Province of Alberta The 27th Legislature Third Session Alberta Hansard Monday, March 22, 2010 Issue 21 The Honourable Kenneth R. Kowalski, Speaker

Legislative Assembly of Alberta The 27th Legislature Third Session Kowalski, Hon. Ken, Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock, Speaker Cao, Wayne C.N., Calgary-Fort, Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees Mitzel, Len, Cypress-Medicine Hat, Deputy Chair of Committees Ady, Hon. Cindy, Calgary-Shaw (PC), Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation Allred, Ken, St.

Albert (PC) Amery, Moe, Calgary-East (PC) Anderson, Rob, Airdrie-Chestermere (WA), WA Opposition House Leader Benito, Carl, Edmonton-Mill Woods (PC) Berger, Evan, Livingstone-Macleod (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Sustainable Resource Development Bhardwaj, Naresh, Edmonton-Ellerslie (PC) Bhullar, Manmeet Singh, Calgary-Montrose (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Municipal Affairs Blackett, Hon.

Lindsay, Calgary-North West (PC), Minister of Culture and Community Spirit Blakeman, Laurie, Edmonton-Centre (AL), Official Opposition Deputy Leader, Official Opposition House Leader Boutilier, Guy C., Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo (Ind) Brown, Dr. Neil, QC, Calgary-Nose Hill (PC) Calahasen, Pearl, Lesser Slave Lake (PC) Campbell, Robin, West Yellowhead (PC), Government Whip Chase, Harry B., Calgary-Varsity (AL), Official Opposition Whip Dallas, Cal, Red Deer-South (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Environment Danyluk, Hon. Ray, Lac La Biche-St.

Paul (PC), Minister of Infrastructure DeLong, Alana, Calgary-Bow (PC) Denis, Hon. Jonathan, QC, Calgary-Egmont, (PC), Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Deputy Government House Leader Doerksen, Arno, Strathmore-Brooks (PC), Deputy Government Whip Drysdale, Wayne, Grande Prairie-Wapiti (PC) Elniski, Doug, Edmonton-Calder (PC) Evans, Hon. Iris, Sherwood Park (PC), Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations Fawcett, Kyle, Calgary-North Hill (PC) Forsyth, Heather, Calgary-Fish Creek (WA), WA Opposition Whip Fritz, Hon.

Yvonne, Calgary-Cross (PC), Minister of Children and Youth Services Goudreau, Hon. Hector G., Dunvegan-Central Peace (PC), Minister of Municipal Affairs Griffiths, Doug, Battle River-Wainwright (PC) Groeneveld, George, Highwood (PC) Hancock, Hon. Dave, QC, Edmonton-Whitemud (PC), Minister of Education, Political Minister for Edmonton, Government House Leader Hayden, Hon.

Jack, Drumheller-Stettler (PC), Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Hehr, Kent, Calgary-Buffalo (AL) Hinman, Paul, Calgary-Glenmore (WA), WA Opposition Deputy Leader Horne, Fred, Edmonton-Rutherford (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Seniors and Community Supports Horner, Hon. Doug, Spruce Grove-Sturgeon-St. Albert (PC), Deputy Premier, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, Minister Liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces Jablonski, Hon.

Mary Anne, Red Deer-North (PC), Minister of Seniors and Community Supports Jacobs, Broyce, Cardston-Taber-Warner (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Agriculture and Rural Development Johnson, Jeff, Athabasca-Redwater (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Treasury Board Johnston, Art, Calgary-Hays (PC) Kang, Darshan S., Calgary-McCall (AL) Klimchuk, Hon. Heather, Edmonton-Glenora (PC), Minister of Service Alberta Knight, Hon. Mel, Grande Prairie-Smoky (PC), Minister of Sustainable Resource Development Leskiw, Genia, Bonnyville-Cold Lake (PC) Liepert, Hon.

Ron, Calgary-West (PC), Minister of Energy Lindsay, Fred, Stony Plain (PC) Lukaszuk, Hon. Thomas A., Edmonton-Castle Downs (PC), Minister of Employment and Immigration Lund, Ty, Rocky Mountain House (PC) MacDonald, Hugh, Edmonton-Gold Bar (AL) Marz, Richard, Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills (PC) Mason, Brian, Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood (ND), Leader of the ND Opposition McFarland, Barry, Little Bow (PC) McQueen, Diana, Drayton Valley-Calmar (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Energy Morton, Hon.

F.L., Foothills-Rocky View (PC), Minister of Finance and Enterprise Notley, Rachel, Edmonton-Strathcona (ND), ND Opposition House Leader Oberle, Hon. Frank, Peace River (PC), Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security Olson, Verlyn, QC, Wetaskiwin-Camrose (PC) Ouellette, Hon. Luke, Innisfail-Sylvan Lake (PC), Minister of Transportation Pastoor, Bridget Brennan, Lethbridge-East (AL), Official Opposition Deputy Whip Prins, Ray, Lacombe-Ponoka (PC) Quest, Dave, Strathcona (PC) Redford, Hon.

Alison M., QC, Calgary-Elbow (PC), Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Political Minister for Calgary, Deputy Government House Leader Renner, Hon. Rob, Medicine Hat (PC), Minister of Environment, Deputy Government House Leader Rodney, Dave, Calgary-Lougheed (PC) Rogers, George, Leduc-Beaumont-Devon (PC) Sandhu, Peter, Edmonton-Manning (PC) Sarich, Janice, Edmonton-Decore (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Education Sherman, Dr. Raj, Edmonton-Meadowlark (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Health and Wellness Snelgrove, Hon. Lloyd, Vermilion-Lloydminster (PC), President of the Treasury Board Stelmach, Hon.

Ed, Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville (PC), Premier, President of Executive Council Swann, Dr. David, Calgary-Mountain View (AL), Leader of the Official Opposition Taft, Dr. Kevin, Edmonton-Riverview (AL) Tarchuk, Janis, Banff-Cochrane (PC) Taylor, Dave, Calgary-Currie (AL) VanderBurg, George, Whitecourt-Ste. Anne (PC) Vandermeer, Tony, Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview (PC) Weadick, Greg, Lethbridge-West (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Advanced Education and Technology Webber, Hon.

Len, Calgary-Foothills (PC), Minister of Aboriginal Relations Woo-Paw, Teresa, Calgary-Mackay (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Employment and Immigration Xiao, David H., Edmonton-McClung (PC) Zwozdesky, Hon. Gene, Edmonton-Mill Creek (PC), Minister of Health and Wellness, Deputy Government House Leader Officers and Officials of the Legislative Assembly Clerk W.J. David McNeil Clerk Assistant/Director of House Services Louise J. Kamuchik Clerk of Journals/Table Research Micheline S. Gravel Senior Parliamentary Counsel Robert H.

Reynolds, QC Senior Parliamentary Counsel Shannon Dean Parliamentary Counsel Stephanie LeBlanc Sergeant-at-Arms Brian G. Hodgson Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Chris Caughell Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Gordon H. Munk Managing Editor of Alberta Hansard Liz Sim

March 22, 2010 Alberta Hansard 563 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Title: Monday, March 22, 2010 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2010 [The Speaker in the chair] head: Prayers The Speaker: Good afternoon. Welcome back. Let us pray. Guide us all in our deliberations and debate that we may determine courses of action which will be to the enduring benefit of our province of Alberta. Amen. Hon. members and ladies and gentlemen and young people, today we will be led in the singing of our national anthem by Mr. Paul Lorieau. I would invite all to participate in the language of one’s choice. Hon.

Members: O Canada, our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. The Speaker: Please be seated. head: Introduction of Visitors The Speaker: The hon. Government House Leader. Mr. Hancock: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It’s an honour and a privilege for me today to introduce to you and through you to members of the Assembly some distinguished Albertans, distin- guished leaders in their communities and in our community, leaders of the Alberta First Nations in our province and the president of the Métis Nation in our province. We have with us today Grand Chief Charles Weaselhead, grand chief for Treaty 7; Grand Chief Eddy Makokis, grand chief for Treaty 6; Grand Chief Allan Adam, grand chief for Treaty 8.

As well, we have Rose Laboucan, deputy grand chief with the education portfolio for Treaty 8; Audrey Poitras, president of the Métis Nation of Alberta; and Gerald Cunningham, president of the Métis Settlements General Council of Alberta. Mr. Speaker, they’re with us today because we’re having a meeting this afternoon of our First Nations, Métis and Inuit Educa- tion Partnership Council, a very, very important partnership council that’s come together to provide leadership for education with respect to First Nations and Métis and Inuit students in our province. We will be meeting with them this afternoon.

Later on today I’ll be tabling two historic documents that pertain to that meeting, and I’ll elaborate then. I would ask these great leaders in our province to stand and receive the warm welcome and thanks from this Assembly. head: Introduction of Guests The Speaker: The hon. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Cao: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you and through you to the members of the Assembly the community sponsors of the Sc hool at the Legislature program, seated in your gallery: from Priority Printing Limited Mr. Tim Downey, president; from Access TV Mr.

Lloyd Lewis, vice- president and general manager, CTV, and Mr. Eric Rice, production and interactive; from CKUA Radio Network Mr. Ken Regan, general manager, and Mr. Paul Moulton, chair of the foundation, and Ms Katrina Regan-Ingram, director of marketing and sales; from the Rotary Club of Edmonton Mr. Jack Clements; finally, Mr. Ron LaFranchise, volunteer. The School at the Legislature program gives grade 6 teachers from all over our province an opportunity to relocate their classrooms to the Alberta Legislature for a week. I would ask all our guests now to rise and receive the very warm welcome of this House.

The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation. Mrs. Ady: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to introduce to you and through you today to the members of the Assembly 26 grade 6 students from Trinity Christian school in my constituency. They’re accompanied by their teacher, Miss Cheryl Barnard, and 10 parent helpers. They got in their vehicles today and came up those icy roads, and they’re here to see what we do. I’d ask if they would rise and receive the warm welcome of the Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Athabasca-Redwater. Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It’s a privilege to rise and introduce to you and through you to members of this Assembly a special group from Boyle school in my constituency. When I first saw this group a few weeks ago in their class, a young Peter Mischuk asked me the question: what’s it like to be in the same room as the Mace? It certainly is an honour and a privilege to be in the same room as the Mace and represent my constituents and my students, and I’d like to thank Peter for reinforcing that to me.

Peter is joined by 23 other students and six leaders: Darrell Bergmann, Emily Thomson, Stacey Welsh, Jeff Scammell, Barb Sullivan, and Nancy Amero. I’d ask them to please rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Deputy Premier. Mr. Horner: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I have two introductions with y our indulgence. It’s an honour for me to introduce to you and through you to the members of the Assembly Roger and Jann Beer and their daughter, Victoria. The Beer family own a small farm near Rivière Qui Barre in the S pruce Grove- Sturgeon-St. Albert constituency.

Jann and Roger have educated their two children at home. They enjoy their horses and other pets and are actively involved in the Morinville Alliance Church, which my wife and I also attend. Victoria would like to someday compete in the equine competition at Spruce Meadows, and I think that with this young lady’s determination she will do that. They are seated in the members’ gallery. I would ask that they rise now and accept the warm welcome of this Assembly. Mr.

Speaker, my second introduction is one that, in my nine years of being in the Assembly, I believe is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to do this; that is, the Beer family is accompanied by my partner of many, many years and my partner for many, many years to come. In fact, we’re celebrating our 30th year this year. Mr. Snelgrove: She was five. Mr. Horner: She was five, yes. She’s also going to be a grandmother in May this year, which I think is fabulous. Of course, it means that I’ll be living with a

Alberta Hansard March 22, 2010564 grandmother, but that’s okay. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honour for me to introduce my wife, Rose, who is also in the members’ gallery. I’d ask her to please rise. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Education. Mr. Hancock: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s truly a pleasure for me today to introduce to you and through you to members of the Assembly two Edmonton public school board school trustees, Catherine Ripley and George Rice. They’re both on a new standing committee of the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta called the Intragovernmental Political Relations Committee.

It’s a committee rooted in the strong belief that respectful working relationships between provincial elected officials and local school board trustees will lead to enhanc- ing public education in our local communities. I’m certain that all MLAs will be hearing from the committee and from these two trustees, and I’m sure that they will welcome input from MLAs with respect to that relationship.

I can tell you that after 30 years of knowing Trustee George Rice – he was actually my wife’s first school principal when she joined Edmonton public – and a somewhat lesser time Trustee Catherine Ripley, who was the chairman of the Whitemud Coalition of Schools some years back, they have excellent working relationships and excellent ability to promote public education. I’d ask them both to rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of our Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Lougheed. 1:40 Mr. Rodney: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

It is indeed a distinct honour for me to rise today and introduce to you and to all members a truly inspirational Albertan. Walter Twiddy is an impressive leader and champion in collaborative efforts to end homelessness in this province. He’s the CEO of NeighbourLink and with his staff and associates works miracles for Calgarians and Albertans every day. If Oprah Winfrey got a hold of him, she’d follow him around for weeks, doing a great series on what he does at home and at work.

He’s a tireless community volunteer, very dedicated to the Calgary-Lougheed PC Association and policy, good policy, across this fine province. If I were to give you his resumé, it would take the rest of question period. I won’t do that, but I will say that I would be remiss if I did not admit that he is a real inspiration in the fact that he’s an exemplary family man, who hopes to enter law school soon so he can become even more of an advocate for those living in poverty. Most of all, for me he’s a very treasured friend. Mr. Walter Twiddy is in the members’ gallery.

I hope that you will now stand and accept the warm welcome of your Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Manning. Mr. Sandhu: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have several guests in the members’ gallery today. I’m thankful that these visitors have taken time out of their busy schedules to come and watch question period. They are all involved in fundraising for the relief efforts in Haiti, and I will talk about that in Members’ Statements. I would like to introduce to you and through you to all members of this Assembly Mr. Reshamdeep Mundy, Mr. Savi Kachroo, Mr. Inderjit Gill Mullanpur, Mr.

Harpreet Sandhu, Mr. Harjinder Singh Ahluwalia, Mr. Navjot Channe, Mr. Gurfateh Brar. I would like to ask these gentlemen to rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of this Assembly. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Mackay. Ms Woo-Paw: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It is my great pleasure to introduce to you and through you to all members of the Assembly participants and friends from the Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary’s leadership engagement action and development project, the LEAD initiative.

The key goals of this initiative include to engage committee members and groups to take ac tive roles in addressing the issues that affect them and their communities; to work with mainstream organizations and promote awareness, respect, and participation of culturally diverse groups in these organizations; and to engage visible minority community members in critical understanding, analysis of public policies, and to facilitate their participation in dialogues. These members are here to observe the Legislature in action and support Motion 505 this afternoon.

I would ask our guests to stand as I call your names: Marichu Antonio, director, Babae Council of Filipino-Canadian Women and executive director of the Ethno- Cultural Council of Calgary; Fromencio Bensing and Sheeba Vijayan, co-ordinators of the council; Junior Coco Kalombo, president of the Calgary French youth society; Artan Ravmanoski and Bukurie Mino, board members of the Albanian community association of Calgary; Jean-Claude Jassak and Pierre Hournou, directors of the Afro-Francophone Alberta Rehabilitation-Integration and Care Services; Lily Kwok, executive director of the Calgary Chinese Community Services Association; Richard Lee, director of the oriental music and arts school and Chinese Community Services; Irene Yi, member of the Calgary Chinese Cultural Society; Rahmat Sai, president of the Calgary Afghan community Hambastagi Cultural Association; Quang Trinh, Calgary Vietnamese Youth Group; Jason Klinck and other members from the Centre for Newcomers.

I would like to ask the members in this House to extend to them the traditional warm welcome of the Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Montrose. Mr. Bhullar: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s my privilege today to rise and introduce the second half of the team from the Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary’s project LEAD initiative.

I’d ask my friends to rise as I call their names: Bishnu Subba from the Nepalese Community Society of Calgary and Bharat Regmi from the same organization; Funmilayo Aregbesola from the Nigerian community as well as Bukola Okedara from the same community; Maria Mora from the Peruvian association; Evelyne Kemajou from Portail de l’Immigrant en Alberta; Paul Mayen from the United Sudanese-Canadian Enhancement Society as well as Mario Ayudo from the same organization; and my friend, Fowzia Isse, from the Somali community. I’d ask all members to give these ind ividuals the warm welcome of the Assembly.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Rutherford. Mr. Horne: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I have two introductions today. First, I’m pleased to introduce to you and through you to all members of the Assembly a very distinguished young lady, Her Worship Olivia Hoeppner, mayor of Rideau Park school, located in my constituency of Edmonton-Rutherford, where she is also a grade 6 student. Olivia was elected on November 13, 2009, and like all members of this House, Olivia conducted a campaign.

Her proposals included asking students to bring a toonie for the Hogar Llanero Brisas del Canada in Colombia, a home away from home where students from the distant plains live while attending school, and the proclamation of two pajama days per year.

March 22, 2010 Alberta Hansard 565 In addition to these campaign promises, Olivia also helped organize an Olympic day to support our great Canadian and Albertan athletes and a bake sale where all proceeds were donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Olivia is accompanied today by her parents, Geoff and Tricia Hoeppner, and I would ask all of them to kindly rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of our Assembly. Secondly, Mr. Speaker, I’m very pleased to introduce to you and through you to all members Mr. Ron Lau and Mrs. Suzanne Clemens. Both are seated in the members’ gallery. Mr.

Lau is a member of the Canadian Red Cross Central and Northern Alberta Regional Council, and Mrs. Clemens is the operations manager of the Canadian Red Cross, central and northern Alberta. Both are present today to hear a member’s statement I will be presenting regarding the contributions of Albertans through the Canadian Red Cross in Haiti relief. I would ask that both Mr. Lau and Mrs. Clemens rise and receive our traditional warm welcome. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lethbridge-East. Ms Pastoor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Today I am pleased to introduce to you and through you to the members of the Assembly three special guests who have come here today to show their concern with some of the policies of the special needs assistance for seniors program, which I will ask a question about later. I would like to ask our guests Carol Kotyk, her son Rick Breum, and her grandson Connor Breum to please rise and accept our warm welcome. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Highlands- Norwood. Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

It’s my pleasure to rise today to introduce to you and through you to all members of the Legislative Assembly representatives of the Centre for Race and Culture, Siye Abbensetts and Trevor Gladue. Since 1993 the Centre for Race and Culture, formerly known as the Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations, has worked to foster social harmony and cultural inclusion. The centre organized the 17th International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Edmonton. The campaign includes a variety of events throughout the month of March to bring public awareness to the fight against racism.

My guests are seated in the public gallery, and I would now ask them to rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Strathcona. Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to rise today to introduce to you and through you to all members of the Legisla- ture my guests Logan McIntosh and Keely Kidner from the Univer- sity of Alberta water week working group. The United Nations has designated March 22 as World Water Day.

The water week working group is a coalition of various University of Alberta environmental and social justice groups who are str iving to high light local and international water issues this week. My guests are seated in the public gallery, and I would now ask them to rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of this Assembly. head: Oral Question Period The Speaker: First Official O pposition main question. The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition. Cancer Services Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the most heart- wrenching moments a person can face in life is when they’re told: you have cancer.

They turn to the health care system and count on a co-ordinated, timely, high-quality response. For reasons unknown this government has disbanded the Alberta Cancer Board, which ran Alberta’s cancer treatment and research system, including the Cross and Tom Baker cancer centres. To the Premier: given that every other province has an equivalent to the Cancer Board, will the Premier order the Alberta Cancer Board restored in Alberta? 1:50 Mr. Stelmach: No, Mr. Speaker. A decision has been made. The Cancer Board is incorporated under the Alberta Health Services Board, and it’ll stay that way. Dr. Swann: Well, Mr.

Speaker, given that cancer treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach with pathologists, physicians, surgeons, nurses, why is the Premier standing by while these teams are being dismantled? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, in fact, the opposite is true. We have under the Alberta Health Services Board a good model where all services are put together under one board, and it’s a true reflection of all of our medical providers working together, including all of the cancer specialists and all of the various specific programs that are offered.

In fact, because of those individuals we are now doing more cancer therapy in outlying rural hospitals, and that will continue in the province. Dr. Swann: Well, in fact, the opposite is true, Mr. Speaker. There’s chaos in the system, with longer wait times, frustration at both the patient and professional ends. Why have these multidisciplinary teams, then, that work together on cancer been effectively separated and instead of one direction now have seven different directions to report to? How is that more efficient and effective? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, in fact, they report to one board.

I believe the hon. member is talking about some of the articles in the paper this weekend, where we had some of the specialty individuals speaking, that it would be nice to have a two-week waiting period. The cancer representative responded that that would be great, but the current waiting times for cancer are at about middle of the road for the country of Canada. Can we improve them? Yes, we can, and we will. The minister will be making announcements soon. The Speaker: Second Official Opposition main question. The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition. High-intensity Residential Fires Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. A high-intensity residential fire report sat for seven months until this government responded to the recommendations. It took another year for them to update fire safety regulations. Last week we saw what happens when govern- ment fails to act in a timely way: 300 Calgary residents are homeless due to a massive fire. To the Premier. Requiring sprinklers on balconies and in attics of low-rise buildings should have been an easy task for government. Why did it take this government over 18 months to enact these fire safety recommendations? Mr. Stelmach: Mr.

Speaker, first of all, our sympathies to all of the families. Thankfully, no lives were lost in the condo fire in Calgary. I can tell you that we had and continue to have very high stan- dards with respect to the codes, and we will continue to improve the codes. The codes that were in place were already above most of the national standards that were implemented, so we were ahead of other

Alberta Hansard March 22, 2010566 provinces. We will continue, once the review and investigation into this fire is done, to see how it started and what else we can do in the future. Dr. Swann: Again to the Premier: how many Albertans are living in potential fire traps that were built during the year and a half that this government sat on these recommendations? Mr. Stelmach: None. I think that’s quite an irresponsible question. Dr. Swann: Mr. Speaker, 300 people are homeless b ecause this government couldn’t make changes to safety codes soon enough.

What will the Premier do to help the thousands of Albertans that are in buildings now that were built before fire safety was finally strengthened? What will you do now? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, building codes are very complex. They require, of course, due process on such matters as technical research, all of the matters relating to building and fire science, and also stakeholder consultation and public consultation. We have done a lot of that in terms of introducing the most recent codes. The other thing is, though, that we don’t know how the fire started, what led to this.

Let’s wait for the full report to make sure that we know what issue we’re dealing with, and once that report is in, then we’ll be able to take that under consideration. The Speaker: Third Official Opposition main question. The hon. Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition. Water Management and Allocation Ms Blakeman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is World Water Week.

When we look at the state of water in Alberta, we see that the communities in southern Alberta have run out of water alloca- tions, the South Saskatchewan River basin has been rated the most threatened river in Canada, and 2010 is projected to be another year of drought, the seventh in the last decade. To the Minister of Environment: why does the minister choose to respect an antedilu- vian industry-centric system at the expense of the inclusion of new or growing regions? Mr. Renner: Well, Mr. Speaker, I’m not sure I understand the reference that the member makes, but the fact of the matter is that in the

preamble the member stated various obvious issues. We are entering a drought. It wasn’t my cause. We do have pressure on the South Saskatchewan. It wasn’t a result of the government. What is the government doing? We are taking very seriously our responsi- bility to ensure that we protect the water in the best available way and that we allocate that water to all necessary users. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Blakeman: Thank you.

To the same minister: given that more water will be pulled out of the rivers if the FITFIR, first in time, first in right, owners are allowed to sell their allocations, why is the minister moving toward a water market which further entrenches this system? Mr. Renner: Well, I shouldn’t have to remind this member because I think she, above all, should know that there is only so much water in the river, so to suggest that more water can be withdrawn is an inaccurate statement.

What we’re talking about is sharing in the most equitable way the water that’s available while, at the same time – and I must emphasize this, Mr. Speaker – assuring that the number one priority is the protection of the healthy aquatic ecosystem, and that is a nature conservation set aside. Ms Blakeman: No, not true. Back to the same minister: why is the minister playing both sides against the middle with his insistence on keeping the centuries-old I-got-here-first entitlement and pitting it against the threatened water system of the South Saskatchewan and other water basins? Mr. Renner: Well, Mr.

Speaker, I think that’s kind of what politics is all about, isn’t it? It’s about recognizing and respecting history and putting plans and necessary policies in place to ensure our future. That’s exactly what my job is about. That’s what I do every day. I balance historical record and future needs. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Fish Creek. Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers Mrs. Forsyth: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The government talks about openness and transparency, but when health care professionals bring forward their concerns or problems, they are referred to the Alberta Health Services code of conduct, which is commonly known as the code. The code is at the heart of AHS bylaws, procedures, standards, guidelines, regulations, policies, and directives on how employers are to conduct themselves. My question is to the minister of health. What exactly can health care professionals talk about with regard to improving our health care system? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr.

Speaker, pursuant to the new and improved code of conduct that was brought in in December, pretty much anything and everything that deals with health care from a patient’s point of view and from a medical needs point of view. Policy matters: they might want to ask me about, or they might want to ask somebody in Alberta Health Services. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mrs. Forsyth: Thank you.

Given that AHS provides health service delivery in response to direction received from the minister, will the minister of health send a memo to all health care professionals indicating that they can speak out with their concerns to their MLA, media, and Albertans without fear of being reprimanded? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, as I’ve said, there is a new code of conduct that the nurses have agreed to. They’re fine with it. I’ve talked with the doctors as well. They are fine with this. They can feel free to talk about any medical issues they want and with whomever they want whenever they want.

The Speaker: The hon. member. Mrs. Forsyth: All right. Then I’ll look forward to that memo going to the health care professionals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since part of the AHS code tells employees to be open, honest, and transparent, if a health employee believes a policy is harmful to patients, who are they accountable to: Alberta Health Services or the patients in their care? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, the health professionals in this first- class system do an awesome job day in, day out under very trying circumstances. They should be saluted. If they have an issue with

March 22, 2010 Alberta Hansard 567 regard to policy, there’s a protocol to be followed just like there is with any employer, and that’s very clearly laid out in some of the organizational frameworks. They can talk to Alberta Health Services, or they can certainly write to me if they wish. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Highlands- Norwood. Cancer Services (continued) Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The time between being diagnosed with cancer and beginning treatment is torturous for Alberta families.

The government’s goal is for wait times for radiation therapy to be no longer than four weeks. Last summer more than 40 per cent of Albertans had to wait longer than that. My question is to the Premier. Will the Premier tell the Assembly what the government is planning to do to rectify this situation? 2:00 Mr. Stelmach: Mr.

Speaker, in answer to the previous question on the same topic I said that the minister is putting together not only a capital plan, but now that Alberta Health Services has a five-year increased funding commitment, they’re able to plan better, look at the changing demographics of the province, and also will have good input in terms of the capital requirements over the next number of years. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Well, given that the Alberta Health and Wellness projections show that approxi- mately 50 per cent of Albertans will get cancer and that half of them will die from it and given that our aging population finds the Cross Cancer Institute with an increase of 4 per cent in its intake each year, why won’t the Premier admit that his current strategy is inadequate and cannot keep up with the rapid growth of cancer rates in this province? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, the minister can supplement in terms of his plan. Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr.

Speaker, we’re putting in place some very effective strategies called performance measures and targets to hold the system itself accountable, we’ve added to that significant dollars in this five-year funding plan, that’s going to be rolled out very soon, and we are meeting with doctors, oncologists specifically, to ensure that we’re going to get that all corrected. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Mason: Thanks, Mr. Speaker. Setting targets just won’t do it.

Given that the government previously promised a billion dollars for cancer hospitals nearly five years ago and failed to meet that commitment and given that this government is failing to meet its own targets for oncology care, will this Premier commit to develop a new cancer strategy that includes new capital for cancer hospitals in Calgary and Edmonton and the resources to staff them, making it possible to meet the four-week target for all Albertans who have cancer? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, I’ll say it again. I’ve said it so many times that I have it memorized.

We’re coming out with a capital plan on or about March 31. That will have a good snapshot into what we’re doing with health facilities, including cancer facilities and others that are able to be accommodated in the three-year capital health facilities funding plan. We are also bringing in the radiation therapy corridor. There’s a new facility for radiation therapy that’ll be opening in Lethbridge, for example, in June. There’s one that’s going to be coming to Grande Prairie. There’s one that’s coming to Red Deer. We’re doing a lot to address cancer issues. I agree that there’s a lot to be done as well.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lethbridge-East, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Lougheed. Special-needs Assistance for Seniors Ms Pastoor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A man was prescribed meal supplements when he was being treated for cancer, and his family was told that the cost would be covered through the special-needs assistance for seniors program. With this information the wife bought the meal supplements. Unfortunately, the gentleman has died, and his widow submitted the claim for reimbursement. My questions are to the Minister of Seniors and Community Supports.

Why is the benefit for special-needs assistance not reimbursed to the survivor when the claimant has passed away? Mrs. Jablonski: Mr. Speaker, first of all, I’d like to express my sympathy for this loss to Ms Kotyk and her family. While I can’t comment on the specific client situation, I can tell you that the special-needs assistance program assists low-income seniors with one-time or extraordinary costs such as some medical expenses, appliances, and essential minor home repairs. A special need is a one-time or extraordinary personal expenditure that is required to meet the needs of low-income seniors.

Ms Pastoor: To the same minister: why is this department’s policy not to make any further contact with the family of the deceased, leaving the family in limbo at a very difficult time? Mrs. Jablonski: Mr. Speaker, once again, I can’t comment on a specific case. But once a senior passes away, they can no longer directly benefit from the f unding as the special-needs assistance program ca nnot provide funds directly to the estate. Also, if the spouse of a senior who has passed away is not a senior themselves, they are not eligible for funding from the special-needs program.

Ms Pastoor: They had been told that she would receive it, which is why she spent the money. Will the minister immediately extend this benefit to claimant survivors and order the department to maintain contact with the family until the claim is discharged? Mrs. Jablonski: Mr. Speaker, I will look into this policy, and I will review what has been said. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Lougheed, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. High-intensity Residential Fires (continued) Mr. Rodney: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Last week a devastating fire tore through a condo complex in Millrise, which I’ve visited a number of times since, in my constituency of Calgary-Lougheed. The fire virtually destroyed the building and left hundreds of people looking for somewhere else to live. The residents are left with many

Alberta Hansard March 22, 2010568 questions, including about code changes requiring sprinklers on balconies and in attics. My first question is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Apart from what we have already heard, can the minister give us some more details on the impact the new code may have had on this fire? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Goudreau: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. My sympathies also go out to those affected by the fire. The investigation is under way, and we are trying to figure out how that fire may have spread.

Alberta updated its building code and the fire codes last year, ahead of any other Canadian jurisdiction. These codes are meant for people to buy time to get out safely and for the firefighters to fight the fire as quickly as possible. We had very, very high standards before, and now we even have better ones. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Rodney: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My second question is for the same minister. What is the government of Alberta doing to assist the victims of this Millrise fire in any specific and tangible ways? Mr. Goudreau: Mr.

Speaker, we remain in contact with those that have been affected by the fire. The Alberta fire commissioner has also been in contact with the city of Calgary and offered assistance, but no assistance, apparently, is required at this particular time. There’s been an outpouring of financial donations, which are also helping provide for clothing and household items and other items that may be required. Mr. Rodney: My final supplemental is for the Minister of Service Alberta. Why is insurance mandatory for vehicles and not for residences? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Under the Condominium Property Act condominium corporations are required to carry insurance for the overall condominium building, and that will vary from building to building and mainly for specific things, including fire. The insurance for residential units will vary, and oftentimes individuals should as well carry contents insurance with the backup of what the condominium does provide. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Mackay. Education Achievement Testing Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Once again the Minister of Education has catered, cratered to the competitive ideology of the Fraser Institute by releasing standardized test scores from across the province, which have a more punitive than celebratory effect. To the minister: what motivational value or educational relevance does publicizing test results given at the end of the previous year for students who have left their division have for either students, teachers, or parents? Mr. Hancock: Mr.

Speaker, far from cratering to whatever it was the hon. member suggested, the Fraser Institute accesses the information that they publish through the freedom of information and protection of privacy rules in this province. Information that’s in the hands of government that is not otherwise protected is available for release to people who apply appropriately under the act. I have no ability to withhold that information even though I disagree with the way that they use it. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Chase: Thank you.

What purpose is achieved by permitting the publishing of rank-ordered school test results, particularly for those scoring below the 50th percentile? Does the minister believe that either embarrassment or degradation is a motivator for future success? Mr. Hancock: I don’t think the Fraser Institute report, Mr. Speaker, has any value whatsoever, and I say so every time I’m asked. I think it’s a totally inappropriate use of the data, and I wish people would- n’t read it. But I cannot stop them from publishing it, I cannot stop newspapers from publishing it, and I cannot stop people from reading it. Mr.

Chase: Would the investment in time, effort, and money that goes into the preparation, marking, and evaluation of these one-shot wonder tests not be better spent at the classroom level in addressing both students’ confidence and competence? Mr. Hancock: Mr. Speaker, I would hope that our school boards across the province are addressing the issue of students’ competence and confidence in their classrooms on an everyday basis and that our teachers are doing that as well.

There is very much an appropriate process for assessment of and for learning in the classroom, but there’s also an appropriate way – and whether or not the provincial achievement tests are that appropriate way has been the subject of discussion for a number of years and will go on – to be accountable to the public for the $6.3 billion that are spent on public education in this province every year and make sure that the system is working. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Mackay, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Buffalo. Gang-related Crime Ms Woo-Paw: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

A constituent came to see me last week expressing deep concern for the safety of her family, especially her two young children. This is because her house is located next to a house that was targeted for two gang-related drive- by shootings within a year’s time. Her two young children’s bedroom is right next to the house that was involved with the shootings. My questions are to the Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. My constituent wants to know: what is your ministry doing to provide the needed protection to her family and neighbours? 2:10 The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Oberle: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Gang crime is serious and unacceptable to us all, and we’re taking actions in our communities to help Albertans feel safe. We’ve instituted, as you may know, the Alberta law enforcement response teams, developed to combat serious and organized crime, including gangs. They’ve taken some 2,500 individuals, charged them. They’ve taken 800 kilograms of drugs, 350 firearms off the street. We operate a SCAN unit underneath the ALERT team, that Albertans can talk directly to. Just visit the website.

March 22, 2010 Alberta Hansard 569 Ms Woo-Paw: To the same minister: what programs and initiatives are there to provide information and support to the family members of the gang members? Mr. Oberle: Well, Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, we have the ALERT and the SCAN resources out there. Constituents are invited at any time to talk to the police. At all times any communications with law enforcement are confidential. I might add that we added the witness security protection program, which will provide short- term protection during the execution of a trial. This could be of assistance to the families.

I would also add that the ALERT ITRAC unit can be employed when family violence is an issue in gang membership. Ms Woo-Paw: My final question is for the Minister of Justice. How is the safe communities initiative addressing the recruitment of vulnerable youth into gangs? The Speaker: The Minister of Justice and Attorney General. Ms Redford: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We know that the safe communities philosophy and this government need to deal with education, awareness well before we look to prevention and prosecution.

What we have done is developed a comprehensive gang reduction strategy that identifies the fact that we very often have youth at risk very early in their life. We have a number of partnerships with social workers, police, and principals, the youth at risk development project in Calgary. We also have a number of SCIF initiatives that are dealing with youth in communities around the province to identify the particular risks in communities that will avoid decisions with respect to gangs. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Buffalo, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Fort. Checkstop Program Mr.

Hehr: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Random roadside sobriety testing in Australia and New Zealand has been very su ccessful in curbing drinking and driving and likely would be in Alberta if it was employed on a more frequent basis. To the Solicitor General. Right now in Calgary it only has one unit to handle its checkstop program. How do you think a municipal police force can hope to make any impact without the proper resources to test more motorists? Mr. Oberle: Well, Mr. Speaker, the hon. member would know or should know that the Calgary Police Service provides municipal policing, not the department.

We work with the department. He will also know that one of the reasons we announced our integrated traffic model to be deployed across Alberta is that it will give us 19 locations across the province, a critical mass sufficient to man checkstop or vehicle safety checks. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Hehr: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Everyone agrees that a visible presence for Alberta’s roadside checkstops is a surefire way to improve traffic safety, but current strategies are infrequent and episodic.

Will the Solicitor General take a strong stance and commit to long-term projects to eradicate drunk driving in addition to regular increases on holidays and other festive occasions? Mr. Oberle: Well, I think we did commit and we are committing, Mr. Speaker. As I said, we’ve deployed units across the province. We are absolutely going to be able to increase checkstops, holiday checks, all of those things. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Hehr: Mr. Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to ask my third question. An increase in checkstops means a corre- sponding decrease in fatal accidents.

When will this ministry and this province provide police with adequate funding to deploy checkstop units on a regular basis throughout the province? Mr. Oberle: Well, I’m dead convinced that I answered that question twice now, Mr. Speaker. We just announced the deployment of 19 integrated sheriff-RCMP stations across the province, which will provide us with a critical mass to be able to do checkstops, vehicle safety checks, those sorts of things. We will be enforcing impaired driving. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Fort, followed by the hon. Member for Airdrie-Chestermere.

Postsecondary Education Affordability Mr. Cao: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many postsecondary students across Alberta are concerned about their current financial situation and accumulating debt. My question today is to the hon. Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. Given the current economic recession, job prospects are uncertain. Many graduates are having to continue their studies. What assistance can new graduates get to pay their student debts and tuition fees if they extend their studies? The Speaker: The hon. Deputy Premier. Mr. Horner: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Certainly, we’ve been working with the students over the last six years, the last three on the affordability framework. As resources have allowed us, we’ve been ticking off the things around affordability that are important to the students. Obviously, in Budget 2010 we made some improvements to the programs, including higher lifetime loan limits and a new, more flexible repayment assistance program. Really, in answer to the hon. member’s question, the new, flexible repayment program is going to be very valuable to our students in the coming years. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Cao: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

To the same hon. minister: what efforts are being made to regulate mandatory noninstructional fees at Alberta postsecondary educational institutions? Mr. Horner: Mr. Speaker, we have had this question in the House a few times now as it relates to ancillary fees. Most of these fees that we’re hearing about are just proposals at this stage. We are keeping a close eye on that situation. We do want to ensure that any fees that are of an instructional nature are certainly kept within the tuition fee policy.

If there is a need – and I’ve said this to the students – to regulate noninstructional fees, we’ve actually asked the students to work with us and the postsecondaries to draft a possible regulation. The Speaker: The hon. member.

Alberta Hansard March 22, 2010570 Mr. Cao: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the same hon. minister: how do the current loan relief program and the new repayment assistance program meet the needs of students with a large student debt? Mr. Horner: Mr. Speaker, the focus is on providing all of the eligible students with the assistance that they need to help meet their costs, and that includes the cost of tuition, the cost of living, the cost of books, all of those things.

We ensure that the debt above a set of thresholds is actually forgiven for qualifying grads to help ensure that the students have a manageable debt load at the end of their studies. The repayment assistance plan is going to provide even more flexibility to grads struggling to make loan payments as they enter the workforce, and we’ll continue to monitor that affordability framework. High-intensity Residential Fires (continued) Mr. Anderson: Mr. Speaker, last week 400 Calgarians were left homeless by a disastrous condo fire. It appears the fire began on a balcony and spread to the complex’s attic.

Thankfully, no one was killed, but residents are asking why this government delayed implementing a 2007 report calling for mandatory sprinklers on balconies and in attics. The Millrise condo complex was built in 2008 and did not include such sprinklers. To the Minister of Municipal Affairs: why did it take from October 2007 to May 2009, 18 months, to implement these recommended building code reforms? Mr. Goudreau: Mr. Speaker, I think Alberta should be commended, not criticized, for being proactive and taking action to protect Albertans. Building codes are very complex and require due process.

We have to do the technical research on building and fire science and the stakeholder consultation. That always takes quite a lot of time, and a lot of public consultation is required before those are accepted. Mr. Anderson: To the same minister: given that it only took this government one month – one month – to accept the recommenda- tions of the 2007 royalty review panel overhauling the regulatory regime of our most important and complex industry, why then did it take seven times longer to accept the few but important recommen- dations regarding balcony and attic sprinklers in the 2007 fire prevention report?

The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Goudreau: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Alberta already has one of the strictest fire codes in the country. There is no doubt that updating our building codes took some time, but we’re over two years ahead of any other jurisdiction across Canada. There is no doubt that it took some time, but we wanted to make sure that we were getting it right. Mr. Anderson: The minister should have acted faster, Mr. Speaker.

My final question to the same minister: was there any lobbying on government that caused the one and a half year delay in implement- ing these fire safety building code recommendations, and if so, by whom? Mr. Goudreau: Mr. Speaker, I’m not aware that there was any lobbying, at least not to me. Mr. Speaker, it’s very misleading to say that 300 people are homeless due to building and fire codes. Building and fire codes are meant to help slow the spread of fires and protect the individuals.

We need to look at what caused the fires in the first place and how those fires spread, and these are the things that we’re looking at. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-McCall, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-McClung. 2:20 Building Construction Review Mr. Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government had an opportunity to introduce new standards for home and condo construction, but instead they chose to do nothing. Now housing starts in Edmonton and Calgary are triple what they were at this time last year, and Albertans have no new protections against shoddy building practices.

To the Minister of Service Alberta: why is this government leaving thousands of new home and condo owners at risk of the same kinds of shoddy construction practices that hurt Albertans during the last housing boom? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As previously said by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, building codes are in that area. But I can address the issue of the Condominium Property Act, some of those areas that we will be doing consultations on in the spring of 2011.

What’s really important here is that there are issues across different ministries, and we need to make sure that we look at all the issues and come to a good decision. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. More consultation, more consultation, but there’s no action. Why is the minister not moving now to protect new home and c ondo buyers by speeding up her reviews of the fair trading and condo property acts? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Fair Trading Act and the Condominium Property Act are both very cornerstone pieces of legislation for this government. Under the Fair Trading Act there are a number of areas where we’ve been able to go after individuals and charge individuals. The Condominium Property Act has a working committee that is working very hard right now with a number of stakeholders to move forward when we do the consulta- tion in the spring of 2011. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

To the Minister of Municipal Affairs: why isn’t the minister releasing the results of the study of residential construction practices that his department did two years ago? Mr. Goudreau: Mr. Speaker, we consulted with stakeholders such as builders, municipalities, fire chiefs, building and fire experts, and the public from January through August of 2008. Those final reviews and recommendations by the Safety Codes Council were made to us in September of ’08 and accepted in October of 2 008. The original

schedule for adoption in January of ’09 was delayed until March of ’09 b ecause of the technical complexity of the regulations. We are looking at the drafting and a pproval and passage of those amended regulations.

March 22, 2010 Alberta Hansard 571 The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-McClung, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Currie. Consultation on Employment Agencies Mr. Xiao: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Service Alberta has launched a consultation on regulations related to employment agencies in the province. Apparently, it is intended to cover issues such as whether employment agencies should be required to disclose to their clients the types of fees agencies are or are not allowed to charge and what extra services these agencies should be allowed to offer.

My question is for the Minister of Service Alberta. Is this consultation an admission that your minis- try’s regulations haven’t properly protected the clients of employ- ment agencies? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to this consultation that was just announced today, this is going to be a consultation that will go until the end of April, April 30. What’s really important is that there are many examples where we have been able to enforce and charge individuals.

What we want to do is improve and update the regulations to ensure that they’re effective as we move forward as the economy recovers in the months and the years ahead. This is a really important consultation. Mr. Xiao: My first supplemental to the same minister: given there have been examples of a worker being charged fees by employment agencies despite the fact that it’s against the law, will you address this as a part of your consultation? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Service Alberta takes allegations of fees being charged to workers very seriously.

This consultation will give our investigators even stronger tools to ensure that our regulations are being followed and, as well, encourage individuals to come forward when they are in situations that are untenable. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Xiao: Yes. My last supplemental to the same minister: should- n’t this review have happened several years ago, when our economy was booming and the foreign workers were flooding to the province? Isn’t reviewing the regulation at this point too late? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a good time to review it.

It hasn’t been reviewed for about 10 years. We know the economy has changed in Alberta. We know there are different challenges and different labour areas. We know there are many foreign workers that are working here in Alberta and will continue to come. This is about the future and doing the right thing. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Currie, followed by the hon. Member for Lethbridge-West. Wood Buffalo Municipal Issues Mr. Taylor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Last week while I was meeting with the mayor and councillors from the region of Wood Buffalo, I was surprised to learn that the Minister of Municipal Affairs has not even spoken with them since taking office. This municipality is home to thousands upon thousands of workers who are indispensable to the health of our province’s economy. To the Minister of Municipal Affairs. It’s been almost three months since he took the job. Why has the minister not even met with Wood Buffalo municipal officials? Mr. Goudreau: Mr. Speaker, that answer is rather easy: because they haven’t asked to meet with me.

I want to indicate that upon becoming Minister of Municipal Affairs, I did meet with quite a number of municipalities across the province. Just recently we concluded the very, very successful conference of AAMD and C where all of the rural municipalities were represented. I will upon request meet with them if they want to talk. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Taylor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Given that their most pressing need is for the provincial government to accept their census methodology so they can receive the amount of funding they’re entitled to, an amount of funding that relates directly to the number of people who actually live in Fort McMurray, why has the minister done nothing to solve the problem? Mr. Goudreau: Mr. Speaker, I need to make it clear to this House that we’ve got 359 municipalities. Each and every one of them is special in their own way, and each and every one of them has particular issues. As they address those issues to me, I work with them. Mr. Taylor: Mr.

Speaker, I’m only asking about one of them today. Given that the municipality doesn’t have e nough experienced planners on staff to develop Parsons Creek so that Fort McMurray can have housing available for the next boom, which could start in, oh, I don’t know, six months, what is the minister doing right now to help them fast-track this process? Mr. Goudreau: Mr. Speaker, it’s my understanding – and that’s made available through other municipalities – that some of that particular land is available.

We work with all municipalities, including Fort McMurray, with the existing programs and support services that we have, and we’ll continue to do that with them. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lethbridge-West, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Riverview. Supports for Disabled Persons Mr. Weadick: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’re a province that prides itself on independence and self-initiative. Many people believe that if you want a better life, it’s up to you to work hard. However, for some Albertans, including those with disabilities, this is a lot more difficult, if not next to impossible.

My questions are for the Minister of Seniors and Community Supports. Minister, what are we doing as a government to help Albertans who may have very limited options for earning an income? Mrs. Jablonski: Mr. Speaker, I agree that we are a very proud province, and we can be proud of our support for those most in need. This includes the assured income for the severely handicapped program, or AISH, which provides monthly financial and s upple- mentary health benefits to about 40,000 adult Albertans with severe

Alberta Hansard March 22, 2010572 and permanent disabilities. To support those AISH clients who can and want to work, we have income exemptions in place that allow clients to earn some employment income and still receive a level of AISH benefit. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Weadick: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My final question is to the same minister. Because mobility is another concern and because a disabled man in my community is struggling to repair or replace his wheelchair, is there any help available to obtain wheelchairs or other assistive devices to help Albertans with disabilities? Mrs. Jablonski: Mr.

Speaker, our government’s commitment to those most in need can also be seen through many of the programs delivered by my ministry, including the Alberta aids to daily living program, or AADL. AADL is a $113 million program that provides financial assistance to approximately 80,000 Albertans each year to purchase medical equipment and supplies such as wheelchairs. Clients can also receive assistance with repairs to equipment provided by AADL. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Riverview, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Bow. Patient Safety Report Dr. Taft: Thanks, Mr. Speaker.

Alberta Health Services finally released the independent report into incidents at the Alberta Chil- dren’s hospital. The report suggests a picture of a physician with a chronically difficult personality overruling a nurse and ordering her to give a small child a potentially life-threatening dose of painkiller. The management of the Children’s hospital appears to have failed to prevent the situation even though warning signs had accumulated. To the minister of health: if this situation can happen at the Chil- dren’s hospital, what is the minister doing to ensure that it is not happening elsewhere? 2:30 Mr.

Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, there are about 80 recommendations in that Health Quality C ouncil report which was released on Thursday. I can assure you that Alberta Health Services is doing everything within their powers and in their capacity to address not only those four incidents but other recommendations that will help prevent those kinds of incidents in the future. Dr. Taft: Well, the minister has said that he has read the report cover to cover.

He’ll know, then, that this report uses some pretty startling language such as “ineffective,” not inappropriate, “not respectful,” and on page 28 speaks of “disruptive behaviour by physicians that interferes with the provision of safe patient care.” Given that five months have passed, have policies been put in place in those five months to fix the problem? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, I don’t know if that exact

section has yet been addressed and implemented, but I can tell you that immedi- ately upon receiving the report, even before it was made public, staff, professional providers, and others at the Alberta Children’s hospital acted immediately on areas where they could, and a lot of those recommendations were implemented almost right at that time. Dr. Taft: Mr.

Speaker, given that it’s clear from the report that there is a particular physician whose behaviour has contributed heavily to the problems with a large overdose of painkillers to a very small child and given that this behavi our appears to be ongoing, has the minister ordered any special measures be taken to deal with this particular physician? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, no, I haven’t. If it’s an issue of that gravity, then there is certainly a mechanism in place, and it’s called a complaint to the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

They are the ones who deal with doctor discipline and actions against doctors or comments about performance or diagnoses or whatever it might be. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Bow, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Ellerslie. School Closures Ms DeLong: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Education has spoken publicly in this Legislature of the importance of having community services integrated in schools and schools being integrated into the community, yet schools are still being closed in the inner city.

The school boards are saying that it’s the province that’s pressuring them to close. My question is to the Minister of Education. What Alberta Department of Education legislation or regulations are contributing to schools in the inner city being closed? Mr. Hancock: Mr. Speaker, actually, there are no legislative policies or regulations which would contribute to that type of decision-making. Ms Blakeman: It’s the utilization rates, and you know it. Mr. Hancock: Utilization rates do not actually contribute to the idea of closing schools.

Utilization rates are utilized with respect to whether or not new schools are needed. What might actually impact a school board’s decision is the plant operation and maintenance funding formula, which funds on a per- student basis. So if you don’t have enough students in a school or if the school is larger and more difficult to heat and operate, that might actually impact a decision. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms DeLong: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

To the same minister: how can government possibly encourage schools to pursue wraparound service partnerships when the schools that are pioneering such practices in older, often higher social needs communities are the first schools up for closure? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Hancock: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Actually, I’m glad that we have the trustees from Edmonton public school board here today so I can say yet again what I’ve said in the past in this House. The city centre school project in Edmonton public, which was put together a number of years ago, demonstrates exactly how to do it.

They created a better opportunity for education for the children in that area. Yes, a couple of schools were closed, but the r eceiving schools were renovated, and what they’ve created are partnerships with the community to provide better supports for those students. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms DeLong: Thank you. To the same minister: what can your

March 22, 2010 Alberta Hansard 573 ministry do to encourage services such as children and family services and community health services to be offered within the school walls? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Hancock: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Quite a lot of work is happening with respect to so-called wraparound services. There are some 35 mental health capacity building projects across the province, which are piloting those kinds of projects.

Again, we also should be encouraging – and I have been encouraging – Children and Youth Services, Health, and other community agencies to actually co-locate, where appropriate, with schools. In fact, that can also have another benefit, and that is that if excess school space is used for other public purposes, it actually can be taken out of the utilization formula. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Ellerslie, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-North Hill. Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Mr. Bhardwaj: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Questions are being raised in my constituency of Edmonton-Ellerslie about how AISH supports Albertans with disabilities; specifically, what happens to AISH clients’ benefits when they enter an institution like a hospital for extended periods of time. My questions are to the Minister of Seniors and Community Supports. Is it true that AISH clients lose their benefits soon after being admitted into hospitals? Mrs. Jablonski: Mr. Speaker, I’m glad I have the opportunity to provide members of the Assembly with factual information about our support for AISH clients who are admitted to institutions.

If an AISH client is temporarily admitted to an institution, he or she continues to receive AISH benefits for three months while receiving treatment, and this can be extended for up to six months in total. This continuation of AISH benefits makes it much easier for clients to transition back to the community and their homes. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Bhardwaj: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My next supplemental to the same minister: what happens then? After the six months does that client get off AISH? Mrs. Jablonski: Mr.

Speaker, clients in an institution more than six months stop receiving AISH as they have their basic needs taken care of by the facility. They are again eligible for AISH when they are discharged, and they can be eligible to have their benefits rapidly reinstated. This means the client’s file can be reopened without the client having to apply or undergo another medical assessment. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Bhardwaj: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My final supplemental to the same minister: looking at the longer term, what happens to AISH clients when they become seniors?

Do they continue to be supported? Mrs. Jablonski: Mr. Speaker, there’s no question that we continue to support these Albertans as they become seniors. As it has been for many years, when AISH clients become seniors, they transition to being eligible for both federal and provincial seniors’ benefits. In Alberta we have one of the most comprehensive packages of seniors’ benefits in the country. This package includes the Alberta seniors’ benefit, which provides a monthly cash benefit to supplement federal income programs as well as the dental and optical assistance programs. The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Calgary-North Hill, followed by the hon. Member for Bonnyville-Cold Lake. Postsecondary Tuition Fees Mr. Fawcett: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the close proximity of the University of Calgary to my constituency I’ve been getting lots of feedback from students about the proposed market modifiers for some postsecondary programs that will result in huge tu ition increases. My question is to the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. What is driving the postsecondary institutions to come forward with these proposals?

Is it because there was already a gap between revenues and the cost of delivering this program, or is it a result of the tuition cap policy? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Horner: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The proposals are being presented to us based on what has happened over a number of years with the tuition fee policy in the province of Alberta. At the outset let’s be clear: this is about something that at this point in time is speculative. These are proposals that have come forward; we’re reviewing them.

Some institutions have put forward proposals where they believe that an anomaly existed when we froze tuitions back in 2004. We’re still reviewing those proposals. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Fawcett: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that answer. Again to the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology: is a tuition cap policy appropriate when we’re competing with other jurisdictions who don’t have such a policy while also striving to maintain high postsecondary program standards? Mr. Horner: Mr. Speaker, that’s an excellent question. It is a very difficult balancing act.

We look at the affordability framework with our students. We look at the partnership between postsecondary students, the taxpayers, and society and the economy. We have to balance those things. We are as a government fully committed to the tuition fee policy. We have a top-notch, top-quality postsecondary education system. We need to make sure that it’s accessible and affordable. By limiting annual tuition fee increases to the consumer price index, we’re ensuring that the increases are predictable so that students can plan. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Fawcett: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I do appreciate the minis- ter’s comments there, particularly at the end, because I know that a lot of my constituents have come to me lately with some concerns about drastic increases in fees. We’ve seen that on the Alberta nongroup plan benefits. My question is to the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology in his capacity as Deputy Premier. What is the overall strategy that this government is doing to protect our constituents from massive increases in one year? 2:40 The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Horner: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There’s kind of a mixture of

Alberta Hansard March 22, 2010574 *See page 545, left column, paragraph 3 apples and oranges when we’re talking about Blue Cross coverage, but those are costs and fees that are of a different nature. I can only say that as it relates to regular fees that the government has control over, we try to make sure that it’s a recovery basis. We try to ensure that it’s fair, that it’s reasonable. Certainly, sometimes you have to catch up if you don’t do it on a regular basis, and that’s something we need to take into consideration.

The only thing I can say on the tuition fee policy is that we stand by it a hundred per cent. This year the institutions wanted to make cases for exceptional fees. We’re going to look at and review those. That’s the only thing I’ve agreed to. The Speaker: Hon. members, the hon. President of the Treasury Board wishes to supplement an answer given the other day. That will then allow a member on I think it was the Official Opposition, the hon. Member for Edmonton-Gold Bar, to raise a question with additional response. The hon. President of the Treasury Board. MLA Remuneration Mr. Snelgrove: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Last Thursday the hon. Member for Edmonton-Gold Bar asked about the authority to fund work on government committees after an election. I want to point out to you, as is stated in the guidelines on dissolution of the Alberta Legislative Assembly, that government committees, boards continue to operate until their remuneration is changed by order in council, ministerial order, or resignation from the appointment, meaning that these continue to operate, as government does, until the day of the election, so they are funded as such. There is no retroactive payment involved.

They simply operate under a new order, and that was OC 187/2008, which identifies if there are changes in the fee

schedule or changes in membership. So to his question of retroactivity, there is none. As to paying retroac- tive payments back to any of these government members, there is not. They simply exist until the new order in council.* The Speaker: That allows an additional question. The hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre. Ms Blakeman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Back to the President of the Treasury Board: what we’re interested in is the paper trail that validates what the government has been ascertaining.

Could we please get a copy of all the orders in council and ministe- rial orders that track the appointment of the individual members to those cabinet policy committees? You’ve given us one. If we could get the rest of them, please. Mr. Snelgrove: Mr. Speaker, all orders in council are public. I’ll be happy to work with the hon. members and find which one would identify the authority that committed originally to fund these committees that was replaced by OC 187/2008. The Speaker: Hon. members, there were, with those last three exchanges, 121 questions and responses in the Assembly today.

Twenty individual members were recognized: nine from the Official Opposition, two from the third party in the House, one from the fourth party, and eight from the government private members. In 15 seconds from now we’ll continue with the Routine with Members’ Statements. head: Members’ Statements The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Manning. Haiti Relief Efforts Mr. Sandhu: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to recognize the fundraising efforts for Haiti by some Alberta business- men.

As you know, an earthquake hit Haiti, which led to the deaths of many and the loss of homes and essential infrastructure. As always, we Canadians did what we could to try and help this devastated nation. Our Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Stephen Harper, and our Governor General, Michaëlle Jean, supported and provided aid to the people of Haiti. Our own province showed leadership on this issue by donating $500,000 to the Red Cross. At the same time, the United Sikhs organization went to Haiti with six doctors and many volunteers to prepare and distribute food to the people of Haiti.

The local Sikh community here in Alberta also fund raised for the cause, raising approximately $60,000. Our first religious leader, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, taught us to give 10 per cent of our earnings to those who need it most, and we take that seriously. The Sikh community in British Columbia also managed to raise $1.5 million to help the victims in Haiti. Earlier today, Mr. Speaker, I introduced Rashamdeep Mundy and Shavi Kachroo to the Assembly. They own a company called Bell Connections, and they have 13 locations in Alberta that provide jobs for many.

I am happy to say that they are holding an event on April 11 to raise money for the relief efforts in Haiti on top of other charities they are involved in. They’re inviting all the Members of the Legislative Assembly to the event. They have invitations for all MLAs. Tickets are $5, and all proceeds will help the eart hquake victims. They will match all funds raised out of their own pockets on top of paying for the entertainment themselves. I would like to thank them for their efforts. God bless them and their families. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Mountain View.

World Water Day Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Water is the very essence of life itself. No creature on this planet can exist without it. In addition, our industries – oil and gas, agriculture, transportation, recreation, medicine – and every aspect of life in Alberta revolve around water. On this World Water Day Albertans are faced with a ch illing prospect. Parts of our province, particularly the South Saskatchewan basin, will run short as our need for water outstrips supply. Already people in southern Alberta are piping water between river basins.

We’re now scrambling to revise our century old licensing, based on who got there first. A responsible government would have antici- pated this problem many years ago, but this administration doesn’t seem to know the meaning of planning for the long term. A responsible government would ensure that water sources are protected and complete an inventory of Alberta’s surface and groundwater, establishing a comprehensive, effective water quality monitoring program. Safe drinking water is a fundamental human right.

A responsible government would require more transparent approvals for coal-bed methane projects and require independent scientific analysis of changes to groundwater quality and quan tity. A res ponsible government would act now to deal actively with the risks of climate change, which increases the severity of droughts and floods, with the associated impacts on fresh water supply, management, and treatment. A responsible government would protect wetlands with a no net-loss policy. We would protect our supply of drinking water by always giving priority to basic human needs as well as to ensure in-stream flows.

We do not support a water market.

March 22, 2010 Alberta Hansard 575 Albertans, particularly farmers and other rural residents, already know through bitter experience that fresh water is increasingly precious. In recent years they fought against interbasin transfers and demanded that this administration do a better job of protecting Alberta’s water. I hope this World Water Day the Premier will follow the advice of Albertans and act to preserve this province’s most precious resource. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Bonnyville-Cold Lake. Kinosoo Performing Arts Association Mrs. Leskiw: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

On Saturday, March 20, I attended the 30th anniversary celebration for the Kinosoo Perform- ing Arts Association in Cold Lake. Approximately 300 guests were in attendance to celebrate the success of KPAA and to listen to an incredible performance by the Chevelles from Lethbridge. This celebration was truly a milestone for Bonnyville-Cold Lake because it showed how many individuals are willing to support the arts in my community.

The Kinosoo Performing Arts Association was founded in 1979 with a mission to strengthen and invigorate this community through performing arts, and over the past three decades this vision has become a reality. Mr. Speaker, Alberta communities benefit greatly from hosting professional entertainers, especially rural areas that only get up to four or five special acts a year. It gives residents of all ages an opportunity to go to a show or concert and take

part in a new experience. I want to thank all the volunteers and members of the community who’ve supported the arts by helping out in the KPAA organization and by purchasing tickets to the incredible shows that they bring to our area. I believe that performing arts is vital to the growth and development of all communities, and I would like to congratulate them on 30 years of success in the Cold Lake area. Thank you very much. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Rutherford. Red Cross Haiti Relief Efforts Mr. Horne: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to acknowledge the work of Albertans who have joined with the Canadian Red Cross to respond to the desperate needs of the people of Haiti following the devastating earthquake of January 12. From January 13 to February 16 alone dozens of Red Cross volunteers in eight offices across Alberta put in nearly 5,000 hours processing donations. During the early days staff and volunteers worked long hours to accept generous donations from children as young as four, seniors, church and community groups, and the business community.

To date donations from Alberta total more than $3 million, including the $500,000 donated by this government to the Haiti disaster appeal. These funds will help to ensure critical needs for food, water, temporary shelter, and medical services can be met in this struggling island nation. 2:50 But Alberta’s response doesn’t stop there, Mr. Speaker. Today some 68 Canadian Red Cross members are among 600 international delegates sent to Haiti to support this massive humanitarian mission, the largest single-country disaster response in Red Cross history.

Included in this number are four selfless, caring Alberta Red Cross delegates: Dave Bateman, Iain Logan, Dr. Dennis Filips, and, departing today, Leslie Leach, who will take on the role of head of operations as Red Cross begins the work of constructing temporary homes for 30,000 Haitians left homeless and facing the fast- approaching monsoon season. This operation is part of a 10-year plan to help rebuild Haiti, and more Albertans will be part of this long-term mission. Mr.

Speaker, I know that Alberta’s Red Cross staff and volunteers are grateful for this amazing outpouring of generosity, and they are honoured by the trust that Albertans have shown in them, but I also know that this House and all Albertans are even more honoured and, indeed, humbled by their amazing commitment to helping fellow citizens in need whether here at home or abroad. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Banff-Cochrane. Brian McKeever Ms Tarchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It’s a pleasure to rise in the House today and recognize Canmore’s Brian McKeever, an incredible Albertan athlete who recently wrapped up his 2010 Paralympic participation yesterday by winning a third gold medal. Brian started skiing at the age of three, was competing at the age of 13, and at the age of 19 this gifted young man began to lose his vision. While some would let this kind of obstacle end their career, Brian persevered. If his participation in the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games isn’t a demonstration of his determination, then perhaps his legacy is.

He has now participated in three Winter Paralympic Games and won a total of 10 medals. There is no doubt that many young Canadians have followed his story, resolving to pursue their own dreams of achieving an Olympic or Paralympic medal in spite of a disability or a challenge. Brian is truly an inspiration to any aspiring athlete, and his incredible perseverance and successes are a victory for all Canadians. I know I speak for this entire Assembly as I wish heartfelt congratulations to Brian, his brother and guide Robin, and to all our country’s Paralympic athletes. Thank you. [applause] The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Red Deer-South. World Water Day Mr. Dallas: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is World Water Day, established by the United Nations to focus the world’s attention on our water and encourage countries around the world to take action to safeguard the quality and quantity of this essential resource. This year the theme is Clean Water for a Healthy World. On World Water Day Albertans can be assured that our province has some of the best and safest drinking water in North America, and we’re always working to ensure it stays that way.

The water for life strategy is the province’s long-term strategy for managing Alberta’s water resources. The strategy, combined with the water for life action plan, demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring a healthy and sustainable water supply for the environment, our communities, and our economic well-being. Since 2004 the government of Alberta has completed 23 key actions set out under water for life. These achievements have totalled about $600 million. This morning the government an- nounced further investment in Alberta’s water sources.

A two-year $500,000 provincial grant will enable the newly formed Athabasca Watershed Council to help build a common understanding of the issues and opportunities within their watershed. This marks the 10th watershed planning and advisory council in the province and yet one

Alberta Hansard March 22, 2010576 more partner contributing to the achievements of the water for life goals. I commend the Athabasca Watershed Council as its members embark upon the road of leadership, stewardship, and education. I encourage all Albertans to help protect our precious water resources not only on World Water Day but each and every day. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for St. Albert. Budget 2010 Mr. Allred: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

On February 9 this govern- ment tabled Budget 2010, a budget that helps put Alberta in the strongest financial position of all provinces as we head into eco- nomic recovery. We have and will continue to have the most innovative and competitive economy in Canada, and we will have the best infrastructure in North America. Mr. Speaker, some have criticized this government for running a shadow deficit when it comes to capital. Nothing could be further from the truth. The government’s capital investment is not hidden. The government publishes the information as part of its annual fiscal plan and quarterly updates.

The Alberta government follows accounting standards set by an independent, nonpartisan national body. Others such as TD Bank Financial Group e ndorse our reporting methods, as seen in their 2010 Alberta Budget document. TD Bank states that capital investment is rightly excluded as an expense in the year that it is booked but, rather, is expensed t hrough annual amortization over time as the asset is employed to benefit Albertans. This is also the best time to invest in our public infrastructure.

Current deflationary pressures mean lower costs for capital projects and present opportunities for additional cost containment in capital projects, meaning that this is the best time to invest in our public infrastructure instead of putting it off like some would like us to do. TD Bank also points out that our sustainability fund was used as intended, to protect Albertans’ programs from sudden drops in our volatile revenue. Mr. Speaker, this budget is good for Alberta.

It lays the founda- tion for our future prosperity by building the infrastructure of tomorrow, and it does so in a responsible and cost-effective manner. I will be pleased to table TD Bank Financial Group’s 2010 Alberta Budget document after question period. Thank you. head: Introduction of Bills The Speaker: The hon. Member for Athabasca-Redwater. Bill 9 Local Authorities Election Statutes Amendment Act, 2010 Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to rise and introduce Bill 9, the Local Authorities Election Statutes Amendment Act, 2010.

This government is committed to promoting integrity and public confidence in the local election process by setting appropriate election standards. These proposed changes clarify and support the fundamental principles of the act. The proposed amendments will assist electors and designate their one residence for the purpose of voting in a general election.

The amendments will also help ensure an open and transparent process for campaign contributions and, among other things, extend the in-force date of some provisions related to campaign funds to allow more time for the candidates, municipalities, and election officials to comply with the new rules, ease restrictions on modest, self-funded campaigns and on donation caps, and ease requirements audits on financial statements.

If adopted, the act would make amendments to the Local Authorities Election Act, the Local Authorities Election (Finance and Contribu- tion Disclosure) Amendment Act, 2009, and the Municipal Govern- ment Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Motion carried; Bill 9 read a first time] The Speaker: The hon. Government House Leader. Mr. Hancock: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill 9 be moved onto the Order Paper under Government Bills and Orders. [Motion carried] The Speaker: The hon. President of the Treasury Board. Bill 15 Appropriation Act, 2010 Mr. Snelgrove: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I request leave to introduce Bill 15, the Appropriation Act, 2010. This being a money bill, His Honour the Honourable the Lieutenant Gove rnor, having been informed of the contents of this bill, recommends the same to the Assembly. Mr. Speaker, from the delivery of the budget back on February 9, 2010, by the Minister of Finance and Enterprise five all-party standing committees of the Legislative Assembly have spent some 72 hours reviewing and debating the budget. This budget truly strikes the balance between focusing on Alberta’s priorities while eliminating spending. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. [Motion carried; Bill 15 read a first time] The Speaker: Hon. members, I must advise that under Standing Order 7(7) “at 3 p.m. the items in the ordinary daily Routine will be deemed to be concluded, and the Speaker shall notify the Assem- bly.” The hon. Government House Leader. 3:00 Mr. Hancock: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Might I ask for the unanimous consent of the House to suspend the provisions of Standing Order 7(7) for this afternoon? The Speaker: On the motion put forward by the hon. Government House Leader I’m only going to ask one question: does anybody disagree?

If you disagree, say no. [Unanimous consent granted] head: Tabling Returns and Reports The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Education. Mr. Hancock: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This afternoon I had the privilege of introducing leaders in our First Nations and Métis communities in this province, leaders whose purpose for education has been in alignment and people who have made very sign ificant efforts to improve the educational outcomes for First Nations and Métis students in the province. Today I am pleased to table two documents that evidence that kind of leadership.

March 22, 2010 Alberta Hansard 577 The first is a First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Partnership Council document, which was executed effective October 13, 2009, involving myself as Minister of Education, the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, the Minister of Aboriginal Relations for the government as well as the grand chief of Treaty 6, Chief Eddy Makokis; the grand chief of Treaty 7, Chief Charles Weasel Head; the deputy chief of Treaty 8, Chief Rose Laboucan; and President Gerald Cunningham and President Audrey Poitras from the Métis Settlements General Council and the Métis Nation of Alberta Association, respectively.

The agreement forms a partnership between those parties for the pursuance of First Nations and Métis education in the province.

I also would like to table a historic memorandum of understanding which was executed effective February 24 of this year between the grand chiefs of treaties 6, 7, and 8, being, again, Chief Alan Adam, Chief Makokis, and Chief Weasel Head as well as myself as Minister of Education and then signed as well by the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and the Minister of International and Intergov- ernmental Affairs and also by the federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Chuck Strahl.

Again, a historic document where all of these parties are coming together to empha- size the importance of education and particularly of eliminating the achievement gap for First Nations and Métis students in our province. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre. Ms Blakeman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I haven’t been a great fan of the current budget process as we’re debating millions of dollars a minute in many cases.

At this point I would like to table the appropriate number of copies of questions that I was not able to ask the Minister of Environment during our 2010-2011 Environment estimates due to time constraints. We had an hour and 20 minutes split between us, and I still couldn’t get through all questions. I look forward to receiving the minister’s written response. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for St. Albert. Mr. Allred: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As indicated in my member’s statement, I wish to table the requisite five copies of the TD Bank Financial Group’s 2010 Alberta budget document. The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Calgary-Glenmore. Mr. Hinman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. March 21, 2010, marked the 80th anniversary of the designation of the wild rose as Alberta’s floral emblem. First Nations and early settlers depended on the wild rose for a host of remedies and other domestic uses. I would like to table the appropriate number of copies of a document outlining the importance of the wild rose in Alberta. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am tabling a single letter written and signed by Gloria Singendonk expressing concerns about the potential closure of Sir William Van Horne vocational high school in my constituency of Calgary-Varsity. This school has served students for over 40 years, keeping them in school and allowing them to graduate because of its special programs. She sent this letter to the minister on March 1 and indicates: “Neither he nor his office has acknowledged receipt or honoured my request for follow up.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Strathcona. Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’d like to table the appropri- ate number of copies of 56 postcards signed by Albertans calling on the provincial government to keep its promise to build 600 new long-term care beds. The postcards are part of a campaign spon- sored by the Canadian Union of Public Employees. Thank you. The Speaker: Hon. members, I’m pleased to table copies of the School at the Legislature report card 2008-2009.

This is, as we heard today, a Legislative Assembly educational program for grade 6 students cosponsored with community partners Priority Printing, Access Media Group, CKUA radio network, Via Rail Canada, and the Edmonton downtown Rotary Club. Are there others? Hon. members, I’m going to call Orders of the Day momentarily, but as Monday is private members’ day, there’s a request that will be made momentarily by a member to switch a position on motions for returns, I do believe. That motion for a return is under motions.

I advised the hon. member when he talked to me some days ago that what he should do is send a letter, a memo, to all members of the Assembly advising them that he would rise on this day and request such unanimous consent. All members will know that we do have a process. It was outlined by myself in a memo to all hon. members on June 15, 2009. The time frame outlined in that process is now past, so I’m now going to recognize the hon. Member for St. Albert with his request for unanimous consent. Mr. Allred: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I respectfully request the unanimous consent of the Assembly to change motions other than government motions 507 to 508 and 508 to 507. I have consulted with the Member for West Yellowhead, who presently has number 508, and I have sent memos to all of the House leaders as well. Thank you. The Speaker: Is any hon. member opposed to this request? If so, simply say no. [Unanimous consent granted] head: Orders of the Day head: Public Bills and Orders Other than Government Bills and Orders Committee of the Whole [Mr. Cao in the chair] The Chair: The chair would like to call the Committee of the Whole to order.

Bill 201 Workers’ Compensation (Firefighters) Amendment Act, 2010 The Chair: Are there any comments or questions? The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Mr. Chase: Thank you very much. I’ll be very succinct. From the first reading through the second reading and now into committee

Alberta Hansard March 22, 2010578 members of my caucus have supported Bill 201, the Workers’ Compensation (Firefighters) Amendment Act, 2010. As we have noted for the record, it follows in the tradition of the good work done by a former MLA for Calgary-North Hill, Richard Magnus, in terms of extending protection to firefighters. It takes that protection one step further, acknowledging activities that may have occurred while fighting fires – chemical inhalation, et cetera – that had the unfortu- nate circumstance of leading to varieties of cancers.

By providing firefighters and their families, I might add, with this protection, we are valuing the work they do on a daily basis on our behalf in terms of protecting not only us but our property as well. I mentioned during the debate during the second reading of this bill that I would like to see the types of benefits that have been provided for firefighters extended to other first responders, including paramedics and police. There is no doubt that when there is a fire, it is the firefighters who have the primary responsibility and potentially put their lives at the greatest risk.

In carrying out the support services, whether it be the paramedics or the police officers who are in the vicinity of the chemicals that are unfortunately being let loose into the air, I would like to think that at some point in the near future their valuable contributions and the role they play as team members of emergency services be recognized. 3:10 The government is also bringing forth legislation to protect individuals involved in search and rescue operations.

These bills work together extremely well to provide protection, in some cases in the case of liability, in others with regard to medical recognition of injuries suffered. Therefore, to conclude, Mr. Chair, not only myself but the members of the Liberal Official Opposition are supportive of Bill 201, Workers’ Compensation (Firefighters) Amendment Act, 2010, and look forward to seeing it proclaimed. The Chair: The hon. Member for Leduc-Beaumont-Devon. Mr. Rogers: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was prepared to open debate, but I’m quite pleased that the hon.

Member for Calgary- Varsity opened debate, and I certainly thank him for his words of support for Bill 201. I’d like to thank in addition to the colleague from Calgary-Varsity all colleagues from both sides of the House for sharing their thoughts and comments over the course of second reading. I’d like to just quickly review the primary components of Bill 201. Mr. Chairman, the bill was designed to provide further coverage for firefighters under the presumptive legislation we currently have in place. Specifically,

section 2 of Bill 201 requires that

section 24.1 of the Workers’ Compensation Act be amended by adding subsec- tion (4.1). It reads: The Lieutenant Governor in Council must make a regulation under subsection (4)(

a) designating primary site esophageal cancer and primary site testicular cancer as primary site cancers to which the presumption in subsection (2) applies. Furthermore, Mr. Chairman,

section 2 of this bill will add an additional subsection, that being (4.2), requiring that “a regulation made under subsection (4.1) may be subject to the requirements of subsection (4)(

b) prescribing periods of employment.” That speaks to the length of time that a firefighter would have been exposed over the course of his career prior to being eligible for this coverage. This is important to note as we must follow guidelines that have already been put in place with regard to the length of employment before coverage applies. The final component of Bill 201 is

section 3, which reads: “This Act comes into force on Proclamation.” As with other private members’ bills, Mr. Chairman, it is imperative to do this to ensure time for the needed consultation by the department affected, in this case that being the Ministry of Employment and Immigration. Mr. Chairman, presumptive legislation can be seen all across Canada, and as stated in our earlier debate, Alberta was one of the first to introduce such legislation, in 2003. For that I think we have the former member from Calgary Mr.

Magnus – I guess I can say that; he’s no longer a member of the House – that was the champion of that piece of legislation at the time. Mr. Chairman, Bill 201 is simply adding to this legislation and to the good work that was done at the time as more scientific research has come to light. To this point firefighters and researchers have indicated links to esophageal and testicular cancer. That is why Bill 201 has come forward: to help assure those that protect us that they will be looked after should their worst fears come true and they are diagnosed with either of these cancers. Mr.

Chairman, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters there are approximately 10 firefighters that lose their lives annually as a result of job-related cancers in Canada. Many have attributed the increase in cancers to the greater use of synthetics in building materials. The risk is not necessarily from the inhalation of fumes; rather, it is the absorption of these dangerous chemicals through the skin.

The uniforms that these men and women wear in doing their job are designed to breathe, and as such, although that is a good feature to have, the reality is that it also allows some of these materials to be absorbed into the skin of these firefighters. I’d like to take this opportunity to address some of the questions brought forward by my hon. colleagues during second reading. I thank the hon. members for Edmonton-Gold Bar and Calgary- Varsity for raising the issue of extending presumptive legislation to other professions – the hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity just raised that again – including all responders.

While I believe that there may be cause for this, Bill 201 is specific to firefighters because of the evidence that has been presented to governments across North America. I might also mention, Mr. Chairman, for the benefit of the hon. member, that what we are doing by Bill 201 is amending an existing piece of legislation that already exists that is specific to firefighters. Now, at some point in the future you, myself, or someone else may very well want to bring forward another piece of legislation that would address these other responders.

I might also add: it has been brought up by many members in this House that it would be desirable to extend this protection to volunteer firefighters as well. I, too, would agree, Mr. Chairman, that that is very desirable because, as we know, a large portion of the firefighting community right across this province is comprised of volunteers. But at this time this particular piece of legislation will be amending what is already in place for full-time firefighters. I’m certainly looking forward to the opportunity where we may one day be discussing something specific to volunteer firefighters.

Cancer is a devastating disease, Mr. Chairman, and I imagine that each of us has been affected in some way by cancer. I believe that by passing Bill 201, we can provide comfort in a time of uncertainty to firefighters and their families. I believe that we all recognize the importance of firefighters to our commun ities and just how vital these brave men and women are. Many of us have had experience at the municipal level as mayors, reeves, and councillors, and these roles have put us in direct daily contact with firefighters.

Many members spoke of personal stories where firefighters were called on to save their homes, barns, businesses, and animals, and as a result those members may have an even greater appreciation of fire- fighters. Last year Edmonton lost two of its finest to cancer all in the

March 22, 2010 Alberta Hansard 579 course of two weeks. These were two captains, Mr. Chairman. In fact, it was the sixth in the span of a few years. This is an all too stark reality, that reminds firefighters of the hidden dangers of their jobs. Not only that, but one of these fine men passed away from esophageal cancer and was therefore not eligible for WCB benefits. I believe that each of us in the Assembly has met a firefighter and has seen the immense impact that they have in our communities. These brave men and women have put their lives on the line every day to protect all Albertans.

Firefighters do more than just fight fires. They attend medical emergencies, attend chemical spills, aid in natural disasters, and provide educational tools to the community. Mr. Chairman, the firefighters of this province have been very instrumental in having esophageal cancer and testicular cancer added to the presumptive list of cancers that are currently listed in regula- tion. They have been advocating for these changes to government for several years. You might remember that during second reading we were graced by some probably 50 members in uniform in the gallery from all across this province.

As well, we had a delegation here from the city of Winnipeg, showing how important this is to the firefighter fraternity all across our country. By adding the aforemen- tioned cancers, we’re giving firefighters just a little more peace of mind. 3:20 I would like to thank all Alberta firefighters for their dedication to the people of this province. Mr. Chairman, Bill 201 would extend presumptive legislation to include esophageal and testicular cancer. By doing so, firefighters and their families across this province will indeed have more peace of mind. Mr.

Chairman, I look forward to the committee debate on Bill 201. Again, I thank all hon. members for their concern for these firefighters, and I thank the members for their participation and kind words. Thank you. The Chair: The hon. Member for Lethbridge-East. Ms Pastoor: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Firstly, I would like to commend the Member for Leduc-Beaumont-Devon for bringing this exceptionally important bill forward and having this debate in the House. Certainly, we on this side and I do support Bill 201. It’s a protection for those who protect us, and unfortunately some have died in the performance of that duty.

They are exposed to all kinds of different pollutants and toxic materials, in particular in the form of inhalation. My colleagues have also put forward the idea that first responders could be included under this legislation, and I agree. The reason that I do is because in Lethbridge we have a very effective firefighter- paramedic dual service. It is extremely effective, and it should remain intact. The most important part of our emergency service is the dispatch, and to centralize it out of local areas I think is a mistake.

I think we need to have dispatch that can act instantly and understand who they’re talking to and where they’re actually going. But, Mr. Chair, I have digressed. I’ll be very brief. I think this is a very important bill. We should all support it. In passing it, not only will we protect those that protect us, but we also will recognize and respect the firefighters and the job that they do for us. Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Chair: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Calder. Mr. Elniski: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

It’s an honour to rise today and participate in Committee of the Whole debate on Bill 201, the Workers’ Compensation (Firefighters) Amendment Act, 2010, brought forward by the hon. Member for Leduc-Beaumont-Devon. I really don’t need a prepared script to speak to this particular bit of legislation because in prior lives I have worked and served on a number of volunteer fire departments. I know the risks and also the rewards that firefighters face when they’re looking after the protection of both life and property of those that they’re charged to take care of.

Alberta firefighters provide a service to Albertans that, you know, really is vital, Mr. Chairman. It’s necessary for us, I think, to talk about what the risks and r ewards are that are in place for some of these people. The amendments that we have in Bill 201, particularly when you talk about the presumptive cancers for firefighters, take into account the realities of the work and the realities of the job. My biggest concern with the whole issue – and it’s very well identified in the bill – comes from the fact that as a volunteer firefighter you never really know what’s burning until you get there.

You never really know what’s in the flammable materials that you’re dealing with. Standards have changed a lot, Mr. Chairman. You know, all departments, both volunteer and professional, do everything that they can do to protect their members. There have been, in days gone by, times where it was not uncommon for volunteer members particularly to be directly exposed to toxic materials on scene; for example, to enter into a scene without wearing proper self-contained breathing apparatus. They got in, they got the job done, and they got out. Standards today are quite a bit different than they were in the early 1980s.

We have one case that I think we all know of in Saskatoon where a number of firefighters responded to a fire at a dump not knowing that the University of Saskatchewan had dumped radioactive waste at that particular facility. The upshot of that was that since that fire in the 1980s, half of the people that responded to that fire have in fact died of cancer. You don’t enter into a scene and you don’t do that particular kind of work thinking about the consequences of your actions, necessar- ily; you do it for a wide variety of service reasons.

At the end of the day we do need to afford these folks protection, and we do need to make it so that they do not have to prove a direct correlation between the particular disease that they have and the time that they served as a volunteer or as a professional firefighter. Eliminating the requirement for correlation is a huge step forward. Expanding that list of presumptive cancers, you know, to include esophageal and primary site testicular cancer is going to help them all.

It gives everyone a little bit of confidence as they’re in that particular situation and makes sure that the people who do the jobs that we ask them to, in fact, carry forward and get those jobs done. Mr. Chairman, it’s an important pi ece of work that is done by firefighters in this province, and I would urge all members to support this particular piece of legislation. Again, I thank the hon. Member for Leduc-Beaumont-Devon for having the foresight and the courage to bring this forward. Thank you. The Chair: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Mr. Chase: Thank you very much.

I just wanted to put on the record, as I have previously done, my thanks to the hon. Member for Leduc-Beaumont-Devon not only for bringing forward the legisla- tion but working with the opposition parties in terms of clarification. I appreciate the fact, as he has explained, that this bill is very specific to firefighters and that it is, in fact, an amendment to a previously established act. I very much appreciate his comments

Alberta Hansard March 22, 2010580 with regard to the need for legislation follow-up to extend to other first responders. The hon. Member for Lethbridge-East pointed out that you can’t separate the job description for a number of individu- als in the case not only of Lethbridge but in a variety of volunteer firefighting organizations in rural areas throughout the province. Hopefully, when that volunteer answers the call, that protection will extend to them.

I also have previously pointed out and just would want to emphasize that as well as looking after firefighters’ and first responders’ physical well-being, we need to be cognizant of their mental well-being. I would encourage legislation to be brought forward with regard to providing posttraumatic stress treatment for our first responders, which is the equivalent to what the RCMP and our military are already experiencing. On a lighter note, Mr.

Chair, I’d just like to share on the record my firefighting experience that occurred in the summer of 2003 when the Lost Creek fire was raging in the Crowsnest Pass, and all throughout the Kananaskis area fire bans were in place. Now, as one of my responsibilities in working for Cataract Creek, I had a large water tank on the back of my pickup truck. Being a concerned citizen, I noticed what I took to be a raging fire on the Eden Valley reserve. Because I felt that this matter needed to be attended to directly, I didn’t stop at the band office.

I thought I’d better get there and try to put this out to whatever extent I could. When I got to what I thought was a house fire, it turned out that it was actually a garbage fire. So I stopped by the band council chief’s office and apologized for almost attempting to put out their garbage fire, which would have caused considerable confusion for reigniting. My experience was not nearly as dangerous as those faced on a regular basis, but it is important for the front-line firefighters.

At some time in the near future, hopefully, we’ll recognize the need to protect first responders through government legislation as opposed to private members’ bills. Thank you again, Mr. Chair, and thanks again to the hon. Member for Leduc-Beaumont-Devon for bringing forward this very progres- sive, protective legislation. 3:30 The Chair: The hon. Member for Calgary-Nose Hill. Dr. Brown: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m pleased to rise today and join debate on Bill 201, the Workers’ Compensation (Fire- fighters) Amendment Act, 2010.

As my colleague from Leduc- Beaumont-Devon mentioned, firefighters certainly are among the most highly respected of all of our professions, and I think there is very good reason for that. They’re often, of course, the first responders at a wide variety of emergency scenes. They do play an integral

part in keeping Albertans safe and willingly put themselves in the path of danger in order to protect our homes, our businesses, and our lives on a regular basis. Mr. Chairman, during second reading debate on Bill 201 the Assembly heard about the bravery and dedication of Alberta’s firefighters. We’ve heard about many of the hazards that these men and women face in order to keep us as Albertans safe. In my home city of Calgary 21 firefighters have died in the line of duty, and 12 of those died as a result of compensatory cancer.

During debate we also heard about career firefighters who have developed esophageal or testicular cancer and who are not covered under the current workers’ compensation legislation, and we heard about the added toll that this lack of protection has taken on our firefighters and on their families. The Workers’ Compensation Act is a scheme of legislation that provides Albertans with no-fault compensation for workplace injury or illness.

It does however take away the right of an injured or an ill worker to sue for any pecuniary losses which might have occurred as a direct result of those injuries or illness if it was incurred during the course of their employment and during the course of their duties on the job. The act provides benefits, including money paid for lost wages, health care, and other associated costs. It is a disability insurance system that’s designated for those people who have been injured or made ill because of their work-related illness or injury. Mr.

Chairman, I think it’s worth noting that eight types of cancer are already recognized in provincial regulations for firefighters with respect to presumption. They are leukemia, brain cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer in nonsmokers, ureter cancer, kidney cancer, colorectal cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The fundamental problem from an evidentiary point of view is that many cancers arise from many, many different types of causes. Those causes can be both ultimate and they can be proximate.

It’s very d ifficult, if not impossible, for us to know exactly what the causes of those cancers were and when they might have arisen. The result has been that it’s been extremely difficult for our firefighters to muster the evidence necessary to show that there is a nexus between the various types of cancer and the exposure to toxic compounds that they encounter in t