has
been cited as the province in which to locate small businesses.
The province's service and retail sectors have shown remarkable
growth and strength. Alberta companies, large and small, are trading
and providing services all over the world. Alberta's labour force
is the most productive in Canada. The province has also become a
national leader in research and technology. In 2004, Alberta is
still known in large part for its oil fields, productive farms,
and sprawling ranches. But it is also known for its medical and
engineering research, its world-leading education system, its retail
growth, and its technological innovation.
Great strides
have been made, but there are further opportunities.
One area where
more success awaits is in the field of technology development
and commercialization. Alberta's low business taxes attract
many established businesses to the province. The availability of
research funding means that significant new technologies are consistently
created in Alberta. But there is a desire to develop the capacity
for research and a need to bridge the gap between basic research
and applied technology. Alberta scientists and technology entrepreneurs
need the opportunity to develop and commercialize their products
here and sell them to consumers in Alberta and around the world.
Often, breakthroughs discovered in Alberta are being developed elsewhere.
The talent that developed them, and the opportunities to be derived,
sometimes leave with them. The province needs to encourage technology
commercialization and use within Alberta's borders.
In order to
accomplish this, the Alberta government will develop mechanisms
to encourage innovative companies to develop Alberta technologies
into saleable products. This will require innovation and collaboration
among governments, research institutions, entrepreneurial researchers
and businesses.
Another factor
in spurring technology commercialization is the availability of
venture capital. The Alberta government will work with the technology
sector and the investment industry to identify and implement competitive
mechanisms and frameworks to encourage investment and increase access
to venture capital within the province. Alberta companies attract
significant capital to the traditional economy. The province must
develop the expertise and structures necessary to migrate to the
new opportunities in knowledge based emerging industries.
Focusing
on our Strengths
Taking a knowledge-based
approach will help Alberta's economy grow. But Alberta's traditional
strengths in energy, agriculture, forestry and tourism cannot be
forgotten.
The provincial
government has made great progress in encouraging the development
of the province's traditional resource-based industries. The tax
and royalty systems have been used to spur record investment in
Alberta's oil sands. Alberta's natural gas resources have been further
upgraded through the expansion of the petro-chemical manufacturing
base. Research initiatives, business risk management tools and disaster
assistance programs contribute to the viability of the agricultural
sector. And wise stewardship of our forest resources has stimulated
growth in the forestry industry.
However, declining
long-term commodity prices, trade barriers and finite resources
mean significant effort will be required to ensure Alberta's traditional
industries continue to flourish. As well, using the province's resources
wisely is essential to preserving their vital place in Alberta's
economy and quality of life.
Alberta's
oil sands are the second-largest deposit of proven oil
reserves in the world, next to Saudi Arabia. The orderly development
of these reserves is vital to Alberta's future economic prosperity,
and key to a stable, secure supply of energy for North America in
the 21st century.
The provincial
government will ensure its tax and royalty structures return fair
amounts to Albertans while encouraging oil sands expansion.
The government
will also continue to increase its investment in research aimed
at finding better, more innovative ways of extracting oil from the
oil sands. For example, technology that would reduce the use of
natural gas in oil sands production processes will be explored.
Another vital
resource to Alberta is natural gas. Though abundant,
Alberta's natural gas reserves are not unlimited. Albertans must
find ways to improve natural gas recovery and use natural gas more
efficiently and effectively.
Towards this
goal, the government will actively encourage the extraction of coal
bed methane - a valuable source of natural gas in coal, but one
that is more difficult to extract. Natural gas in coal is an important
resource that has the potential to offset declining conventional
natural gas reserves - just as oil sands production is offsetting
the decline in production of Alberta's conventional oil reserves.
The Alberta
government will consider further investments in research to turn
carbon dioxide into a marketable product. Development of new technologies
and the construction of a carbon dioxide pipeline could mean that
carbon dioxide becomes a valuable resource in the extraction of
conventional oil or natural gas in coal (coal bed methane). Such
uses would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Alberta's oil
sands.
The government
will focus its efforts to ensure the northern natural gas pipeline
can feed the demand for natural gas that is required to operate
Alberta's oil sands production capacity.
Alberta is also
fortunate to hold vast amounts of high-quality coal.
The government will continue to invest in and promote research into
making Alberta's already clean coal into an even more environmentally-friendly
source of energy.
The Alberta
government will stimulate new petrochemical investment by working
with industry to develop new feedstock supplies through integration
with oil sands upgrading and processing.
The Alberta
government will lead the way in green power. The government has
been a leader in the use of green power to operate its own infrastructure
- by 2005 over 90% of electricity used in government owned buildings
will be from green power. Following this lead, the government will
develop measures to encourage private-sector investment in green
power technologies.
And finally,
the provincial government will help the forestry and agriculture
industries to expand the value-added component of these
industries and provide customers with high-quality, safe, and nutritious
foods and value-added forest products. For example, through its
Life Sciences Strategy, the government will continue to help build
on the province's research and innovation strengths in key sectors
such as agriculture, energy, environment, forestry, health, and
information and communications technology.
Using Natural
Resources Wisely
The heart of
Alberta's economic success is its blessing of natural resources.
The province's natural resources, however abundant, are not infinite.
Alberta is witnessing the decline of conventional oil and gas reserves
as well as significant pressure on its water supplies, especially
in southern Alberta.
Over the past
two decades, great accomplishments have been made to take advantage
of Alberta's natural resources for the benefit of all Albertans.
Development of the oil sands has created an enormous supply of increasingly
economical oil that Alberta can supply to North America and the
world. Alberta's natural forests have been harvested in a sustainable
and environmentally responsible way. The province's landscapes support
increasing recreation and tourism.
But with finite
resources, Albertans must make sure that these resources are always
put to the best possible long-term use.
Toward this
goal, the provincial government will ensure that the province's
land base is used as effectively as possible, recognizing
traditional and different possible users, for the benefit of all
Albertans. The government, in consultation with Albertans, will
develop a comprehensive land use policy for the province.
With finite
water supplies, Alberta's economy needs a long-term approach to
water allocation. The provincial government has
developed a comprehensive water strategy. This strategy will ensure
that Alberta's natural environment is preserved, with water allocated
to those who will use it for its most valuable purpose over the
long term.
Alberta's conventional
oil and gas reservoirs have significant volumes that can be extracted
using enhanced recovery techniques. To obtain the most possible
from our finite resources, the provincial government will develop
an enhanced recovery strategy to extend the life of these resources.
Overall, a thriving
Alberta economy requires a system in which the competition for finite
resources is always decided in favour of Albertans as a whole. The
provincial government's job is to make sure that competing interests
are managed for the benefit of all Albertans. Such interests could
be oil sands development balanced with natural gas production, tourism
development, agricultural use, forestry production, or recreational
use. The Alberta government will develop a comprehensive framework
and policy to guide future resource allocation decisions - decisions
that will be made with input from Albertans and that achieve a balance
among economic, environmental and social priorities.
Opportunity
2 - Leading in Learning
At the heart of self-reliance, and at the heart of any person's
success, is his or her desire to learn. Whether they're in school,
learning on the job, or volunteering in their communities, Albertans
lead the nation in their desire to learn and improve. They have
proven that learning is important to them regardless of age or circumstances.
They know that knowledge is at the heart of independence. They have
made it clear that, for them, learning opens doors not only to careers,
but also to personal enrichment and fulfillment. And they want,
for their children, the opportunity to be the best they can be,
knowing that education is the best investment they can make to help
their children achieve their true potential.
Government's role is to ensure an excellent learning system that
meets the needs of learners, society and the economy. Participation
in post-secondary education is a shared responsibility of learners,
parents and the government. The learning system must support the
development of the province's human capital to ensure Alberta is
a leader in the knowledge-based world.
Albertans know that investment in education, and supports to ensure
a child's readiness to learn, is a direct investment in the province's
future. For government, the goal for the basic education
system is to give students of all ages the opportunity
to excel and to achieve their full potential. Recognizing cost pressures
on Alberta's schools during a time of great growth, the government
created the Alberta Commission on Learning to conduct a full review
of the basic K-12 school system. The Commission's recommendations
are being studied carefully and acted upon where possible by government
as it works to ensure that the education system is affordable and
properly funded over the long term, while meeting the needs of all
Alberta students.
For many people, formal education does not end with Grade 12. Alberta
is among Canada's leaders when it comes to the proportion of the
population that pursues lifelong learning opportunities. Government's
job is to make sure that opportunities for post-secondary learning
are accessible and affordable. That will mean increased investment
to expand learning opportunities to create more spaces at Alberta's
universities, colleges, and technical institutes.
Education helps individuals achieve their goals. Equally important
is that education helps the province prosper. The Alberta of 2025
will require well-educated, well-trained people to comprise a skilled
workforce to keep a strong and changing economy vibrant.
The provincial government has a significant role to play in making
sure all Albertans are ready to fill the jobs of tomorrow. This
includes knowledge workers as well as skilled trades and technical
workers.
The government will also look at ways to promote full participation
in the labour market. For example, the provincial government, in
partnership with industry, Aboriginal communities and other jurisdictions,
will develop new strategies to help Aboriginal people train for,
enter, and stay in the workforce and participate fully in the economic
opportunities of the province.
Making sure Alberta's workers have the skills to fill the jobs
of the future is important, but it is not the whole solution. The
Alberta government will take steps to attract skilled workers from
outside the province, which could include a made-in-Alberta immigration
policy that focuses on skilled immigrants. Government also needs
to be sure that immigrants to Alberta get full recognition for the
professional qualifications they bring with them so that they can
make the greatest possible contribution to the province. These new
strategies will help position Alberta more competitively in the
global market, supplement the province's future supply of skilled
workers, and ensure full participation in Alberta's communities.
Opportunity
3 - Competing in a Global Marketplace
Because
Alberta is a major exporter of goods and services, an important
strategy for the government is to ensure reliable export
markets. Alberta individuals and companies export their
goods and services across Canada, North America and the world. Alberta's
relatively small domestic market means that its future economic
prosperity will rely on exports and dependable export markets.
Seamless access
to the United States, Alberta's largest and most important trading
partner, is essential. Alberta will work with the federal government
to examine the feasibility of a customs union with the U.S. A customs
union would result in common border practices, harmonization of
trade policies and regulations, and an end to the use of trade remedies
within North America. A customs union will strengthen Canada's overall
trade relationship with the U.S. and reduce interruptions to Alberta's
access to U.S. markets.
The Alberta
government is also committed to maintaining and improving its relationship
with the U.S. An Alberta office will be established in Washington,
D.C., to ensure Alberta's interests are promoted within the U.S.
Protecting
what Albertans achieve is vital to stimulating continued
economic strength. Alberta is an important member of Confederation.
Albertans are proud Canadians who believe strongly in their country.
But Alberta's interests are not always taken into account by the
federal government. Federal programs and policies sometimes have
a negative effect on Albertans and the Alberta economy.
The provincial
government will continue to work to ensure Albertans are treated
fairly within Confederation. The province will work with other provinces
to make sure the federal government respects provincial jurisdiction
and is unable to take measures that would hurt Alberta's economy
or Albertans' quality of life. This includes ensuring regular First
Ministers' meetings with the federal government, provincial participation
in international negotiations that affect provincial interests,
and working toward a Triple E senate.
The government
will also work to ensure that external influences don't jeopardize
Alberta's ability to benefit from its invaluable natural resources,
such as oil, gas and coal. Resisting the Kyoto protocol and raising
concerns about its implementation is one example where the Alberta
government has and will continue to protect Alberta's interests.
The Alberta
government will carefully consider all measures that could be taken
to ensure provincial interests are protected within Canada and abroad.
Alberta's agriculture
industry - a cornerstone of Alberta life through the province's
first century and even before that - is under pressure from various
sources. Generally declining commodity prices will continue to put
pressure on all sectors of the industry. Market access in the face
of BSE disease has caused significant harm to Alberta's beef industry.
These impacts, combined with severe weather and dry conditions continue
to threaten other sectors as well.
The provincial
government will combat the negative forces affecting the agriculture
industry through a variety of measures. The government will work
to ensure access to foreign markets by strengthening relations with
U.S. and by ensuring Alberta's meat inspection processes are the
best in the world. Government will ensure its water and land use
policies allow the industry to prosper. It will continue to invest
in research that is directed at improving the efficiency of agricultural
operations, and ensure that value-added products are exported at
their highest development potential.
In the area
of forestry, Alberta's forestry industry is facing
external pressure due to U.S. countervailing duties. The Alberta
government is committed to strengthening relations with the U.S.
in order to resolve current issues and avoid future problems from
arising. Again, a customs union and an Alberta presence in Washington
are two areas of focus. Alberta will also support technological
development to maximize the export potential and value of forestry
products.
The government
will also promote tourism development through its
comprehensive land use policy and by telling Canada, North America
and the world about Alberta's spectacular tourist destinations.
A leading economy
requires leading public infrastructure. Modern
infrastructure is essential to attract investment and skilled workers.
Efficient electric transmission lines and oil and gas pipelines,
well-equipped health facilities, good schools and post-secondary
facilities, high quality water systems and safe and modern roads
are key factors to a strong economy. The government will continue
to work with local governments, economic development authorities,
industry and others in the community to ensure the right infrastructure
is available on a timely basis to support economic and demographic
growth.
Over the past
10 years, spending on infrastructure has often depended on available
resources. Capital projects have sometimes been delayed as a result
of unexpected declines in revenues.
In 2003, the
Alberta government took steps to eliminate the deferral of capital
projects through the establishment of the capital account and the
sustainability fund. The government will continue to place a priority
on planned, stable capital expenditures through the use of these
mechanisms. Government will also ensure that funds are available
for timely maintenance and preservation of its capital assets and
will take advantage of new approaches to funding capital projects,
such as public-private partnerships. Alternative financing options
will only be used if they make economic sense and if they get new
infrastructure on-stream efficiently and quickly.
In order to
remain globally competitive, Alberta must also work towards continued
improvement in its productivity. The removal of
unnecessary legislative impediments, a competitive tax system improvements
in workplace health and safety, positive labour-management relationships
and the development of new technologies will enhance the productive
competitiveness of Alberta industry.
In 2003, a study
by a Canadian financial institution named Alberta as the best province
in Canada in which to start a small business. The Alberta government
will continue to support an environment in which small businesses
can succeed. This means keeping taxes low and eliminating unnecessary
rules and regulations. Albertans - always innovative, always willing
to take risks - will do the rest themselves.
Opportunity 4 - Making Alberta the Best Place to Live, Work
and Visit
Albertans
have come to expect high-quality social programs and services -
and the Alberta government has always committed to providing them.
This commitment to delivering high quality, affordable services
to Albertans will not change.
Over the next
20 years, Albertans and their government will face some significant
challenges to improving upon the high quality services Albertans
expect. For example, the real cost of providing quality health care
will continue to grow. Over the past 10 years, per-capita health
costs have outpaced inflation and economic growth. Albertans know
that constantly pouring higher and higher amounts of total government
revenue into health care does not guarantee the sustainability of
the system; it threatens it.
Similarly, the
cost of providing Alberta students with a quality education and
support services to children and families is also rising. Finally,
as the population ages, pressures on health and related services,
including the cost of new drugs and technologies are expected to
increase.
The nature of
the challenge to improve services is two-fold: government must make
sure that its revenues are sufficient to meet the costs of these
programs; and government must take steps to keep these programs
affordable and sustainable without sacrificing quality.
Ensuring
Adequate Revenue
The Alberta
government has taken some significant steps over the last decade
to make sure adequate revenues are in place to fund programs and
services. A fair, sustainable low-rate personal tax base was established
and a sustainable business tax regime was developed. The sustainability
fund was created to smooth out the fluctuations in resource revenues,
resulting in predictable program funding from year to year. Most
importantly, paying down the provincial debt has freed up funds
for programs and services - funds that would otherwise have gone
to debt-servicing costs.
But declining
long-term natural resource royalty revenues mean the Alberta government
must take additional steps to ensure revenues are adequate to meet
Albertans' expectations. The Alberta government will develop a royalty
and tax regime that will assist in reducing its reliance on traditional
resource royalties.
The Alberta
government will continue to eliminate Alberta's remaining accumulated
debt - freeing up additional funds for future strategic investments
- and will examine ways to protect the real value of the Alberta
Heritage Savings Trust Fund, ensuring that future generations continue
to enjoy its benefit.
Improving
Services for Tomorrow's Albertans
To ensure Albertans
can continue to enjoy the level of services that are currently provided
and enhance services in other areas, innovative ways of funding
and delivering programs, and reducing costs where possible, are
required.
The Alberta
government has taken significant steps to improve the efficiency,
effectiveness and economy of program and service delivery over the
past 10 years. For example, administrative costs for health care
have been significantly streamlined. Providing some publicly-funded
health services in modern, private clinics rather than expensive
hospital settings, and using new drugs and technologies, have improved
patient service. Programs such as the "Health Link" initiative
provide new ways for Albertans to access health services quickly.
The provincial
government has also improved service delivery through the development
of a well educated, service oriented, innovative and motivated public
service.
But even with
the improvements over the past ten years, new methods of program
delivery and funding are required. Government must remain responsible
for setting policy and monitoring outcomes to ensure the desired
results are achieved. Programs should be delivered by those best
able to deliver them effectively and efficiently whether that is
government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations or
a combination.
Health
care is an issue on the minds of most Albertans when they
contemplate the province's future. The Alberta government will lead
the country in implementing innovative ways of financing and delivering
services. Working with health providers, the government is building
on the recommendations in A Framework for Reform (often called the
"Mazankowski Report") to promote healthy living and wellness,
and make services more efficient and accessible for all Albertans.
The Alberta
government will evaluate alternative ways to finance programs not
covered by the Canada Health Act, such as long-term care, and look
at cost-sharing approaches to a wide range of services.
The Mazankowski
Report also emphasizes the priority Albertans must place on being
healthy and taking responsibility for their own health. As well,
there is an important emphasis on recognizing the impact of health
research and technology on the community as an economic driver -
a benefit not just a cost.
Services
to Alberta's children are not only an important service
to those in need; they are an investment in the human potential
of the province. Getting a healthy start in life is critical to
the success of Alberta's children and the realization of Alberta's
vision for 2025.
The Alberta
government will continue to place a priority on children's services,
especially those services that are designed to enable Alberta's
children to succeed at learning. Significant priority will be placed
on programs that promote early childhood development and other prevention
strategies to support families in promoting the optimal development
of children. Overcoming barriers to success at an early age will
help children achieve and help society avoid the cost of lost potential.
Community partnerships provide leadership in helping young Albertans
succeed.
Helping
those in need is essential to Alberta's success. More importantly,
Albertans want to be sure that fair and compassionate programs are
available for those who need some support. The government will continue
to support its seniors through income and other supports that allow
seniors to remain independent and enable seniors to continue to
contribute to their communities.
Non-participation
in the province's economic and community life can result in limited
opportunity and contribute to poor health status. Children from
low-income families may not enter school ready to learn. Aboriginal
children and communities may require support to ensure the gap is
closed between the socio-economic status of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
Albertans. Children from new Canadian families may face literacy
challenges in the home as well as a lack of training in English
as a second language. Persons with disabilities and seniors may
face financial challenges, access to affordable housing or lack
necessary supports for independence.
The Alberta
government will encourage initiatives that assist families and support
children to realize their potential, enhance the participation of
Aboriginal peoples in the Alberta economy, and ensure that seniors
and Albertans with disabilities enjoy adequate incomes and the supports
necessary for independence.
The government
will also ensure that quality public infrastructure,
such as high quality health facilities, contemporary and well-equipped
educational institutes, good schools, and safe and modern roads
are efficiently and affordably built and maintained.
Continuously
Improving Quality of Life
Taking advantage
of Alberta's opportunities for economic growth and improving public
services is about enhancing Albertans' overall quality of life.
The stimulation of Alberta's economic growth will enable the province
to fund essential services, which in turn helps create a high quality
of life.
But quality
of life is more than a growing economy and good social programs.
It's also about people being able to realize their dreams, feeling
safe in their homes and on their streets, knowing their natural
environment is protected, and being enriched by cultural, sport
and recreational opportunities in their neighbourhoods. The Alberta
government is committed to making investments that contribute to
all of these forces that comprise the overall quality of life for
all Albertans.
Strong
municipalities are an essential part of a strong Alberta.
The provincial government will continue to work toward enhancing
its relationships with its local governments - ensuring that the
roles and responsibilities of local governments are well defined
so that these governments can continue to be responsive to the needs
of their communities and remain financially strong and viable.
Vibrant rural
communities are also essential to the province's economy
and overall quality of life. The Alberta government will implement
a rural development strategy that assures dynamic rural communities
where rural and urban families, individuals, organizations, businesses
and governments are contributors to the growth, prosperity and quality
of life of Albertans. The SuperNet provides an electronic highway
to all communities, making it more viable for businesses and individuals
to compete globally from rural areas. Health services and educational
opportunities will be enhanced by new technologies, and sparcity
and distance funding will be reviewed to ensure basic services are
retained or developed appropriately. The economic opportunities
of the Calgary-Edmonton corridor can be distributed more widely
with appropriate infrastructure.
Safe communities
are critically important to the well-being of Albertans and their
children.
The Alberta
government will continue to invest in Alberta's communities to make
them among the safest in North America. Government will focus on
the continued reduction of violent crime by improving its commitment
to policing, and getting tougher on those who commit violent offenses.
Increased funding will be considered for community policing programs.
The government
will play a leadership role in establishing a more responsive justice
system by focusing on preventative strategies, expanding the availability
and scope of dispute resolution options and using technology to
facilitate access to justice services. The Alberta government will
help build safer communities by involving the communities themselves,
along with the private sector, families, and individuals. It will
also continue to pressure the federal government to take tough positions
against violent crimes and those who commit them.
Safety is not
limited to protection from crime. Albertans need to feel safe in
their homes, at work and at play. To provide this assurance, the
government supports programs and initiatives for safety standards,
injury prevention and safety on our streets, promoting partnerships
wherever possible.
World events
have highlighted a need to provide security from threats of a global
nature. The Alberta government will continue to focus on preparing
for, responding to and recovering from major emergencies and disasters
at the provincial and local levels.
A clean
natural environment and a vibrant cultural mosaic are other
key components of ensuring a high quality of life.
This includes
ensuring Alberta's natural areas remain unspoiled and protecting
the quality of Alberta's air, lakes and rivers. The Alberta government
will place a priority on Alberta's quality natural environment by
developing a framework for maintaining its existing natural areas.
The implementation of the government’s new water strategy
will provide for the continued high quality of Alberta's lakes,
rivers and streams and will also address water conservation challenges.
The Alberta
government will develop short- and long-term strategies that encourage
innovative, creative solutions to take effective action on climate
change and ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to growth
and industrial and resource development.
Alberta's vibrant
artistic and cultural mosaic not only enriches the lives of all
Albertans, it opens the doors to more international trade opportunities.
The Alberta government is committed to enhancing the province's
cultural diversity and recreational resources by developing a long-term
strategy to assist communities to focus investment according to
community priorities.
Albertans value
their personal and economic freedoms. Over the
past 10 years, the provincial government has continuously reviewed
its programs, policies, regulations and legislation to make sure
it is not needlessly interfering in the lives of Albertans.
The Alberta
government is still dedicated to limiting the role of government.
This requires a continuous commitment to review its programs and
end government involvement in areas that can be better delivered
by others. Government must also ensure that it does not needlessly
provide services that ought to be the responsibility of individual
Albertans.
The Alberta
government will continue to review its regulatory systems to ensure
that Albertans are not over-regulated and businesses can continue
to thrive. If it finds laws or rules that make no sense, it will
abolish them.
Conclusion: Building on Albertans' Self-Reliance
This plan for
Alberta's future is built on a truly Albertan characteristic - a
dedication to strong individuals within strong communities. Certainly,
it's a principle that has shaped government planning during the
last decade. Over the past 10 years the Alberta government worked
to reduce the role, scope, and cost of government, while building
the capacity of communities to achieve their own goals. In pursuing
economy, efficiency, and effectiveness some public services were
privatized, for example liquor retailing, while others were opened
to alternative service delivery, for example highway maintenance
contracts. Individual Albertans were challenged to become independent
from income support programs and communities were challenged to
become more self-reliant in economic development.
Today, we know
that the most aggressive pursuit to improve the economy, efficiency,
and effectiveness of public programs alone, is not sufficient to
assure that needed services are available. Albertans must continue
to seek out the best ways to use public services and natural resources.
In health, for example, Albertans have proven they're interested
in improving their personal health status through better diet and
more exercise. Government, working with Albertans, can help them
do that while at the same time reducing pressure on the health system.
In fact, working
with Albertans is essential to everything the government will do
to achieve the goals laid out in this plan. The Alberta of 2025
envisioned by the government is a province built on Albertans' values
- values that shaped the province through its first century.
People across
Canada and around the world know what Albertans’ values are.
Compassion. Respect - for the rights of each Albertan, for the province's
diversity, and for the natural environment. Commitment to making
the province better. Helping each other out. Accountability from
government. Maximizing opportunity. A pioneering and entrepreneurial
spirit, with a willingness to take risks and embrace new technologies.
Strong leadership - strong leaders who will listen, make decisions
and take action to protect our high quality of life. And, at the
heart of all these values: freedom and self-reliance, the desire
to manage their own lives - the belief that people can and should
determine where their lives go and how their families are to be
raised.
These values
and what they have helped to build are Alberta's legacy. An Alberta
of the 21st century, still steeped in these values but shaped by
the opportunities of tomorrow - that's Alberta's promise.
Cross-Ministry
Initiatives and Medium-Term Strategic Plans
introduction
The cross-ministry
initiatives and medium-term strategic plans focus on corporate priorities,
often involving more than one ministry. They are carried out over
a timeframe of up to 10 to 15 years and are part of the continuum
between the 20-Year Strategic Plan and the 3-Year Government Business
Plan.
Cross-Ministry
Initiatives are areas of special importance to the government
that because of their nature, cut across ministries and therefore
require a "corporate" system-wide approach. The 2004-07
policy initiatives are: the Aboriginal Policy Initiative,
the Alberta Children and Youth Initiative, the Economic
Development Strategy, and the Health Sustainability Initiative.
The Aboriginal
Policy Initiative provides a mechanism for cross-ministry co-ordination
to address the commitments in the Government of Alberta's Aboriginal
Policy Framework. The two long-term goals are individual and community
well-being and self-reliance; and clearer federal, provincial and
Aboriginal roles and responsibilities.
The Alberta
Children and Youth Initiative supports the healthy development
of Alberta's children and youth through the joint efforts of provincial
government ministries, local authorities and boards, families and
communities.
Alberta's
Economic Development Strategy focuses on a future of opportunity
in Alberta that’s unmatched. It aims to achieve a more sustainable,
broadly based economy, vibrant and sustainable rural communities
and a sufficient supply of human capital to meet Alberta’s
needs.
The Health
Sustainability Initiative demonstrates government commitment
to sustaining a publicly funded health care system that meets the
needs of Albertans now and in the future.
Medium-Term
Strategic Plans include those plans in policy areas with
a longer-term focus of up to 10 to 15 years and often involve more
than one ministry.
Cross-Ministry
Initiatives
ABORIGINAL
POLICY INITIATIVE
The Aboriginal
Policy Initiative (API) provides a mechanism for cross-ministry
co-ordination to address the commitments in the Government of Alberta's
Aboriginal Policy Framework (APF). The APF has two long-term goals:
1) individual and community well-being and self-reliance; and 2)
clearer federal, provincial and Aboriginal roles and responsibilities.
The API contributes to the following Government Business Plan Goals:
- Goal 1 -
Albertans will be healthy
- Goal 2 -
Albertans will be well prepared for lifelong learning and work
- Goal 3 -
Alberta's children and youth will be supported in reaching their
potential
- Goal 5 -
Aboriginal communities and people in Alberta will have improved
social and economic circumstances
- Goal 7 -
Alberta will have a prosperous economy
- Goal 9 -
Alberta will be a fair and safe place to work, live and raise
families
The API began
in 2000-01, in recognition that Aboriginal issues are complex and
cut across the mandates of many provincial ministries. Approval
of the APF in September 2000 provided a policy context for all Government
of Alberta ministries to address Aboriginal issues. Continued development
of collaborative partnerships, involving government, Aboriginal
and other partners, is one focus of the API for 2004-05.
In addition
to the champion ministries of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development,
Justice and Children's Services, other partnering Ministries involved
in the API are: Health and Wellness (with the Alberta Alcohol and
Drug Abuse Commission and the Alberta Mental Health Board), Energy,
Transportation, Human Resources and Employment, Learning, Sustainable
Resource Development, Community Development, Solicitor General,
and Economic Development. Other Alberta ministries are also involved
in addressing Aboriginal issues and participate in specific initiatives.
There are four
objectives for the API 2004-05. API partnering ministries contribute
to these objectives, participate in other cross-ministry initiatives
and facilitate Aboriginal involvement in development of other provincial
strategies and programs. In addition, many Alberta ministries are
involved in specific projects with Aboriginal communities/organizations,
the federal government and other partners.
ABORGINAL POLICY INITATIVE
Purpose: To improve the well-being and self-reliance
of Aboriginal people and clarify federal, provincial and Aboriginal
roles and responsibilities.
Related Government Business Plan Goals:
Goal 1 - Albertans will be healthy
Goal 2 - Albertans will be well prepared for lifelong learning and
work
Goal 3 - Alberta's children and youth will be supported in reaching
their potential
Goal 5 - Aboriginal communities and people in Alberta will have
improved social and economic circumstances
Goal 7 - Alberta will have a prosperous economy
Goal 9 - Alberta will be a fair and safe place to work, live and
raise families
Ministry Champions: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development, Justice, Children's Services
OBJECTIVE: Improve the health status and well-being of
Aboriginal people.
Strategies:
- Work with regional and Aboriginal community partners to promote
wellness and improve access by Aboriginal people to provincial
primary health care services, including diabetes and HIV programs,
tobacco prevention and reduction, and community-based health care.
- Support Aboriginal youth through leadership development and
mentoring programs.
Targets:
- Implement 52 new Aboriginal wellness initiatives
- Initiate FireSmart projects in 15 Aboriginal communities.
- Provide 60,000 participant hours in recreation, sport and arts
through the Alberta’s Future Leaders program.
- Increase number of mentors in Aboriginal Youth Mentoring pilot
project sites by 15%.
OBJECTIVE: Support lifelong learning opportunities
for Aboriginal people and promote appreciation of Aboriginal cultures.
Strategies:
- Work with Aboriginal and learning system stakeholders to implement
the First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework
to improve outcomes for Aboriginal learners.
- Support initiatives to promote increased appreciation of Aboriginal
cultures and infusion of Aboriginal content into provincial programming.
Targets:
- Increase percentage of Aboriginal Albertans aged 25-34 completing
high school and post-secondary programs (establish baseline data).
- Provide 20 additional teacher training spaces for Aboriginal
learners.
- 75% of 500 Provincial employees that participated in cultural
awareness training report a better understanding of Aboriginal
issues.
- Establish 5 new Aboriginal Junior Forest Ranger crews.
OBJECTIVE: Increase the participation by Aboriginal people
in the Alberta economy.
Strategies:
- Work with government, Aboriginal and private sector partners
to improve employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for Aboriginal
people in Alberta.
- Work with government and Aboriginal partners to improve Aboriginal
awareness of career, learning, training, employment, and entrepreneurial
opportunities.
Targets:
- Percentage of participants in First Nations Training to Employment
Program employed post-intervention. Measure under development
- Implement ongoing Aboriginal-specific Labour Force Survey and
develop baseline data.
- Develop Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative project
with Provincial, Federal, Aboriginal and private sector partners.
- Complete SuperNet build to eligible First Nations (42) wanting
service (eligible First Nations are those with provincial learning
institutions or health facilities).
OBJECTIVE: Clarify federal/provincial/Aboriginal roles
and responsibilities.
Strategies:
- Support collaborative projects to define federal/provincial/Aboriginal
roles and responsibilities and facilitate benefits to Aboriginal
communities.
Targets:
- Test draft Aboriginal Policy Checklist in selected Alberta
ministries.
- Develop, with Aboriginal communities and industry, cross-ministry
guidelines for Aboriginal consultation regarding resource development
and land management
- Support 5 traditional use studies in Aboriginal communities.
Alberta
Children and Youth Initiative
The Alberta
Children and Youth Initiative (ACYI) is a collaborative partnership
of government ministries working together on issues affecting children
and youth. The ACYI supports the healthy development of Alberta's
children and youth through the joint efforts of provincial government
ministries, local authorities and boards, families and communities.
The ACYI contributes to the following Government of Alberta Business
Plan goals:
- Goal 1 -
Albertans will be healthy
- Goal 2 -
Albertans will be well prepared for lifelong learning and work
- Goal 3 -
Alberta's children and youth will be supported in reaching their
potential
- Goal 9 -
Alberta will be a fair and safe place to work, live and raise
families
The ACYI arose
from the recognition that a coordinated government-wide effort is
critical for the effective and efficient support of children, youth,
and their families. The development of integrated provincial policies
and programs enables local authorities to plan and deliver an integrated
system of services to meet the needs of families in their communities.
In addition
to ministry champions of Children's Services, Learning, and Health
and Wellness (together with the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
and the Alberta Mental Health Board), the following ministries comprise
the ACYI partnership: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development,
Community Development, Human Resources and Employment, Justice and
Attorney General, and Solicitor General.
ACYI partnering
ministries and regional authorities will work collaboratively to
implement initiatives that address the following four priority areas
in 2004-05:
- Children
and youth will be well cared for, safe, successful at learning
and healthy.
- Families
with children and youth with special and complex needs (developmental
disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities, health conditions
and/or emotional/behavioural disabilities) will benefit from integrated
and coordinated assessment of needs and planning of services and
supports.
- Children
and youth are supported and assisted in making successful transitions
in their life, from birth to adulthood.
- Ministries
and regions increase their capacity to collaboratively plan and
deliver services that promote the well-being of children, youth,
and families.
In addition
to these priority areas, ACYI ministries continue to coordinate
and support several other key initiatives, including Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorder, Children's Mental Health, Protection of Children
Involved in Prostitution, Student Health Initiative and Early Childhood
Development.
ALBERTA
CHILDREN AND YOUTH INITIATIVE
Purpose:
Support the healthy development of Alberta's children and youth
through the joint efforts of provincial government ministries, local
authorities and boards, families and communities.
Related
Government Business Plan Goals:
Goal 1 - Albertans will be healthy
Goal 2 - Albertans will be well prepared for lifelong learning and
work
Goal 3 - Alberta's children and youth will be supported in reaching
their potential
Goal 9 - Alberta will be a fair and safe place to work, live and
raise families
Ministry
Champions: Children's Services, Learning, Health and Wellness
OBJECTIVE:
Children and youth will be well cared for, safe, successful at learning
and healthy.
Strategies:
- Implement
initiatives that provide a range of health, social, and learning
programs and services that ensure children and youth will be well
cared for, safe, successful at learning and healthy, including
an integrated response to family violence and bullying, continued
support for early childhood development and positive parenting
skills, and prevention of sexual exploitation of children and
youth.
Targets:
- Development
of provincial prevention and protection strategies to better support
children and youth who are exposed to family violence.
- Phased implementation
of a strategic plan for the prevention of sexual exploitation
of children and youth, including implementation of an integrated
child and youth sexual exploitation unit.
- Parent Resource
Centres established in areas of critical need across the province.
- Percentage
of Alberta children demonstrating healthy social and emotional
development (maintain or improve level in relation to national
average).
OBJECTIVE:
Families with children and youth with special and complex needs
(developmental disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities,
health conditions and/or emotional/ behavioural disabilities) will
benefit from coordinated assessments of needs and integrated planning
and delivery of services and supports.
Strategies:
- Continue
implementation of the Policy Framework for Services for Children
and Youth with Special and Complex Needs and their Families in
collaboration with other related initiatives, such as the Provincial
Mental Health Plan, Family Support for Children with Disabilities
legislation, and the Learning Commission Report, and improve availability
of resource information for families.
- Conduct an
inventory of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) programs,
including identifying gaps and opportunities, and implement FASD
campaigns, to increase awareness of services and initiatives in
Alberta, and develop a government-wide strategic FASD plan to
address priority areas (target related to alcohol awareness included
in Health Sustainability Initiative).
Targets:
- 80% of families
surveyed indicate they were able to access information on available
resources through a 1-800 Children's Disability Information Line
(connected with Health Link) and resource guides.
- Development
of a multi-disciplinary assessment service delivery model in 2
sites (Edmonton and Calgary) to assess needs and plan for appropriate
services and supports for children and youth with special and
complex needs.
- Development
of a cross-ministry strategic approach to address issues related
to speech language services such as availability, increased demand
and alternative delivery methods.
OBJECTIVE:
Children and youth are supported and assisted in making successful
transitions in their life, from birth to adulthood.
Strategies:
- Inventory
and promote current educational, training, and career services
and programs that exist for youth.
- Enhance coordination
amongst ministries and regional authorities to assist children
and their families to move smoothly through the transitions of
childhood and adolescence.
- Support Aboriginal
communities to address the prevention of youth suicide through
continued implementation of the Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention
Strategy.
Targets:
- Educational
and training resources for youth distributed to 100% of partnering
ministries, authorities and boards, and key stakeholders.
- Guidelines
developed for people who work with children and adolescents that
address key components for effective transitional planning, including
educational, social, health, recreation and other required supports.
- 3 pilot
communities established to identify and respond to the needs and
priorities of communities in addressing the prevention of Aboriginal
youth suicide.
OBJECTIVE:
Ministries and regions increase their capacity to collaboratively
plan and deliver services that promote the well-being of children,
youth, and families.
Strategies:
Targets:
- Guidelines
developed for 100% of regions that include identification of regional
processes, reporting requirements and structures required to assist
with local coordination of cross-sector initiatives.
- Regions report
involvement in 100% of the planning of cross-ministry initiatives
under the Alberta Children and Youth Initiative.
Economic
Development Strategy
A collaborative
approach to maximizing the Alberta Advantage was initiated in 2000-01
when the Alberta government's new economic development strategy,
Get Ready Alberta - Strengthening the Alberta Advantage,
was first named a priority policy cross-ministry initiative. The
strategy has continued to evolve and has remained a priority cross-ministry
initiative capturing specific pressing issues requiring a collaborative
approach such as innovation, regional economic development and labour
force supply and skills.
In recognizing
the province's current strengths, anticipating changes and identifying
broad strategic directions to capitalize on future opportunities,
the Economic Development Strategy as a cross-ministry initiative
provides a framework to inform business planning activities from
a broader more integrated perspective. The strategy supports Goal
7 of the Government of Alberta Business Plan - "Alberta
will have a prosperous economy".
The Economic
Development Strategy also supports Today's Opportunities, Tomorrow's
Promise: A Strategic Plan for the Government of Alberta. It
recognizes that sustaining the performance of Alberta's economy
is not an end in itself but the means by which a province is built,
where all citizens have the opportunity to contribute and share
in the Alberta Advantage. To achieve this, we must create
a larger, more sustainable and more broadly based economy than we
have today. Without this change in economic strategy, Alberta's
economy will remain reliant on resources and fluctuating commodity
prices, and it will grow at a slower rate.
Alberta's 2004-05
Economic Development Strategy has three objectives:
- To achieve
a more sustainable, broadly based economy built on the strengths
of our natural and human resources.
- To build
a rural Alberta that has vibrant and sustainable communities.
- To ensure
a sufficient supply of human capital to meet Alberta's economic
growth.
All of the objectives
build on the value-added strategy Securing Tomorrow's Prosperity.
Securing Tomorrow's Prosperity fits within the long-range Government
of Alberta Strategic Business Plan and is the "Prosperity"
cornerstone to achieve the economic components of the plan. The
second objective also encourages rural partnerships and regional
cooperation as a driving force for rural growth and sustainability.
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Purpose:
A future of opportunity in a province that's unmatched through ministries
working together with business, industry, communities, other governments
and public institutions, employees and other stakeholders.
Related
Government Business Plan Goals:
Goal 7 - Alberta will have a prosperous economy
Goal 2 - Albertans will be well prepared for lifelong learning and
work
Ministry
Champions: Economic Development, Agriculture, Food and
Rural Development, Human Resources and Employment, Innovation and
Science
OBJECTIVE:
To achieve a more sustainable, broadly based economy built on the
strengths of our natural and human resources.
Strategies:
- Implement
the value-added strategy, Securing Tomorrow's Prosperity, through
collaboration with various stakeholders:
- Enhance
Alberta's competitive advantages.
- Build Alberta's
innovation system.
- Grow and
strengthen small and medium size enterprises.
- Focus on
priority value-added sectors.
Targets:
- Create 45,000
net new jobs in 2004.
- 10.8% investment
in machinery and equipment as a percent of GDP.
- 2.1% increase
in manufacturing GDP per hour worked.
- $1.9 billion
increase in manufacturing and service exports to $22.7 billion
- 20.7% share
of GDP in manufacturing and business and commercial services
- Increase
investment in sponsored research from all sources at Alberta universities
to $492 million.
- 84% of the
North-South trade corridor (BC border west of Grande Prairie to
Coutts) is open to four-lane traffic.
- $300 million
increase in tourism revenues to $5.3 billion in 2004.
OBJECTIVE:
To build a rural Alberta that has vibrant and sustainable communities.
Strategies:
- Work collaboratively
to implement the Rural Development Framework.
- Provide a
catalyst to develop and motivate locally-based leadership and
development skills.
- Implement
a collaborative approach to regional economic development.
- Actively
participate in watershed management on a provincial, regional
and community basis.
- Support the
development of a competitive telecommunications environment in
rural Alberta through the implementation of Alberta SuperNet and
develop a plan to provide access to users outside rural communities.
- Ensure rural
Albertans have access to high quality learning opportunities.
- Facilitate
the development of a viable energy from bio-mass industry for
the benefit of rural Alberta.
Targets:
- Develop
baseline data on the satisfaction of rural Albertans with regards
to health, education, economic development, community infrastructure
and other elements of sustainability.
- Develop an
arrangement with federal and provincial partners to deliver the
Agriculture Enterprise Program under the Agricultural Policy Framework
agreement.
- Eight significant
regional economic development projects in rural Alberta benefit
from cross-ministry support
- Establish
watershed planning and advisory councils for the Milk, Oldman,
Bow, Red Deer, Battle, North Saskatchewan, Cold Lake - Beaver
River, and Slave Lake watersheds.
- Alberta SuperNet
will be available to 422 communities and 4,656 schools, hospitals,
libraries and provincial buildings.
- 33% of adult
Albertans in rural areas, aged 17+, participate in education or
training.
- An Alberta
bio-strategy is developed to identify new bio-mass energy project
opportunities and a minimum of 3 projects successfully operating
in Alberta by the end of 2004.
OBJECTIVE:
To ensure a sufficient supply of human capital to meet Alberta's
economic growth.
Strategies:
- Continue
to develop and implement new actions identified in Prepared
for Growth: Building Alberta's Labour Supply, to increase
the skill and knowledge level of Albertans, the mobility of labour
within Canada, and the number of immigrants to Alberta.
Targets:
- Increase
support to the Aboriginal off-reserve labour statistics study.
- Percentage
of participants who indicate their training helped prepare them
for future employment (under development).
- 90%+ of Albertans
aged 25-34 have completed high school.
- 60% of Albertans
aged 25-34 have a post-secondary education
- The labour
force participation rate remains the highest among all provinces
in Canada.
- Total net
migration to Alberta remains the highest among all provinces in
Canada.
- Employer
agreement that the learning system provides an adequate supply
of graduates: (available in 2004).
Health
Sustainability Initiative
The Health Sustainability
Initiative demonstrates government commitment to sustaining a publicly
funded health care system that meets the needs of Albertans now
and in the future.
Alberta's health
care system is facing many pressures including growing rates of
chronic disease, an increasing and aging population, increasing
labour costs, infrastructure priorities and escalating costs for
new drugs and technologies. Annually, health consumes an increasing
portion of government expenditures. In 1995-96, the spending on
health including infrastructure was $3.77 billion; in 2003-04 the
combined spending on health is forecast to be $7.65 billion. The
2004-05 budget is $8.41 billion. The rates of growth of the cost
drivers, and the subsequent pressures on health care spending, are
not sustainable.
Although Alberta
Health and Wellness has the lead responsibility for sustaining an
affordable, contemporary and responsive health system, it will not
be successful without government-wide support and collaboration.
The cross-ministry initiative provides the opportunity for government
to focus resources on policies and strategies that will address
cost drivers and more closely align health expenditures with government
revenues.
The Premier's
Advisory Council on Health provided government with a blueprint
for reform. Subsequent reports, frameworks and strategies have been
developed and implemented to bring the blueprint to life. Several
highlights provide context for the direction of the Health Sustainability
Initiative in 2004-05.
1. Staying
healthy:
Chronic diseases
such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, along with injuries, are the leading causes
of death and disability in Alberta. These often highly preventable
diseases and injuries result in large treatment costs, losses
in productivity and quality of life. Estimates show that the annual
cost of diabetes to Albertans is in the range of $262 million
and that the annual cost of all injuries in Alberta is approximately
$1.8 billion.
The most common
chronic diseases are linked by a few risk factors, such as unhealthy
diet, lack of exercise, tobacco use and substance abuse as well
as other risk taking behaviours. The Premier's Advisory Council
on Health report identified the importance of staying healthy,
as well as taking action on broader factors that affect health,
especially income and education.
The first objective is to optimize the health of Albertans by
reducing chronic disease and injury through comprehensive provincial
strategies on physical activity and nutrition, tobacco use, substance
abuse and injury prevention. Several Health Sustainability Initiative
wellness targets are based on one-year increments drawn from The
Framework for a Healthy Alberta, which features ten-year
targets.
2. Right
service in the right place at the right time:
Albertans
have made it clear that the health system they want and need provides
appropriate health services, where they are needed and when they
are needed. Initiatives to improve primary care will play an important
role. Expanded community-based alternatives could also reduce
pressure on health institutions. The Healthy Aging: New Directions
for Care (Broda) report and the yet-to-be finalized Mental
Health Plan support this approach.
3. Integrated
policy options for sustainability:
The Premier's
Advisory Council on Health also provided guidance on the need
to explore options for system sustainability. "Instead of
rationing health services…find better ways of paying for
the health services Albertans want and need…extract maximum
value for every dollar spent on health care in the province. But
containing costs, seeking efficiencies, and streamlining delivery
of health care services may not produce enough savings to sustain
the health system over time…Explore and implement a "made
in Alberta" approach..."
In addition
to the ministry champions Alberta Health and Wellness, Seniors,
and Finance, the Health Sustainability Initiative includes Learning,
Human Resources and Employment, Infrastructure, Children's Services,
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, AADAC, and Public Affairs
Bureau.
HEALTH
SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
Purpose:
To enhance the sustainability of the health system now and in the
future by strengthening policy integration and collaboration across
Ministries.
Related
Government Business Plan Goals:
Goal 1 - Albertans will be healthy
Goal 4 - Albertans will be self-reliant and those unable to provide
for their basic needs will receive help
Goal 8 - Alberta will have a financially stable, open and accountable
government and a strong intergovernmental position in Canada
Ministry
Champions: Health and Wellness, Seniors, Finance
OBJECTIVE:
Optimize Albertans' health by working collaboratively to address
factors that influence health.
Strategies:
- Implement
the Framework for a Healthy Alberta to reduce injury and chronic
disease by supporting healthier behaviours.
- Support
implementation of the Alberta Injury Control Strategy
- Implement
cross-ministry approaches to improve the health status of low-income
Albertans and Aboriginal people through appropriate access to
health services and by addressing key determinants of health.
- Continued
implementation of the Healthy U Awareness Campaign, Alberta
Tobacco Reduction Strategy, Alberta Diabetes Strategy, Early Childhood
Development Initiative, Young Family Wellness Initiatives and
Healthy Aging Framework.
Targets:
- All Regional
Health Authorities will implement strategies to increase health-promoting
behaviour, such as increased physical activity, improved eating
practices, tobacco reduction and injury prevention, and Young
Family Wellness Initiatives that support healthy child development.
- Increase
the percentage of women who are aware that alcohol use during
pregnancy can lead to life-long disabilities in a child, from
89% to 90%.
- Reduce prevalence
of alcohol use during pregnancy among Alberta women from 3.9%
to 2.5%.
- Ten Alberta
government departments, businesses or other organizations will
participate in the Healthy U @ Work program.
- Fifty-five
(25%) Alberta villages, towns and cities will participate in the
Healthy U Community Choosewell Challenge.
- Fifty-three
thousand copies of "English Express," including messages
on healthy eating, active living and affordable activity for children,
will be distributed free to 1,500 Alberta subscribers including
libraries, English as a Second Language programs and adult literacy
programs
- Reduce the
percentage of Alberta youth who smoke, from 17.9% to 16%.
- Three Alberta
communities, including inner city/low-income communities, will
be targeted to increase awareness about type 2 diabetes prevention,
developing local resources through promotional activities.
- Increase
the percentage of Alberta seniors (65+) immunized for influenza,
from 67.6% to 69%, while striving for the target of 75%.
OBJECTIVE:
Increase the use of community-based options for the provision of
continuing care and mental health services at the right time and
by the right personnel.
Strategies:
- Improve
access and appropriate utilization of continuing care services,
expand "healthy aging in place" opportunities and enhance
client responsibility and choice for services.
- To enable
future cross-ministry engagement and collaboration, review the
Alberta Mental Health Plan and assess its implication for departments
with responsibility related to mental health, with particular
focus on children, aboriginal populations and housing.
Targets:
- Continue
the shift so more Albertans over 75 years of age receive community-based
continuing care services, reducing the ratio of those in institutions
from 74.1 per thousand in 2002-03 to 72.0 per thousand in 2004-05.
- Implement
a province-wide, seven-day coordinated access system for necessary
continuing care services in 2004-06
- Introduce
systematic quality improvement to continuing care services in
2004-06.
- Increase
the supply of affordable supportive living in 2004-05.
- Identify
alternatives for mental health accommodation, to support and facilitate
appropriate shifts from facility-based to community-based delivery
models.
OBJECTIVE:
Explore integrated policy options for government to achieve sustainability
of the health system.
Strategies:
- Build cross-ministry
capacity to collaboratively identify, analyze and communicate
integrated
policy options for sustainability.
- Continue
integrating health and infrastructure planning to support strategic
provincial
priorities.
- Improve
data and analysis capacity for provincial drug benefit programs,
to result in improved management of pharmaceutical financing and
pharmaceutical use by Albertans.
Targets:
- Develop
a cross-ministry plan to identify new opportunities to address
health sustainability, including consideration of more effective
collaboration for wellness, alternative financing, strategic investment
and capital planning.
- Develop baseline
data about Albertans at risk of financial hardship from prescription
drug expenses.
- Identify
strategies to address long-term sustainability of drug programs
while providing protection for Albertans against catastrophic
drug costs.
- Build an
economic model to estimate the cost of drug plan features.
- To support
innovation and affordability for chronic disease management programs,
affected ministries will develop three agreements with industry
to share risks associated with the implementation of costly new
pharmaceuticals.
- Develop a
collaborative cross-ministry communications strategy.
MEDIUM-TERM
STRATEGIC PLANS
The Government
of Alberta has numerous medium-term strategic plans to support the
priorities of Albertans. These include:
| Climate
Change Strategy
|
As
part of its Climate Change Strategy, in 2002 the
Alberta government released Albertans & Climate Change:
Taking Action. This is the Province's action plan to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions relative to GDP by 50 per
cent below 1990 levels by 2020. This strategy includes actions
on seven broad fronts: government leadership; technology and
innovation; carbon management; energy conservation; alternative
and renewable energy; biological sinks; and adaptation. |
| Securing
Tomorrow’s Prosperity - Sustaining the Alberta Advantage
|
Securing
Tomorrow's Prosperity - Sustaining the Alberta Advantage
is a strategic framework to achieve the economic components
of the Government of Alberta Strategic Business Plan.
It is a market-driven, value-added strategy with a long-term
vision to upgrade primary resources, expand manufacturing,
develop business services and foster knowledge-based sectors.
Securing Tomorrow's Prosperity is focused on the
growth of a competitive and innovative value-added economy. |
| Rural
Development Strategy |
The
Rural Development Strategy will provide a framework
that will encourage sustained growth in rural Alberta and
create opportunities to foster vibrant rural communities.
This strategy aims to provide rural communities with the tools,
ideas, models, and know-how to empower them and support the
creation of opportunities for their communities. |
| Water
for Life: Alberta's Strategy for Sustainability
|
Water
for Life: Alberta's Strategy for Sustainability is Alberta's
commitment to the wise management of water now and in the
future. The strategy represents a new approach to water management
and outlines specific actions to address water quantity and
water quality issues. Water for Life revolves around
three core areas of focus: knowledge and research; partnerships;
and water conservation. |
| Framework
for a Healthy Alberta |
The
Framework for a Healthy Alberta intends to reduce
injury and chronic disease by supporting healthier behaviours
with prevention and promotion programs encouraging Albertans
to take greater responsibility for their personal health.
Cross-ministry approaches will address the key determinants
of health to reduce both injury and chronic disease occurrence.
Examples of supporting strategies and initiatives are: Healthy
U Awareness Campaign; Alberta Tobacco Reduction Strategy;
Alberta Diabetes Strategy; and Healthy Aging
Framework. |
| Premier's
Advisory Council on Health - Implementation |
For
the last two years, Alberta’s health system pursued
an ambitious agenda for positive change, based on the recommendations
from the Premier’s Advisory Council on Health. The commitment
to building a better public health care system continues.
But, with most recommendations having been accomplished or
underway, the focus is now on improving the excellent health
system we have by: protecting public health from emerging
threats like SARS and pandemic flu; better meeting Albertans’
expectations for available, accessible health services; emphasizing
primary care; and meeting Albertans’ growing expectations
for high quality care that protects patient safety. |
| Alberta
Tobacco Reduction Strategy |
The
Alberta Tobacco Reduction Strategy intends to reduce
the number of Albertans who use tobacco, especially young
people and pregnant women, resulting in a healthier population
and lower costs to the health care system. Tobacco use is
one of the leading causes of preventable disability, disease,
and premature death in Alberta. |
| Alberta
Disability Strategy |
The
disability community presents a unique set of needs to the
government and its service providers. There is an ongoing
requirement to develop and maintain disability supports based
on consistent and coordinated policies and programs. It is
recognized that supporting persons with disabilities is a
shared responsibility, which is achieved through a more inclusive
and collaborative approach to disability issues, needs and
services. |
| Alberta's
Commission on Learning - Implementation |
Implementation
plans are being developed for the accepted recommendations
of Alberta's Commission on Learning to promote learner excellence
through continuous improvement of the Kindergarten to Grade
12 (K-12) learning system. This includes the Languages
Initiative; the Learning and Technology Policy Framework;
the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy
Framework; and the K-12 Funding Framework. |
| Life
Sciences Strategy |
The
aim of the Alberta Life Sciences Strategy is to foster
excellence in life sciences research and innovation, which
involves the science, technology, products and processes related
to human health, agriculture, forestry and the environment.
It has four key areas of concentration: research and development
in areas of life science important to Alberta; moving ideas
from the lab to market; increasing life sciences education;
and responding to ethical and moral concerns.
Agriculture
is a fundamental element to the life sciences sector in Alberta.
Implementation of Alberta's Agriculture Research and Innovation
Strategy will create the capacity to develop a stream
of products and innovations to boost growth in this sector
and achieve industry targets specified in the Agriculture
Growth Strategy. |
| Agriculture
Growth Strategy |
The
goal of the Agriculture Growth Strategy is sustainable
growth of the agriculture industry. The strategy is focused
on: new and diversified product development (primary and value-added
food and non-food products); enhanced market access for agriculture
and food industry products; and improved agriculture and food
industry business services. The target is to achieve $10 billion
primary and $20 billion value-added agricultural food and
non-food products by the year 2010. |
| Alberta
Energy Innovation Strategy |
The
Alberta Energy Innovation Strategy was developed
in recognition of the urgent need for an ongoing supply of
affordable energy. The Government of Alberta is bringing together
interested public and private sector partners from across
Canada to create an integrated and collaborative network that
will create value from energy resources, improve environmental
performance and build a strong economy. The emphasis is on
technology advancement, while managing carbon, hydrogen and
nitrogen to achieve the highest value energy products and
best-in-class environmental standards. |
| Minister's
Provincial/Municipal Council on Roles, Responsibilities and
Resources in the 21st Century |
The
Alberta government, through the Minister's Provincial/Municipal
Council on Roles, Responsibilities and Resources in the 21st
Century, will continue to look at how the provincial
and municipal governments can best work together. Building
the capacity of municipalities to provide efficient and effective
services will foster financially strong municipalities that
are better able to keep pace with the province's economic
growth. |
| Environment
and Resource Development Regulatory Framework |
The
Environment and Resource Development Regulatory Framework
will make the resource development regulatory system more
effective based on the principles of one application, one
approval, one regulator, one appeal, and clear, transparent
accountability. It will also enhance direction-setting and
management with clear policy direction and standards developed
across ministries and involving the public. |
| Aboriginal
Policy Framework |
The
Aboriginal Policy Framework is a long-term commitment
to increasing collaboration among First Nation and Métis
communities, governments and the private sector to:
- Enhance
Aboriginal self-reliance and develop long-term sustainable
Aboriginal economies;
- Support
Aboriginal community-based processes to work with governments
and other stakeholders to set local priorities and address
specific needs facing Aboriginal people, including those
in urban centers;
- Implement
a program of meaningful consultation with First Nations
and Aboriginal communities regarding resource development
on Crown land;
- Increase
the participation of Aboriginal Albertans in the province's
economy;
- Upon
request by First Nations and Canada, participate in the
development of agreements to implement the inherent right
of self-government;
- Focus
on increasing learner success and moving to close the gaps
in education levels and labour force participation between
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people;
- Reduce
inequalities in health status between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
people; and
- Redefine
federal-provincial relations on Aboriginal issues.
|
| Community-Based
Health Services |
Community-Based
Health Services is a strategic priority that seeks to
provide the appropriate community-based health services where
and when they are needed. This will be accomplished through
implementation of the agreement with the Alberta Medical Association
and health authorities to improve access to primary health
care throughout Alberta, and increasing community-based housing
and care options for seniors and persons with disabilities.
To improve access by lower-income seniors, continuing care
services, where appropriate, will be shifted from facility-based
to community-based settings. |
| Adult
Learning Strategic Framework |
The
Adult Learning Strategic Framework will increase
access to adult learning opportunities including apprenticeship
and industry training. It will generate returns through increased
entrepreneurship, new knowledge and ideas, new products and
services, healthier and better-informed citizens, a well-supported
economy and a more prosperous society. |
| Northern
Development Strategy |
The
Northern Development Strategy will enable government
to more effectively plan, address and coordinate sustainable
development across the region. This includes addressing economic
diversification and adding value to our northern-based resources.
Challenges include enhancing the educational attainment and
skill development of northern residents, northern transportation
systems and local capacity building. |
| Mineral
Development Strategy |
Alberta's
Mineral Development Strategy provides a framework
for orderly, environmentally responsible mineral exploration
and development in the province. Most of the strategic directions
facilitate mineral exploration and development through existing
structures and mechanisms. |
2004-07
Government of Alberta Business Plan
The Government
of Alberta Business Plan is an ongoing three-year plan that lays
out the government's goals, strategies and measures to track progress
towards achieving goals. It is part of the government's commitment
to be open and accountable to the people of Alberta.
The Government
Accountability Act requires that the government annually prepare
a three-year consolidated fiscal plan and a three-year business
plan.
Goals should
not be considered in isolation as progress related to one goal often
results in progress being made to other goals. For example, sustaining
the high quality of Alberta's natural environment contributes to
the overall health of Albertans, which in turn contributes to the
economic and social well-being of Albertans.
The government
cannot achieve the goals alone. It requires effort from all Albertans.
Individuals, communities, non-profit organizations and businesses
all need to contribute towards the achievement of Alberta's goals.
The government provides the framework through economic, social and
regulatory policies in partnership with other levels of government,
communities, businesses, industry, and not-for-profit sectors in
working towards goal achievement.
LINK
WITH 20-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
The goals and
strategies in the three-year business plan are linked with the four
key opportunities and long-term strategies outlined in the 20-year
strategic plan: Today's Opportunities, Tomorrow's Promise: A Strategic
Plan for the Government of Alberta.
Opportunity
1: Unleashing Innovation
Strategies in
the 3-year business plan that support unleashing innovation are:
encouraging investment in new development and the expansion of production
of Alberta's oilsands, while encouraging development of new energy
sources; promoting the building of knowledge-based industries and
focusing on value-added industries; enhancing the capability and
capacity of Alberta's research system; and accelerating growth of
Alberta's life sciences sector (Goal 7), while implementing a strategy
directed at the wise management of water and the reduction of greenhouse
gases (Goal 10).
Opportunity 2: Leading in Learning
Strategies in
the 3-year business plan that support leading in learning are: implementing
Alberta’s Commission on Learning supported recommendations
from expanding the Adult Learning Strategic Framework to improve
access; improving Aboriginal learner success; assisting Albertans
who face barriers to employment; and continuing to implement the
Skills Investment Strategy to support and maintain a skilled workforce
(Goal 2).
The plan also
includes strategies directed at improving job skills of Aboriginal
people in Alberta so that they can participate fully in the economic
opportunities of the province (Goal 5).
Opportunity
3: Competing in a Global Marketplace
Strategies in
the 3-year business plan that support competing in a global marketplace
include: expansion of Alberta's tourism industry; implementing Alberta's
International Marketing Strategy; supporting development of knowledge-based
industries and the removal or reduction of barriers to national
and international trade and investment (Goal 7).
Strategies also
include improving federal/provincial fiscal arrangements to ensure
that Alberta receives its fair share of federal spending, and maintaining
a low tax environment including a gradual lowering, as affordable,
of the corporate income tax rate (Goal 8).
Opportunity
4: Making Alberta the Best Place to Live, Work and Visit
Strategies in
the 3-year business plan that support making Alberta the best place
to live, work and visit include: implementing changes to improve
primary health care services such as a greater use of multi-disciplinary
teams and increased emphasis on prevention and healthy lifestyles
(Goal 1); and implementing the new Child, Youth and Family Enhancement
Act to place greater emphasis on the safety and well-being of children
(Goal 3).
The 3-year plan
also contains strategies to address major municipal-provincial issues
and to provide municipalities with preferential financing for capital
projects (Goal 6). There are strategies to develop and maintain
a long-term revenue management framework, including ensuring that
Albertans receive a fair share from resource revenues (Goal 8).
It also includes
strategies for developing safe communities including dealing with
crime and substance abuse. Other strategies are directed at reducing
traffic fatalities, workplace incidents, and protection of human
rights (Goal 9).
There are strategies
for promoting self-reliance and providing help to those that are
unable to provide for their basic needs (Goal 4).
Other strategies
are directed at having an effective and sustainable infrastructure
to support Albertans’ social and economic goals (Goal 12).
The 3-year plan
contains strategies directed at providing Albertans with the opportunity
to participate in community and cultural activities, and to enjoy
the province's historical resources, parks and protected areas (Goal
11).
MINISTRY
BUSINESS PLANS
More detailed
information is provided to Albertans through ministries' business
plans that accompany the government business plan. Each ministry
business plan is required to indicate its linkages to the 3-year
government business plan.
ALLOCATION OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING
BY GOAL
The table on
the following page allocates the dollars spent by the provincial
government on each of the goals in the 3-Year Government Business
Plan.
For Goals 1
to 11, total expense is allocated to each goal over the next three
years. Goals 1 to 11 are on an accrual accounting basis. It should
be noted that expense includes grants to local authorities to fund
capital projects for health, learning and municipal infrastructure.
For government-owned capital, amortization costs are included as
an expense.
Goal 12, Infrastructure,
is aligned with the 2004-07 Capital Plan and provides a
different perspective. For Goal 12, the figures represent the total
value of capital being acquired or directly supported by the provincial
government. This includes grants to local authorities for capital
purposes, which are also included in Goals 1 to 11, spending on
provincial government-owned capital and the value of projects being
alternatively financed. It does not include capital amortization
and financing costs.
After the table,
performance measures and targets for each of the goals are provided.
Relating results to funding provides the foundation for performance-based
analysis.
SUMMARY OF GOALS, MEASURES
AND TARGETS
core business People
...
GOAL
1: Albertans will be healthy
Life
Expectancy at Birth - Male/Female life expectancy at
birth to be among the top 10 countries in the world.
Self-Reported Health Status - In 2005, 90% of Albertans age 18-64
rate their health as "excellent", "very good"
or "good"; and 80% of Albertans age 65 years and over
rate their health as "excellent", "very good"
or "good".
Ease
of Access to Physician and Hospital Services - In 2005,
maintain 86% of Albertans have "easy" or "very
easy" access to physician services, and maintain 72% of Albertans
have "easy" or "very easy" access to hospital
services.
Overall Quality of Health Care Received - In 2004, maintain 85%
of Albertans rate overall quality of care as "excellent"
or "good".
Participation
in Healthy Behaviour - In 2004-05, targets are 75% of
Albertans do not smoke; 55% exercise regularly; and 50% have an
acceptable weight.
GOAL
2: Albertans will be well prepared for lifelong learning and work
Educational
Attainment of Albertans Age 25-34 - High school completion
rates for Albertans age 25-34 of 90% or higher in 2004-05, 2005-06
and 2006-07. Post-secondary completion rates of Albertans age
25-34 of 60% in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Educational Attainment of Aboriginal Albertans Age 25-34 - Percentage
of Aboriginal Albertans who completed high school and post-secondary
education. Targets to be determined.
Literacy
and Numeracy Grade 9 - 80% of students achieve the acceptable
standard on provincial achievement tests for language arts and
68% in mathematics in 2004-05; 81% for language arts and 68% in
mathematics in 2005-06; and 82% in language arts and 69% in mathematics
in 2006-07.
Lifelong
Learning - 73% of the public are satisfied that adult
Albertans have easy access to lifelong learning in 2004-05, 2005-06
and 2006-07.
Adult
Participation in Learning - 32% of Albertans participate
in credit and non-credit courses in 2004-05, 2005-06, and 2006-07.
Participants
Employed Post-Intervention - 70% of participants employed
as a result of Work Foundations and Training for Work programs
and services in 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07.
Employment
Preparedness - Percentage of participants who indicate
their training helped prepare them for employment. Targets to
be determined.
Skill
Development - 90% of employers satisfied with recent
graduates' skills and quality of work (includes high school, apprenticeship
and post-secondary graduates) in 2005-06.
GOAL
3: Alberta's children and youth will be supported in reaching their
potential
Well-being
of Children - Percentage of children living in families
with incomes at or above the Market Basket Measure (MBM) low-income
threshold to be among the top three provinces.
Children
in Care - Children under the guardianship or custody
of the Provincial Child Welfare Program per 1,000 child population.
Targets to be determined once baseline is established in 2004-05;
equal to or better than baseline in 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Social
and Emotional Development - Percentage of Alberta children
demonstrating healthy social and emotional development. Target
is to maintain or improve Alberta's result relative to the national
average in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Parenting
Skills - Percentage of Alberta children, aged 0-5, whose
parents are interacting positively with them. Target is to maintain
or improve Alberta's result relative to the national average in
2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
GOAL
4: Albertans will be self-reliant and those unable to provide for
their basic needs will receive help
Economic
Status of Albertans - Percentage of Albertans living
at or above the Market Basket Measure (MBM) low-income threshold
to be among the top three provinces.
Persons
with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Funded Services
- 91% of families/guardians of persons with developmental disabilities
satisfied with PDD-funded services in 2004-05, and 2006-07.
Alberta
Seniors Benefit - Percentage of seniors provided with
the opportunity to apply for Alberta Seniors Benefit. Targets
to be determined once baseline is established.
GOAL
5: Aboriginal communities and people in Alberta will have improved
social and economic circumstances
Participation
in the Economy - Reduce the difference in the participation
rates of Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people to 4% in
2006.
Participation
in the Economy - Participation rates by Aboriginal component
group and gender. Targets to be determined once baseline is established.
Source
of Income - Reduce the difference in the proportion of
income received from government transfers by Aboriginal people
compared to non-Aboriginal people to 4% in 2006.
Aboriginal
Affairs - Public approval rating on Aboriginal issues
to be higher than the average of the four nearest provinces in
2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
core
business Prosperity ...
GOAL
6: Alberta will have an effective, responsive and well-managed local
government sector
Albertans'
Satisfaction with their Local Governments - 75% of Albertans
satisfied in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Municipal Financial Accountability -97% of municipalities meet
the criteria of financial accountability in 2004-05, 2005-06 and
2006-07.
Local
Authorities' Cost of Borrowing from Alberta Capital Finance Authority
- Borrowing costs of local authorities lowest among Canadian municipalities
in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Local
Authorities' Satisfaction with Alberta Capital Finance Authority
- 85% of local authorities satisfied with lending policies and
efficiency in 2005-06 (biennial survey).
GOAL
7: Alberta will have a prosperous economy
Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) - Three-year average annual growth
rate in current dollars of 4% in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Job
Growth - 240,000 net jobs created from January 2000 to
December 2005, on an annual average basis.
Labour
Productivity - Highest among the provinces in 2004-05,
2005-06 and 2006-07 measured by real GDP in dollars per hour worked.
Labour
Force Participation Rate - Highest among the provinces
in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Business
Connectiveness - Percentage of Alberta households that
use the Internet at work among the top three provinces in 2004-05,
2005-06 and 2006-07.
Sponsored
Research at Alberta Universities - Sponsored research
from all sources of $492 million in 2004-05, $525 million in 2005-06
and $562 million in 2006-07.
Value-Added
Industries - Percentage of real GDP contributed by manufacturing
and knowledge-intensive industries greater than the 29.3% achieved
during 2001 in 2004-05 and increasing further in 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Export
Trade - International value-added exports including manufactured
goods, tourism and other services, measured in current dollars,
targets of $22.7 billion in 2004-05, $24.7 billion in 2005-06
and $26.9 billion in 2006-07.
Tourism
Industry Revenue - Tourism expenditures made in Alberta
by Alberta residents, and visitors from overseas, the United States
and other provinces, measured in current dollars, targets of $5.3
billion in 2004-05, $5.7 billion in 2005-06 and $5.9 billion in
2006-07.
Personal
Disposable Income - Dollars per capita to be among the
top two provinces in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Barriers
to Trade - Long-term solution to softwood lumber dispute
by December 31, 2005.
Industrial
Disposition Planning - 35% of active oil and gas industrial
dispositions subject to Area Operating Agreements in 2004-05,
2005-06 and 2006-07.
Biodiversity
Monitoring System - Biodiversity monitoring system designed
and tested in 2006.
Oil
Sands Production - Increasing production above the 2002
production level of 740.3 thousand barrels per day in 2004-05,
2005-06 and 2006-07.
GOAL
8: Alberta will have a financially stable, open and accountable
government and a strong intergovernmental position in Canada
Intergovernmental
Relations - Public approval rating in federal-provincial
relations on par with the four nearest provinces in 2004-05, 2005-06
and 2006-07.
Provincial
Credit Rating - AAA blended credit rating for domestic
debt in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Accumulated
Debt (less cash set aside for future debt repayment) -
$3.0 billion in 2004-05, $2.7 billion in 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Tax
Load - Total provincial and municipal tax load, as a
percentage of Canadian average, is the lowest among the provinces
in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Government
Financial Accountability - 70% of Albertans think they
get enough information on the government's financial performance
in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
core
business Preservation ...
GOAL
9: Alberta will be a fair and safe place to work, live and raise
families
Workplace
Lost-Time Claim Rate - 2.0 lost-time claims per 100 person-years
worked, or lower, in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Effectiveness
of Human Rights Protection - 86% of adult Albertans feel
human rights protection in Alberta is effective in 2004-05, 2005-06
and 2006-07.
Violent
Crime Rate - Alberta's violent crime rate per 100,000
population the lowest of the four western provinces in 2004-05,
2005-06 and 2006-07.
Property
Crime Rate - Alberta's property crime rate per 100,000
population lowest of the four western provinces in 2004-05, 2005-06
and 2006-07.
Perception
of Safety in the Neighbourhood - 82% of Albertans feel
"reasonably safe” to “very safe" walking
alone in their neighbourhoods at night in 2004-05, 2005-06 and
2006-07.
Work
Stoppages - 98% of collective bargaining agreements settled
without a work stoppage in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Involvement
of Drinking Drivers in Fatal Collisions - Percentage
of fatal collisions involving drinking drivers: 20.0% in 2004-05,
19.9% in 2005-06 and 19.7% in 2006-07.
Harmonized
Securities Legislation - Proposal to develop harmonized
securities legislation in 2004-05 and adopt legislation in 2005-06.
Wildfire
Prevention - Less than 300 human-caused fires within
Alberta's forest protection area in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
GOAL
10: The high quality of Alberta’s environment will be sustained
River
Water Quality Index - Maintain overall water quality
in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Drinking
Water Safety Indicator - Indicates the performance of
waterworks facilities in delivering safe drinking water. Targets
to be determined.
Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Intensity - Cut the greenhouse gas emissions
intensity of the Alberta economy in half by 2020 relative to 1990
levels.
Air
Quality Index - Maintain "good" air quality
days equal to or greater than 97% of the time in 2004-05, 2005-06
and 2006-07.
Municipal
Solid Waste to Landfills - Reduce municipal solid waste
disposal to landfills to 500 milograms per capita by 2010.
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
Level
of Community Volunteerism - 73% of adult Albertans volunteer
in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Sport
and Recreation Participation - 85% of adult Albertans
participating in sport and recreational activities in 2004-05,
2005-06 and 2006-07.
Public
Library Use - 54% of adult Albertans use public library
services in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Participation
in Arts and Cultural Activities - 90% of adult Albertans
participate in arts and cultural activities in 2004-05, 2005-06
and 2006-07.
Film
Production Employment Opportunities - 2,950 film production
employment opportunities for Albertans supported by the Alberta
Film Development Program in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Visitor
Satisfaction with Provincial Historic Sites, Museums and Interpretive
Centres - 99% of visitors satisfied with their experiences
at provincial historic sites, museums and interpretive centres
in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Visitor
Satisfaction with Provincial Parks and Recreation Areas
- Percentage of visitors satisfied with their experiences at provincial
parks and recreation areas. Targets to be determined.
Infrastructure
...
GOAL
12: Alberta will have effective and sustainable government-owned
and supported infrastructure
Physical
Condition of Health Facilities - 94% in acceptable ("fair"
or "good") condition in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Physical
Condition of Learning Facilities - 95% of schools and
91% of post-secondary institutions in acceptable ("fair"
or "good") condition in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Physical
Condition of Government Owned and Operated Buildings
- 97% in acceptable ("fair" or "good") condition
in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Physical
Condition of Provincial Highways - 86% have acceptable
("fair" or "good") physical condition of pavement
in 2004-05, 85% in 2005-06 and 83.5% in 2006-07.
Utilization
of Provincial Highways - 99% of Provincial highways accommodate
current traffic volumes where traffic flow is not severely restricted
in peak hour traffic in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
Construction
Progress on the North-South Trade Corridor - 84% of four-laning
open to travel in 2004-05, 88% in 2005-06 and 90% in 2006-07.
22% of the Edmonton and Calgary ring roads open to travel in 2004-05,
25% in 2005-06 and 26% in 2006-07.
SuperNet
Completion - Services available to 395 rural and 27 urban
communities in 2004-05.
Physical
Condition of Water Management Infrastructure (headworks, dams
and irrigation canals) - 96% in acceptable ("fair"
or "good") condition in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
READER'S GUIDE
The 2004-07 Government Business Plan has 12 goals and each
goal has four main sections:
What it means contains a description of the
goal and what the government is doing on an ongoing basis
relative to the goal.
Link to the fiscal plan indicates which ministries
financially contribute to achieving the goal, and the annual
total provincial contribution directed towards the goal.
Strategies detail how the government plans to reach the goal.
The strategies are specific and traceable to ministry business
plans.
Measures and Targets include a suite of measures
to track progress towards achieving the goal. Targets are
established based on what the government would like to achieve
given budget resources. |
COre
business 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.
GOAL
1: Albertans will be healthy
What
it means
Albertans
are encouraged to realize their full health potential through informed
lifestyle choices. The province contributes to the health of Albertans
by encouraging and supporting healthy living, ensuring quality health
services are available, and by leading the health system. Support
is provided for health research and development initiatives to enhance
health services and improve the health of Albertans through the
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. The province provides
operating and capital funding to the Regional Health Authorities
throughout the province (see Goal 12). Clean air and a safe, secure
drinking water supply contributes to the benefits of a healthy environment
for Albertans. An individual's socio-economic status also contributes
to their health and well-being.
Link
to fiscal plan
This goal links
to the Health function of the government's Fiscal Plan, which includes
spending of the following ministries: Health and Wellness, Infrastructure
and Revenue.
Strategies
- Work towards
achieving the objectives and targets set out in the following
cross-ministry initiatives: Aboriginal Policy Initiative, Alberta
Children and Youth Initiative, Economic Development Strategy and
Health Sustainability Initiative. See pages 31-42.
- Provide
health and lifestyle information, such as the Healthy U Campaign
and the Framework for a Healthy Alberta, to assist people in making
healthy choices.
- Strengthen
the health system's capacity to respond to public health issues
and risks.
- Implement
changes to improve primary health care:
- 24-hour
access to primary care services;
- Greater
use of multi-disciplinary teams;
- Improved
coordination and integration with other health care services;
and
- Increased
emphasis on health promotion, disease and injury prevention,
including chronic disease management (e.g. diabetes).
- Ensure appropriate
access to health services in rural and remote areas.
- Promote
options for continuing care that allow Albertans to 'age in place'.
- Protect
Albertans from catastrophic drug costs.
- Work with
key stakeholders on plans and initiatives, such as the Rural Physician
Action Plan, to educate, recruit and retain the needed health
workforce.
- Implement
integrated information systems, including the Electronic Health
Record, that will support research and improve clinical and management
decision-making.
- Implement
multi-year performance agreements with health authorities that
promote innovation, collaboration and set out performance expectations
and deliverables.
- Collaborate
to evaluate alternative ways to finance programs not covered by
the Canada Health Act including cost-sharing approaches for a
wide range of services.
- Implement
strategies to work towards eliminating youth substance abuse and
prevent disorders such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and
address the needs of the children and youth affected, and their
families.
Measures
GOAL
2: Albertans will be well prepared for lifelong learning and work
What
it means
Quality
lifelong learning and human resource development enables Albertans
to be responsible, caring, creative, self-reliant and contributing
members of society. The strength of Alberta's learning system is
that it provides high quality learning opportunities for all Albertans
as well as a safe and efficient learning environment. In modern
societies, knowledge, innovation, research and lifelong learning
are the key drivers of economic and societal prosperity. The government
provides assistance to high school and post-secondary students through
the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund. The province responds to
industry’s need for a trained and skilled workforce and works
with stakeholders to build a world-class, lifelong learning community.
Youth are encouraged to consider science related career paths such
as technology-oriented entrepreneurship. Through the support of
internship programs, young people can acquire practical work experience
and diverse training to prepare them for the workplace of tomorrow.
The province also provides operating and capital funding to schools
and post-secondary institutions throughout the province (see Goal
12).
Link
to fiscal plan
This goal links
to the Education function of the government's Fiscal Plan, which
includes spending of the following ministries: Human Resources and
Employment, Infrastructure and Learning.
Strategies
- Work towards
achieving the objectives and targets set out in the following
cross-ministry initiatives: Aboriginal Policy Initiative, Alberta
Children and Youth Initiative and Economic Development Strategy.
See pages 31-39.
- Implement
government-approved recommendations from Alberta’s Commission
on Learning to improve the learning system.
- Expand the
Adult Learning Strategic Framework, including improving access
to learning opportunities and enhancing sustainability of the
system.
- Implement
the Learning and Technology Policy Framework, including the continued
implementation of LearnAlberta.ca and Alberta SuperNet to develop
multimedia and online resources for student learning.
- Pursue priority
initiatives under the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education
Policy Framework to improve Aboriginal learner success.
- Work with
intergovernmental partners, such as the Northwest Territories,
British Columbia and the Western and Northern Canadian Protocol,
to further develop Alberta's unique cooperative arrangements and
strengthen Alberta's leadership in pan-Canadian initiatives through
the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada; Canadian apprenticeship
councils, and others.
- Develop and
implement options to assist Albertans who face barriers to employment
to increase their labour force participation (e.g., Aboriginal
people, persons with disabilities, immigrants and older workers).
- Continue
to implement the Skills Investment Strategy to support the development
and maintenance of a skilled workforce, and to address labour
shortages and skills deficits in Alberta.
- Develop,
recruit and retain the best researchers in the areas of energy,
information and communications technology and life sciences to
support the growth of knowledge-based industries in Alberta.
Measures
GOAL
3: Alberta's children and youth will be supported in reaching their
potential
What
it means
Families
are the foundation to nurture the development of children and youth.
Although parents have primary responsibility in raising their children,
communities, organizations, schools, businesses and governments
all have supporting roles to play in helping to meet the needs of
Alberta's children and youth. The government supports them in reaching
their potential by: working with stakeholders and delivery partners
to build resources for community based services to respond to the
needs of children and youth; direct delivery of services to ensure
the safety of children and youth; collaborating with the Alberta
Centre for Child, Family and Community Research, community and university
partners to promote policy-relevant research and best practices
to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities; working
with Aboriginal communities to build the capacity to prevent and
reduce the incidence of youth suicide; and developing and promoting
strategies to increase the educational attainment of children and
youth in care of government.
Link
to fiscal plan
This goal links
to the part of the Social Services function of the government's
Fiscal Plan that includes the spending of the Children's Services
ministry.
Strategies
- Work towards
achieving the objectives and targets set out in the following
cross-ministry initiatives: Aboriginal Policy Initiative, Alberta
Children and Youth Initiative and Health Sustainability Initiative.
See pages 31-36 and 40-42.
- Work towards
an Alberta free from family violence by developing a new Provincial
Response to Family Violence with strengthened community based,
comprehensive services and supports for children and other family
members who witness or are victims of family violence.
- Develop community-based
supports that assist parents with the information and skills to
give children the best possible start in life, and the supports
to learn, grow and succeed. This includes: early child development
services, early screening, childcare resources, and a range of
cross-ministry services for children, youth and families
- Implement
the new Family Supports for Children with Disabilities Act
and policies to re-focus Resources for Children with Disabilities
on early intervention and family supports. Better coordinate services
across ministries and other partners so that families obtain consistent,
sustainable supports for their children, including those with
complex special needs.
- Implement
the new Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act to place
greater emphasis on accountability for the safety and well-being
of children; permanent, nurturing homes for children; the involvement
of children and families in decision-making; and partnerships
in the safeguarding of children.
- Continue
to implement the "youth in transition" framework across
government to better address the needs of youth and help them
make a successful transition to adulthood including further learning,
employment, and adult supports where needed
- Take the
early findings of the Alberta Response Model for children coming
into contact with the child protection system and build cross-ministry
and regional governance and delivery partnerships to determine
how to best deliver provincial policies and programs to meet regional
needs and circumstances to realize better outcomes for children:
(a) improving community-based resources that assist families to
overcome at-risk circumstances and care for their own children
without turning to child protection services, and (b) ensuring
that the assessment of needs involves families, focuses on each
child's individual developmental milestones, and outlines the
steps to reunite the child with family or other permanent, nurturing
homes.
- Evaluate
and re-focus ministry, cross-ministry and local preventive and
treatment services for the protection of children and youth under
the Protection of Children Involved in Prostitution Act
to improve outcomes for children and caregivers.
- Develop and
implement strategies with communities and the Federal Government
to enable First Nations to develop and deliver prevention and
early intervention initiatives within their communities to assist
Aboriginal children and youth to reach their potential.
Measures
GOAL
4: Albertans will be self-reliant and those unable to provide for
their basic needs will receive help
What
it means
Government
has a role in building an accessible and inclusive society. Communities,
organizations, and governments all have roles in ensuring that Albertans
unable to provide for their basic needs will receive help. Disability-related
supports and services are provided to assist adult Albertans with
disabilities so that they can be contributing members of Alberta
communities. To further the self-reliance of Albertans, the government
promotes human resource development and encourages Albertans to
become independent from income support programs. Communities are
challenged to become more self-reliant in economic development and
individual Albertans can and should determine where their lives
go and how their families are to be raised.
The
Alberta government offers a number of programs to help Albertans
meet their basic needs. Some of these programs include: Alberta
Child Health Benefit; Alberta Adult Health Benefit; Integrated Income
Support; Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped; Childcare
Subsidy; Alberta Aids to Daily Living; Alberta Family Employment
Tax Credit; and health care premium subsidies. For low-income seniors
with little or no opportunity to improve relatively fixed incomes,
the Alberta Seniors Benefit program and Special Needs Assistance
for Seniors assist with basic and special needs. The government
also facilitates access to a range of basic housing and support
options. Funding for capital improvements to seniors' lodges is
also provided (see Goal 12).
Link
to fiscal plan
This goal links
to part of the Social Services function and to the Housing function
of the government's Fiscal Plan, which includes spending of the
following ministries: Community Development, Human Resources and
Employment, Infrastructure, Justice, Seniors and Solicitor General.
Strategies
- Work towards
achieving the objectives and targets set out in the following
cross-ministry initiatives: Alberta Children and Youth Initiative
and Health Sustainability Initiative. See pages 34-36 and 40-42.
- Continue
to identify potential improvements to income-based seniors’
benefits that are responsive to changing needs, and that result
in improved fairness and simplified eligibility and administration.
- Review mandate
and strategic directions of the Office of the Public Guardian
to maintain clear, consistent and coordinated policies and services.
- Strengthen
and initiate consultations with Albertans to assist in the identification
and resolution of systemic issues arising from the needs of persons
with disabilities and vulnerable adults in care.
- Enhance the
protection of persons in care from abuse and improve the life
of adult Albertans in care by implementing the results of the
legislative review of the Protection for Persons in Care Act.
- Support and
strengthen communities' capacity to include persons with developmental
disabilities
- Implement
an integrated approach to income support and employment training
to better help eligible low-income Albertans to meet their core
living needs and to prepare for, get and keep jobs, while providing
ongoing support to those unable to work.
Measures
GOAL
5: Aboriginal communities and people in Alberta will have improved
social and economic circumstances
What
it means
Section
35 of the Constitution of Canada recognizes the Aboriginal people
of Canada and acknowledges existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights.
The province has developed specific relations with Aboriginal governments,
organizations and communities in Alberta. Through the Aboriginal
Policy Framework, the government is committed to increasing the
participation of Aboriginal people in the social and economic life
of Alberta, its regions and the communities in which they live and
work. Improving the social and economic circumstances of Aboriginal
communities and people results in improved quality of life and contributes
to the Province's long-term vision, where Aboriginal Albertans have
achieved a socio-economic status equivalent to that of other Albertans.
Aboriginal health and learning issues are addressed in other goals
of the Government Business Plan.
Link
to fiscal plan
This goal links
to the part of the Regional Planning and Development function of
the government's Fiscal Plan that includes spending of the Aboriginal
Affairs and Northern Development ministry.
Strategies
- Work towards
achieving the objectives and targets set out in the Aboriginal
Policy Initiative. See pages 31-33.
- Respond
to the commitments in the Aboriginal Policy Framework
to improve individual and community well-being and self-reliance
by working with Aboriginal communities, other governments, the
private sector and other interested parties.
- Improve individual
and community well-being and self-reliance by working with the
Metis Settlements General Council and individual Metis Settlements,
other governments, the private sector and other interested parties.
- Continue
to clarify federal, provincial and Aboriginal roles and responsibilities
by ensuring jurisdictional issues are addressed during the development
of policies and programs and by working with the federal government
and First Nations to remove jurisdictional and regulatory barriers.
- Implement
consultation strategies with Aboriginal people in the resource
management sector, pursuant to the Aboriginal Policy Framework.
Measures
core
business 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, resources, local government sector, and the province’s
financial and intergovernmental position.
GOAL
6: Alberta will have an effective, responsive and well-managed local
government sector
What
it means
Municipalities provide a broad range of services to
Albertans where they live, work and participate in recreational
activities. The Alberta government assists municipalities through
policies and programs that encourage the development of strong and
vibrant communities. Funding is provided by the provincial government
to a variety of local government entities throughout the province.
The province partners with municipalities to maintain open, effective
and accountable local governments.
Link
to fiscal plan
This goal links to the part of the Regional Planning and Development
function of the government's Fiscal Plan that includes spending
of the following ministries: Finance and Municipal Affairs.
Strategies
- Support
the Minister's Provincial/Municipal Council on Roles, Responsibilities
and Resources in the 21st Century to refine the government's working
relationship with municipalities and support a mechanism to address
major municipal-provincial issues.
- Review provincial
land-use policies to determine the applicability of Smart Growth
principles.
- Administer
the Unconditional Municipal Grant Program, Municipal Sponsorship
Program, the Grants in Place of Taxes Program, the Municipal Debenture
Interest Rebate Program and other existing municipal grant programs.
Modify existing grant programs and develop new grant initiatives
where enhanced support for local government communities is appropriate.
- Support the
property assessment system so that it results in more accurate,
timely and understandable assessments to ensure a sustainable
base for generation of property tax revenue.
- Assist municipalities
in addressing the challenges of climate change by supporting energy
efficiency and conservation.
- Maintain
a mechanism for municipalities to obtain preferential debenture
financing for capital expenditures.
Measures
GOAL
7: Alberta will have a prosperous economy
What
it means
Sustainable
economic growth and prosperity are essential to maintaining and
improving Albertans' overall quality of life. The government promotes
development of and investment in the province's renewable and non-renewable
natural resources including its oil, natural gas, minerals, forestry,
and agricultural and food industries. Alberta's natural resources
must be managed in a manner that is fair and in the public interest
of Albertans. Alberta's forests, fish and wildlife, water, land
and air must be sustained for the economic, recreational and social
benefits of future generations.
Innovation,
value-added diversification and global competitiveness are key for
sustaining the momentum of Alberta's economy. To help strengthen
Alberta's economy and enhance its long-term economic stability,
the government encourages growth of the province's value-added sectors,
international exports and tourism.
The
government promotes Alberta as an attractive trading partner and
provides market intelligence and business services to internationally
active Alberta companies. To maintain Alberta's competitive advantage,
the government builds relations with foreign governments, and works
to remove barriers to trade and investment through domestic and
international trade negotiations.
Alberta's
transportation system is an integral part of the province's export-based
economy, facilitating the flow of goods to local, national and international
markets. Timely preservation and maintenance of the highway network
will ensure efficiency and effectiveness in transporting people
and goods. Alberta works with other provinces and the federal government
to reduce transport-related barriers and costs for shippers, carriers
and consumers, as well as to help ensure the viability of Alberta's
air transport system. The government supports municipal transportation
and water/wastewater facilities through municipal grants. Support
for infrastructure facilities plays an important role in sustaining
Alberta's economic prosperity. The government also supports Alberta
SuperNet, a high-speed broadband information and communications
technology (ICT) infrastructure that provides opportunities for
Alberta businesses to grow and prosper by enabling greater access
to high-speed, broadband communications. (See Goal 12).
Continued
improvements in the skills and productivity of the workforce are
necessary for maintaining and enhancing Alberta's competitive advantage.
The government promotes human resource development and productivity
through the provision of labour market analysis and information,
labour force planning and development, and the removal of international
and inter-provincial barriers to labour mobility. As well, the government
ensures that Alberta's laws encourage the competitiveness and productivity
of Alberta's workforce.
An
attractive tax, fiscal and regulatory climate contributes to the
province's prosperity. Taxes must also be competitive with those
in other provinces and countries with which Alberta competes, in
order to attract the investment, jobs and skilled workers necessary
to keep our economy performing well. Effective registry systems
promote Albertans' confidence in conducting business transactions
and support existing and new businesses through registration of
their corporate interests. The government works to ensure that policies
related to Alberta's gaming and liquor industries achieve a balance
between choice, social responsibility and economic benefit, and
that the integrity of those industries is maintained.
Link
to fiscal plan
This goal links
to the Agriculture, Resource Management and Economic Development
function and the Transportation, Communications and Utilities function
of the government's Fiscal Plan which include spending of the following
ministries: Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Economic Development,
Energy, Gaming, Government Services, Human Resources and Employment,
Infrastructure, Innovation and Science, Learning, Municipal Affairs,
Revenue, Sustainable Resource Development and Transportation.
Strategies
- Work to
achieve the objectives and targets set out in the Aboriginal Policy
Initiative and Economic Development Strategy. See pages 31-33
and 37-39.
- Encourage
investment in new development and expanded production of Alberta's
oil sands. Support research into reducing the use of natural gas
in oil sands production, and encourage the development of new
petrochemical feedstock supplies from oil sands upgrading and
processing.
- Encourage
the development of new energy sources including natural gas in
coal (coal bed methane), and other alternatives (e.g. wind, biomass,
hydrogen), and improved recovery from existing conventional oil
and gas reserves.
- Support the
implementation of the Alberta Energy Innovation Strategy related
to focused, mission-oriented research and innovation in the areas
of: oil sands extraction, upgrading and reclamation; clean carbon/coal;
CO2 management; improved recovery; alternate energy;
and water management.
- Complete
mineral mapping of northern Alberta for stakeholders' use.
- Streamline
and improve the energy, environmental and resource management
regulatory system so that Alberta has an efficient regulatory
system that enables economic growth while ensuring environmental
quality.
- Develop approaches
to assist government in managing its natural resources in a sustainable
manner, specifically, by designing and testing a biodiversity
monitoring system.
- Provide a
sound framework for the planning and development of industrial
and commercial access on public land through provincial policy
and guidelines supported by appropriate legislative mechanisms.
- Implement
the Federal/Provincial Agricultural Policy Framework and the Agriculture
Growth Strategy to help position the agriculture industry for
the future.
- Implement
the Agricultural Research and Innovation Strategy to facilitate
long-term industry growth, profitability and environmental sustainability.
- Implement
Securing Tomorrow's Prosperity, a value-added strategy aimed at
creating a sustainable, globally competitive economy by: enhancing
Alberta's current competitive advantages; building Alberta's innovation
system; growing and strengthening small and medium enterprises,
and focusing on key value added sectors.
- Support the
expansion of Alberta's tourism industry by marketing Alberta as
a world-renowned tourist destination and by improving and supporting
Alberta's tourism products, policies and regulatory environment
and infrastructure.
- Implement
Alberta's International Marketing Strategy (AIMS 2003), which
directs Alberta's international trade and investment initiatives
based upon the priority ranking of various global markets.
- Promote the
building of knowledge-based industries by investing in research
and development, enabling technology commercialization and the
introduction of new products, processes and services into the
marketplace.
- Enhance the
capability and capacity of Alberta's research system in the areas
of energy, information and communications technology and life
sciences, including investments in nanotechnology, hydrogen fuel
cells, wireless communications technologies, bio-medical, bio-products,
bio-energy, genomics and proteomics.
- Remove or
reduce barriers to national and international trade and investment
with particular reference to the softwood lumber dispute and border
closures for beef and other products resulting from the identification
of two occurrences of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy.
- Enhance safety
and reduce travel time through highway system measures such as
the overall integration of geometrics, traffic signals, pavement
markings, and other specialties such as rest areas and changeable
message signs.
- Work with
other jurisdictions across Canada to develop a national transportation
strategy and a national aviation strategy.
- Develop partnerships
to meet Alberta's human resource development needs, including
strategies which focus on skills shortages, workforce planning,
supporting increased workforce productivity and improving relationships
with workplaces.
- Implement
Growing our Future: An Integrated Life Sciences Strategy for Alberta,
aimed at accelerating the growth of Alberta's life sciences sector.
- Support the
development of Alberta's economy by promoting the use of innovative
applications that take full advantage of the Alberta SuperNet.
- Lead and
actively promote the development and implementation of an efficient
and cost effective inter-provincial system of securities regulation.
Measures
GOAL
8: Alberta will have a financially stable, open and accountable
government and a strong intergovernmental position in Canada
What
it means
Financial
stability is essential for the government to be able to provide
the programs and services that are important to Albertans now and
in the future. The government will continue to balance the budget
in accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, while
keeping taxes low, and to eliminate the province's accumulated debt.
As part of the new fiscal framework, the Alberta Sustainability
Fund has been established to cushion spending plans from volatile
energy revenues and the costs of emergencies and disasters. The
new fiscal framework also includes a three-year capital plan, which
allows funding of capital from the Capital Account and alternative
financing arrangements, in addition to current year revenue.
Alberta's
tax system must be fair, globally competitive and promote self-reliance.
Alberta is the only province without a capital tax, general payroll
tax or retail sales tax. Alberta has a low single rate income tax
and the lowest tax on gasoline in the country.
The
government promotes open, simple and responsive management of and
access to government information and services for Albertans in a
manner of their choice. As well, the government continues to promote
efficiencies to reduce the cost of delivering programs and services
through sharing corporate administration systems. Through entities
like the Alberta Corporate Service Centre, opportunities are enhanced
to realize cost savings. The condition of government-owned buildings
is monitored to protect taxpayers' investment (see Goal 12). Through
a strong public service, the government is dedicated to effective
management of public policy and providing quality, affordable services
for Albertans. The government works to advance the province’s
interests in the Canadian federation. The creation of new intergovernmental
institutions such as the Council of the Federation and the Alberta-B.C.
Protocol of Cooperation provide new opportunities for Alberta and
other provinces to work collaboratively to pursue greater government
efficiencies and improve services to citizens. Other opportunities
such as the annual First Ministers’ Meetings provide a forum
for Alberta to influence the national agenda. The government's commitment
to be open and accountable is legislated in the Government Accountability
Act.
Link
to fiscal plan
This goal links
to the General Government and Debt Servicing Costs functions of
the government's Fiscal Plan which include spending of the Legislative
Assembly and its Offices, and the following ministries: Agriculture,
Food and Rural Development, Energy, Executive Council, Finance,
Government Services, Human Resources and Employment (Personnel Administration
Office), Infrastructure, Innovation and Science, International and
Intergovernmental Relations, Learning, Municipal Affairs, Revenue
and Seniors.
Strategies
- Improve
federal/provincial fiscal arrangements to ensure that Alberta
receives its fair share of federal spending and that key federal
programs and initiatives reflect Alberta's interests.
- As affordable,
complete implementation of the Business Tax Plan to reduce the
general corporate income tax rate from 11.5% to 8%.
- Review Alberta's
non-renewable energy royalty regime to ensure Albertans continue
to receive a fair share from the development of these resources,
while continuing to encourage future industry investment.
- Develop and
maintain a revenue management framework including long-term revenue
projections as an analysis of Alberta's revenue sources.
- As affordable,
ensure that the Heritage Fund grows with inflation over time.
- Under the
leadership of the Corporate Chief Information Officer, implement
the e-Government Strategy, aimed at enhancing access to government
services
- Through Service
Alberta, continue to develop a service environment that enables
Albertans to access government information and services in a manner
of their choice.
Measures
COre
business preservation . . .
The goals for
the Preservation core business reflect the government’s
priorities for community safety, the environment, and our natural,
historical and cultural resources.
GOAL
9: Alberta will be a fair and safe place to work, live and raise
families
What
it means
Albertans
want communities in which they can live and raise families in safety
and security without fear of personal or property crime, victimization
or discrimination. This requires protection of human rights and
personal privacy, crime prevention, services to victims of crime,
effective policing, a strong and effective prosecution service,
an accessible court system, cost effective and accountable correctional
services, and partnerships with the judiciary, police, and other
stakeholders. Effective protection of people and property from wildfire
is also an important part of this goal.
Effective
consumer legislation, coupled with awareness and protection programs
targeted at those who are most vulnerable, help promote confidence
in a fair marketplace. Albertans, as consumers of gas and electricity,
are protected through the Utilities Consumer Advocate, who works
to ensure consumers’ concerns are heard at regulatory proceedings.
Albertans
expect their government to implement measures that mitigate risks
to public safety. They want their communities prepared for, and
able to respond to and recover from, whatever unforeseen events
may occur. Traffic safety is part of a safe society and the Alberta
government works to improve traffic safety through licensing and
registration, education, legislative initiatives, and enforcement.
Monitoring of the commercial carrier industry and dangerous goods
transport and handling helps to enhance public safety. Albertans
want assurance that buildings, equipment and facilities are constructed
and maintained to high standards.
Albertans
also want workplaces that are healthy, fair, safe and stable for
employees and employers. The Alberta government has a responsibility
to ensure that professional associations are governed in the public
interest and workplaces function within a positive and stable labour
relations environment.
Link
to fiscal plan
This goal links
to the Protection of Persons and Property function of the government's
Fiscal Plan, which includes spending of the following ministries:
Community Development, Finance, Government Services, Human Resources
and Employment, Justice, Municipal Affairs, Revenue, Solicitor General,
Sustainable Resource Development and Transportation.
Strategies
- Work towards
achieving the objectives and targets set out in the following
cross-ministry initiatives: Aboriginal Policy Initiative, Alberta
Children and Youth Initiative and the Economic Development Strategy.
- Protect human
rights by delivering services to resolve and adjudicate complaints
of alleged discrimination, inclusive of statutory compliance.
- Support the
development of awareness, understanding and capacity of individuals,
organizations, communities and workplaces that contribute to building
a society that is respectful of human rights and diversity and
that is free of discrimination.
- Implement
Work Safe Alberta to reduce workplace incidents. In partnership
with industry, labour, safety associations and the Workers' Compensation
Board, reduce injuries and fatalities on Alberta worksites by
40% through a series of enhanced enforcement, education and awareness
activities.
- Assist labour
and management in unionized workplaces in Alberta to resolve issues
by fostering effective workplace relationships, workplace innovation
and alternative dispute resolution strategies. Where necessary,
provide mediation and arbitration support for the resolution of
labour-management disputes.
- Implement
a strategy to address approved recommendations arising from the
MLA review of Policing, Victims, and Correctional Services.
- Improve access
to justice through the use of technology, early case resolution,
alternatives to the traditional justice system, and the provision
of effective forums for dispute resolution.
- Administer
a safety system that promotes fire protection and strives to ensure
buildings and equipment are constructed and maintained to safe
standards.
- Lead the
development and maintenance of the Government of Alberta Crisis
Management, Consequence Management, and departmental Business
Continuity plans, ensuring policies and procedures are in place
to protect citizens, assets and infrastructure from a full range
of emergencies.
- Improve road
user behaviors and vehicle safety by enhancing monitoring of medically
at-risk drivers, managing intervention programs aimed at high-risk
drivers, developing an aging driver strategy and continuing implementation
of the Traffic Safety Act for overall improved highway
safety.
- Implement
strategies to enhance the focus on serious, violent, and organized
crime including an integrated response to organized crime and
gangs in Alberta, a strategy to address the exploitation of children
via the Internet, the National Sex Offender Registry, and the
Provincial Organized and Serious Crime Strategy.
- Provide proactive
programs to assist families, communities and employers in preventing
and treating substance abuse and problem gambling in the home
and the workplace
- Reduce the
risk and potential damage caused by wildfires within the Forest
Protection Area by actively incorporating FireSmart practices
and principles within communities, in cooperation with community
stakeholders.
Measures
GOAL
10: The high quality of Alberta’s environment will be sustained
What
it means
Albertans
enjoy many benefits from their environment. Clean air, water and
land are basic to our health, communities and quality of life. The
environment also supports economic activity such as agriculture,
forestry, tourism and recreation. Albertans expect our environment
to be managed and protected as a legacy for future generations.
Although all Albertans are responsible for the environment through
their actions as individual citizens, the government takes a leadership
role in developing a comprehensive approach and fosters shared responsibility
for environmental management and stewardship. As environmental challenges
become more complex, the government responds with new strategies
and innovation, and encourages improvement of standards and practices.
Link
to fiscal plan
This goal links
to the Environment function of the government's Fiscal Plan, which
includes spending of the following ministries: Energy, Environment
and Human Resources and Employment.
Strategies
- Implement
Alberta's water strategy, Water For Life: Alberta's Strategy for
Sustainability.
- Implement
the strategy, Albertans and Climate Change: Taking Action to address
climate change, while supporting a sustainable future and maintaining
a prosperous economy.
- Strengthen
Alberta’s comprehensive approach to resource and environmental
management including cross-government policy development and implementation.
- Establish
a comprehensive, flexible set of regulatory and non-regulatory
tools and incentives to encourage, support and reward effective
environmental performance, including the streamlining and improvement
of the energy, environmental and resource management regulatory
system so that Alberta has an effective system that ensures environmental
quality.
- Implement
shared responsibility for the environment through cooperation
and partnership among stakeholders.
- Work with
stakeholders to further develop shared environmental outcomes
as well as appropriate, timely access to information on environmental
quality and performance.
- Implement
the Municipal Waste Action Plan to promote increased stewardship
and the reduction of wastes going to municipal landfills throughout
Alberta.
- Implement
place-based environmental management that recognizes natural boundaries
for water, land and air, along with the need to consider cumulative
effects of the full range of activities taking place.
Measures
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
What
it means
Albertans'
opportunities to participate in community and cultural activities
and their enjoyment of the province's historical resources and parks
and protected areas are essential elements of a high quality of
life. The government facilitates participation in community activities
through supporting volunteerism, community service organizations,
public libraries, and sport and recreation activities. The government
also facilitates Albertans' participation in cultural activities
through supporting the artistic development of individuals and enhancing
public access and participation in the arts. The government assists
community-based heritage initiatives and actively preserves, protects
and presents Alberta's history and culture at provincial historic
sites, museums, interpretive centres and archives. The government
also preserves and protects a network of provincial parks and protected
areas to preserve the province's natural heritage and provide opportunities
for heritage appreciation, outdoor recreation and heritage tourism.
Alberta Lottery Fund supports volunteer, public and community-based
initiatives.
Link
to fiscal plan
This goal links
to the Recreation and Culture function of the government's Fiscal
Plan, which includes spending of the following ministries: Community
Development, Gaming and Infrastructure.
Strategies
- Enhance
the capacity of organizations to fulfill their mandates and objectives
through organizational development support in the areas of leadership
development, financial management, partnership development and
program delivery.
- Facilitate
awareness and appreciation in the areas of the arts, sport and
recreation, libraries and the voluntary sector to maintain an
environment for participation in, and contributions to, activities
that enhance the quality of life in Alberta
- Coordinate
Alberta's 2005 Centennial program in partnership with foundations,
communities, non-profit organizations, municipalities and the
federal government to provide opportunities for Albertans to participate
in the celebrations and leave a legacy for future generations.
- Continue
to develop the Collections and Exhibits Infrastructure Management
System and explore alternative approaches to infrastructure management
system development.
- Investigate,
identify and implement steps to increase self-generating revenues
for facility/program reinvestment partnerships, and pursue external
funding opportunities for the enrichment of the heritage and cultural
facilities network.
- Develop and
implement a revitalization strategy for heritage appreciation
that includes education and interpretive and marketing strategies
to increase Albertans' awareness and appreciation for Alberta's
provincial parks and protected areas.
- Increase
opportunities for volunteer involvement and new partnerships to
enhance research, monitoring and the provision of services at
provincial parks and protected areas.
- Develop an
updated parks system plan and strategic direction for the management
and protection of Alberta's provincial parks and protected areas.
Measures
infrastructure
. . .
The goal for
Infrastructure reflects the government's commitment
to maintain and develop government-owned and government-supported
infrastructure.
Goal 12, Infrastructure,
is based on the Capital Plan, which was introduced in Budget 2003
as part of the government’s new fiscal framework. The new
framework brings more certainty to capital planning.
The infrastructure
goal is on a different basis than the other 11 goals. Unlike Goals
1 to 11, the infrastructure goal shows the total value of capital
being acquired or directly supported by the provincial government.
For more information,
readers are encouraged to refer to the 2004-07 Fiscal Plan and the
chapter on the Capital Plan.
GOAL
12: Alberta will have effective and sustainable government-owned
and supported infrastructure
What
it means
Effective and sustainable infrastructure is essential
to support the achievement of the province's other goals and to
achieving the vision of a vibrant and prosperous province where
Albertans enjoy a superior quality of life.
The government provides capital for: health facilities
and equipment; school facilities; post-secondary facilities; the
provincial highway network; municipal transportation grants; water
and wastewater management; community facilities; government-owned
facilities, equipment and inventories; housing programs and other
priority infrastructure needs.
Alberta has been experiencing rapid economic and population
growth, placing the province's infrastructure under pressure. In
addition, the infrastructure is aging and reinvestment is required
to ensure that the integrity of existing infrastructure is maintained
and the public investment is preserved.
Link
to fiscal plan
This goal links to the Fiscal Plan through the Capital Plan. The
Capital Plan represents the total value of capital being acquired
or directly supported by the provincial government. The Capital
Plan includes grants to local authorities for capital purposes,
which are also reported as program expense where appropriate under
the other 11 goals, spending on provincial government-owned capital,
and the value of projects being alternatively financed. It does
not include capital amortization and financing costs.
The Capital Plan draws from three sources: current-year revenue,
the Capital Account established in 2003, and alternative financing
arrangements which could include public-private partnerships, capital
leases, and capital bonds. The 3-year capital plan sets out the
government's capital commitment to:
- Infrastructure projects and purchases of equipment by school
boards, post-secondary institutions, health authorities, municipalities
and other local authorities and organizations, and
- Capital investment in government-owned infrastructure, equipment
and inventories, and funding to rehabilitate government capital.
Strategies
- Provide
Albertans with effective and efficient health facilities by working
with health authorities to meet growth needs for new facilities
including alternative financing arrangements such as public-private
partnerships and the effective preservation of existing infrastructure.
- Enhance health
research and development capacity in Alberta through capital projects
such as the Health Research Innovation Centres at the Universities
of Calgary and Alberta, the Alberta Heart Institute in Edmonton,
and the new Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary.
- Invest in
the development of a national Nanotechnology Institute in Alberta.
- Evaluate
and implement options such as public-private partnerships and
multi-purpose facilities that meet the needs for new school facilities
in high growth areas and provide effective and sustainable school
facilities for all Alberta students.
- Improve
the highway network in Alberta through proper maintenance and
rehabilitation, enforcing truck weights and dimensions to protect
the integrity of the infrastructure, and undertake strategic improvements
to the highway system, such as four-laning, widening and constructing
interchanges to improve safety and reduce travel time.
- Continue
to develop the North-South Trade Corridor from the United States
border at Coutts, to the British Columbia border west of Grande
Prairie, including key urban trade routes through Edmonton and
Calgary.
- Continue
construction of the Edmonton ring road, and commence construction
of the Calgary ring road.
- Support municipally
owned infrastructure through grant programs for construction and
rehabilitation of the municipal transportation network and water/wastewater
facilities.
- Complete
construction of the Alberta SuperNet in 2004 to provide access
for 395 rural and 27 urban communities in the province. When completed,
Alberta SuperNet will provide a high-speed broadband infrastructure
for universities, schools, libraries, hospitals and provincial
government buildings in the province.
- Work to undertake
planning to redevelop the Provincial Museum of Alberta, develop
appropriate storage solutions for the province's heritage collections,
implement major renovations to the Jubilee Auditoria, improve
access to the province's modern heritage facilities for persons
with disabilities, and continue to review and update recapitalization
requirements for provincially-owned and operated historic sites,
museums and cultural facilities
- Develop and
advance a reinvestment strategy for Alberta's provincial parks
and major recreation areas to recapitalize and sustain basic facilities
and ensure public health and safety, including a safe and secure
drinking water supply.
- Ensure provincially-owned
and supported housing is efficiently and effectively managed and
appropriately utilized.
- Provide safe
and effective facilities for the delivery of government programs
and seek innovative methods of project financing and delivery
for major projects.
Measures
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