Alberta Hansard — 2 June 1989, Morning sitting (10:00) (Legislature 22, Session 1)

19890602

Alberta — Debates (Hansard)

June 2, 1989 ALBERTA HANSARD 9 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ALBERTA Title: Friday, June 2, 1989 10:00 a.m. Date: 1989/06/22 [The House met at 10 a.m.] [Mr. Speaker in the Chair] PRAYERS MR. SPEAKER: Let us pray. As Canadians and as Albertans we give thanks for the pre cious gifts of freedom and peace which we enjoy. As Members of this Legislative Assembly we rededicate our selves to the valued traditions of parliamentary democracy as a means of serving our province and our country. Amen. If hon. members wishing to get into question period could wait for just half a moment.

At the beginning of a session it is customary that we pay our respects to former members who have died since we last met. Thank goodness, no one has died since we last met. But on be half of all members I would like to express our appreciation and that of all Albertans to the members of our last Legislature who for one reason or another are no longer present in this As sembly.

So I would invite hon. members to applaud in the usual manner for those who have taken that choice. [applause] Also, on behalf of all members of the Assembly we extend congratulations to the Member for Calgary-Mountain View on the occasion of his recent marriage. head: Statement by the Speaker MR. SPEAKER: The following statement will be circulated to all members of the House, and this is where we have the guidelines with respect to question period and other housekeep ing matters. Members will notice on their desks a brochure, a short letter, and a pin.

These items are part and parcel of each member's responsibility as a parliamentarian, for each of you is a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Alberta branch. This summer Alberta has the pleasure of hosting the 29th regional conference in both Calgary and Edmonton, and some of you will be asked to play an active role in this conference. With regard to question period the House leaders and myself met, and a format mutually agreed to will be implemented. Each main question will be followed by two supplementary questions by the same person. No additional supplementary questions shall be allowed.

As in the previous Legislature the Leader of the Official Opposition or his designate will ask the first two series of questions. The Member for Edmonton- Glengarry or his designate will then ask one set of questions followed by a representative of government members asking one set of questions. After these four sets of questions have been dealt with, the remainder of question period will be conducted on a random basis.

If a minister supplies additional information to a question at the end of question period or after subsequent question periods, the member who asked the original question will have the op portunity to ask one supplementary question, to which the min ister may reply. All points of order and questions of privilege shall be dealt with at the end of question period as stated in Beauchesne sec tion 317(3), but then again perhaps there will never be any points of order raised in question period.

In order to raise a relevant point of order or question of privi lege at any time, it is the member's responsibility to cite the ap propriate reference from Standing Orders or Beauchesne. It should be noted that the sixth edition of Beauchesne's Parlia mentary Rules and Forms is now available, and it is from this edition which members should make reference. With regard to Ministerial Statements I have been advised that ministers will attempt to make themselves as brief as pos sible. Only the Leader of the Official Opposition will have up to three minutes to respond to ministerial statements.

So as to alert all members, only the hon. Member for Edmonton-Whitemud will be able to enter and exit the Chamber during sitting hours through the main doors. As always, other members may use those doors prior to evening sittings and after regular sitting hours. I look forward to upcoming challenges that will no doubt occur, and I look forward to it with a great deal of anticipation and excitement. Thank you. MR. TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, if I may take a moment from the House's business to ask the House to join me in finding out that you indeed had lost your head yesterday.

I want to have the House join me in congratulating you on your engagement to be married. [applause] head: INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS MS BARRETT: Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere pleasure to intro duce to you and all members of the Assembly today the recently elected Member of Parliament for Edmonton East, who is seated in your gallery. He is my friend, former colleague, and fellow New Democrat, Ross Harvey. head: NOTICES OF MOTIONS MR. PAYNE: Mr.

Speaker, I rise to give oral notice of my in tention to move, following the completion of Routine orders and before the calling of Orders of the Day and pursuant to Standing Order 40, the following motion:

Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly congratulate the Calgary Flames' players, coaches, management, and support staff for their remarkable achievement in winning their first Stanley Cup. head: TABLING RETURNS AND REPORTS MR. ISLEY: Mr. Speaker, I'm tabling four annual reports today: firstly, the 1987-88 annual report of Alberta Agriculture; secondly, the 1988 annual report of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association; thirdly, the 1988 annual report of the Farmers' Advocate; and fourthly, the 1987-88 annual report of

10 ALBERTA HANSARD June 2, 1989 the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council. MR. ELZINGA: Mr. Speaker, I rise to table with the Assembly also four copies of the 1987-88 annual report of the Department of Economic Development and Trade, four copies of the annual report of the Alberta Motion Picture Development Corporation, and four copies of the '87-88 annual report of the Alberta Op portunity Company. MR. JOHNSTON: Mr.

Speaker, I have several filings and ta blings which I would like to present to the Assembly, some as a result of statute and some to provide the fullest possible infor mation with respect to the government's activities over the past year. They include the public accounts, the Alberta Municipal Financing Corporation annual report, the Alberta Resources Railway annual report, Government Land Purchases Act, the Alberta Treasury annual report, the statements of 354713, and the statements of North West Trust Company. MR. KOWALSKI: Mr.

Speaker, I'd like to table with the As sembly this morning the fourth annual report of the Wild Rose Foundation. MS McCOY: Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure to file with the House the annual report for April 1, 1987, to March 31, 1988, of the Alberta Advisory Council on Women's Issues. MR. GOGO: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to table the 1986-87 annual reports for Fairview College, Red Deer College, Mount Royal College, and the statistical report for the Department of Ad vanced Education. Copies of these reports have already been provided to all members at their legislative offices. MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr.

Speaker, I would like to table the an nual report of Alberta Municipal Affairs for the year 1987-88. MR. FOWLER: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to submit and table the annual report of the Department of the Solicitor Gen eral for the year ended March 31, 1988. MR. SPEAKER: I have the honour to table the second annual report of the Legislative Assembly Office and, pursuant to the Legislative Assembly Act, copies of Members' Services orders approved since the last sitting of the Legislature. head: INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS MR. MOORE: Mr.

Speaker, it's a pleasure this morning to in troduce to you and through you to the members of the Legisla ture 20 students from the Lacombe junior high school. They are accompanied this morning by three teachers: Evelyn Rempel, Karen Ainsworth, and Fay Svederus. Now, I missed meeting them this morning; I was m caucus. I apologize to them, and I wish them well in their trip up here today. I would ask them to rise where they're sitting in the members' gallery and receive the traditional welcome of this Legislature. MR. SCHUMACHER: Mr.

Speaker, it is my pleasure to intro duce to you and through you to members of the Assembly some very special people seated in the members' gallery. They are 24 grade 6 students from St Anthony's school in Drumheller, and they are accompanied by their teacher Mr. Gerry Hamilton; par ents Virginia Haahr, Joan Rowell, Anne Pascut, and Shirley Rolheiser; and their bus driver Tim Harasym. I would ask that they rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of the Assembly. MR. LUND: Mr.

Speaker, it does indeed give me a great deal of pleasure to introduce to you and the members of this Assem bly a group of 23 students from the Living Faith Christian school at Caroline, along with their teachers Pastor and Mrs. Stalwick, David Moyer, and Mrs. Doreen VanDirstein. I too missed meeting them because I was in caucus and wish them the best on their trip up here. They are seated in the public gallery, so I would ask that they, too, would rise and be welcomed by this group. MR. SPEAKER: Minister of Energy. MR. ORMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

On behalf of my col league the Minister of the Environment, who is in Calgary proclaiming Environment Week, I'd like to introduce to you and through you to the members of the Assembly some grade 6 stu dents from St. Monica community school in the constituency of Calgary-Elbow. They are seated in the public gallery, and they are accompanied by their teachers Donna Steffes, Mark Perry, Geraldine Taylor, and the community school co-ordinator Lisa Wilson. I'd ask that they stand and be recognized by the Assembly. MR. WRIGHT: Mr.

Speaker, it's my pleasure to introduce to you and to members of the Assembly a well-known physicist, Mr. Austin Mardon. He's a constituent, a graduate of the Uni versity of Lethbridge, and an Antarctic explorer. He is a holder of the congressional naval Antarctic service medal of the United States and is preparing to lead an Argentinean expedition into the Antarctic in October to search for meteorites. He tells me that his personal emblem of recognition on his snowmobile is an Alberta flag, which doubtless will constitute a record of some sort. If Mr.

Mardon will stand and receive our usual welcome. head: ORAL QUESTION PERIOD [Some hon. members clapped as Mr. Martin rose] MR. SPEAKER: Order. I'm sorry, hon. members; I can appre ciate your enthusiasm. The traditional form in this House is the thumping of the desk and not the applause of the hands. Per haps we could do a rerun and you could do it in that fashion. Hon. House leader. MS BARRETT: Mr. Speaker, I'd just register a point of order for after question period. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, hon. member. The other member is called to order for clapping. Leader of the Opposition. Taxation Policy MR. MARTIN: Mr.

Speaker, I'd like to direct my first question to the Premier. Albertans, frankly, are sick and tired of govern ments that will say anything during an election campaign to get elected and then have a totally different agenda after. We saw it

June 2, 1989 ALBERTA HANSARD 11 with this government in '86 to '87; we saw it with the recent federal government. You just can't trust Conservative govern ments. I'd like to quote a campaign quote from the Premier. He says: The only way taxes are going to go in Alberta is down . . . That's an absolute pledge, promise, whatever you want to call it. My question to the Premier. Is that still an absolute pledge, that there'll be no increases in any taxes for Alberta families? MR. GETTY: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased that the hon. member was following the comments during the election so closely.

As I've said many times outside of the House, the government's commitment on income taxes, which were being discussed, stands. MR. MARTIN: Mr. Speaker, I have 11 quotes in here that said nothing about income taxes; it had to do specifically with taxes. My question again to the Premier. Is he now saying that the only thing that he was talking about was income taxes and that Albertans can look forward to taxes in the next year from this government? MR. GETTY: Mr. Speaker, obviously the hon. member's going to have to wait for the budget.

There's no question in my mind that when we make a commitment during an election or any time, we live up to those commitments. MR. MARTIN: Mr. Speaker, semantics games are not funny to Albertans who are going to be facing tax increases. We are not talking about the budget; we are talking about campaign prom ises from this Premier. Is the Premier now saying that his cam paign promises during the election don't mean anything, that he was actually misleading the people, and that all sorts of other taxes are fair game right now? Those 11 quotes are there, Mr. Speaker. MR. GETTY: Mr.

Speaker, I just answered the question already when I said to him that this government, when it makes commit ments, lives up to them. MR. MARTIN: Mr. Speaker, we could continue this. Again I want to say that just in '86 they said one thing and then they had an entirely different agenda when they came back. They frankly lied to the people of Alberta in that election, and I think they lied to the people in this last election, by the Premier's comments. MR. SPEAKER: Order, hon. member. MR. MARTIN: Mr. Speaker, we were talking about the truth during the election. Now let's look at the Speech from the Throne.

In the one on February 17, all glowing reports, election coming up: Albertans are experiencing a surge of confidence and invest ment flowing throughout our province. The outlook for jobs and business growth in communities all across Alberta is strong and dynamic. But what do we find out, Mr. Speaker? What do we find out in the new one just 10 weeks later? All of a sudden they are say ing "Oh, unforeseen circumstances; I anticipate it'll be a little tougher than it was." Which was the truth, Mr Speaker? Was the February 17 throne speech or the June 1 one the truth? MR. GETTY: Mr.

Speaker, obviously the throne speech, if the hon Member was listening to Her Honour yesterday, reaffirms the legislative and budgetary policies . . . [and] priorities and programs outlined at the opening of the Fourth Session of the 21st Legislature on February 17, 1989, [which were] so strongly endorsed by Albertans. MR. MARTIN: Mr. Speaker, that's why they went from 60 per cent of the vote to 44 percent. That's a mandate? Mr. Speaker, I quote from the throne speech. He said: The remaining months of the fiscal year 1989-90 will be more difficult than first anticipated.

My question to the Premier is: why don't you come clean and tell the truth? What you're really saying is that in the future there are going to be tax increases on Alberta families and cut backs in people services. That's what you mean. MR. GETTY: Mr. Speaker, that's not what we're saying at all. MR. SPEAKER: A final supplementary. MR. MARTIN: Mr. Speaker, that's precisely what he's saying. Albertans are not that foolish; they know what this govern ment's up to.

The question I want to make: in view of the re cord of this government in '86 to '87 and in view of their back tracking right now, why should Alberta families ever, ever trust this government again? And they won't, Mr. Speaker. MR. GETTY: Mr. Speaker, I'm not sure whether you'll allow me to repeat again the very comments that Her Honour made yesterday: During this important session my government will reaffirm the legislative and budgetary policies for the priorities and pro grams outlined at the opening of the Fourth Session . . . on February 17, 1989.

Another quote, because the hon. member was talking about the economy: A dramatic and historic breakthrough has been made in the promotion of a more diverse economy. New confidence and investments flow across Alberta. Am I going too fast for him, Mr. Speaker? Pension Liability MR. DECORE: Mr. Speaker, as the first Liberal to stand in this forum, I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your election. We look forward, as you've mentioned, to an exciting forum for the next few weeks and months. AN HON. MEMBER: That's the

preamble. MR. DECORE: That's not the

preamble. Mr. Speaker, contrary to statements by the Provincial Treasurer, Alberta has become a net debtor province to the tune of $2.5 billion even after considering the heritage trust fund as sets. Yet the government's financial statements continue to mis lead the people of Alberta, because despite the advice of our Auditor General, the government does not include well over $8 billion in liabilities for future pension obligations in its state ment of assets and liabilities. The question to the Premier. If the Premier believes in fiscal integrity, can he tell the House

12 ALBERTA HANSARD June 2, 1989 why his government has continued for years to mislead Al bertans by not reporting this $8 billion-plus in liabilities on the provincial government's economic balance sheet? MR. GETTY: Mr. Speaker, obviously it's a matter for the Provincial Treasurer, and I'd ask him to respond to the hon. member. MR. JOHNSTON: Mr. Speaker, it's good to see that the Mem ber for Edmonton-Glengarry is reading the financial statements. If he'd take just a bit longer, he'd find that this pension liability is revealed on the financial statements of the government.

It has traditionally been put on the footnotes of the financial statement along with all other information. This form of disclosure is ex actly the kind of disclosure that every government in Canada uses. I know it's under assessment by the Institute of Chartered Accountants right now, but let me make it very clear that there is no attempt to mislead anyone, that this is the traditional dis closure form, and in fact it is revealed on the financial state ments. As a matter of fact, we'll see them when we file the statements again this year. MR. DECORE: I'd like, Mr.

Speaker, to put it to the Provincial Treasurer. Knowing that the Institute of Chartered Accountants has sent out a memo on this issue, knowing that our own provin cial Auditor General has taken a stand, is he prepared to admit that our province is a net debtor province? MR. JOHNSTON: Oh, no, Mr. Speaker; quite to the contrary. I could give the member a little lesson in what we have in the Heritage Savings Trust Fund, provide him with an outline of the assets which are available to this government.

There is one very important point though: this government is the only government with more assets than liabilities, despite what he is saying. We have disclosed it in that fashion, and we are proud of that finan cial record. MR. DECORE: Mr. Speaker, I want to put the question, and I want an answer. Is the Provincial Treasurer going to continue to ignore the advice, the recommendation, of our own Auditor General? And is he going to continue to ignore the advice by way of memo from the Institute of Chartered Accounts saying, "This is the way it should be; you should put it in the financial statements"?

Are you going to continue ignoring it? MR. JOHNSTON: Well, Mr. Speaker, it's not a question of ignoring it. I've already advised the House through you, Mr. Speaker, that in fact we have disclosed the pension liabilities in a manner consistent with the Institute of Chartered Accountants. And we will continue to review the recommendations that we receive from the Auditor General, along with a variety of other recommendations as to financial disclosure. But we have not misled anyone.

We have been consistent with the postulates, not the memos, of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, and our disclosure has been fair and accurate. Any statement to the contrary, Mr. Speaker, is misleading, and that's not what this Assembly's about. Du Pont Canada Plant MRS. MIROSH: Mr. Speaker, yesterday, June 1, there was an announcement made regarding Du Pont Canada's decision to construct a hydrogen peroxide plant in Alberta. Could the hon.

Minister of Economic Development and Trade please give this Assembly some indication as to the assurances we have for Al berta content and spin-off benefits for Albertans since there will only be 65 jobs created? MR. ELZINGA: Mr. Speaker, let me indicate to the hon. mem ber the delight that we feel with the Du Pont announcement whereby they are going to invest some $120 million in the prov ince of Alberta, creating some 65 jobs. In discussions I have had with Du Pont, they have left me with the assurance that it is their desire to have a 70 percent Alberta content as it relates to the construction.

They're also going to make sure that there are 60 individuals receiving specific training so that they can have 60 of the 65 jobs created here in the province of Alberta. We're delighted, and this is just one of the many spin-off benefits as it relates to the forestry projects that are coming on stream. MRS. MIROSH: Mr. Speaker, will the hon. minister indicate if there are any government loan guarantees with this project? MR. ELZINGA: Mr. Speaker, there has been no request from Du Pont for loan guarantees or direct government support.

I would believe that they will be coming back to the government as it relates to some of our excellent career training proposals that we do have under the appropriate minister, and there might be a possibility of some small injection as it relates to the in frastructure costs in establishing the plant here, but there is no request for direct assistance from the government. MRS. MIROSH: Mr. Speaker, would the hon. minister please indicate the specific reason for locating in Alberta? MR. ELZINGA: Mr.

Speaker, the reason indicated to us -- and they did do a number of tests on a North America-wide basis as to where they should establish this plant, the main reason being the development of the forestry industry within the province of Alberta. Mr. Speaker, this is just one of the many examples that underscores the vibrance and the strength of this great Alberta economy. MR. SPEAKER: Edmonton-Jasper Place followed by Edmonton-Meadowlark. Environmental Impact of Pulp Mills MR. McINNIS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My question con cerns the most important environmental issue in the province today, which is the northern pulp developments. There's no Minister of the Environment here; I wonder if I could ask a question of the Premier. I'd like to plead with the Premier to recognize the problems that are caused by not having a proper environmental impact assessment process on these projects.

This week in the capital city there have been meetings with the federal Department of the Environment, the Federal Environ mental Assessment Review Office, and I think Alberta Environ ment as well about a coming federal environmental impact as sessment into these projects. I think you have to wonder why this government thought it could go ahead with them all without a proper environmental impact assessment. The question to the Premier is: has he decided to order a proper environmental im pact assessment process in Alberta with public hearings, fund-

June 2, 1989 ALBERTA HANSARD 13 ings for intervenors, as an alternative to this federal inquiry? MR. SPEAKER: Before the Premier responds, it is indeed an appropriate call to order that it is not appropriate under Beauchesne to make comment as to whether a member is absent in the House. The Premier, please. MR. GETTY: Well, Mr. Speaker, first, to inform the hon. member, the government always makes sure that proper en vironmental control measures are taken with any development in this province. Other than that, though, I think the hon. member should wait for the Minister of the Environment to be in the House.

We'll take his question as notice and will have him re ply to it. MR. McINNIS: Well, Mr. Speaker, I think we have an environ mental impact assessment process that gives voice to the wealthy and powerful but not to ordinary people in the province. I wonder if the Premier would stand in his place today and deny that there is no Alberta study that looks at the combined impact of seven major projects. You've got studies on individ ual projects, but there is nothing that looks at the combined ef fect on two river systems that flow north. Does he deny that? MR. GETTY: Mr.

Speaker, if the hon. member wants to debate, he can debate in a more appropriate circumstance. My same answer stands. MR. McINNIS: Well, Mr. Speaker, I'm not getting very far today. I wonder if I could ask a question of the minister of forests. The minister is in the process of negotiating forest management agreements to cover almost a third, or 30 percent, of the landmass of the province. I wonder if he has decided to back off on giving away more of our forest land until we have an en vironmental impact assessment on that process, involving public hearings. MR. FJORDBOTTEN: Mr.

Speaker, this government has never given away a forest resource, and we certainly aren't doing it in this case. I'd like to correct the hon. member's reference to the landmass of Alberta. We're not giving away any land at all; we're negotiating timber rights. There's been a series of open public meetings in the area to discuss the whole aspect of a for est management agreement, and of course those negotiations are now under way. MR. SPEAKER: Edmonton-Meadowlark followed by Bow Valley. MR. MITCHELL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

This province needs a proper environmental impact assessment process for those projects which have major or significant environmental implications. To be proper, this process must be geographically comprehensive, it must consider cumulative effects, and it must be done by the Department of the Environment but be paid for by the proponent company. To the Premier. Will the Premier please explain why the environmental impact assessments of Alberta-Pacific and other pulp projects in the north have not conformed to any of these very important criteria? MR. GETTY: Mr.

Speaker, as I said earlier, the environmental impact assessments in this province on any developments are carried out by the government to make sure that they are prop erly handled in the best interests of the people of Alberta. If the hon. member wants to get into more details on environmental matters, he should just patiently wait. The Minister of the Envi ronment will be in the House in the future. MR. FOX: Order, order. MR. SPEAKER: Order. MR. MITCHELL: They are not proper until they have ad dressed these criteria.

Will the Premier please state today that he will place a moratorium on these projects until such time as we have proper environmental impact assessment processes in place in the legis lation and approved by this Legislature? MR. GETTY: I've noticed over the years in the House, Mr. Speaker, that when members have a weak basis, they usually raise their voices. However, Mr. Speaker, the answer to the hon. member is no. MR.

MITCHELL: Will the Premier admit simply that he does not have the political will to stop these projects, to even delay these projects, until such time as we have a proper environmen tal impact assessment process, because he wants this develop ment no matter what the cost to the environment of this province? MR. GETTY: Again, Mr. Speaker, the answer is no. Homeowners' Programs MR. MUSGROVE: Mr. Speaker, my question is to the hon. Minister of Municipal Affairs, and it's concerning our new homeowners and mortgage interest shielding programs. To date have there been any applications approved under this program? MR.

TAYLOR: That's a tough one, boy. MR. R. SPEAKER: Right. [interjections] Mr. Speaker, as an aside I want to say that I didn't write the answer to the question. Usually on that side of the House I did. Mr. Speaker, in answer to my colleague's question, the hon. Member for Bow Valley, we have had a great amount of interest in the mortgage interest shielding program as well as the family first-home program. Since March 1 we've had some 16,000 telephone calls from across the province, which will be re sponded to.

Secondly, we have 5,700 applications in process, and 4,600 of those are in terms of mortgage interest shielding; a thousand are in terms of the family first-home program. MR. MUSGROVE: Mr. Speaker, my first supplementary has to do with the March 1 deadline of the interest shielding and the first-home program. If a person was to negotiate a mortgage or a purchase of a home before March 1 but didn't take possession until some time later, would they still be eligible under the program? MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, yes; date of possession is the

14 ALBERTA HANSARD June 2, 1989 date of application. MR. MUSGROVE: It's my understanding by the answer that the majority of the applications are for the interest shielding program, and that's understandable. But the new homeowners' program: those are people who are strictly on their first home and have never owned a home before? MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, that's correct There's a five-year term in there in which they haven't had a home, and it's their first home in the province for Alberta residents and citizens. MR. SPEAKER: Member for Vegreville, followed by Cardston, followed by Edmonton-Whitemud.

Duties on Pork Exports MR. FOX: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The U.S. government has recently put yet another countervailing duty on imports of Canadian pork, an action that hurts Alberta farm families and the industry they support. Now, all through the debate on free trade and in their throne speeches, this government brags about the assured access to the U.S. market that this free trade deal will provide; yet another example of a government who can't be trusted to tell the truth to Albertans.

I'd like the Minister of Ag riculture to tell the pork producers in our province what specific actions he's taking to protect their industry from these counter vailing duties. MR. ISLEY: Mr. Speaker, first of all, the hon. Member for Vegreville should be clear that this is not related to free trade. There is absolutely nothing in the free trade agreement that pre vents either party to that agreement from expressing concern if they feel another party is subsidized. There is, however, some thing in that agreement that can expedite the resolution of that matter. MR. FOX: Mr.

Speaker, this government made it perfectly clear that they were willing to jeopardize many sectors of agri culture and, indeed, Canadian society so that we'd have guaran teed access. We don't have guaranteed access, and this govern ment fails to stand up for Alberta farmers. I'd like to ask the minister, given the fact that this is taking $300,000 a month out of the pockets of pork producers, what assurances he can give these people that the government takes their low-income situa tion seriously. MR. ISLEY: Mr.

Speaker, the Alberta Pork Producers' Market ing Board is working hand in hand with us, other provincial governments, and the federal government in dealing with the countervail situation. The hon. member should be aware that the 3.5 cents a pound is being held in trust until the final resolu tion of that matter, and the timetable before we'll reach the final resolution of that matter is probably September 1989. MR.

FOX: Is the minister saying, then, that he's prepared to stand by and watch $300,000 a month being taken out of the pockets of pork producers, their families, and the communities they support, while they wait for the Americans to decide what we can and can't do in Alberta? MR. ISLEY: Mr. Speaker, let me reiterate. The Alberta pork marketing board is very aware and involved in what is going on. Under the free trade agreement either party to that agreement can express concern if they feel a subsidy is in place by the other government that will injure their industry. The judge is still out on that.

At this point in time no money has been taken out of the producer; that money is being held in trust and may flow back through the Alberta processors to the producers. MR. SPEAKER: Member for Cardston, followed by Edmonton-Whitemud. Provincial Budget MR. ADY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Provincial Treasurer. Historically in this province and, I sup pose, all other provinces, budget day is a big and important day to Albertans. Some look forward to it with anticipation, others with anxiety. To date the Provincial Treasurer has only told us that we can anticipate the budget prior to June 15.

Can he yet give us a more firm date as to when the budget will be intro duced to this Assembly? MR. JOHNSTON: Mr.

Speaker, with all the anticipation and certainly misleading information from the opposition across the way, I have been in consultation with the Premier and the House leaders, and we have agreed to move the date ahead simply to provide as much information about the good stewardship and management of this province, to provide an opportunity to talk about the fiscal responsibility of this government, and to give full information about how this government is going to survive and have strong economic . . . [interjections] MR. SPEAKER: Order please. [interjections] Hon. minister, perhaps . . . MR.

JOHNSTON: [interjections] Mr. Speaker, the noise from across the way is very unsettling. Let me conclude, Mr. Speaker, by indicating publicly today that we will bring the budget forward on June 8, Thursday, at 8 in the evening. MR. ADY: Supplementary to the Treasurer. During the recent campaign and up until the present date there have been a lot of questions asked on the deficit situation in our province. I just wonder if the Provincial Treasurer is prepared to continue with his initiative of deficit reduction with the direction and goal to ward a balanced budget. MR. JOHNSTON: Mr.

Speaker, I'd be glad to give that com mitment clearly, but I can sense a certain nervousness already if we start to advance the budget debate. I know you'll want to have an opportunity for the fullest possible explanation of our fiscal plan and our deficit reduction plan, but I dunk I'd better hold any further comments until the Budget Address. MR. SPEAKER: He really doesn't want to be confronted with what's been happening in another House in the country. Member for Edmonton-Whitemud. Sorry; West Yel lowhead, followed by Edmonton-Whitemud. MR. WICKMAN: Mr. Speaker . . .

June 2, 1989 ALBERTA HANSARD 15 MR. SPEAKER: The Chair apologizes for its own handwriting here. It is indeed Edmonton-Whitemud, followed by West Yel lowhead. Thank you. Taxation of Edmonton Cultural Centres MR. WICKMAN: Mr. Speaker, my question today is directed to the Minister of Culture and Multiculturalism. Recently sev eral cultural centres in the city of Edmonton have been forced to accept a settlement on outstanding taxation arrears which could force some of them to close their doors.

What action is the min ister prepared to take to ensure that these ethnocultural associa tions are not forced out of operation? MR. MAIN: Mr. Speaker, the question concerning the eth nocultural centres is more of a municipal matter. I've discussed this matter as it relates to Edmonton with the mayor, and he in dicates to me that he has found a solution based on his abilities to do that. MR. WICKMAN: Mr. Speaker, does the Minister of Culture and Multiculturalism not realize that this very Assembly passed two Bills exempting two cultural centres? This very Assembly: does the minister not realize that? MR.

MAIN: Mr. Speaker, yes. MR. WICKMAN: Mr. Speaker, in view of the fact that the min ister has acknowledged that this Assembly has in fact approved two such Bills, does this minister still maintain that it is a mu nicipal responsibility, and if not, what action is he prepared to take? MR. MAIN: Mr. Speaker, I am fully aware that Bills were passed in this Legislature some time ago regarding individual centres. The hon. member's question does not relate to those individual centres; it relates to a whole range of centres.

It is the commitment of this government and it is certainly the commit ment of my department that we will be acting in a fair and even- handed manner towards all individuals in this province. We feel very comfortable that appropriate action will be taken that will be fair to each and every one concerned, because that is our commitment. Location of Western Premiers' Conference MR. DOYLE: Mr.

Speaker, in a government news release dated February 16, 1989, this government made an announcement re garding the site of the Western Premiers' Conference, which I now quote from: The people of the Yellowhead region will have the opportunity to demonstrate the warm hospitality and enthusiasm that is our hallmark. Mr. Speaker, the warmth and hospitality of the people of Edson have not changed. What has changed is the intent of this gov ernment to withdraw the conference from Edson and punish the people of West Yellowhead by not holding the conference there.

Will the Premier now withdraw the comments made by the Deputy Premier last week to reporters, when he quite bluntly admitted that the conference was moved to punish the residents of Edson and West Yellowhead? MR. HORSMAN: Mr. Speaker, the hon. Member for West Yel lowhead coming into the Assembly should be prepared to quote with accuracy what actually took place and not mislead the As sembly in any way at all. Never did the Deputy Premier say that there was an effort to punish the people of West Yellowhead, and the hon. member should know that.

He does know it, and he's not going to help himself or his constituents by conducting himself in that manner. MR. DOYLE: Mr. Speaker, will the government now listen to the residents of West Yellowhead and to all fair-minded Al bertans across this province and return the conference to its original site? Or is this simply another demonstration of how Albertans cannot trust this government to keep its promises? MR. HORSMAN: Mr. Speaker, the hon. member asked two questions in one in that particular exchange, but I'll respond this way to the hon. member.

The answer is that we have made a decision that the conference will be properly and quite well hosted in the constituency in the city of Camrose, and the hon. member, of course, having engaged in the most recent com ments and the comments outside the Assembly, can take credit or otherwise for what decision has been made. MR. DOYLE: Mr. Speaker, given the nature of the govern ment's actions towards the people of the region not overly sup portive of the government, can the Premier now tell us what other areas of the province will be punished in the future for not electing a Conservative member to this House?

My question is to the Premier. MR. GETTY: Mr. Speaker, of course the allegations contained in the question are absolutely false, and it's disappointing that a member commences his service here with that kind of an action. [interjections] Might I say that it's also sad to see the hon. members trying to break what I think has been a tradition of decorum in this Legislature. MR. SPEAKER: It's one thing on opening today to have a little bit of leeway, especially on behalf of new members trying to feel their way in the House, but it's not going to be allowed to continue in terms of the kind of raucous stuff.

The Chair recognizes Edmonton-Avonmore, followed by Calgary-McKnight. Women's Issues MS M. LAING: Mr. Speaker, given that the government has not followed through on many of the promises which it made in the February throne speech and by failing to mention these promises has thrown the issues into limbo, women in Alberta surely can be forgiven for thinking that the government cannot be counted on to stand up for the interests of women either be fore or after elections.

In view of the omissions from the throne speech yesterday of any reference to action to be made on the recommendations put forward by the Advisory Council on Women's Issues, would the Premier advise this Assembly why the government has decided not to act on these recommendations? MR. GETTY: Mr. Speaker, first of all, the minister responsible

16 ALBERTA HANSARD June 2, 1989 for women's issues may want to supplement my reply. But I draw again to the attention of the hon. member, as I did to her leader, that the government's throne speech is very clear, and if she would spend time reading the throne speech rather than per haps some media reports, she would know that the government has reaffirmed the policies and priorities and programs outlined in the previous throne speech on February 17, 1989.

I just draw to the hon. member's attention that I pointed that out to her leader, and she should be able to follow the message from the Lieutenant Governor and draw the same conclusion. MS M. LAING: Mr. Speaker, I would ask the Premier: where is his reference in yesterday's throne speech to develop wom en's education, training, and employment choices; encourage women's involvement in public life; and address the needs of Alberta women that have been identified in health and social services? Where are those economic initiatives addressed in yesterday's throne speech? MR. GETTY: Mr.

Speaker, the same answer applies. MS M. LAING: Mr. Speaker, another issue that was not ad dressed in yesterday's throne speech that was addressed in the February throne speech was the issue of homemakers' pensions. Is the Premier going to advise us that he will follow through on his investigation of the implementation of homemakers' pen sions for women over 55 in this province? MR. GETTY: The answer is yes, and it's carried in the throne speech, Mr. Speaker. MR. SPEAKER: The Member for Calgary-McKnight, followed by Edmonton-Highlands if there's time. Population Increase in Athabasca Region MRS. GAGNON: Mr.

Speaker, it appears that the government plans to proceed with the Alberta-Pacific project near Athabasca, which will bring almost 2,000 workers and their families into the area and have a major social impact on local communities. My question is to the Minister of Education. Has the minister consulted with the local school board to assure that the planning is in place to accommodate the resulting increase in student population? MR. DINNING: Yes, Mr. Speaker. When I met with the Athabasca school board during Education Week, that was a mat ter which we discussed. MRS. GAGNON: Supplementary.

Will the minister then table a report to this Assembly so that the Alberta public may exam ine this report giving us all of the details as to the plans? I think it is important for other communities affected as well to know what the plans are. MR. DINNING: Mr. Speaker, there is no such report that I'm familiar with. The school board, of course, has anticipated the growth that will occur in the community as a result of that plant, which is one more example of the tremendous growth and diver sification of the province which is bringing those families to that area of the province.

We will consider their request for funding for new capital construction, for expansion of their existing facilities, in line with all the other requests that are before the school buildings branch. MRS. GAGNON: Mr. Speaker, to the Minister of Health. What steps has the minister taken to ensure that appropriate health care facilities and adequate numbers of health care per sonnel will be available to the expanded population in the area? MR. STEWART: Mr. Speaker, I'd be glad to take that question as notice and advise the minister on her return. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. Member for Edmonton-Highlands.

Education and Housing Funding MS BARRETT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [some applause] And comrades. Mr. Speaker, I too noticed, as did everybody else in the New Democrat caucus, that there's a world of difference in the word ing between the throne speech that was tabled yesterday and the throne speech that was introduced on February 17. I listened to the Premier's comments with interest, but I note that he hasn't explained why it is that there is such a wording change if the intentions remain the same.

Therefore, I'd like to ask one ques tion to the Minister of Education, who at least temporarily had recognized the importance, on February 17, of inner-city schools and the community schools, and ask: what happened to the commitment for 100 percent community school funding -- February 17, not in yesterday's throne speech -- and what hap pened to the specifics about nutritional and health care in the same throne speech? MR. DINNING: Mr.

Speaker, I'd refer the hon. member to page 8 of yesterday's throne speech, wherein Her Honour read: . . . enhanced equity funding for school boards, additional sup port for schools with inner [city] special needs in Edmonton and Calgary, and increased funding for community schools. I also refer the hon. member to page 1 of the same throne speech, which recalls the February 17th throne speech and makes those same commitments. I invite the hon. member to await the hon. Provincial Treasurer's speech six days from now, and that good news will be in that same budget. MS BARRETT: So, Mr.

Speaker, the minister seems to be quite categorical about this. Is he telling us that the community schools designated now in Alberta and those waiting to be des ignated will receive 100 percent of the funding that goes with that designation? Is he committing himself to that? MR. DINNING: Mr. Speaker, the hon. member will have to wait for the Budget Address. But I refer her again to paragraph 2 of yesterday's throne speech, which recalls the February 17, 1989, throne speech, wherein those same commitments were made. MS BARRETT: I don't believe this government can be trusted on this issue, Mr Speaker.

Now, I have one more supplementary, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to address it to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, who may want to explain why it is that the throne speech on February 17 re ferred to specific- programs dealing with inner-city housing and

June 2, 1989 ALBERTA HANSARD 17 nonprofit housing for the poor people of this province but some how failed to mention the specifics in yesterday's throne speech. MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, I admire the concern of the hon. Member for Edmonton-Highlands with regards to this issue. The February 17 throne speech made a commitment, and as a minister of this government I intend to follow through on that commitment and initiate it and bring it to fruition. MR. SPEAKER: Time for question period has expired. There was one point of order raised by the Member for Edmonton-Highlands.

After that, we will deal with a notice of a point of privilege. MS BARRETT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes; I recall that you called to order the members of the Official Opposition caucus for applauding the first question of our leader of the first ques tion period in 11 months. The way we did that was, of course, by the conventional form of applause. We were called to order, I assume, on the understanding that it's the tradition of this House that that not be done. Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to point out that in fact that tradition was changed on June 4, 1987, when the Premier of Alberta, Mr.

Getty, walked into the Assembly immediately the Meech Lake accord had been signed at the Lan gevin Block, when the entire caucus of government rose and put hand to hand to applaud. I make the same case for our instance, Mr. Speaker. MR. SPEAKER: The precedence of this House, as we carry on throughout question period and so forth, is that the matter of applause really should be that of desk thumping.

Unless the House directs the Chair otherwise by some formal direction, the Chair intends to continue to call members of the House to order, no matter which side of the House they're on, if they engage in clapping with the hands. The Chair also recognizes that on cer tain occasions if a party wishes to acknowledge their leader, as the Chair interpreted today, that's one thing, but the Chair then directed the House that the matter of applause in future will be that of desk thumping, again, until the House directs the Chair otherwise. Point of privilege, Calgary-Mountain View. MR. HAWKESWORTH: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker, I rise under Standing Order 15 of the Standing Orders of the Legislative As sembly of Alberta. I wish to raise a question of a breach of privilege affecting me as a member of this Assembly and, I believe, affecting all members of this Assembly. A number of constituents residing in the Calgary-Mountain View constituency who lived in a publicly financed housing complex requested my help early in August of 1988. They wanted me to help resolve some landlord/tenant difficulties they were experiencing with their landlord.

I approached the resident caretaker with these concerns to see if any solutions or resolu tions could be achieved. He made it clear to me that he was up set by the fact that they had approached me as their member of the Legislature. On August 31, 1988, three families, including some of those who requested my help, received notices to vacate their rented premises. I firmly believe, Mr. Speaker, this action by the landlord was motivated by the fact that he believed those residents had petitioned their member of the Legislature.

For all intents and purposes this action amounted to a form of punish- ment for their so doing. I also believe, Mr. Speaker, that this action, if allowed to go unchallenged, could cause others in Calgary-Mountain View and people in other constituencies in Alberta to decline to approach their MLA out of fear that they, too, might be similarly punished. I'm concerned not only with people in landlord/tenant relationships. There are all kinds of situations where people are in vulnerable positions and would like to ask their MLA to help them.

All members must be sure that we are not powerless to protect such vulnerable individuals from retaliation if they step forward to ask our help. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope you will find that a prima facie case of breach of privilege has taken place. I am prepared to cite various references for your further consideration if you wish, but I will await your advice as to whether that is necessary this morning. Thank you for your consideration, and I rest my case and present it to you for your disposal. MR. SPEAKER: The Chair appreciates the prior notice as re ceived from the Member for Calgary-Mountain View.

The Chair will examine the transcript in Hansard as already pre sented and invites the member also to supply the appropriate references from Beauchesne. The House will deal with the mat ter after question period on Monday. Thank you. ORDERS OF THE DAY MR. SPEAKER: The Chair apologizes to the House that both the Clerk and the Speaker are due in Ottawa. We are about to leave to catch a plane at 12 o'clock, we hope. We would like to vary the procedure for a moment and invite the Deputy Speaker to the Chair, and the Clerk Assistant. Thank you. [Mr. Deputy Speaker in the Chair] MR.

DEPUTY SPEAKER: Before proceeding further, might we revert briefly to Introduction of Special Guests? HON. MEMBERS: Agreed. MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I recognize the hon. minister re sponsible for Occupational Health and Safety. Was there any body that he asked to . . . All right. I'm sorry; I thought he was here. The hon. Member for Calgary-Fish Creek. MR. PAYNE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and all hon. members, for the approval to proceed with my motion, which I'd like to read into the record again:

Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly congratulate the Calgary Flames' players, coaches, management, and support staff for their remarkable achievement in winning their first Stanley Cup. Mr. Speaker, Thursday, May 25, 1989, will go down in his tory as another great day for the Alberta sport community. It's the day the Calgary Flames defeated the vaunted Montreal Canadiens 4-2 to win the Stanley Cup finals in six games. It's also the day the Calgary Flames hockey team won the Stanley Cup for the first time, and it's the day the Flames' widely ad mired captain, Lannie McDonald, couldn't stop smiling.

After all, it took him 16 years to win that ring. It's the day Flames' fans had been waiting for since the team first made its home in

18 ALBERTA HANSARD June 2, 1989 Calgary in 1980. It's a day few of us will ever forget. Mr. Speaker and members of the Assembly, it's a day in which we can all take genuine pride, and I would ask all hon. members to join in supporting the motion now before the Assembly. Go, Flames, go! MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Under Standing Order 40, is there unanimous consent to proceed with the consideration of this motion? HON. MEMBERS: Agreed. MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: All those in favour of the motion will please say aye. HON. MEMBERS: Aye. MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Those opposed?

Let the record show that the motion was carried unanimously. head: CONSIDERATION OF HER HONOUR THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S SPEECH Moved by Mr. Clegg: That an humble address be presented to Her Honour the Honourable the Lieutenant Governor as follows: To Her Honour the Honourable W. Helen Hunley, Lieu tenant Governor of the Province of Alberta: We, Her Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly, now assembled, beg leave to thank Your Honour for the gracious speech Your Honour has been pleased to address to us at the opening of the present session. MR. CLEGG: Mr.

Speaker, it is a great privilege and a pleasure to rise on behalf of the Dunvegan constituency to move the ac ceptance of the Speech from the Throne presented by Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor. I would like to personally compliment Her Honour for the graciousness and dignity with which she has carried out her duties and extend my sincerest gratitude for the positive guidelines provided to this First Ses sion of the 22nd Legislature. Mr. Speaker -- I know we have the Deputy Speaker, and I want to congratulate you, Mr.

Deputy Speaker -- I want to con gratulate the Speaker for the fair leadership he has extended to all members of this Legislature. In previous sessions he has demonstrated many admirable qualities. I would hope that all members of this Assembly give him the courtesy he deserves. It is my hope that we will obey his leadership and not fall into the same kind of hassling and yelling we see in the House of Com mons in Ottawa, something that is not at all necessary and leaves the general public questioning its integrity. This morning I saw a small example of that.

Let us all make sure we give every person in this Assembly the free right to speak. Mr. Speaker, let me also thank the Premier for selecting me for the honour of moving the Speech from the Throne. I want to personally congratulate all the MLAs for their elec tion victories. I am sure we will all work harder together to make Alberta even a greater place to live in. Mr. Speaker, this throne speech is entirely consistent with this government's ideology. Forty-nine years ago George Drew said in a speech: The word "Conservative" suggests stability and security . . .

The word implies sound business methods as opposed to radi cal experiments. . . . the word "Conservative" offers hope of common sense and orderly progress. It is a word which carried into the realm of practical politics the Biblical injunction "prove all things; hold fast that which is good." Mr. Speaker, this throne speech is a well-thought-out, forward- thinking document consistent with the Progressive Conservative attention to common sense, detail, and sensitivity to the needs of Albertans. Mr. Speaker, education is highly valued by Albertans and will continue to be a priority of this government.

We consider education to be an investment, an investment for our most pre cious resource, our children. Several months ago grant in creases of 5 percent for municipalities and 5 percent for several other areas such as hospitals and municipalities. The education budget was increased 5.6 percent, which reflects our special at tention and what this government holds for education. I was very happy to see changes in the equity funding for mula that allows rural school boards to be able to give expanded educational opportunities for students in rural Alberta.

I know both the Spirit River school division and the Fairview school division are very happy with the new equity formula funding. The distance learning initiatives will be a real benefit for many individuals in the constituency of Dunvegan. Restoring funding for community schools will be a tremendous advantage for many small communities, meeting the need for students and par ents working together for the betterment of these communities. The funding for modernization of our schools is a real commit ment of this government, giving our schools a more enjoyable atmosphere for students and teachers alike.

I would be remiss if I did not mention what a great job the teachers of this province are doing teaching our children and grandchildren. Keep up the good work. I was amazed and astonished by the ability of my granddaughter's reading and writing skills in grade 2. We live in a changing world today, and we must adapt to those changes. Studies and courses I took in grades 11 and 12 are now being taught in grades 7 and 8. When we talk about education, I must talk for a moment about the Fairview regional college.

I have seen the Fairview agricultural school, as it was then named, grow since 1951 when approximately 35 students graduated. With government initia tives and a strong board of governors who over the years have seen the need for expanded instruction from upgrading courses, technical courses,, apprenticeships, turf grass, animal health -- I could go on and on, far too many to mention -- the Fairview re gional college offers expanded courses in many centres through out northwestern Alberta, making it a true regional college with a graduating class of between 1,000 and 1,200 yearly. Mr.

Speaker, the School Act was passed last year. It will set the framework for education during the 1990s and beyond. We will continue to act within the spirit of this legislation to intro duce new ideas which will benefit the children of this province. Mr. Speaker, I note the commitment of the family that is em phasized in this Speech from the Throne. The family unit is a must for our society. Over the last 20 years many changes in societies and in laws have affected the family. It is time to as sess these changes and devise support services which will strengthen the modern family in its varied dimensions.

The community facilities enhancement grant will strengthen Alberta families, providing opportunities for families to spend more time together. With the increasing pressures of work, which I know all members of this Assembly can relate to, finding time

June 2, 1989 ALBERTA HANSARD 19 for one's spouse and children can be challenging. Let us hope this one program will make it easier for Albertans to spend their leisure time in the company of their families. On a personal note, I have always been a strong believer in the family and a great believer in the community. I believe that working as a family member and as a community volunteer, we can make our community a better place to live in. In the con stituency of Dunvegan we boast of having the greatest amount of volunteerism anywhere in the province.

Many constituents of mine spend many hours volunteering their time and energy for the betterment of their community. Even with the community enhancement program initiated by this government from the lot tery funds, we must have volunteers to help make our communi ties better. I beg everyone in this Assembly to involve them selves in the family and in the community. It will pay you with large satisfaction in the future. With the increasing pressure on adults, our youth, and children, we must work with our family and community.

We must work hard and volunteer some of our time to work with our children and youth so they do not fall into the terrible habit of alcohol and drug abuse. Alcohol and drug abuse has contin ued to creep into our society, with a very high cost to Albertans. Let's do everything we can to make AADAC's job much easier. Economic diversification. Mr. Speaker, investment in educa tion and the family are not complete if there are no career op portunities in this province. To keep our best and brightest young people in Alberta we need jobs, opportunities, and a promising future for younger people.

I am glad to see the ex panded educational programs and facilities for business educa tion, this government's action to meet increasing demands for skills in this business discipline. Continuing to build on the ex isting strength of our province while diversifying our economy for the future are two keys to success. We must continue to work hard to attract investment. Recent investment an nouncements are indicators of the success of these policies. Diversification is the key to our success in Alberta, and this government is committed to it.

In the forestry industry alone, millions of dollars were announced in the last eight to 20 months. With good forest management, which government is committed to, we can and will diversify our economy in Alberta and still protect the beautiful trees and forests in our great province. With every tree that is harvested, we can and must and will plant one tree to replace it. With new technology in pollution control, we can and will protect our environment. The concerns expressed by all Albertans are being addressed and, again, by working together we will continue to have the most beautiful province in Canada. Mr.

Speaker, we will continue our policy of encouraging economic growth by avoiding interference in the marketplace and promoting a business environment in which existing and new businesses can prosper. These things do not just happen by chance. They are the result of co-operation and hard work by government, industry, and individuals. International trade is vital for a strong economy and job creation. It accounts for 30 percent of our province's gross domestic product, and 250,000 jobs depend on it lo some degree. Mr.

Speaker, looking at exports from a broad international perspective, one sees that the free trade agreement is a great de velopment for Alberta. We have secured access to the largest market in the world and sent a loud and clear international sig nal that freer trade is the way of the future. Albertans supported the deal, and it shows that we are confident, unafraid, and will ing to face new challenges. Employment. Mr. Speaker, positive developments in the employment situation are a reflection of the economic recovery we have been experiencing in this province.

The Speech from the Throne outlined our commitment to build on the excellent record of job creation that this government has. At the end of 1988 a record-setting 1.3 million Albertans were at work. To put it in perspective, 40,000 jobs were created in 1988 alone, more jobs than in the preceding three years. The seasonally ad justed unemployment rate has fallen again in the first quarter of 1989 to an average of 7.4 percent. Not only is the current em ployment situation looking good, the future is bright too.

With millions invested in forestry, Lloydminster's Upgrader, and many, many other projects, we know with certainty that employ ment opportunities will grow over the next few years. Agriculture. Being a representative from a rural con stituency, I am constantly reminded that Alberta draws great strength from our rural base. This primary renewable resource creates more than half the province's economic activity and 25 percent of all jobs. The future of our agricultural sector depends on us being able to improve soil and water management and broaden the variety of products.

We must strive to process more finished agricultural products locally. We must put more agri cultural products in packages. Diversification is the key to our success. Having the privilege and pleasure to represent the people of Dunvegan, where agriculture is of prime importance, we are very fortunate in almost all areas of the Dunvegan constituency to have had record-breaking yields in 1988, coupled with fair to good prices. However, some areas did encounter severe flood damage because of a record amount of rainfall.

Unlike southern Alberta, where dry conditions often prevail, often we are faced with sheet water conditions or flooding. To try to alleviate some of the problems, two engineering studies are being done to see if we are able to meet the needs of landowners, municipalities, Ducks Unlimited, and wildlife enhancement. Again, by working co-operatively, I am sure we can come to an agreement and be able to accomplish everyone's needs. We in the Peace River country have a large percentage of the grass and forage seeds, along with large honey production. So you all see that we are diversifying the agriculture industry.

Senate reform. Mr Speaker, the commitment to elect a Sena tor is an initiative that has great promise for all of Canada, not just Alberta. With this legislative initiative, Alberta will con tinue to exercise leadership in Senate reform until the task is completed. Senate reform is not a new idea. There have been calls for reform since Confederation. The Fathers of Confedera tion intended the Senate to be a vehicle of regional repre sentation. An elected Senator is the first E in a Triple E Senate: elected, equal, and effective. These principles are the remedies needed to correct the problems of our Senate.

These intentions have never been fully realized, and instead the Senate has be come a symbol for patronage. The Senate has failed to protect the less populous regions from adverse decisions based on the interest of central Canada, which dominates the House of Com mons. A failure of this magnitude in such a key institution is unacceptable and demands reform. Mr. Speaker, with your indulgence I would like to spend a few minutes talking about the most beautiful part of the prov ince of Alberta, the Dunvegan constituency. Somebody ques tioned that, but I have no question in my mind, and I have the floor.

I say "the most beautiful," Mr. Speaker, because of the

20 ALBERTA HANSARD June 2, 1989 mighty Peace River flowing through it, the mighty flat farmlands, the mighty forested areas, all creating employment and job opportunities for the residents of Dunvegan. Towns, villages, and hamlets all create a friendly atmosphere for its resi dents and visitors and make services available to all. Municipal districts, improvement districts are all working for the better ment of the people. I have worked closely with municipal coun cils, school boards, hospital boards, and other local boards, to hear and listen to them and try to answer any questions I can.

I would like to give you a few details of the Dunvegan his toric site. In 1793 Sir Alexander Mackenzie spent the night on his way to the Pacific just upstream from the historic site. Be tween 1804 and 1859 several Methodist, Anglican, and Roman Catholic missionaries visited the site and baptized many chil dren and adults, and I might add that many of them were native people. In 1867 a Catholic mission was established at St. Charles, and in 1858 an Anglican mission was built. [inaudible]. In 1918 the Hudson's Bay Company closed after many years of operation. In Dunvegan there is a real history.

In the early 1900s settlers started coming into the area by ox team, by horses, taking homesteads, working extremely hard, breaking land with oxen and horses. They had a real goal and were truly pioneers. The hard work by our fathers and forefathers made it possible for our area to be opened and developed. We as Al bertans must never forget the dedication of our forefathers and the pioneers that gave of themselves to make Alberta what it is today and making life easier for all of us in Alberta today.

I mention only a few of these pioneer achievements, and am very happy to say that this government is committed to the es tablishment of the Dunvegan historic site. With this develop ment, along with the beautiful scenery, we will attract many more tourists in our area. With government initiatives in the tourist business, I know we can increase tourism. A pilot project, the tourist information centre/teepee project, is being constructed in Rycroft, the hub of the Peace River country.

A planning committee is being set up from all areas of my con stituency to make information available for all tourists visiting the Dunvegan constituency. Transportation. The residents of Dunvegan are very happy with the government announcement that all secondary roads will have base paving within the next 10 years. In the Dunvegan constituency, where distances to market and services are ex tremely long, this will be a real economic advantage to the resi dents, saving a considerable amount of money on broken windshields; we all have them, every one of us.

I have seen considerable road improvements over the years, and with this government commitment I see tremendous improvement in both primary and secondary road construction in the years ahead. The rural private line telephone system is another positive initiative of this government, and I am sure that by the year 1991 everyone in my constituency will have private lines. With technology growing at a tremendous speed and many farmers and rural businesses wanting to put their business on computers, this will be a tremendous asset to everyone.

The small business interest shielding program, the Alberta mortgage interest shielding program, and the Alberta family first-home program will give a real incentive for new home buyers and businesses, giving stability and security from high interest rates. Mr. Speaker, I would personally like to invite you and all Members of this Legislative Assembly, along with all your friends and relations, to visit the Dunvegan constituency.

We have a lot to offer in the way of recreation facilities: hunting, boating, fishing, scenery, businesses wanting to serve you, and our most important resource, friendly people wanting and will ing to serve you. If you would come and visit us, I am sure you will continue to come again and again. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity to reply to Her Honour's Speech from the Throne. The speech outlined the challenges that face our province and made sensible proposals to deal with these challenges. In this great province of Alberta we enjoy many strengths and advantages.

The Speech from the Throne indicates that as a government we intend to build on those strengths and advantages. The blueprints for the future will allow Albertans to go forward with confidence, confidence combined with plain hard work. Mr. Speaker, I move acceptance of this throne speech, a blueprint with vision combining this government's track record, this government's leadership, and this government's commit ment to, the future of the Dunvegan constituency and, indeed, to all Albertans. Thank you very much. MRS. BLACK: Mr.

Speaker, I rise today to enjoy the privilege of being the second member to catch your eye in this First Ses sion of the 22nd Legislature of Alberta. But before I proceed, I too would like to congratulate you and Mr. Speaker for your election to the Chair. I feel confident that through your ex perience, your leadership, and your guidance this Assembly will be managed in a fair and effective manner. Congratulations are also in store for Her Honour the Lieuten ant Governor for her most gracious presentation of the throne speech. Mr.

Speaker, I wish also to take a moment to thank our Premier, my leader, for giving me the honour of seconding the throne speech. Calgary-Foothills is nestled in the northwest comer of the city of Calgary, the brightest jewel in all of Canada. I really believe that, Mr. Speaker. I would be surprised if anyone who had driven into Calgary at night and seen the splendid display of lights didn't agree with me. In fact, we often refer to it as our diamond bracelet. From my riding you can look to the west and see the snowcapped mountains of the Rockies with the sun glis tening on every peak.

To the south you see the clear blue flow of the Bow River. To the east you can see the prosperous down town business sector of the city of champions, and to the north we have Nosehill park, a beautiful natural park space that will now be preserved because of the wisdom of our Premier. Mr. Speaker, I am the fourth representative to be elected by the people of Calgary-Foothills. All representatives of this con stituency have been Conservative, a habit I hope will continue. The first was a very dear family friend, Len Werry.

He was fol lowed by another good friend, Stewart McCrae, and most re cently our riding was represented by my close and very dear friend Janet Koper. Stew, Len, and Janet were an inspiration to all of us to serve with dedication, diligence, and a true love for the people of Alberta. I feel very fortunate to have had the privilege of working closely with my three predecessors; one couldn't have asked for better examples. Calgary-Foothills has now given me their faith and trust, and I intend to do my very best for them. The Prime Minister of Great Britain, Mrs.

Thatcher, began her maiden speech in a very practical manner. She said: This is a maiden speech, but I know the constituency . . . which

June 2, 1989 ALBERTA HANSARD 21 I have the honour to represent would not wish me to do other than come straight to the point and address myself to the matter before this House. Then she launched into a very detailed discussion of an amend ment to a Bill. I will now take my cue from her. Mr. Speaker, this throne speech is entirely consistent with the ideology of this government: sound economic policy and caring social policy. As a businesswoman I am most comfort able discussing things in business terms.

I would ask the indul gence of this House to follow an analogy with me: government as a corporation, with all Albertans holding shares. So let us for a while think of this government as a big corporation, one run not only for profit but also for the social good of all its shareholders. I can't speak for all hon. members, but I can say for certain that I would not want shares in a company or corpo ration that did not practise sound fiscal management.

All of us present today have been placed on the board of di rectors of Alberta corporation by the people of this province, and we have a great responsibility to these shareholders to run this corporation right. As directors, we believe the role of gov ernment is to create a sound financial framework in which indi vidual initiative and private enterprise can flourish. We know we can't spend or borrow our way to prosperity and that we must deal with the deficit.

We must never lose sight of the fact that it is not governments that create wealth but people, pro vided we have policies which encourage them to do it. A gov ernment cannot plan and regulate everything, and if you try, you destroy the driving force of human nature, its inventiveness and creativity. We see prime examples of this in the many com munist countries around the world and their grave economic problems that are a result of that kind of paternalistic approach to governing. Mr.

Speaker, private enterprise is by far the best method of harnessing the energy and ambition of the individual, of increas ing the wealth of the province, for pioneering new projects and technologies, for holding down prices through the mechanism of competition, and above all, for widening the ranges in choices of goods, services, and jobs. Governments must limit their ac tivities where their scope and scale harm profits, investments, innovation, and future growth. It must temper what is socially desirable with what is economically reasonable. This throne speech exemplifies these principles.

I believe our province might not have withstood the shocks of the 1986 oil, gas, and agriculture price falls so well if the policies of this government had not been built on such solid foundations. At the time of the 1986 election Alberta was head ing into a severe economic downturn. The throne speech from that year pledged to turn the economy around. In the last three years this government has worked hard, with the help of all Al bertans, to accomplish this. It wasn't easy, but we did it Mr.

Speaker, I believe we are on the edge of an exciting new era of economic growth in Alberta, and it's not just happening in agriculture and energy. We are seeing expansion in forestry, tourism, petrochemicals, technology, and research as well. We have developed an industrial strategy which consists of short- term and long-term economic policies and programs. The strat egy is mainly concerned with stimulating economic growth, diversifying the industrial base, strengthening the small business sector, and promoting international trade.

This throne speech provides the blueprint and the programs necessary to support this strategy. The government's policy for stimulating eco nomic growth is straightforward: minimize intervention in the market economy and encourage the development of a positive climate in which existing businesses can grow and where new businesses can be created. A diversified economic base means greater economic stability, greater employment levels, greater educational and career opportunities. The energy industry has committed to long-term develop ment and is building new pipeline systems to meet the demands for oil and gas.

Most importantly, while maintaining our sup port for the conventional industry, we are also diversifying in energy. Major petrochemical plants are being planned, and the $1.3 billion Lloydminster biprovincial Upgrader is going ahead. Some would say that politics is naturally biased toward short- term goals, but the decision to go ahead with the Husky Upgrader shows that this is not always the case. No one expects to see profits from the Upgrader tomorrow; it's a project that banks on the future. This is important for Alberta. We have large oil and oil sands resources.

Already about one-third of Alberta's liquid production comes from heavy oil, and our pro duction is going to grow. The forestry industry is a breakthrough in our province and is fast becoming a cornerstone of economic diversification. There is $3.5 billion in new forest development projects under way. When we note that between 1968 and 1988 only $200 million was invested in forestry projects across Alberta, we begin to see how impressive this accomplishment is. The development of this renewable resource enhances our economic strength. However, Mr.

Speaker, we must continue to be careful not to develop at the expense of our environment. Alberta is one of the last provinces to develop forestry as a major industry. We have been able to learn from the mistakes in other parts of the country and have built a resource management and environmen tal protection system that is the envy of all other provinces. The departments of the Environment and Forestry, Lands and Wild life have developed some of the most effective environmental protection legislation in Canada.

For example, Alberta led the country this winter when it announced that all new and expand ing pulp mills must install systems to treat dioxins. We are the first to legislate the use of the expensive and highly effective chemical cleaning processes which environmental groups argue is the only sure way to cut chemical pollution to levels lower than required anywhere else in the world. Continuing resource management and environmental protection will enable us to be able to maintain our forests and expand the industry into enor mous continental and worldwide market opportunities for pulp and paper products.

Tourism is a leader in our province. It means jobs; it means commercial stability; it means economic diversification. Ex perts have projected that tourism will be the leading industry in the world by the year 2000. Our goal is to create a $10 billion tourism industry by the year 2000, and I have very little doubt that we'll have any problems accomplishing this. Given our natural attractions, our major facilities, and our reputation for managing world scale events, Alberta's tourism infrastructure is already in place.

I am proud to be able to say that Calgary has led the way in making people aware of what's available in Al berta. Our annual Calgary Stampede has been world famous for years, attracting more than one million visitors each July. Also, in 1988 Calgary hosted the Winter Olympics. All members would have to agree that it was the most successful Olympics ever staged. Building a strong tourism industry depends on the private sector. I'm talking about volunteers -- all kinds of volunteers; we've had that example in Calgary through our

22 ALBERTA HANSARD June 2, 1989 Stampedes and through our Olympics -- coupled with govern ment, working together, reacting with vigour and imagination to emerging trends and new opportunities. We did this with the Olympics, capitalizing on the worldwide exposure. Mr. Speaker, the success of this economic strategy I have been discussing depends on many things, not the least of which is free trade. Prudent financial policies need to be supported by open markets and flourishing world trade.

We have committed ourselves to the Canada/United States free trade agreement, and we continue to participate in GATT negotiations. Alberta stands to be the big winner under the free trade agreement. Alberta is a trading province. International trade accounts for over 30 per cent of our province's gross domestic product, and 250,000 jobs in Alberta depend in some way on exports. Our ability to stabilize the economy, to diversify, to create new jobs, and to improve standards of living all rest on our abil ity to increase our exports.

There are approximately 125,000 export firms in Alberta, a number which has doubled since 1986. Alberta's exporters and small businesses make a major contribution to our economy. Last year Alberta exported more than $14.5 billion of goods and services to our trading partners around the world, a 15 percent increase over 1987.

When we reflect on the tremendous variety of our exports -- petrochemi cals, plastics, cellular telephones, high quality lumber and fibreboard, agricultural equipment and products, oil field servic ing equipment, and services ranging from consulting to engi neering and project management — we realize just how far sighted this government's push for economic diversification has been. Today one of the most serious threats facing our expanding economy is spiraling interest rates. The current federal interest rate policy has become a threat to the continued growth of Al berta corporation.

Rising interest rates, if not offset, will inevi tably put Albertans out of business, delay business expansion, and cause layoffs. In short, higher interest rates have a negative effect on economic growth and strength. No economy can en dure such high interest rates for long, and this major hindrance comes at a time when we are just starting to recover from the blow of the recession in 1986. The increased rates are espe cially serious in this province because of the capital-intensive nature of our major industries such as energy, petrochemicals, forestry, and agriculture.

The Bank of Canada's policy on rising interest rates is more restrictive than is necessary to control inflation. At the annual Premiers' Conference last August a statement was issued recognizing that by taking advantage of trade and investment opportunities, growth in the Canadian economy would be sustained and jobs created. The Premiers noted that excessive high interest and exchange rates would only hamper such growth and job creation, but despite this consensus the Bank of Canada continues to follow its narrow strategy of focus ing on inflation alone.

It sees high interest rates as a way of re ducing inflation -- and they are wrong. Lower interest rates are crucial to have continued competitiveness within our recovering economy, and this is why the government has included in the throne speech new programs to protect Albertans from high in terest rates. The interest shielding programs were put in place to help the farmers, the ranchers, the small businesses, and the homeowners to build and prosper despite federal interest policies. I believe these programs are reasonable answers to economic needs. Mr.

Speaker, I know Calgary-Foothills is up to the economic challenges that lie ahead, as I'm sure all Albertans are. With dedication and hard work, combined with the strength of our natural resources, we have an exciting and prosperous economic future ahead of us. The major theme of the throne speech is to continue building for the future. But this means more than eco nomic development; social and economic development are in separable. We need a strong economic base in order to continue with our social programs and maintain a healthy society. Mr.

Speaker, I believe there are three complementary ideals that, when combined, create a healthy society. It is a society in which the vast majority of citizens are encouraged and helped to accept responsibility for themselves and their families and to live their lives with the maximum of independence and self- reliance. It is a society where everyone feels they are a respon sible member of the community in which they live and work, where they are inspired to play a

part in ensuring the well-being of that community, and in particular where they show a practical concern for those members who, for reasons of age, handicap, or disability, cannot fend for themselves without help. It is a soci ety whose foundation is the family. Because of this, Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to see so much support from this gov ernment for the family. Detailed in the throne speech there was the creation of our Premier's council on Alberta families, the creation of the Alberta family life and drug abuse foundation, and the new initiatives to combat family violence.

All are wel comed by myself and Calgary-Foothills residents. These three concepts -- personal responsibility, caring about and caring for people, and family life -- lie at the very heart of my personal recipe for a healthy society, as well as those of my constituents. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a member of a government that also holds these principles. The reality of caring can be and should be provided by members of the local community. Self- help as a principle has always been upheld in social work, education, and training. In practice it has not always been so easy to achieve.

However, it is only by striving to make this ideal live that we shall be able to meet the ever present and ever growing needs of our society and also make progress in the next decade. The voluntary spirit in the community must be mobi lized. We know it exists; it's all over this province. I am a firm believer in the crucial importance of volunteers in the field of community care. We must be careful not to fall into the trap of the all-powerful state which takes too much from the citizens, constantly substituting the politician's view of what the people should have for the people's own view of what they want.

Our main job as a government is to deal with raising reve nues and allocating resources among competing demands. Our business is to encourage and enable people to work together for a responsible and caring society. That this government fully recognizes its responsibilities in providing these services which can't be undertaken by the private sector is very evident in the throne speech. I'm dunking specifically of education and health, Mr. Speaker. That the education of our young people remains a top priority of this government is of the utmost impor tance to Calgary Foothills and myself.

Our children are our fu ture, and their future depends on our education system. We have an obligation to provide them with the best possible educa tion. They must be fully prepared to compete on a world level. It is imperative that all young people in this province leave high school with a good, solid, and basic education so they are quali fied to enter the postsecondary institution of their choice. The announced increases in the capital development program and the students finance program will go a long way in ensuring the ac-

June 2, 1989 ALBERTA HANSARD 23 cessibility of postsecondary education for young Albertans. In Calgary-Foothills we are fortunate to have the distinction of having the University of Calgary located within our bound aries. I am particularly pleased to see the government's com mitment to the expansion of the business education program at the University of Calgary and other universities. We are also fortunate to live in a province that offers some of the best health care anywhere, but increasingly this system is under pressure.

In the past decade the cost of providing health care services in Alberta has risen dramatically. In fact, it has more than doubled since 1980. This government is concerned, and looking for ways to keep Albertans healthy and to control the escalation of health care costs. Health programs have tradi tionally stressed institutional and clinical care, but I'm glad to see that this throne speech puts more emphasis on health promo tion, illness prevention, and community care. Mr.

Speaker, in conclusion, I would like to point out that the principles on which this throne speech was written and on which our system rests, free enterprise and democracy, are the best for producing a high standard of prosperity and happiness. I believe this is so because these principles create incentive and oppor tunity, and because they are founded on human dignity and freedom. All members of this Assembly have the responsibility of providing and protecting these principles for all the people of Alberta. We are accountable to the shareholders of Alberta cor poration: the people of this province. Mr.

Speaker, I am honoured to second the motion moved by the Member for Dunvegan. Thank you. MR. MARTIN: Mr. Speaker, I think the pounding of the desks is for me, and I appreciate it, but I beg leave to adjourn the debate. MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Having heard the motion of the hon. Leader of the Opposition, all those in favour, please say aye. HON. MEMBERS: Aye. MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Opposed, please say nay. It is so ordered. MR. HORSMAN: Mr.

Speaker, by way of advising members of the Assembly as to government business, it is proposed to con tinue debate on the Speech from the Throne in the first few days of next week, including two evening sittings on Monday and Tuesday. [At 12:03 p.m. the House adjourned to Monday at 2:30 p.m.]

24 ALBERTA HANSARD June 2, 1989

Document details

Collection	Alberta — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	19890602
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	L22 S1 19890602 1000 01 han.pdf
Language	en
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