April 3, 1981 ALBERTA HANSARD 9 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ALBERTA Title: Friday, April 3, 1981 10:00 a.m. [The House met at 10 a.m.] PRAYERS [Mr. Speaker in the Chair] head: TABLING RETURNS AND REPORTS MR. BOGLE: Mr.

Speaker, I would like to table three documents this morning: first, the annual report of the Alberta Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Commission for the period April 1, 1979 to March 31, 1980; second, the 1980 report of the Alberta Social Care Facilities Review Committee, June 25, 1980 to December 31, 1980; and third, Sessional Paper No. 87, the 1980 report of inspec­ tion of laboratory animal care and facilities at Alberta universities. MR. HARLE: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to table the annual report of the Department of the Solicitor General for the year ended March 31, 1980.

This document was mailed to all members on December 10, as it was received after the House had been adjourned last fall. I'd also like to table the 17th annual report of the Alberta Racing Commission for the year ended March 31, 1980. This document was also mailed to all members last fall. I'd also like to table the 56th annual report of the Alberta Liquor Control Board for the year ended March 31, 1980. MR. ADAIR: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to table the annual report of the Department of Tourism and Small Business. I'm tabling four copies, because we mailed copies to all members of the Legislature last December. MR.

SCHMID: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a reply to Motion for a Return No. 125. MR. McCRAE: Mr. Speaker, I would like to file the manifest of Alberta Government Services aircraft, with respect to Executive Council and government agencies air travel for the calendar year 1980. head: INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS MR. MOORE: Mr. Speaker, this morning it is my pleas­ ure to introduce to you, and through you to members of the Assembly, a number of students from the constitu­ ency of Smoky River.

They are the grade 6 class from Ridgevalley school, accompanied by their teacher Kim Holroyd, and by parents and bus drivers Beverly Baker, Jim Klassen, Cherith Kramps, Herb Wohlegemuth, and Alf Foley. They are seated in the public gallery, and I would ask that they rise and that members give them the traditional welcome of the Legislative Assembly. MRS. LeMESSURIER: Mr. Speaker, I wish to intro­ duce to you, and through you to the members of the Assembly, 15 students from the Alberta Vocational Cen­ tre in my constituency of Edmonton Centre.

Accom­ panied by their teacher Mel Huizinga, they are seated in the public gallery. I would ask them to rise and receive the cordial welcome of the Assembly. MR. APPLEBY: Mr. Speaker, this morning I have the special privilege of introducing a group of graduating students from the forestry class at the University of Alberta. I had the opportunity to meet with the group about three weeks ago, and certainly I was impressed that the future of the forest industry in Alberta is going to be in very good hands.

Accompanying the group this morning and arranging the tour is a former member of this Assembly and former Minister of Lands and Forests and of Utilities and Tele­ phones, Dr. Allan Warrack. I'd now ask this group to stand and receive the welcome of the Assembly. head: ORAL QUESTION PERIOD Government Fiscal Policies MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to direct my first question to the Provincial Treasurer. It's in line with my direction of questioning government performance and refers to the financial statement and plan of the govern­ ment.

I'd like to introduce it by quoting just one sentence from that particular statement, so there's more clarification: This serious reversal in Alberta's financial picture, in less than 12 months, demonstrates Alberta's over- reliance upon non-renewable natural resource re­ venues for provincial income.

It goes on to say that Albertans should "lower expecta­ tions for government expenditures." My question to the Provincial Treasurer is: in which specific sectors of government expenditures, in terms of health, education, social services, municipal financing, or maybe even transportation, or other areas, can Albertans now expect even less from their government? MR. HYNDMAN: Mr. Speaker, I think Albertans have seen many new initiatives over the past years, and certain­ ly those have been and will be continued.

The budget speech, which will come forward shortly, will elaborate on items referred to in the throne speech, point out the new programs and expansions to existing programs, and provide the information the hon. member seeks. MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary ques­ tion to the Provincial Treasurer. In the throne speech the hon. minister refers to, I see no reference to lowering the expectations of Albertans. This blunderbuss type of ap­ proach in the throne speech indicates no new initiatives, not really any new programs, but all kinds of reviews. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Question. MR. R.

SPEAKER: Could the minister indicate one specific program, from the throne speech or any other program, where there will be a cutback or a reduction in expectations by Albertans? Can the minister indicate that, or are there other purposes to the statement? MR. HYNDMAN: Mr. Speaker, I think we're getting into debate on the throne speech. I'd be happy to enter

10 ALBERTA HANSARD April 3, 1981 appropriately into debate on those subjects and to point out the various areas in which the government legis­ lative and policy plan, which is reflected in the throne speech, will be outlined and presented in more detail in the budget speech. So if the hon. gentleman can hold his anticipation and curiosity until the budget speech comes forward, I think he and other Albertans will be very, very interested in what is presented. MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary ques­ tion to the Provincial Treasurer.

In light of the projec­ tions of revenue in the province of Alberta — and this is revenue expectation forecast by the government itself — of over $20 billion of revenue into the province in the next three years from the sale of Alberta petroleum and natural gas production, could the minister indicate what specific kinds of programs will be put in place to reduce the expectations of Albertans? Will we be building up a greater surplus in revenue? MR. HYNDMAN: Again, Mr. Speaker, I think those are budgetary matters.

The point of expectations is a fair one, though, in the sense that the report released last week, indicating the status of the 1980-81 fiscal year, does indicate the overreliance this province has had on re­ venues from non-renewable natural resources. The expec­ tations, which have been high, should be dropped. As government policies are announced in the months ahead, we will be doing our best to see that those expectations can be dropped and that there will be a realization by Albertans that there is a limit to these various revenues and that prudent and conscientious budgeting must be the order of the day. MR.

R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, to the hon. Provincial Treasurer. I appreciate the answer very much, and I think that was closer to the policy statement. Will the minister indicate what type of program areas, specifically . . . Will the cutbacks be generally over all government depart­ ments, or will specific priority areas be established and cutbacks established thereon? MR. HYNDMAN: Mr. Speaker, I think we are clearly anticipating the budget speech. More detail will be pre­ sented on that, and on the revenue picture as well, in the budget speech expected perhaps on April 14. MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr.

Speaker, I'd like to direct my question to the Minister of Economic Development. In light of the Provincial Treasurer's indication that the dependency on oil royalty and revenue is a concern of the government, what specific type of program is being put in place, or will the government announce a specific pro­ gram, with regard to diversification of this economy and reducing our dependency on oil and gas revenue or the petroleum industry for the source of revenue for government? MR. PLANCHE: Mr.

Speaker, the program will consist of a continuation of making Alberta an environment where people from all sectors can come and invest at risk and earn a profit. The Leader of the Opposition may know that last year 96,000 new jobs were created in Alberta, 18,000 of which were in manufacturing, which is considerably above the national average. In addition our capital investment in the manufacturing sector ap­ proached $1 billion, which is just over four times what it was at the beginning of the decade. MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary ques- tion to the minister.

I'd like to look at my source, Statis­ tics Canada. Even in light of what the minister says, indications there are that the number of manufacturing establishments in Alberta has been reduced from 1,983 in 1971 to 1,731 in 1977. We've had a reduction of 252 manufacturing establishments. Could the minister indi­ cate the reason for that, and why there's failure in that area of diversification? MR. PLANCHE: Mr. Speaker, I don't think those numbers indicate failure at all; it indicates the size of the manufacturing plants in place.

We're not as interested in the number of manufacturing plants as we are in the number of people employed in the manufacturing sector. MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary ques­ tion to the minister. Does the reduction in the number of manufacturing establishments indicate that we have a promotion of corporate concentration and a reduction in the number of free, competitive, small businesses in the province of Alberta? MR. SPEAKER: Order please. The question is clearly an attempt to elicit an opinion which of course the hon. Leader of the Opposition is able to form just as well himself.

It's not in the specific realm of the minister's responsibility to express opinions on that matter. MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary ques­ tion to the minister, then. Gould the minister indicate whether, in examination of the reduction of the number of manufacturing establishments, there has been a greater amount of corporate concentration? MR. PLANCHE: That has to be an opinion also, Mr. Speaker. If he's asking for a specific statistic, I'd be happy to put that on the Order Paper and respond later.

As he knows very well, we are in a period of difficulty caused by the federal budget, and we're in a high interest rate time. Some of the smaller companies have undoubtedly found themselves in difficulties. I just have to emphasis one more time, Mr. Speaker, that what we're looking for is the number of jobs in the sector, not necessarily the number of companies. MR. NOTLEY: A supplementary question to the hon. minister. The minister indicated that there have been 96,000 new jobs.

Is the minister in a position to advise the Assembly whether the government has in its possession at this time any statistics on the net number of new jobs in manufacturing, as opposed to the people who've been laid off because companies have gone broke on the one hand and larger companies have taken over on the other? Do we have any figures on what the net increase is? MR. PLANCHE: Again, I'd have to respond later on that specific. But our participation rate of the labor force in work and our unemployment rates consistently indi­ cate that the net layoff is not appreciable. MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr.

Speaker, a supplementary ques­ tion to the minister . . . MR. SPEAKER: Order please. The hon. Member for Edmonton Kingsway has made several attempts to get the floor.

April 3, 1981 ALBERTA HANSARD 11 DR. PAPROSKI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A supple­ mentary to the Minister of Economic Development. I wonder if the minister would confirm that in fact expan­ sion and diversification of Alberta's industry . . . [interjections] MR. SPEAKER: Order please. It would appear that the hon. member is making a supplementary ministerial announcement. DR. PAPROSKI: With respect, I'm asking a question.

May I rephrase the question to ask whether he has information to indicate that diversification is occurring in certain industries, and I wonder if he would confirm that those industries are in petrochemical, forestry, medical technology, film industry . . . [interjections] MR. SPEAKER: The hon. member's question was closer to being in order without the additional. He evidently supplied the answer. DR. PAPROSKI: Mr. Speaker, I'm satisfied. Thank you. MR. R. CLARK: That's an example of low expectations to be satisfied. MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr.

Speaker, that's part of the muddy window that occurs before the Conservatives. They just can't see . . . MR. SPEAKER: Order please. Perhaps we could remove the window and the pain as well and get on with it. [laughter] MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, hopefully in my role as Leader of the Opposition, I can relieve a little pain for Albertans as well. I'll try. Mr. Speaker, my question is again to the Minister of Economic Development. In light of the failure to really address this question of manufacturing, I'd like to go to agriculture.

Could the minister indicate what program, contribution, or initiatives the government will take in the area of agriculture to enhance the rural economy of this province? At present we find that in terms of its contribu­ tion to the provincial gross product, agriculture has been reduced by one-third since 1971. Are any programs going to be put in place by government to assist the agricultural sector? MR. PLANCHE: Mr. Speaker, to answer the whole question: the first question was my failure to answer the question on manufacturing.

I'd be happy to enlarge on any answers that are required from the questions that were given in that area. In terms of the ag. contribution, the member is well aware that we are involved in a very substantial way in the construction of a new facility at Prince Rupert. We've been involved in the assembling of new participants in the Neptune terminals we bought, the Alberta Terminals Ltd. three elevators we've supplied, and a thousand hopper cars. Our interest and encouragement for agricultural pursuit will continue.

We have a great many more things in various stages of study and concept that will be coming to fruition. In terms of the agricultural percentage of the total economy, that's a mathematical game we're playing, Mr. Speaker. The fact is that the price and activity in the oil sector has far exceeded others, but that agriculture is still maintaining its own and growing as a very viable and equal partner in the economy of Alberta. MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the hon. minister, with respect to the agricultural processing industry and agriculture in this province.

Is the government prepared to reconsider its position of last fall that Alberta would separate the proposal the Premier made with respect to transportation in western Canada as part of the energy package on July 25, and consider moving ahead on some of those worth-while projects apart from the question of getting at an energy agree­ ment? Is the government prepared to reconsider its posi­ tion on that matter? MR. LOUGHEED: Mr. Speaker, I believe that's a ques­ tion I should appropriately answer, rather than the Min­ ister of Economic Development.

As I said in the fall, that proposal was tied very clearly to the view of the govern­ ment of Alberta that with regard to revenue flowing from a fair and equitable oil and natural gas pricing arrange­ ment, we would be prepared to commit on a grant basis a very significant $2 billion to undertake what should have been undertaken over the past decade as a matter of national priority: the transportation obligations of the Ottawa government, obligations which have not been met for western Canadians.

So it's our view that that was part and parcel of any fair arrangement that could be made with the Alberta government, arising from its resource revenue position, and that position stands. University Tuition Fees DR. PAPROSKI: Mr. Speaker, a question to the Minis­ ter of Advanced Education and Manpower. Could the minister indicate whether he is aware that the universities of Alberta and Calgary special committees have indicated a need for a tuition fee increase? If he is aware of this, will he indicate to the House whether he will intervene to ensure that this increase will not in fact occur? MR. HORSMAN: Mr.

Speaker, I have had some indica­ tion that the various committees at both universities have considered this matter and may make recommendations to the boards of governors. At the same time I have had no official request from either university to raise tuition fees in this coming year. However, on several occasions I have indicated that, pending a thorough review of tuition fees generally and the development of a long-term policy, I would not be prepared to recommend an increase this fall, unless there were some particular circumstances that I have no knowledge of at this time.

In any event, at the present time the whole matter is rather speculative. Cultural/Recreation Grants MR. ZAOZIRNY: Mr. Speaker, my question is to the hon. Minister of Recreation and Parks. It arises from a submission regarding provincial grants for municipal rec­ reation facilities and programs, submitted to the minister some months ago by the mayor of the city of Calgary.

Can the minister advise the House what steps he has taken since this submission was made, to ensure that the approximately $5.5 million in community projects in Cal­ gary that aren't able to proceed because of a lack of funds will be able to proceed on schedule?

12 ALBERTA HANSARD April 3, 1981 MR. TRYNCHY: Mr. Speaker, since I received the re­ port from Calgary — I think a week prior to that — we made some changes in our major cultural/recreation fa­ cility grants. I guess we should review the program at the outset. Some time ago, in 1975, when the program was initiated, all communities were allowed $10 per capita for facilities. All communities were allowed to take those funds in any one given year, except Edmonton and Calgary, which were restricted to $10 per capita per year. About two weeks ago we changed that, Mr.

Speaker, to allow the cities of Calgary and Edmonton to apply for more funds. Hopefully they will take the initiative and apply for more funds, bearing in mind of course that they have to provide 50 per cent in matching grants. MR. ZAOZIRNY: A supplementary, Mr. Speaker. That's a very pleasing announcement, as far as it goes. In light of the inadequacy of the present program, rather than simply advancing funds from a future year, is the minister undertaking a review of the whole structure of the program, such that grants will be available on the basis of need as opposed to some specified formula arrangement? MR.

TRYNCHY: Mr. Speaker, the program will not terminate until 1984. Of course we are always looking at ways to improve present programs, and I'll take that under consideration. I'm working on it, but I would not expect the members here to think that we would have a solution to that very quickly. MR. ZAOZIRNY: A supplementary question to the min­ ister. While it may be true that the program will termin­ ate in 1984, the funds for cities like Calgary and Edmon­ ton will run out long before then, on the basis of using funds in advancing years at the present time.

On that basis, is the minister prepared to advise the Assembly when he will be able to come forward with a new proposal? MR. TRYNCHY: Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned before, we're working on an enrichment program, but to give a specific date would be improper at this time. Hopefully, with the support of my colleagues, some time down the road we might have that answer. MR. OMAN: A supplementary, Mr. Speaker. In talking with one of the aldermen in Calgary last week, he was not aware of the possibility of the changes being made, from 10 to 40.

Could the minister indicate whether that infor­ mation has been communicated to the cities? MR. TRYNCHY: Yes, I believe I have asked my people to try to figure out exactly what they have coming and notify the cities. Nursing Home Study MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to direct this ques­ tion to the hon. Minister of Hospitals and Medical Care. It flows from the 1979-1980 report of the Provincial Senior Citizens' Advisory Committee, dealing with nurs­ ing homes.

Briefly, the observation made in both reports is that there has been a overemphasis on institutional care with respect to nursing home beds and not enough emphasis on other types of programs, particularly home care programs. In view of the statement yesterday in the Speech from the Throne, what specific reference was made by the government to both these reports, in terms of shifting the emphasis, before the government decided to proceed with additional nursing home beds? MR. RUSSELL: Mr.

Speaker, in reply to that question, of course the reports referred to are considered by all the departments involved in program delivery for senior citi­ zens. I certainly agree with the general findings of the report, in that I think Albertans as a whole have come to expect that institutionalizing certain classes of people is the immediate and best answer to solving a growing problem. I agree with the remarks in the report that there are other and better ways to do it, although we will require on an ongoing basis a certain number of institu­ tional type beds.

The department has established a posi­ tion especially to deal with that. In addition we have hired, on a consultant basis, a university consultant to help us review the assessment procedures used for entry to the various institutions. Of course that is something the nursing home review panel will be looking at very, very closely. MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the hon. minister.

Will there be any increased emphasis on this shift, in view of the observations made in the report that, with respect to adult day care, for example, one of the concerns of senior citizens, the government of Alberta last year spent the grand total of $I4,500 — really, the last of the big-time spenders — on an impor­ tant program? When are we going to push programs like this to a higher priority? MR. RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I think I've indicated that, through my colleague in Social Services and Community Health, the home care program is well under way.

But it also will not be the total answer to the problems alluded to by the hon. member. The specific comment he asked about, with respect to senior citizen and adult day care centres, is under current consideration and is something that is being looked at as an alternative. MR. BOGLE: Mr. Speaker, I might supplement the answer of my colleague by indicating that the co­ ordinated home care program, which is now reaching Albertans through the 27 health units and boards of health across this province, has expanded very greatly over the last four years.

The budget for 1980-81 was in excess of $10.5 million, and the number of admissions to the program from April 1978 to April 1980 was in excess of 14,000. So the program is certainly meeting the objec­ tive. We're continuing to expand our thrust to help indi­ viduals stay in their own homes, with some assistance, so they don't have to go to hospitals or other institutional care. MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the hon. Minister of Hospitals and Medical Care. With respect to the citizens' review panel the government is going to appoint, will this review panel conduct public hearings?

Specifically, will this review panel have an opportunity to review the financial records of the private nursing home firms involved? I ask the question, Mr. Speaker, because the president of one of these firms. Extendicare, recently told us that the profits the company makes from nursing homes will be invested in real estate and the oil business. Will this panel have the opportunity to scrutinize and review the financial records of the

April 3, 1981 ALBERTA HANSARD 13 companies involved, as well as the general policies on nursing homes? MR. RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I can assure the hon. member that the terms of reference for the committee have been given a great deal of study and are as wide as possible. There will be specific reference to both the capital and operating requirements of the nursing home system. I would expect that under the proposed terms of reference, which will be made public very shortly, the things the hon. member alluded to would happen.

The matter of public hearings will of course be up to the committee itself, whether or not they perceive it's either necessary or desirable to go that route. MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the hon. Minister of Hospitals and Medical Care. Will the government give any indication today to the Assem­ bly whether representatives from the Council on Aging will be appointed to the review committee, as well as representatives from the Canadian Union of Public Em­ ployees, the workers in nursing homes, whose advice and contribution would be helpful to the work of the review committee?

When will we have the names of the people who will be appointed, and will the government consider representatives from those two groups? MR. RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, the names of the commit­ tee will be made public very shortly. Consideration was given as to whether we should ask specific identified groups to have "an official representative" on the com­ mittee, or whether we'd be better to go the other way and have a panel of citizens at large. The answer to that will be known when the names are announced. MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the minister.

In view of the concern that all members should have about the quality of nursing homes, is the minister in a position to advise the Assembly why the government has not insisted that nursing homes in Alber­ ta meet the Canadian Council on Hospital Accreditation standards? Why has this not been an existing matter of policy, and is this something that's specifically going to be considered by the review panel? MR. RUSSELL: Of course that is something that would be considered by the review panel. It is also something that's a matter of ongoing review and watching by the Health Facilities Review Committee.

While I'm on my feet, Mr. Speaker, lest there's any misunderstanding, I just want to say that Alberta has by far the best system of nursing home care of any province in Canada, and probably any jurisdiction in North America. I think the system and the people who work and live in it have been ill-served by some of the recent comments that have been made about the system. The response to those comments, of course, is widely pub­ lished and well known.

Notwithstanding that, I am con­ cerned about a growing increase in society as a whole taking for granted that the answer to solving the prob­ lems involved with senior citizens who have some kind of health problems, whether physical or mental, is institu­ tionalizing them. As we discussed earlier this morning, there probably are better answers. Some improvements probably could be made in our nursing home system, but there are also many fine features that need re-stating. MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the minister.

While there may be many fine features, as the workers' inquiry documented last spring, there are serious problems which this government shouldn't be overlooking. However, my question to the minister is: why has the government not in place at this stage a commitment that nursing homes in this province will meet the national standards I alluded to in my last question? Why is it that we are just now looking into it? We've had nursing homes in this province for many years. Why have we not met the national standards? MR. RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, that's easier said than done.

I've tried to point out the situation that is there: nursing homes operating at 100 per cent capacity under today's economic conditions, great difficulty finding qual­ ified staff, nonetheless I think providing excellent service to the residents of those nursing homes. I indicated earlier that the Health Facilities Review Committee regularly visits these institutions. From time to time, on an ongoing basis, the necessary corrections or defects that may be noted are brought to the attention of the owners, and the necessary follow-up steps are taken.

Under the conditions, I think all that can reasonably be done is being done. But the answer to any problems that may exist is not to close down some nursing homes. There is no other place for those people to go. MRS. EMBURY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary ques­ tion to the minister. Besides reviewing the financial statements of the nursing homes, would the minister please comment if the committee would look at develop­ ing nursing care standards on which to evaluate individu­ al patient needs in the nursing homes in Alberta? MR. RUSSELL: Mr.

Speaker, I can assure all members that not only will the capital and operating financing aspects of the system be looked at, but the programming, staffing, quality of care, and the quality of life available for the residents will also be reviewed and commented upon. MR. KNAAK: Mr. Speaker, a minor supplemental to the minister. Can the minister advise whether he has reviewed the status of the Walter C. MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre, and whether it's on schedule? MR.

SPEAKER: The Chair has some difficulty connect­ ing that question with the previous one so as to qualify as a supplementary, but the hon. member is just a little farther down the list for his question. Emergency Women's Shelters Report MR. SINDLINGER: Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Social Services and Community Health. Last Monday at the end of the second session of the 19th Legislature, in regard to a policy study he had tabled on emergency women's shelters, I asked the, minister whether or not that document was the only draft received from the consultant.

The minister undertook to come back to the Assembly and advise whether or not more than one report had been received. My question today is whether the minister is in a position to advise the Assembly if more than one report was received from Torrance Con­ sulting in regard to emergency women's shelters in Alberta.

14 ALBERTA HANSARD April 3, 1981 MR. BOGLE: Mr. Speaker, the document filed with the Legislature Library last Monday was in fact the final document presented by Torrance Consulting Ltd., and it is an unabridged copy. In answering the question in that way, Mr. Speaker, I would not want to leave the impres­ sion that there were not discussions on their preliminary work between Torrance Consulting Ltd. and members of the department. That is what happens under normal cir­ cumstances, and I'm assured that that did happen with this particular study as well. But the document which was filed was in fact the unabridged copy. I might mention that reference was made to whether or not

section II was in the report. In fact it is in the report. MR. S1NDLINGER: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. Was more than one submission, other than the final report, made to the department by Torrance Consulting? MR. BOGLE: Mr. Speaker, I've tried to indicate that when a consultant is engaged to do work on behalf of the people of Alberta, it's normal procedure that there be discussions between officials of the department and those consultants. That in fact did happen.

I am indicating that the document which was filed in this Legislature is an unabridged version of the final document presented by the consultants. MR. SINDLINGER: A supplementary question. The question is not whether there were discussions or not. Simply, was more than one document submitted to your department from Torrance Consulting? MR. BOGLE: Well, Mr. Speaker, we're on a real ques­ tion as to what is a final report. [interjections] I've indi­ cated that that in fact has happened, and that there certainly were discussions.

I would expect there would be discussions between our officials and the consultants on the progress of the work. MR. SINDLINGER: A supplementary question, please, Mr. Speaker. For the information of the Legislative Assembly, on Monday I spoke to Mr. Torrance of Torrance Consulting. Mr. Torrance advised me that . . . [interjections] MR. SPEAKER: Order please. The hon. member is en­ titled to ask a question, but a debate as to fact or opinion is not really intended for the question period. MR. SINDLINGER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Then let me put this supplemental question to the minister: did your department make any suggestions to Mr. Torrance as to changes with regard to a draft report, or suggestions as to what should be in the final report? MR. BOGLE: Mr. Speaker, I'm not prepared to discuss the nature of discussions between a consultant and members of a department. I've stated very clearly that the report filed in this Assembly was the unabridged version of the final report given the department by Mr. Torrance of Torrance Consulting Ltd. MR. SINDLINGER: A supplementary, Mr. Speaker.

I'm not arguing whether or not that was the final report. I'm asking about suggestions made to the consultant in terms of the content of that final report. Were any suggestions made to the consultant as to what should be in the final report? MR. BOGLE: Mr. Speaker, those were part of the dis­ cussions between officials and the consultant, and I'm not prepared to divulge the contents of the same. MR. SINDLINGER: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the Premier, if I may.

As one old football player to another, sir, if you had a tackle on your team who continually missed assignments, or a halfback who continually . . . [interjections] MR. SPEAKER: Order please. May I suggest, too, that the hon. member might adopt the ordinary parliamentary form and eschew the use of the second person. MR. SINDLINGER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, as one old football player to another, if the Premier were coaching a team, would he continue to keep on a team a tackle who continually missed the . . . MR. SPEAKER: Order please.

The question is very in­ teresting, but perhaps it should be discussed in a football context rather than in the Assembly. MR. SINDLINGER: Mr. Speaker, the only reason I use the analogy is that the Premier is always referring to his "team". I thought perhaps if I carried it on, we might be able to communicate better. MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary ques­ tion. Could the minister indicate whether any verbal or written directive to delete any

section of the report was given to Torrance by the minister or a member of the staff? MR. BOGLE: Mr. Speaker, again we're on the subject of internal discussions. I'm not prepared to divulge that information. Crown Leases MR. MANDEVILLE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the hon. Associate Minister of Public Lands and Wildlife. As a result of a large number of lease transfers that have been held up for a long time, will there be any changes in policy as far as transferring Crown leases to ranchers? MR. MILLER: Mr: Speaker, we are registering the trans­ ferring of leases.

I should point out that I personally have a concern about the amount of money, and it's largely brought about by the increase in land values being paid for lease assignments. At the same time we are concerned about maintaining viable ranching units. As well we rec­ ognize that most ranchers have done an excellent job as custodians of Crown lands for grazing purposes. At this time we are continuing the present policy of allowing assignments. However, we are giving consideration to a review, particularly with regard to the assignment policy, trespassing, and other factors. MR.

MANDEVILLE: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. Could the minister indicate whether all the ap­ plications held up during the summer months have been approved at this time?

April 3, 1981 ALBERTA HANSARD 15 MR. MILLER: Mr. Speaker, the lease assignments were held up but were subject to a review. We are processing those at this time. MR. MANDEVILLE: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. Under the Act now, I think chartered banks can register mortgages against Crown leases. Has the minister had any indication from banks where they're — not to say that it's not possible to register mortgages through chartered banks against Crown leases, as FCC and ADC are doing at the present time? MR. MILLER: Mr.

Speaker, our present policy, which has been in effect for the last few years, has been that we allow leases to be used as collateral when the lessee goes to lending institutions. MR. MANDEVILLE: A supplementary question to the hon. Minister of Municipal Affairs. Has the minister had any recent requests from the advisory committee of spe­ cial areas with regard to ranchers purchasing tax recovery land? MR. MOORE: Yes, Mr. Speaker. MR. MANDEVILLE: Has the minister made any deci­ sions as to whether they're going to sell some of this land, through the special areas, to ranchers and farmers in the special areas? MR.

MOORE: Mr. Speaker, over the last year we've had a number of discussions with the special areas advisory board, the Special Areas Board, and the MLA for Chinook, with respect to the long-term future of both tax recovery and public land within the special areas. Mem­ bers are well aware of the history of the special areas and the reasons for the manner in which we presently admin­ ister both the tax recovery land and the Crown land in that area.

Last July, after lengthy discussions with the special areas advisory board, I made a proposal involving a system of selling a certain amount of tax recovery land, presently leased to various ranchers, over a period of time at something less than market value, with an interest rate and financing by the Special Areas Board at something less than market interest rates as well. That proposal was not accepted by the special areas advisory board.

They then went to a series of public meetings across the special areas and asked residents what they thought about both the proposal I made and a further one made by the special areas advisory board. They have now completed their work in that regard. A meeting has been arranged by the MLA with the special areas advisory board within the next couple of weeks, at which time we intend to pursue the matter. Mr.

Speaker, I could only conclude by saying that it's not my intention to get into a situation of giving away or appearing to give away tax recovery land to individuals who have held it under lease just because they've held it under lease. It's my view that tax recovery land belongs to all the citizens of the municipality, and the special areas are a municipality. My conversations with the spe­ cial areas advisory board will be along those lines. Public Utilities Board MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to direct a ques­ tion to the Attorney General.

I pose the question in light of his responsibility for reporting to the Assembly on behalf of the Public Utilities Board. Has the government any intention of introducing legislation at this session which would affect the quasi-judicial position of the Pub­ lic Utilities Board? MR. CRAWFORD: Mr. Speaker, the short answer is no. The hon. member uses the reference "session" rather than "sitting", though. As we all know, the session could last into 1981, even 1982, or certainly until this fall.

So whether or not any policy decisions with respect to exist­ ing Public Utilities Board legislation are made in the meantime is a matter for much conjecture. MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs. What is the policy of the department with regard to financing groups advocating changes in matters going before the Public Utilities Board? MR. KOZIAK: Mr. Speaker, we don't have a particular fund available for groups that appear before the Public Utilities Board.

However, the Public Utilities Board does have the authority, which it exercises on the occasion when an application is made to it, to provide costs for those groups that appear before it arguing against rate increases. MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to direct a ques­ tion to the Associate Minister of Telephones. The ques­ tion is a result of the advertising AGT has done in its brochure entitled Plain Talk. The brochure outlines a program, which I have no problem with.

But I'd like to quote one sentence from the advertising: It is . . . important to keep in mind that we are describing a plan which must first be reviewed and approved by the Public Utilities Board. Therefore, information contained in this pamphlet [can] change and provides only the highlights of AGTs plan. Can the minister explain how the department can justify the printing and distributing of this brochure, Plain Talk, highlighting AGT's plans to permit subscribers to own their own telephones, before the Public Utilities Board has rendered approval of such a plan?

What effect does this have on the independence of the Public Utilities Board to make a decision? Its hands are already tied. DR. WEBBER: Mr. Speaker, I have difficulty associating that as a supplementary to the original question. Howev­ er, Alberta Government Telephones made a proposal to the Public Utilities Board on February 16, and the Public Utilities Board will be dealing with that proposal. The public can also receive information from the Public Utili­ ties Board relative to that proposal. However, it's a responsibility of the AGT Commission to make their customers aware of what is happening.

So the purpose of the brochure is to make AGT customers aware that there is a proposal before the PUB, and certainly to give them the opportunity to appear before the PUB if they so wish. I see that this is in no way an interference with the activi­ ties of the Public Utilities Board. MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, to the minister. Is it the intention of AGT in the future to use this practice of putting pressure on the Public Utilities Board to make the right decision as far as AGT is concerned?

16 ALBERTA HANSARD April 3, 1981 DR. WEBBER: Mr. Speaker, I say that is absolutely not true at all. MR. R. CLARK: What kind of discussions took place between . . . MR. SPEAKER: Followed by a final supplementary by the hon. Member for Calgary Forest Lawn. Although the question period has run out, I've already recognized the hon. Member for Edmonton Whitemud. If the Assembly agrees, perhaps we might have his question. HON. MEMBERS: Agreed. MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, one last supplementary question to the minister.

What discussions took place between the minister and the officials of the Public Utili­ ties Board prior to this advertising going out to Alberta AGT consumers? DR. WEBBER: Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, during the past two years the Public Utilities Board had an inquiry relative to the provision of local non-broadcast services in Alberta. One of the recommendations the Public Utilities Board made was that the provision of terminal equipment be open to competition. That's a public document from the Public Utilities Board, and it's one of their recommendations.

The Alberta Government Telephones Commission had decided some time ago that they would make this application to the PUB, and it's now in their hands. MR. ZAOZIRNY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary ques- tion arising from the previous question, to the hon. Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs.

In light of the debate in this Assembly last fall regarding the estab­ lishment of a utility consumers' advocate, and favorable response, both in the House and by such resolutions as the city of Lethbridge favoring it, can the minister advise whether the government is going to be bringing forward legislation to establish the office of a utility consumers' advocate, to ensure a balance in our utilities hearings? MR. KOZIAK: Mr. Speaker, that matter is one I've given some consideration to. It poses a number of diffi­ cult questions, particularly the question of who is going to watch the watchers.

We now find that the Public Utili­ ties Board is doing an admirable job in awarding costs to those groups that appear before it, on the basis of their justifiable intervention and the justifiable expenses they incur in that intervention. It would be much more diffi­ cult for the civil service, not having the benefit of watch­ ing the hearing, to come to a just conclusion under the same circumstances.

I'm satisfied that the Public Utilities Board, with the power it has to award costs, is exercising that power judiciously and for the benefit of those who appear before it, and ultimately for the benefit of all consumers in the province. MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre MR. KNAAK: Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister of Hospitals and Medical Care concerns the Walter C. MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre. In light of the delay in the completion of the centre, I'm wondering if the minister has personally inspected its progress. MR. RUSSELL: Yes I have, Mr. Speaker.

Members may recall that last fall, during the discussion of the heritage capital funds estimates on the MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre, I made reference to a report I had asked the Provincial Auditor to do with respect to the MacKen­ zie Health Sciences Centre. After I made my remarks to the House, that report was received and given to the board. I think they've acted on it in a very responsible way, and made their findings known in January. Just to review those findings, the Auditor found no evidence of fraud.

He did find evidence of a fairly sub­ stantial cost overrun and fairly easily identifiable weak­ nesses in the management organization of the structure. Steps have been taken to rectify all those. In addition — and I agree with the action they've taken — the board have asked another outside cost consultant to give them a more detailed projected cost breakdown of the project, and they have received that report. Mr. Speaker, the status of the project today is that it is considerably over the estimated budget of 1975. It's about a year behind schedule, and steps are being taken to reconcile both those factors.

By that I mean we can expect to see some belt tightening in so far as the capital costs of that project are concerned from hereon in, and a new organizational structure to manage the construction of the project. MR. KNAAK: A supplementary, Mr. Speaker. Can the minister advise what specific steps he has taken to correct the inefficiencies, I guess, that existed? Can he give the Assembly a date when it's anticipated the hospital will be completed for patients? MR. RUSSELL: I can't give the estimated completion date, because the hospital is going forward in several phases and stages.

We still believe the total thing, both stages, will be in the order of a 10-year period. So we're looking at 1985 for the final completion of the total project. I don't like to use the word "inefficiencies" in the organizational structure. Perhaps a better term would be to say that there was an organizational structure that allowed too many cooks to have their input to the broth. That has been corrected, and I think from hereon in we're going to see better progress on that project. ORDERS OF THE DAY head: CONSIDERATION OF HIS HONOUR THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR'S SPEECH Moved by Mrs.

Embury: That an humble address be presented to His Honour the Honourable the Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta as follows: To His Honour the Honourable Frank Lynch-Staunton. Lieutenant-Governor of the province of Alberta: We. Her Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly, now assembled, beg leave to thank Your Honour for the gracious speech Your Honour has been pleased to address to us at the opening of the present session. MRS. EMBURY: Mr.

Speaker, it is with some feelings of trepidation, yet a sense of pride, that I move the Speech from the Throne of the Third Session of the 19th Legisla­ ture of the province of Alberta. I wish to thank the hon.

April 3, 1981 ALBERTA HANSARD 17 Premier for according the residents of Calgary North West the honor of having their representative move the Speech from the Throne. I wish to congratulate His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor on his delivery of the speech yesterday, and I believe the members of the Assembly will join me in wishing the continued good health of the Lieutenant-Governor. Mr. Speaker, it is our pleasure to appear once again in this Assembly under your competent guidance, and we reaffirm our respect for you as the Speaker of our Assembly.

Also, I am pleased on behalf of the members of the Legislature to welcome the Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Lacombe. I would like to pause briefly and reflect on our lovely ceremony yesterday. This is truly a beautiful Legislature Building, and on a bright, sunny Alberta day, the magni­ ficent flowers in the rotunda, we can be grateful for the bountiful blessings we enjoy in this province. Because so many people contributed to making yesterday a success, and continue to contribute to our daily responsibilities, I would like to say thank you to all our dedicated staff who work with us in this Legislature.

Many feelings are innermost for a person in my posi­ tion today. The happy feelings are anticipation and the joy of sharing this event with family, friends and, primari­ ly, my colleagues. I mentioned "trepidation" at the begin­ ning of my speech, as one is always concerned if it is possible to do not just an adequate job but truly one's best to justify this honor. For me, one of the pleasurable parts of this responsibil­ ity was to delve into the reference books, to look back on what went on before.

It was interesting to trace the tradi­ tions established in this Assembly since the Progressive Conservative government was elected in 1971. When one reviews the speeches of those who were in the same position I am in today, it is with a great deal of respect that I say many fine speeches have been made and the various points of view expressed in a manner much better than I dare attempt to duplicate. Each year our government has brought forth responsi­ ble programs, sound fiscal management, priorities for all Albertans through culture, recreation, health, education, et cetera.

This has been done under the vital leadership of our Premier and by a group of cabinet ministers and members who are determined each year to serve the people of Alberta with a renewed vigor. Yesterday we heard a continuation of unbelievable programs for all Albertans. I was truly impressed. The historical traditions from the British Parliament regarding the mover's speech are few, but one practice that was not part of our Canadian parliamentary system, and was actually abandoned in the British Parliament in 1939, was that the mover was to appear in uniform or full dress. Another term for this was levee dress.

This has been interpreted in our language to mean morning suit. My suit might be for morning or afternoon wear, but we might say today it is a "mourning" suit. One of the priorities of this session is to pursue the efforts for meaningful discussions and negotiations with the federal government on all matters relating to energy and the constitution. Yes, I say we should be in mourning for what is happening in our great country of Canada.

In a federal system where all Canadians, regardless of back­ ground, should be equal, where regional differences should be recognized, where we should be tackling unem­ ployment and inflation, and where we should be working together to be a strong nation in the world, what has happened? We are pitted Canadian against Canadian, region against region, and there is even a deliberate attempt to pit Albertans against Albertans. We truly see a change in the Canada and the government system we have always known.

In a time when we could be a leader among nations, when we could pull together and develop our resources to encourage conservation and ensure self- sufficiency, why are we being torn apart? Isn't this beyond reason? We see advertisements on our television screens that encourage us to buy Canadian products. What hypocrisy. As one Albertan told us, we do not buy Alberta oil products but go into the international market at a much higher price.

Let me quote briefly to illustrate better than I could what constituents in Calgary North West think about what is happening in Canada today: I am now very concerned about the contents of the new constitution and with the other pressing and important issues that should be settled before dealing with this constitution. Until recently, very few of us fully realized all the implications that the new consti­ tution has in it. I will mention one issue, that is an individual's right to own property. As a farmer and a [city] property owner, I am concerned.

Many in our families fought for our freedom and our rights in both the past wars, and we will do it again if the need arise. In no way am I underscoring the impor­ tance of our present policies in our battle with the socialistic federal government, and would like to encourage our Premier and our energy minister, we are solidly behind them in their [negotiations and] endeavors to maintain Alberta's status.

This is another quote from a homemaker who lives in my constituency: I have never written a Member of Parliament, let alone the Prime Minister of our country, but I am so disturbed by what you are doing to our nation. I am for patriation, but am opposed to your method of achieving it. It's undemocratic and unthinkable that you should change it to suit your style of government. Your attempt to take over the oil industry to bail you out of your financial woes is unforgivable.

It makes little sense, economic sense, to pay foreign countries world prices for crude oil, while denying our own industry sufficient incentives to find and produce our own supply to make us self-sufficient. Although the nature of my constituency and the people employed in the oil industry may not indicate the imme­ diate economic concerns in our other communities, it is known that the number of jobs in Alberta is decreasing daily because of the national energy policy. Yes, there is a great exodus to the United States. Let me give you only one small example of the effect of the national energy policy.

In one major producing oil field in this province, the front-end 8 per cent tax reduces the operating income after tax for the oil company from $2.10 per barrel to $1.05 per barrel. The economic limit, which is the point where wells will be shut in because they are not worth producing for the average well in the field, will be 10 barrels per day instead of 5 barrels per day. What does this mean? There is a reduced cash flow for future exploration and development, because there is no incentive to produce the last barrel of oil in those existing fields.

This is crucial, because the job-intensive factor is highest when extra efforts are required to produce the stripper oil. After primary and secondary recovery by water flooding, 50 per cent of the oil is still left in the ground. For tertiary or enhanced recovery by means of

18 ALBERTA HANSARD April 3, 1981 steam, chemical, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen injection, or miscible, which is the injection of liquid petroleum gases, one is looking at a terrific capital and operational cost factor. Because of the high technology and because it is in the initial stages of development, it takes years and years of lead time. This is a regressive step in our opportunity to become self-sufficient. I would like to pay special tribute to the members of the official opposition in the House of Commons, who have been so diligent in presenting the concerns of Canadians in Parliament.

The United Nations has designated 1981 as the year of the handicapped. The significance of an international des­ ignation is important to all of us, not only to consider our specific concerns here in our home province but to look beyond to areas in the world where people are handi­ capped in so many ways. The theme of this project is social integration. It is to encourage societies to break down barriers, to encourage members of society not only to notice these citizens but to assist them to live as we do in the mainstream, and not as social outcasts.

More than 400 million people throughout the world are disabled. For these people, life is a constant battle against severe odds, so much so that it is impossible for them to use their abilities and talents to the full. It is amazing to think that practically nowhere in the world do national gov­ ernments have overall plans for the handicapped. We know education can prevent handicaps. An estimated 250,000 children per year will go blind because of the lack of green vegetables in their diet.

Last year Alberta gave $6,350,000 to 283 projects in 80 countries under 59 agencies, truly a remarkable contribu­ tion to the world. This is not to mention the donations to the refugees from Indo-China or the donation to last year's earthquake victims in Italy. In 1972, when the services for the handicapped division was created, the government indicated its intention to design and implement programs which would assist the handicapped to reach their full potential and to fulfil meaningful roles in community life. This commitment has continued year by year.

Highlights throughout the Speech from the Throne for this special year include: the De­ partment of Education will provide new services through the Alberta School for the Deaf; additional special educa­ tion teaching positions will be provided for school boards, and additional support for the development of a diagnostic program for young learners. In co-operation with the Edmonton and Calgary school boards, sensory multi-handicapped programs will be established.

The Department of Labour will continue to ensure access to public buildings and work places; seminars will be held to encourage initiatives by building designers. The Depart­ ment of Recreation and Parks will hold conferences on sports integration, the development of barrier-free play­ ground designs, and expanded fitness and outdoor recrea­ tion opportunities such as the special program in Kananaskis Country.

Preventative programs include: Workers' Health, Safe­ ty and Compensation will be accepting proposals to uti­ lize the first appropriation of the $10 million, eight-year program to support research, training, and education in worker health and safety. Also, inquiries and task force studies into specific events and industries will be con­ ducted.

The Department of Social Services and Commu­ nity Health will increase child development services for the handicapped in rural communities by assisting with day training and preschool programs for infants, as well as additional support for parents of handicapped chil­ dren. Staff will be increased at Michener Centre in Red Deer to improve the staff/patient ratio, thus providing better care. Preventative social programs will be improved by in­ creasing local decision-making and emphasizing support services for the family.

The Department of Advanced Education and Manpower will implement a five-year program to support specialized teacher training, rehabili­ tation worker training, and direct vocational training for disabled people; in addition, two special components in the priority employment program and the development of special information and resource material on employment for disabled persons. I would like to speak for a moment about the Social Care Facilities Review Committee. Since its inception last June, the work has been truly incredible.

Twelve mem­ bers from all parts of Alberta were appointed, an office with an administrative assistant and a secretary/ receptionist was established, and pamphlets and posters were prepared for the agencies to become aware of this committee. Monthly meetings have been held. Meetings were held with special organizations, agencies, and de­ partmental officials. Two adult care centres, three child welfare, resources, seven child care institutions, 130 group homes, six sheltered workshops, eight services for the handicapped institutions, three day care centres, and one foster home were visited.

This totals 160 visits since last June. The committee has also investigated 12 complaints. In addition, 13 visits were made to facilities in Manitoba, 13 to facilities in B.C., and seven to facilities in Saskatch­ ewan. Lastly, they have made nine specific recommenda­ tions to the minister. The visits indicated that the vast majority of facilities were in excellent condition and operated with effective programs. There was praise for the dedicated and devoted staff in their duties and for the compassion they extend to those in their care.

I would like to offer congratulations to the members of the committee for the incredible amount of work they have done in such a short time. It will be of general interest to know of improvements in our foster parent program. The president of the Alber­ ta Foster Parents Association is a resident of Calgary North West. She and many others have worked diligently to assist foster parents in so many ways. They are part of a group of dedicated people who participate as foster parents. I have one, probably among many, in my con­ stituency. Mrs.

Siakaluk has been a foster parent for over four years, mainly caring for the newborn and children under the age of three. She is also available for emergen­ cy cases. Along with raising five children of her own, she gives love and tender care to others. She is vitally in­ terested in the political and governmental processes that surround foster children. Above all, she continues to work very hard to improve the rights of these children. We are indeed fortunate in Alberta to find so many foster parents like the two I have mentioned. The hospital building program across the province is truly commendable.

It is staggering to anticipate the capi­ tal and operating dollars involved in these structures. Calgary is indeed fortunate to have the diagnostic and proposed treatment centre for heart research, now opened at the Foothills Provincial hospital. It was a pleasure to attend the official opening of this magnificent facility, to view the most up-to-date equipment anywhere in the world and to meet all the dedicated team members. I wish to commend the Minister of Advanced Educa­ tion and Manpower, the Minister of Hospitals and Medi­ cal Care, and the Minister of Social Services and

April 3, 1981 ALBERTA HANSARD 19 Community Health for their immediate response to an identified nursing personnel shortage. The starting nurs­ ing education programs at the Grande Prairie community college and Keyano College will balance accessibility across this province for people who wish to enter the nursing profession. A five-year nursing research grant program of $200,000 per year has to be unique in Canada. It will attract much needed, qualified teaching personnel and will also improve patient care in this province by allowing nursing research to be carried out.

The structuring of a major committee of government offi­ cials and nursing representatives from all across the prov­ ince will have a major role in determining nursing needs in Alberta and offering solutions to the nursing personnel shortages. I must commend the Minister of Transportation for the excellent program of airstrips and terminal buildings in rural Alberta. Having landed recently at the Swan Hills airport, I can appreciate how much it means to the residents of that town and the commercial development of the area.

The airstrip is one of the finest, and the terminal building is serviceable and extremely attractive. The continued emphasis on investment from the Alber­ ta Heritage Savings Trust Fund into the Alberta Housing Corporation and the Alberta Home Mortgage Corpora­ tion, to provide both rental and home ownership pro­ grams, is outstanding.

I wish to commend the minister for his imaginative and vital programs to meet housing needs through diversified programs for our senior citizens, our rural and native housing, our loans to developers for rental units, our loans to municipalities for water and sewer, mortgages for family home purchasing, and a con­ tinued growth in community housing. It is staggering to contemplate the over $1 billion last year in housing, which represents 20 per cent of all housing starts in Canada.

Other programs that will be of interest to Calgarians include financial support for emergency shelters and a further increase in the operating allowances for day care centres. Greater employment opportunities within the correctional system are being extended to women, with the anticipation that in the future some females will be promoted to management positions. Support will be pro­ vided to volunteer groups in the community through research at the University of Calgary on suicide and crisis intervention.

A substantial increase in financial assistance to municipalities for the operation of recreational facili­ ties — and the first alpine village in Kananaskis Country is being planned and developed by the private sector. The Speech from the Throne highlights our govern­ ment's plan of action for 1981. Although the four priori­ ties are housing, health care, social services, and federal/ provincial relations, one can identify a well-balanced, aggressive set of programs that will reinforce our com­ mitment to all citizens in this province.

It will be a year of fiscal responsibility, consolidation, strength in our social responsibility, and a challenge for Alberta to remain unit­ ed and strong within Canada. Under the dedicated lead­ ership of our Premier, the cabinet, and my colleagues, we will continue to work for Alberta. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to move the Speech from the Throne. MR. PENGELLY: Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor for me and my family, and the Innisfail constituency, to be asked to second the motion by the hon. Member for Calgary North West, thanking His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor for the Speech from the Throne.

I am delighted to be the first to congratulate my hon. colleague from Calgary North West for her thoughtful and sincere contribution to the debate. I would also like to congratulate Mr. Lacombe, our new Sergeant-at- Arms, on his appointment. Mr. Speaker, I would again like to express my grati­ tude to the voters of the Innisfail constituency who gave me the opportunity to speak for them in this Assembly. I'm ever mindful of the trust and confidence they have placed in me to represent them here. I realize that to whom much is given, much is expected. Mr. Speaker, my roots in the constituency go deep.

In 1885 the first Pengelly homesteaded east of what is now Red Deer. My father took out his homestead in that area in 1904. I am proud of the past and, like all of you, hopeful for the future. In our 75th Anniversary year as a province, Mr. Speaker, we paid tribute to our early farmers, ranchers, and settlers. With courage and initiative they survived harsh frontier conditions, and built communities and a province that we all enjoy today. These anniversary cele­ brations and homecomings were a great success. It was my very pleasant duty to deliver each of some 130 gold medallions to pioneers in the area.

Their hospitality was most gracious and warm. Their philosophy of life and their attitude toward life were enlightening and refresh­ ing. They have experienced the lean years and the good years. We have so much to learn from them, if we would only listen. Mr. Speaker, the Innisfail constituency is often referred to by many as part of the Parkland, and those of you who have driven through it or flown over it know why. Perhaps the best way to describe its location is by saying that it surrounds the city of Red Deer on the north, and stretching to the south are Penhold, Innisfail, and Bow- den.

East of Innisfail lie the communities of Spruce View, Dickson, and Markerville, and on the east the towns and hamlets of Delburne, Lousana, and EInora. The Penhold air base and Mynarski Park are also included, and there are trailer courts and subdivisions hugging the city of Red Deer. It contains some of the province's richest and blackest soil, and therefore a variety of farming activities. It is also rich in oil, gas, and coal.

Besides a gas proces­ sing plant and an oil refinery, there are numerous indus­ tries in the towns and villages that speak well for the initiative and diverse talents of the many people involved. Mr. Speaker, a little over two years ago I was elected to this Assembly, and I have expressed the concerns and recommendations of my constituents. I would like to explain how those concerns have been addressed. In In­ nisfail a new 75-bed health care facility is under construc­ tion. A new 10-bed acute care hospital for EInora went to tender last week.

These are only two of the 90 hospital projects under way in the province at this time. An additional four-unit senior citizens' residence was opened last November in EInora. A new 32-bed senior citizens' lodge, sponsored by the Innisfail Legion, is under way. Lousana has just received a $38,000 major cultural/ recreation grant to begin a new community hall. Aber­ deen and Poplar Ridge have opened new community centres in the past year. Ridgewood has just started a 40-foot addition to its community centre. The Spruce View/Dickson diamond jubilee arena was officially opened in February of this year.

The official opening of a new senior citizens' drop-in centre in Spruce View will be held today at 2 o'clock. The new Delburne library was officially opened on November 22, and within months a new liquor store will be opened there. Two new early

20 ALBERTA HANSARD April 3, 1981 childhood service portables are now in operation in lnnis- fail. The official opening of the new addition to the Innisfail Treasury Branch took place last month. Within the next two months, the official opening of the new provincial building will take place. Plans for a new senior citizen drop-in centre for Bowden are under way. Many of our transportation needs have also been met. The Penhold overpass has been completed. A new bridge over the Red Deer River, the MacKenzie Crossing, has been opened. Grading and gravelling from the bridge to Highway 21 will be finished this year.

Median crossovers have been eliminated south of the Innisfail overpass. Deceleration and acceleration lanes have been built, and lighting has been installed for safety features. Four miles of paving of Highway 590 to the junction of Highway 816, and seven miles of Highway 816 to Highway 42 have been completed. The repaving of Highway 54 from west of Spruce View to the Red Deer River has also been completed. The rebuilding of Highway 711 from Red Deer to the Joffre bridge has been finished. Repaving of Highway 595 from Red Deer to Highway 21 is to take place this year.

The Innisfail airport is to get an overlaying on the main runway, taxiway, and aprons this year, as well as lighting. Mr. Speaker, there have also been street paving programs and water and sewer projects. As well, many citizens have benefited from the ADC and AOC loans. What does it all mean? Mr. Speaker, it is a microcosm of what is going on throughout Alberta, because of the initiative and talents of the people, and a strong, effective government that is sensitive and responsive to the needs and wishes of Albertans. Mr.

Speaker, as I deal with selected items in the Speech from the Throne, needless to say I applaud the emphasis on the people programs of housing, health care, and social services, and the need to emphasize federal/ provincial relations at this time. In particular, I am pleased that our government will start a number of spe­ cial projects to mark the International Year of Disabled Persons. I am further pleased that our government con­ tinues to recognize the great importance of agriculture in Alberta's economy.

Because those in agriculture cannot pass on increasing high input costs, I am pleased that the minister is continuing and strengthening present pro­ grams. Mr. Speaker, the public grazing land improve­ ment program further recognizes that agriculture is Al­ berta's basic industry. Hog producers will welcome a voluntary stabilization program which will provide a rea­ sonable income during periods of low prices. The pro­ posed new $7.7 million food processing centre at Leduc will further assist in the strengthening of agricultural processing.

I'd like to congratulate the Minister of Advanced Education and Manpower for continuing regional expan­ sion of postsecondary education and manpower training development programs, and I am delighted that a third, much-needed institute of technology is to be built. I must compliment the Minister of Education for giving us a required curriculum in Canadian history, geography, and government. I am sure that social studies teachers in junior and senior high will welcome this. The renewal of the educational opportunity fund for another four years will also be welcomed.

I am pleased that a system of treatment facilities will be established for the management of hazardous wastes in the province. The early stage of our industrial develop­ ment is an opportune time to bring about legislation to manage wastes and avoid the mistakes made in other provinces and countries. Mr. Speaker, the so-called national energy program ravishes we Albertans who own the oil and gas resources. Our constitution says the resources, and therefore the money they earn, belong to the provinces. This is one of the rules, and it has worked well for central Canada.

For most of our years in Confederation we have paid world price, and above world price, for everything from cars to cornflakes. For the first time, because of oil, the rules are working for Albertans. But Ottawa would now change those rules. Now that we are resource producers, we must win, not just for Alberta's sake but for Canada's sake. Alberta, the resource owner, presented a proposal which would have been fair and would have helped all Cana­ dians, yet it is being forced to accept an edict that is massively discriminating and punitive. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be the MLA for Innisfail.

I am proud to be part of the Progressive Conservative team under its most capable leader. I am also proud to be part of a team that will resist with all its abilities, energies, and efforts the unfairness of the so-called national energy policy and the unilateral proposals to patriate the constitution. Mr. Speaker, as the representative for the constituents of Innisfail, and on their behalf, it is my pleasure to formally second the motion of the hon. Member for Calgary North West. MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to adjourn the debate. MR. SPEAKER: Is the Assembly agreed? HON. MEMBERS. Agreed. MR.

CRAWFORD: Mr. Speaker, as hon. members would anticipate, I would just indicate that it's proposed to continue debate on the address in reply to the Speech from the Throne on Monday afternoon and evening. Mr. Speaker, I move we call it 1 o'clock. MR. SPEAKER: Does the Assembly agree? HON. MEMBERS: Agreed. [At 11:37 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 5, the House adjourned to Monday at 2:30 p.m.]