Alberta Hansard — 18 February 2009, Afternoon sitting (13:30) (Legislature 27, Session 2)

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Alberta — Debates (Hansard)

Province of Alberta The 27th Legislature Second Session Alberta Hansard Wednesday, February 18, 2009 Issue 5 The Honourable Kenneth R. Kowalski, Speaker

Legislative Assembly of Alberta The 27th Legislature Second 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 (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Solicitor General and Public Security 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, Advanced Education and Technology Blackett, Hon.

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

Paul (PC), Minister of Municipal Affairs DeLong, Alana, Calgary-Bow (PC) Denis, Jonathan, Calgary-Egmont (PC) Doerksen, Arno, Strathmore-Brooks (PC) Drysdale, Wayne, Grande Prairie-Wapiti (PC) Elniski, Doug, Edmonton-Calder (PC) Evans, Hon. Iris, Sherwood Park (PC), Minister of Finance and Enterprise Fawcett, Kyle, Calgary-North Hill (PC) Forsyth, Heather, Calgary-Fish Creek (PC) Fritz, Hon. Yvonne, Calgary-Cross (PC), Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Goudreau, Hon.

Hector G., Dunvegan-Central Peace (PC), Minister of Employment and Immigration Griffiths, Doug, Battle River-Wainwright (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Agriculture and Rural Development Groeneveld, Hon. George, Highwood (PC), Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Hancock, Hon. Dave, QC, Edmonton-Whitemud (PC), Minister of Education, Government House Leader Hayden, Hon. Jack, Drumheller-Stettler (PC), Minister of Infrastructure Hehr, Kent, Calgary-Buffalo (

L) Horne, Fred, Edmonton-Rutherford (PC) Horner, Hon. Doug, Spruce Grove-Sturgeon-St. Albert (PC), Minister of Advanced Education and Technology Jablonski, Hon. Mary Anne, Red Deer-North (PC), Minister of Seniors and Community Supports Jacobs, Broyce, Cardston-Taber-Warner (PC) Johnson, Jeff, Athabasca-Redwater (PC) Johnston, Art, Calgary-Hays (PC) Kang, Darshan S., Calgary-McCall (

L) Klimchuk, Hon. Heather, Edmonton-Glenora (PC), Minister of Service Alberta Knight, Hon. Mel, Grande Prairie-Smoky (PC), Minister of Energy Leskiw, Genia, Bonnyville-Cold Lake (PC) Liepert, Hon. Ron, Calgary-West (PC), Minister of Health and Wellness Lindsay, Hon. Fred, Stony Plain (PC), Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security Lukaszuk, Thomas A., Edmonton-Castle Downs (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Municipal Affairs Lund, Ty, Rocky Mountain House (PC) MacDonald, Hugh, Edmonton-Gold Bar (

L) Marz, Richard, Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills (PC) Mason, Brian, Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood (NDP), Leader of the NDP Opposition McFarland, Barry, Little Bow (PC) McQueen, Diana, Drayton Valley-Calmar (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Environment Morton, Hon. F.L., Foothills-Rocky View (PC), Minister of Sustainable Resource Development Notley, Rachel, Edmonton-Strathcona (NDP), Deputy Leader of the NDP Opposition, NDP Opposition House Leader Oberle, Frank, Peace River (PC), Government Whip Olson, Verlyn, QC, Wetaskiwin-Camrose (PC) Ouellette, Hon.

Luke, Innisfail-Sylvan Lake (PC), Minister of Transportation Pastoor, Bridget Brennan, Lethbridge-East (L), Deputy Official Opposition Whip Prins, Ray, Lacombe-Ponoka (PC) Quest, Dave, Strathcona (PC) Redford, Hon. Alison M., QC, Calgary-Elbow (PC), Minister of Justice and Attorney General 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 Stevens, Hon. Ron, QC, Calgary-Glenmore (PC), Deputy Premier, Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations Swann, Dr. David, Calgary-Mountain View (L), Leader of the Official Opposition Taft, Dr. Kevin, Edmonton-Riverview (

L) Tarchuk, Hon. Janis, Banff-Cochrane (PC), Minister of Children and Youth Services Taylor, Dave, Calgary-Currie (

L) VanderBurg, George, Whitecourt-Ste. Anne (PC) Vandermeer, Tony, Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview (PC) Weadick, Greg, Lethbridge-West (PC) Webber, Len, Calgary-Foothills (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Energy Woo-Paw, Teresa, Calgary-Mackay (PC) Xiao, David H., Edmonton-McClung (PC), Parliamentary Assistant, Employment and Immigration Zwozdesky, Hon. Gene, Edmonton-Mill Creek (PC), Minister of Aboriginal Relations, 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 Sergeant-at-Arms Brian G. Hodgson Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms J. Ed Richard Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms William C. Semple Managing Editor of Alberta Hansard Liz Sim

February 18, 2009 Alberta Hansard 95 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Title: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2009 [The Speaker in the chair] head: Prayers The Speaker: Good afternoon and welcome. I would ask all hon. members and those in the galleries to remain standing after the prayer so that we may pay tribute to a former colleague who has passed away. Let us pray. Renew us with Your strength. Focus us in our deliberations. Challenge us in our service to the people of this great province. Amen. Mr.

William (Bill) Mack April 1, 1924, to February 17, 2009 The Speaker: On February 17, 2009, Mr. William (Bill) L. Mack, former Member of the Legislative Assembly, passed away. Bill Mack was first elected in the election held March 14, 1979, and served until November 1, 1982. During his years of service he represented the constituency of Edmonton-Belmont for the Progres- sive Conservative Party.

During his term of office Bill Mack served on several committees: standing committees on Public Affairs; Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing; Offices of the Auditor General and the Ombudsman; the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund Act; and Legislative Offices. With our admiration and respect there is gratitude to members of his family who shared the burdens of public office. Our prayers are with them. In a moment of silent prayer I ask you to remember hon. Member Mr. William (Bill) Mack as you have known him. Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. Amen.

Please be seated. head: Introduction of Visitors Mr. Blackett: Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce to you and through you to the members of this Assembly His Excellency Rafet Akgunay, ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, and his wife, Mrs. Akgunay. This is the ambassador’s first visit to Alberta. We are very pleased to welcome him and his wife to our beautiful province. Mr. Speaker, Alberta and Turkey have a strong connection through our trade and through our people. Our two-way trade is valued at about $75 million annually. The Turkish community is a vibrant part of Alberta’s dynamic cultural mosaic. Mr.

Speaker, I’d ask that His Excellency and Mrs. Akgunay please rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of this House. head: Introduction of Guests The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Develop- ment. Mr. Groeneveld: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m delighted today to introduce to you and through you to members of this Assembly a very talented and successful young Albertan, Myranda Stewart of Strathmore. Myranda was chosen from among 90 of the province’s top 4-H members as the 2008 Premier’s award winner, the highest accolade in the 4-H program.

Myranda has been a member of 4-H for several years, specifically the Cheadle 4-H club, where she held several executive positions. Her community involvement and exceptional leadership skills as district key member have earned her this great honour. In addition to her duties as the Premier’s award recipient Myranda is currently serving as a 4-H ambassador promoting the opportunities available through 4-H. Highlighting her year as the 2008 Premier’s award winner, Myranda is here visiting us today and to meet the Premier. Mr.

Speaker, I have had the pleasure of listening to this young girl speak, and I’m quite pleased that she’s not down here on the floor speaking, or there might be 83 of us that might not look to be the best speakers in the world. She’s very exceptional. Myranda is seated in your gallery with her parents, Michelle and Darcy; her sister Kaity, who can give the best hugs in the world; and her brother Colten. I now ask that they rise to receive the usual warm welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Justice and Attorney General. Ms Redford: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’m pleased to rise today and to introduce two people from very different parts of my life that I’m very happy to see here today. It is first of all a great pleasure of mine to introduce to you and through you to members of the Assembly Mrs. Sharon Robins, who I know as my Auntie Sharon. Of course, I’ve known her since I was born. It was a great pleasure to see her today and a great surprise. She is a woman who has had an accomplished career as a senior manager in the department of municipal government and was a senior manager in emergency preparedness for the province of Alberta.

I’d ask her to rise today and receive the warm welcome of this House. With your indulgence, Mr. Speaker, the second person that I’d like introduce today is a very good friend of mine, who I’ve known throughout much of my life overseas. His name is Mr. David Ennis. He is a lawyer who has spent a number of years in interesting places, as I have, such as Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Afghani- stan. I think his greatest claim to fame is that he is a very profound legislative drafter who helped me in drafting the first electoral law in Afghanistan in 2005.

I’d ask him to rise today and receive the warm welcome of the House. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Energy. Mr. Knight: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It is an honour for me to rise today and introduce to you and to all members of the Assembly some of our members of the Department of Energy in the province of Alberta. I don’t have to remind you that it’s all about energy. These g ood folks know that as well.

We have as guests today Margaret Winters, Chandra Kanta, Lori Kutschinski, Patricia Gannon, Anas Khan, Beverly Smith, Sherry Harder, Larysa Wozna, Lorna Villeneuve, Eleanor Wang, Vida Ramos, and Mila Jucutan. I would ask them to please rise and have the members give them the warm welcome that they deserve. Ms Evans: Well, not to be outdone by my colleague, Mr. Speaker, you know, we’re wonderfully blessed to have people in Finance to look after all of the wonderful attributes of Energy. Well, not all of them perhaps but at least some of them.

Ashleigh Campbell, representing strategic and business services; from tax and revenue administration Benjamin Evans, Brynne Anderson, Christopher Sharpe, and Kehui Auyong. I hope I have pronounced that properly. We also have from risk management and insurance Maria Ramirez, Kelly York, and Guy Forest. I’d ask them to please rise and for us to extend our warmest welcome to them all. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Ellerslie.

Alberta Hansard February 18, 200996 Mr. Bhardwaj: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It is with great pleasure that I rise today and introduce to you and through you a group of students from Holy Family school in my constituency of Edmonton-Ellerslie. These students are part of a group called O Ambassadors, who raise funds for development projects in develop- ing countries and increase awareness of global issues at their school.

I would like to thank the education assistant, Ranée Laporte, for her leadership on this project as well as Marlene Lecky Perron, teacher at Holy Family school, and two parent volunteers, Anne McClintock and Sharlynn Clark, for helping the students joining us this after- noon. I’d ask that t eachers, parents, and students seated in the members’ gallery please receive the traditional warm welcome of the Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Cardston-Taber-Warner. 1:40 Mr. Jacobs: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise today to introduce to you and through you Mr. Mark Zemp from Raymond, Alberta.

Mark has raised his family in Raymond and owns an insurance and registry business there. He’s in Edmonton today on business in his capacity as president of the insurance agents’ association of Alberta. I would ask Mark to please rise and receive the warm welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Leduc-Beaumont-Devon. Mr. Rogers: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my privilege today to introduce to you and through you to all members of the Assembly one of my constituents. Jacqueline Biollo is married to a member of our armed forces. She’s the mother of two exceptional children.

She serves as a town councillor for the town of Beaumont, and she is the executive director of Seniors United Now. She is seated in the members’ gallery. I would ask that she rise and receive the warm welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition. Dr. Swann: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

It’s a great honour for me to rise and introduce to you and through to members of this Assembly a number of seniors and friends and family with us today from the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, Elder Advocates of Alberta, Public Interest Alberta, Seniors Helping Seniors, the Seniors’ Action Liaison Team, Seniors United Now, and Friends of Medicare, every one of these Albertans deeply concerned by the health issues directly impacting seniors, including prescription drug costs, the availability of quality long-term care, emergency care, and more.

I would ask them to rise in the House now and be welcomed by the Legislature. The Speaker: The hon. leader of the third party in the House. Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today I’m pleased to introduce to you and through you to this Assembly Mahamad Accord, executive director of the Alberta Somali Commu- nity Center. The Alberta Somali Community Center is a broad- based, nonprofit organization that enjoys very strong community support and is well respected by other service providers as well as by funders.

The centre was established in 2007 in response to a large influx of Somali newcomers to Alberta. The vision of the Alberta Somali Community Center is to integrate the Alberta Somali community fully into Canadian life by removing barriers and to build bridges between the Somali community and mainstream Canadian culture. I would ask that Mr. Accord now rise and receive the warm traditional welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Strathcona. Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Today I am pleased to introduce to you and through you to this Assembly five students representing the students of Newton Place, a University of Alberta residence. In the past three years the students of Newton Place have experienced a 27 per cent increase in their rent. Their rent is far above what student loan regulations provide. Affordable housing is desperately needed. I’d now ask that my guests rise as I call their names to receive the traditional warm welcome from this Assembly: Nicholas Boers, Stephanie Au-Yeung, Usha Hemraz, Amanda Nelson, and Xiye Wang. head: Members’ Statements The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Edmonton-Ellerslie. O Ambassadors Mr. Bhardwaj: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great honour to rise today and speak about the O Ambassadors group who have joined us this afternoon from the Holy Family school in my constituency of Edmonton-Ellerslie. Over 2,000 schools in North America are contributing to the O Ambassadors. This program helps to raise awareness and funds to support the United Nations’ millennium development goals. These four goals focus on important issues such as poverty, hunger, education, and sustainable develop- ment.

I had the honour and privilege of attending their fundraiser on January 30 along with the hon. Member for Edmonton-Mill Woods. I’m proud to report that the group here today has raised $5,939 to date. The group is working towards a goal of $8,500 in order to build a school in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, any extra money will go towards textbooks, teachers’ salaries, and clean water. Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the O Ambassa- dors from the Holy Family school and from all over North America for their selfless work in helping to create opportunities for students in developing nations.

Thank you to all the teachers, organizers, parent volunteers, and students who contributed to the work to make this program a success. Your work is inspirational to all Albertans. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Rutherford. Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities Mr. Horne: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m delighted to provide an update to hon. members on the activities of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. Last fall we undertook a recruitment process, which saw nine new members appointed to the council.

The personal and professional accomplish- ments of these new members and the diversity of their expertise made for a very impressive table at the council’s three-day strategic planning session last month. Joining the six returning members are Dan Bojarski of St. Brides, a certified industrial technologist with experience in hiring employ- ees across a range of disabilities; Bryce Clarke of Ardrossan, a member of the Edmonton Police Service; Dr.

John Latter, head of the division of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Calgary; Brad Robertson of Calgary, who brings the perspective of persons with developmental disabilities; Amber Skoog of Stirling,

February 18, 2009 Alberta Hansard 97 who lives with reduced vision and works as an alternate format editor at Lethbridge College; Kuen Tang of Edmonton, an active volunteer and the first student with quadriplegia to graduate from the University of Alberta’s bachelor of education program; Pamela Wagner of Medicine Hat, who offers an employer perspective through her work with REDI Enterprises Society; Tammy Winder from Lethbridge, a parent who brings over 20 years of experience working with people with mental illness; and Carmen Wyton from St. Albert, the president and CEO of Special Olympics Alberta. Mr.

Speaker, as deputy chair of the council it is an honour to work with such a distinguished group of Albertans. Looking ahead, we see opportunities for our team to provide advice and leadership in areas such as enhancing employment opportunities throughout the Alberta economy and ensuring standards are in place for best practices in universal design. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to providing a further update on council’s strategic plan when it’s finalized and, more importantly, to working in earnest with all members of this House on its implemen- tation. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Bonnyville-Cold Lake. Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act Mrs. Leskiw: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to bring to the attention of this Assembly the significance of the Adult Guardian- ship and Trusteeship Act, or Bill 24, which received royal assent in December. The new act arose from a process of extensive public consultation as well as thorough legislative review involving both sides of the House and received strong support.

The Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act is progressive legislation that balances individual rights with assessment of capacity and replaces the 30-year-old Dependent Adults Act. There is no question that adult Albertans who require assistance to make personal decisions will benefit from this legislation. The act is designed to help people remain as independent as possible as long as possible. It provides more choices and safeguards to protect Albertans who can no longer make all their decisions.

Importantly, the act is designed to enhance the protection of Albertans who are not in a position to make decisions for them- selves. It increases the choices available to people who need assistance in making personal decisions by providing a continuum of decision-making authorization to more formal, court-ordered guardianship. Guardianship will be used when other least-intrusive options have been tried and not been successful or the adult’s incapacity to making decisions is more long term and permanent. The new act makes significant improvements in the protection of vulnerable adults.

The new legislation provides more safeguards to protect assisted and represented adults while providing more protective and investigative measures when there is concern about their safety. The act presumes adults are capable of making their own decisions unless determined otherwise through proper assess- ment. The act provides for a more standardized capacity assessment model, which includes informing the adult about the purpose of assessment.

The capacity assessor meets with the adult and conducts an in-depth interview after ensuring that the medical evaluation has been conducted to rule out temporary or reversible cause of incapac- ity. The Speaker: Thank you, hon. member. 1:50head: Oral Question Period The Speaker: First Official Opposition main question. The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition. Seniors’ Pharmaceutical Plan Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Medications are essential and a daily cost for seniors.

Money spent on medications to keep seniors healthy, like controlling blood pressure and diabetes, can be considered money saved through preventing both complications and hospitalization. They are protecting health and saving health dollars. My questions are to the Premier. Will the Premier admit that the new pharmaceutical plan is a further tax added to seniors? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, our government cares deeply about seniors. We know that our seniors are looking at their investments that have diminished dramatically over the last number of months.

We’re working together with all ministers to ensure that we maintain one of the best programs for seniors in the country of Canada, from long-term care to various housing options to home care, and we’ll continue to provide those resources to our seniors. The Speaker: The hon. leader. Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Why is the government using total income and not net income for determining seniors’ annual income and as a basis for their expenses for health care? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, the minister of health has all of the details on the program.

I want to mention to the House and to the seniors that are present here today and many that are watching that those who cannot afford to pay for badly needed drugs, we’ll have a program in place that they can apply for assistance to make sure that no Albertan, senior or younger person, can’t get the drugs that they need for improving their health. Dr. Swann: My final question to the Premier: will the Premier admit that this is his own policy and not that of the minister of health, to charge seniors more for their pharmaceuticals? Mr. Stelmach: This is a government policy.

It had considerable input into formation of the policy, all towards maintaining the badly needed services tied to health to, we know, a senior population that will be increasing dramatically over the next number of years. I mean, I’m part of the baby boomer generation, or getting there. I know I look much younger. This is what we’re working towards: make sure that it’s sustainable, that we provide the best services, and to ensure that the next generation can also have the same kind of quality of life that we’re enjoying in Alberta today. The Speaker: Second Official Opposition main question. The hon.

Leader of the Official Opposition. Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My next questions are for the minister of health. We have a minister of health who believes that, quote, there should not be a sense of entitlement when you turn 65, end quote, and who dismisses the legitimate concerns of Albertans as whining. This attitude in a cabinet minister is extremely disap- pointing. To the minister: does the minister admit that by using income from 2008 we seriously underestimate the income seniors will be facing in 2009?

Alberta Hansard February 18, 200998 Mr. Liepert: Mr. Speaker, as the Premier has mentioned and I stated in the House earlier to a question, the economic situation in the world has changed since we brought this policy through. The policy is still the right policy, but we’ve had a number of seniors raise issues such as the one the hon. leader has raised relative to: are some of the mechanics, if I could, right relative to what line of income? We’re taking a look at all of those situations, and we’ll make a determination as we go forward. The Speaker: The hon. leader. Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

What is the minister’s explanation for removing premium-free Blue Cross coverage for seniors, a plan that’s been in place for over a decade? Mr. Liepert: First of all, Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is not correct. Currently, today, every senior pays 30 per cent of their prescription costs up to a maximum of $25 no matter how poor or how wealthy seniors are. I think this is a perfect time for this question because on the news this morning we had a situation where General Motors and Chrysler are back at the table for more money. We have Air Canada on the verge of going into bankruptcy.

All of these companies fundamentally have problems with their business models. Now, if we take that into hea lth care, Mr. Speaker, we have to change the fundamental business model of health care certainly in this province and, I believe, in this country because – I’ll finish this story in my answer to the next question. Dr. Swann: Well, it’s indeed revealing that the minister of health sees health care as a business. That says a lot about what we’re headed for in the next decade in health care, Mr. Speaker. How does the minister justify it? The largest jump in Blue Cross premiums occurs when a person turns 65.

Mr. Liepert: Mr. Speaker, I’ll complete my story. This has nothing to do with business. This is about comparing where we are in health care. So let’s take a fundamental business model in health care today. I tell you, if General Motors and Chrysler go broke, we can still buy a Toyota car. If Air Canada goes into bankruptcy, we can fly WestJet. But if publicly funded health care, which this govern- ment stands on, goes broke, as some of these members would like to see it go, we will have exactly what they don’t want to have: American-style health care.

So we want to change the fundamentals to preserve the publicly funded health care in this province. The Speaker: Third Official Opposition main question. The hon. Member for Lethbridge-East. Long-term Care Ms Pastoor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Seniors and often their families are concerned about their ability to find a long-term care bed when they need it, and the government’s continuing care strategy has done little to reassure our Alberta seniors. My questions would be to the Premier. Mr. Premier, I too look a little younger than I am.

Does the Premier feel that the first-bed policy for long- term care placement, that allows seniors to be moved from family, friends, and community, is a fair way to treat our frail Albertans? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, first of all, I do agree with the member that she is very young looking. Never get caught in that debate; I can tell you that. The hon. member raises a good question. Without a doubt, long- term care rates in Alberta compared to other jurisdictions are lower.

However, I do know, representing a rural constituency where sometimes when a person suffers some catastrophic event – perhaps a stroke or they fall in their home; something happens – where husband and wife now are separated for a period of time, where they’re put in a long-term care situation, perhaps not in the very same community for a period of time, a few miles away, that it is difficult for the senior that’s at home. The spouse possibly doesn’t have a driver’s licence. How do you visit? You depend on family, or you depend on that home-care nurse. I know that situation.

We understand that situation very, very well. That’s why we’re increasing the number of long-term care beds. Also, let’s give seniors choice in terms of assisted living, addi- tional home care, all of those different models, rather than for whatever reason always institutionalizing our seniors. That’s not a quality life. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Pastoor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do agree with the Premier that warehousing seniors is really not where we want to go. My next question would be to the Minister of Health and Well- ness.

Would the minister commit to remove the first-bed policy, which is still going on today, as part of the continuing care strategy so that seniors can age and live out their lives in the right place? Mr. Liepert: Well, I guess my answer would be that I would hope that we could provide the options that we wouldn’t need this policy. If we had the appropriate options, that seniors had the choice, we wouldn’t need that particular option.

But keep in mind that if we were to remove that option today, we would be in many cases doing exactly what our opposition folks keep telling us they don’t want to see in health care, and that’s jumping the queue. If there is no facility available in this town and there isn’t going to be one for 10 years, we need to ensure that if that senior needs care, it’s provided within a region. You can’t have it both ways, Mr. Speaker. 2:00 Ms Pastoor: Actually, I think you can have it both ways. My next question would be to the same minister.

Does the minister consider it fair that by allowing seniors’ facilities to charge for increased services, low-income seniors may not receive the necessary care that they require; in other words, sort of a two-tier service within the same facility? Mr. Liepert: Well, I guess we have choices and options that seniors make every day when they enter facilities. In some cases it’s assisted daily living, that provides a certain level of service, and you pay in some cases more in some facilities than others.

Is this government going to move to a system whereby everybody gets treated exactly the same and government funds everything? The answer is no. The Speaker: The hon. leader of the third party in the House, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Hays. Chief Electoral Officer Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This evening the axe hovers over the head of Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer. He stands charged with the capital crime of embarrassing the govern- ment, specifically that the accused pointed out that partisan appoint-

February 18, 2009 Alberta Hansard 99 *See p. 68, left col., para. 13 ments of those who run Alberta elections are inappropriate, unfair, and undemocratic. To the Premier: will you drop the charges against the accused and table legislation this session to end Tory patronage control of Alberta’s electoral system? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, yesterday the hon. member asked a similar question. Again I repeat to the hon. member that the person he’s talking about is an officer of this Legislature. He’s not employed by the Premier of Alberta. I don’t assess his performance.

The committee assesses his performance, and it’s up to the commit- tee, which has representation from all three parties. Mr. Mason: Mr. Speaker, the accused, being the Chief Electoral Officer of the province of Alberta, stands further charged with the crime of embarrassing the government by pointing out that the government has systematically failed to prosecute charges brought under the act by him. The question is to the Premier. Will you drop the charges against the accused and tell Albertans why your Justice minister has failed to prosecute these violations of the Alberta Election Act? Mr.

Stelmach: Well, first of all, just listening to the question, he’s got most Albertans baffled because he doesn’t know who is being charged with what, I would think. It got me a bit baffled as well. Anyway, if he’s imputing motives to the Minister of Justice, saying that she did something inappropriately, not pursuing the charges because a Crown prosecutor says that we s hould, that’s a different story. If he has evidence of that, get up in the House and say that with the protection of the immunity of the House.

But to go back to yesterday, saying that because I was elected Premier and that Albertans who wanted to vote for the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party bought a membership, voted, and then he tried to put that together and say that somehow that created a difficult situation for the next election – you know, I had calls yesterday from people wondering: where is this guy coming from? What voters list? We don’t go through the voters list for election of a leader of a party. I’m sure the Liberals didn’t do that, and if you did, you can tell us that.

Well, I don’t know when you’re coming up for re-election, but I’m sure you’re not going to grab the Alberta list and go through an election. I mean, he’s got everybody baffled, but if he’s got hard evidence of impropriety, get up in the House and say it. Mr. Mason: I certainly have the Premier baffled, Mr. Speaker. The accused stands charged with the crime of embarrassing the government by pointing out that 25 per cent of Albertans were not on the voters list in the last election because the government could not provide the required nominees for deputy returning officers in a timely fashion.

Will the Premier drop the charges against the accused and give the Chief Electoral Officer the authority and resources he needs to run an effective, well-organized, and nonparti- san election campaign? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, the budget is agreed upon by the Assembly, by the committee, not by the Premier. Secondly, there were issues raised by at least two parties, that being the opposition, and I know that we had some issues that we wanted to talk about, but to say in this House that somehow as a Premier or as a government we manipulated the election is just pure junk. In fact, maybe – well, no.

I won’t make any comment because I don’t want to dig the hole deeper than what this guy is digging for himself. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Hays, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre. South Calgary Health Campus Mr. Johnston: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituents in Calgary-Hays have been waiting for some time now for the comple- tion of the south Calgary health campus. My questions are all to the Minister of Health and Wellness. Why is the south Calgary health campus being built in phases when the need for a new health facility in the area is so great? Mr. Liepert: Mr.

Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to clarify an answer that I gave yesterday in the House to the hon. Leader of the Opposition. He had me so worked up about the expansion at the Peter Lougheed that I didn’t hear his question properly. Mr. Mason: What a surprise. Mr. Liepert: I was probably being interrupted by the leader of the third party, and I couldn’t hear him. In fact, actually, the leader of the third party could take some lessons from the Liberal opposition, who have been behaving very appropriately in this House, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: And at that point in time we’ll move on. Mr.

Johnston: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the same minister: when will each of the phases be completed? Mr. Liepert: Mr. Speaker, I’ll finish the rest of the story. Yesterday the hon. Leader of the Opposition asked me: “Will the minister at least commit to a 2011 completion of the south Calgary hospital?” My response was: “No, Mr. Speaker, I cannot at this time.” As I said, I had mistakenly thought that he had asked me about the third phase of the Peter Lougheed hospital. That being said, I cannot commit that it will be completed on time; 2011 is a long time away. But what I can say, Mr.

Speaker, is that we have allocated a billion and a quarter dollars to this particu- lar hospital. It is on schedule, on budget. I see no reason why it shouldn’t be completed in 2011.* That’s the first phase. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Johnston: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My final question: what services will be provided by the south Calgary health campus when phase 1 opens? Mr. Liepert: Well, Mr. Speaker, phase 1 of the south Calgary campus will be a full acute facility which would have some 260 beds, an emergency department, intensive care units, 11 operating rooms – I could go on and on.

I just want to reiterate that phase 1 of the south Calgary campus is part of some $2 billion, $3 billion, $4 billion worth of health care projects that are either just completed, under way, or about to be completed in the next couple of years in the city of Calgary, which is some 50 per cent of our allocation of health care capital dollars. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre, followed by the hon. Member for Athabasca-Redwater. Turner Valley Gas Plant Ms Blakeman: Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday in the House the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit, who is

Alberta Hansard February 18, 2009100 responsible for the Turner Valley gas plant historical site, told us that because of tough economic times “we’re not going to . . . spend an untold amount of dollars to make sure that we remediate.” The message that I got is that Albertans should just stop whining if a contaminated site is affecting thei r water. My question is to the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. Is the minister saying that in the upcoming budget there will be a decrease or an elimina- tion in reclamation funding; in other words, no cash for cleanups? Mr. Blackett: Well, Mr.

Speaker, as everybody in this House knows, I have no idea what is in the next budget. That’s the privy of the minister of finance, and we’ll be informed in due course. As far as reclamation, there is money being spent there. What I said is that we have remediated that site to an industrial standard. There will never be residential activity on that site; there’s an operating gas plant adjacent to it. The site has been remediated to a residential area from where there are walking paths to the individ- ual buildings. At this time it’s prudent for us to take a look at our financial position.

If we are going to go forward with further remediation or further expansion or an interpretive centre adjacent to that site, we’ll do so in due course. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Blakeman: Thank you.

Again to the same minister so that I can clarify: given that the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act states that where a substance that is causing or has caused an adverse effect is released into the environment, the person responsi- ble, that being the minister representing the department, shall – not may but shall – take all responsible measures to repair, remedy, and confine the effects of the substance, is the minister saying that he won’t follow the act? Mr. Blackett: Well, Mr. Speaker, I’m saying that we have done, indeed, all of those things.

We have confined the site, we have remediated the site, we have enclosed a membrane, and we have made sure that there was no danger of contamination going to the Sheep River. There’s no seepage of contaminants into the ground- water. It is a site that’s remediated, and it could be used today, if we so choose, in a manner that is appropriate. 2:10 Ms Blakeman: I don’t think the 2,000 petitioners believe that. My next question is to the Minister of Energy.

Given that the minister responded to an issue raised by these same 2,000 people by saying that it’s an issue that isn’t there – and that’s in quotes – is the minister denying the seriousness of a contamination for which Alberta Health had issued a directive that pregnant women and children should be restricted from the site? Mr. Knight: Well, Mr.

Speaker, with respect to the issuance of a directive around citizens that may or may not find it to their benefit to visit different industrial sites around the province of Alberta, I would suggest that there are probably a number of places that certain individuals may find it uncomfortable and perhaps not in their best interest to visit. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Athabasca-Redwater, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Buffalo. Carbon Capture and Storage Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday the CBC interviewed President Barack Obama.

The President is obviously better informed on Alberta’s energy production than our CBC anchor, who misleadingly referred to the oil sands as tar sands. Informed Canadians note that this area might easily be called the job sands. Equally as impressive, the President agrees with Alberta and believes in the viability of carbon capture and storage. To the Minister of Energy. Alberta’s carbon capture and storage funding was announced in July. Can the minister advise when we’d expect to see these projects move forward? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Knight: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

First of all, I was very pleased, of course, with President Obama’s support for carbon capture and storage. I think that this is a thoughtful leader that’s looking for real solutions. We have one. We have carbon capture and storage moving ahead. What this does, in my opinion, is that it adds another very strong voice to the many voices around the world who now recognize that Alberta is a leader in carbon capture and storage technology. We’ll move ahead in the very short coming months and get our programs in place. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Much is made of the carbon emissions from the job sands development. My question is to the same minister. Can the minister tell us what the potential reduction in oil sands emissions could be from carbon capture and storage? Mr. Knight: Well, Mr. Speaker, again, I think that it’s important for us all to understand that when you look at the oil sands specifically, that’s not necessarily the largest emission of CO 2 in the province of Alberta. Coal-fired electrical generation is actually the largest emission.

That said, there are significant opportunities for us to reduce emissions from oil sands and other areas in the province of Alberta, particularly on the oil sands issue with respect to upgrading and refining and the ability for us to capture CO2 in those locations. Mr. Johnson: To the same minister, Mr. Speaker: if Alberta taxpayers share in the cost of construction, infrastructure, research, costs for these large carbon capture and storage projects, will they also share in the rewards once these projects are operating and potentially generating revenue streams? Mr. Knight: Well, again, Mr.

Speaker, most certainly, when we look at the situation that we have in Alberta, we are very blessed with the resources in Alberta that help build this province, but also we’re blessed with geology that allows us to store CO 2. In certain circumstances enhanced oil recovery projects from CO 2 sequestra- tion do result in a very large benefit to Albertans with respect to additional production of conventional reserves, which leads to wealth generation and also additional royalty collected. Prosecutions under the Election Act Mr. Hehr: Mr.

Speaker, today I’m hoping for some answers regarding allegations that 19 electoral violations were ignored by the Minister of Justice. This might be of help to the Chief Electoral Officer, too, since it seems that he may lose his job for doing it too well. Will the Justice minister tell Albertans why Alberta Justice refused to adequately prosecute 19 violations of the Alberta Election Act as recommended for prosecution by the Chief Electoral Officer?

February 18, 2009 Alberta Hansard 101 The Speaker: The hon. minister. Ms Redford: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the Premier has made it very clear that we treat any concern expressed by the Chief Electoral Officer seriously. Our responsibility is always to deter- mine – and this is a very important thing for people that, perhaps, aren’t lawyers to understand. When we are prosecuting, we have two things that we must consider: one is what is in the public interest and, secondly, whether or not there is a reasonable likelihood of conviction. This is a fundamental principle of fair justice.

It is at the core of what the Crown prosecution service does. It is part of their work on a daily basis. It is the difference between fair prosecution and persecution. Mr. Hehr: Thank you for that answer, but do not these violations of the Election Act and the fact that the Chief Electoral Officer said they should be prosecuted lead us to believe in this House that the protection of democracy needs these violations prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law? Ms Redford: Mr. Speaker, in our very complicated system we all have jobs to do.

One of the things that the Chief Electoral Officer must do is see whether or not people have followed the rules. One of the things that the Department of Justice must do and which prosecutors must do in the Depart ment of Justice is determine whether or not in absolutely every circumstance it is in the best interests of the public to prosecute. Part of the consideration for that is whether or not there is a reasonable likelihood of conviction. Mr. Hehr: Do you not deem it to be in the public’s best interest that we prosecute election violations regardless of a conviction or not? Ms Redford: Mr.

Speaker, I believe that it is in the public’s best interest to ensure that we have a transparent electoral system. We have that system. I also believe that it is within our jurisdiction as the Department of Justice to make decisions about what we need to prosecute to ensure that people are living in a democracy and living in a safe and secure community. The decision was made by prosecutors in the Department of Justice that in some cases it is not necessary to prosecute. It is only necessary to ensure that the behaviour does not happen again, and that is what we did. The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Calgary-Nose Hill, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Riverview. Climate Change Policy Dr. Brown: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Environment. The minister has just returned from the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment meeting in Whitehorse where, it appears, climate change and the policy relating thereto was a major topic of discussion. Can the minister advise the House whether the meeting dealt with Canada’s position in prepara- tion for President Obama’s visit to Canada tomorrow? Mr. Renner: Mr.

Speaker, I can assure this member and all members of the House that this meeting was planned well in advance of our finding out that the President was going to be coming to Ottawa tomorrow. I think it also should be said that, quite naturally, given the fact that the President is coming, that was a topic of some discussion. We talked about issues related to climate change and our policy respecting climate change. We also talked about other things, such as the tripartite air framew ork that we’re working on and a national strategy for our waste water and effluent.

This is an ongoing, regularly scheduled meeting of Environment ministers. Dr. Brown: Given that climate change was the topic of discussion, can the minister explain Canada’s and Alberta’s position on the North American policy, particularly since we have expressed in the past that we are against a cap-and-trade system? Mr. Renner: Well, Mr. Speaker, I’d prefer to talk and discuss not so much what we are against but what we’re for. That was the subject of discussion at that meeting. That was the subject of discussion of President Obama in his interview last night.

We’re looking for a North America-wide regulatory system that will allow the much-needed technology that is recognized by both the U.S. and Canada to develop our energy in a responsible way by the imple- mentation of technology. Whatever that regulatory regime is, we will be doing our utmost to work with the Americans to bring it about. Dr. Brown: Can the minister advise whether there was any discus- sion about Alberta being able to influence the upcoming Conference of the Parties negotiations in Copenhagen? Mr. Renner: Mr. Speaker, that particular issue was the subject of much discussion at the meeting.

To be frank, in the past the involvement of the provinces at the Conference of the Parties has been very limited. All ministers, myself included, were very much enthused and encouraged by the comments of Minister Prentice when he indicated that the provinces will be very much part of the development of the Canadian position at the conference in Copenha- gen. We put together and agreed to a process of developmental meetings at the officials level, leading to a number of meetings of ministers so that when we get to Copenhagen next December, we will indeed have a Canadian team at that event. The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Edmonton-Riverview, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Strathcona. 2:20 Returning Officer Appointments Dr. Taft: Thanks, Mr. Speaker. From June to October 2007 the Chief Electoral Officer wrote repeatedly to the government asking for local returning officer nominees, and the government never even replied. Eventually the PC Party gave him a list of names heavily biased, of course, with PC Party members. My question is to the Deputy Premier, who was intimately involved in this process.

How does he justify to this Assembly a policy in which written requests from an officer of this Assembly are ignored and a key responsibility for an election is handed over to a political party? Mr. Stevens: Well, Mr. Speaker, I must admit that I was here during that time period, but I don’t r ecall the specifics of the question. What I do however remember is that following the election, the hon. member who has asked this question was sufficiently distressed with the circumstances surrounding the election that I think he called for an investigation into the conduct of the officer.

So I do note that you weren’t particularly pleased with what was going on. Dr. Taft: You know, Mr. Speaker, that was about as pathetic a response on a serious issue as this Assembly has ever seen. You should be ashamed of yourself. Again to the same Deputy Premier. When he finally got a list of 83 names, the Chief Electoral Officer discovered that only one

Alberta Hansard February 18, 2009102 person, 1 out of 83, had been contacted to see if they were interested in the position. How does this minister defend such a pathetic performance on such a crucial matter? Mr. Stevens: Well, part of the difficulty I’m having in defending anything, Mr. Speaker, is that I don’t have specifics of the particular event that the hon. member is asking about. It’s incredibly difficult for me to respond to something that I don’t at this particular point in time have any recollection of. Dr. Taft: Ignorance is no defence, Mr. Speaker. This is shocking.

This is a matter of profound public policy importance. This minister was intimately involved. He was the minister responsible. He is now the Deputy Premier. Will the Deputy Premier tell this Assembly – maybe he can get his memory cells going – who it was in the PC Party he asked to provide names to the Chief Electoral Officer? If he won’t tell us, why won’t he tell us? Mr. Stevens: Well, Mr. Speaker, what I can say about this hon. member is that ignorance is not a problem when it comes to asking questions in this House. That certainly is true.

I can tell you that I do not answer questions that I don’t have a factual basis to answer, and that is the situation I find myself in. The hon. member can say that I should know the answer, and perhaps I should, but I don’t know the answer, hon. member, so I can’t provide you with one. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Strathcona, followed by the hon. Member for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne. Student Housing Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The University of Alberta south campus student residence appears to have been mothballed. Meanwhile, students are facing rent increase after rent increase.

U of A residence rates went up 10 per cent in 2007, almost 9 per cent last year, and 8 per cent this year. That’s almost a 30 per cent rent increase in three years. Postsecondary students deserve accessible, affordable, safe places to live. To the minister of advanced educa- tion: why won’t you fight for a new undergrad residence at the U of A so students can study and sleep knowing that they’ll be able afford to live there next semester, too? Mr. Horner: Mr.

Speaker, indeed, we are working with the university and with CAUS and the University of Alberta Students’ Union on a number of different proposals: one being the south campus, one being the east village, and a number of other proposals which I’m currently working on with the executive of the University of Alberta. So I don’t know where the hon. member is getting her information. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Notley: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. From the students. My understanding is that you’ve got a couple of grad residences online, but there’s absolutely nothing in the works for the undergrad residence.

Students get $429 a month from student loans to cover rent, but a suite at the U of A residence goes for almost $700 a month, and that’s $700 for a building that r ecently had broken elevators and was infested with bedbugs. As a result, students are working at several jobs and taking on crippling debt to make ends meet. To the same minister: how could you let student costs balloon in the boom but offer no help to students who were and still are struggling to make ends meet? Mr. Horner: Mr.

Speaker, I would put the student financial assistance that we provide in this province up against any province in the country. The facts are the facts, and simply that is the truth. The University of Alberta and our department have been working on additions to student residences, and the hon. member is correct on deferred maintenance issues as it relates to that. We guarantee the funds for the loans for student residences, but we do not fund the student residences themselves. The institutions do that as a business case, and we’re working with them on several different business cases right now.

The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The fact is the fact that, basically, students receive about $300 less a month than they need to get a simple place to live. These days in Alberta the average undergrad student takes six years to complete a four-year degree because they can’t afford to study full-time. We know that students who go into debt more than $10,000 per year have only a 20 per cent chance of completing their degree. Postsecondary students are suffering because this government is putting corporate tax breaks before public education.

To the same minister: why won’t you commit today to providing real affordable housing for students at the U of A campus, including the south campus residence? Mr. Horner: Mr. Speaker, I look after Campus Alberta. I don’t as a rule look after the individual campuses and the individual day-to- day operations of those institutions. The University of Alberta has a board, a chair, a provost, a president, and an entire senate that look after the day-to-day operations of the university campus and, as well, the actual infrastructure that’s on that.

We work with them, and we are working with them today and will continue to work with them throughout Campus Alberta. Accessible, affordable education is a priority of this government. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-McCall. Tourism Marketing Opportunities Mr. VanderBurg: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past weekend the Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club and the Alberta Snowmo- bile Association held their annual jamboree in Whitecourt.

Whitecourt and area hosted thousands of riders and guests from throughout the province, from Canada, and from the United States and filled our hotel rooms and restau rants. My question is to the Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation. Does your ministry value events like this that happen outside the better-known zones like Jasper and Banff? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Ady: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The answer to the hon. member is: yes, we do.

We were pleased to be able to partner with the Whitecourt Trailblazers and other area businesses to support this event to the tune of about $40,000, and with that commitment we understand from the early economic returns that it was close to a $4 million return to this community. As he said, 1,350 rooms were let. We think that’s marketing money well spent, and we’re doing our best to keep people travelling th roughout the province of Alberta even in these uncertain economic times.

February 18, 2009 Alberta Hansard 103 Mr. VanderBurg: Mr. Speaker, I thank the minister for the support given by the ministry. She mentioned the economics of these kinds of event. During unsettled economic circumstances in the global economy what are you doing to entice people to travel and, more importantly, entice them to communities like mine, that have been hit hard by the economic downturn? Mrs. Ady: Well, the Member for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne makes a really good point. Because of the great work of the tourism industry and also Travel Alberta we’ve really been not doing so bad.

When it comes to direct entries, we’re faring better than other provinces around us. We’re into what I’ll call the second year of the Stay campaign, where we encourage Albertans to travel in Alberta and to enjoy this province. We think it’s been going very well. It’s kept us in a pretty good, solid position compared to others. When we look at last year, at 2008, we think the Stay campaign projected about another 40,000 visits, worth about $17 million in income, to the province. Mr. VanderBurg: Mr. Speaker, I’m glad the minister mentioned the Stay program.

Over the weekend the hundreds of volunteers expressed an interest to me about an expanded trail system. We need to expand that product here in our province in order to keep people in Alberta. What is the minister doing to expand our trail network in this province? 2:30 Mrs. Ady: Well, Mr. Speaker, I’m happy to report that we have been hard at work on the trail system. I’ve asked the hon. Member for Athabasca-Redwater to chair the Recreation Corridors Co- ordinating Committee, and they’re busy at work trying to find goals that create a sustainable network of trails in the province.

I know they’ve had their first meeting, and they’re looking for best ways to achieve the goals. We’ve got hundreds of thousands of Albertans that want out on these trails. They want to recreate in the province of Alberta. I’m also working together with the minister of sustainable resources on this to help ensure that trails used in Alberta are sustainable and responsible, both public and in parkland. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-McCall, followed by the hon. Member for Little Bow. Submetering for Energy Use Mr. Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister of Service Alberta’s written responses to the questions asked on submetering last spring showed that instead of taking action, she’s leaving it to the landlords to make their own business decisions. This is simply unacceptable. To the Minister of Service Alberta: when will the minister be introducing legislation on submetering to protect renters? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to protect- ing renters, Service Alberta has a number of programs in place.

One of the best ones is the residential tenancies dispute services program, which is a wonderful pl ace for tenants and landlords to come together to solve problems, whether it’s relating to rent or things like that. So Service Alberta is very much engaged in protecting renters and making sure renters know that rental increases are only allowed to be given once a year. We are always looking at and wanting to hear back from Albertans on issues they are concerned about. Mr. Kang: We are talking about unregulated metering, Mr. Speaker. We are not talking about rents.

Again to the minister: why is the minister allowing submetering to continue unregulated? Where is the protection for renters while they wait? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the whole issue of submetering, I am concerned about that issue, as is the hon. member. I have instructed my department to look at that issue and how it relates to the renter. It is federal and provincial jurisdictions, so we are currently looking at that area.

I have written a letter to Minister Tony Clement on this issue just to indicate that some of the measurement standards are regulated federally, and we should be looking at those jointly. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When will we get the response on that? Given that the minister wrote that regulations weren’t a necessity because landlords have their own incentives to keep costs low, why are the needs of landlords put before renters who are forced to pay submetering charges without protection? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I think the whole issue of submetering has positives and negatives in that it does encourage renters to be more aware of the costs of energy and those kinds of areas but balances that with respect to landlords being able to give the right information to the tenant so they know what they’re getting into. As I said, that’s something that I am looking into as we speak, and I’m currently working on developing a tipsheet for consumers so that they know what they’re going into when they are faced with this choice. Abandoned Gas Lines on Deeded Land Mr. McFarland: Mr.

Speaker, recent questions at my constituency office and at a southern Alberta mayors and reeves meeting have been around abandoned pipelines, gas lines, and the associated federal and provincial regulations. My question today is to the Minister of Energy, and I would like him to give me an answer to the question that was asked most frequently. In the event that an oil or gas pipeline is abandoned on deeded land, Minister, what is the landowner’s liability? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Knight: Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. Certainly, the patience of the hon. member is appreciated.

With respect to provincial legislation around abandonments even after a pipeline in Alberta is abandoned under provincial regulation and an order is issued, the licensee is responsible for the pipeline, and under no circumstance does this responsibility transfer to a landowner. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. McFarland: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The second question, that I thought was a most pertinent one: what is the landowner’s responsibility and involvement in the abandoned line on deeded land when it’s abandoned and going to be reclaimed?

Alberta Hansard February 18, 2009104 Mr. Knight: Well, Mr. Speaker, again, if a licensee of a pipeline seeks an abandonment order, it must be done through the E RCB. Certainly, there is usually a hearing involved, particularly when there’s a directly affected landowner, and the landowners must be notified in advance. At a hearing a landowner would be able to rise and present his concerns with respect to the abandonment process, and the ERCB is required to take these concerns into account. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. McFarland: Thank you.

My final question along the same line, Minister: does the original agreement made between a land- owner and the resource company with respect to the compensation get altered in the event of an abandonment? Mr. Knight: Mr. Speaker, again, the answer to that question would be: under normal circumstances, no, unless the leaseholder and the landowner had agreed previously that on abandonment the contract would expire. The contract would have terms in it relative to the length of the contract and when the contract would be terminated. Just because the line is abandoned doesn’t mean that the contract is null and void.

The contract would be in place until such a time as these terms of the contract are completed. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity, followed by the hon. Member for Strathcona. Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, when questioned about her ministry’s responsibility to protect addicted children and youth, the minister flipped the concern to the minister of health, who first blamed CBC for reporting allegations of abuse at the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre in Calgary.

The health minister then, rather than responding to my questions, accused me of not being supportive of Calgarians, whose concerns I raised. To either minister: whose ministry has the primary responsibility for protect- ing Alberta’s children and youth? Ms Tarchuk: Well, Mr. Speaker, I’ll reiterate my messaging from yesterday, which is that I will always – and it’s my role – encourage people that if they know of children that are being mistreated or abused, they report to me, and I and our ministry will make sure that there is immediate follow-up investigation.

I can also say again that we do not license addiction treatment facilities, so anything that has to do with those services I would direct to the minister of health. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Chase: Thank you. Rather than a passive approach of “call me,” how about you calling them? Has either minister begun an investigation into the allegations of abuse raised by the CBC’s The Fifth Estate or their accountability to taxpayers for the annual grants of $300,000 to this facility? Mr. Liepert: This is the second day in a row that this particular member has raised unfounded allegations.

If there is a specific allegation, he owes it to call the police. Report it to the police. That’s their job. If he doesn’t have it, I would suggest that he quit raising it and quit smearing the reputation of an organization in Calgary that is doing outstanding volunteer work. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the ministers, will the Premier remove the cloud of doubt hanging over this facility, over their government’s duty to protect the physical and mental well- being of children, and over their fiscal responsibility to Albertans by conducting a public inquiry? Mr. Liepert: Mr.

Speaker, the only cloud is raised by this member, and it’s got a hole in it bigger than the hole in the ozone layer. He continues to raise allegations, has no facts to back it up. All he has is some trash journalism by the CBC out of Toronto. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Strathcona, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Gold Bar. Door-to-door Sales of Energy Contracts Mr. Quest: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. People in my constituency tell me that door-to-door salespeople have come to their homes and used questionable tactics to promote and sell energy contracts.

Can the Minister of Service Alberta inform the House on what is and isn’t allowed when selling energy contracts and how Albertans can be aware of these regulations? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Salespeople who do come to Albertans’ homes must abide by the energy marketing regulation. It has specific requirements as to when they can access homes; that is, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. The regula- tion is very clear, and we do take action if the requirements are not followed.

We also have detailed information on the Service Alberta website and the Utilities Consumer Advocate website about the regulations so that Albertans are informed of what door-to-door energy salespeople can do. Mr. Quest: My first supplemental to the same minister: what options are in place for consumers if they sign an energy contract with a door-to-door salesperson and then change their mind after the salesperson has left? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The best thing Albertans should do is to consider their options very carefully and do their homework before signing an energy contract. However, in the event that someone does change their mind, they have 10 days to cancel the contract and provide notice to the retailer. The contract can be cancelled even if the 10 days have passed, depending on situations. Consumers can call our department, and we’re very happy to help them through the process. 2:40 Mr.

Quest: My final supplementary to the same minister: what has the office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate done to inform Albertans about what to be aware of when signing an energy contract? Mrs. Klimchuk: The good work of the Utilities Consumer Advocate and their staff is that they have been very active about informing consumers about door-to-door salespeople. We have calls that come to a call centre, we have good website information, and as well we take calls from consumers. We also successfully mediate disputes, and we work closely with the retailers to ensure they’re meeting our regulations.

The bottom line is that there are good protections in place, and we will enforce them as well.

February 18, 2009 Alberta Hansard 105 The Speaker: Hon. members, that was 96 questions and responses. In 30 seconds from now I’m going to call upon the first of several hon. members to continue with members’ statements. head: Members’ Statements (continued) Diamonds and Denim Sweetheart Gala Mr. Hehr: Mr. Speaker, on Valentine’s Day I attended the third annual Diamonds and Denim Sweetheart Gala in Red Deer, a fundraiser to support the vital programs and services of the Canadian Paraplegic Association, Alberta.

Alberta businesses, including Mitchell & Jewell of Red Deer, were very generous in supporting the fundraising auction. I was also pleased to see the Member for Red Deer-South and the hon. Minister of Seniors and Community Supports at the event. Marlin Styner, the chair of the Premier’s council on disability, and his wife, Diane, were also present. I would also like to point out the hard work of Paulette Vanoosterom and her amazing group of volunteers, who organized this gala evening.

The Canadian Paraplegic Association, Alberta, helps ensure that Albertans with disabilities have th e help and support they need to address their specific issues, giving them a chance to reach their full potential as human beings and active citizens. As an Albertan with a disability I can tell you that I am very grateful to have had such wonderful resources and terrific people to draw upon. I have served on the CPA board for nine years, and I can tell you from personal experience that I have seen remarkable progress Albertans with disabilities have made in that time. Don’t get me wrong.

We still have a long way to go when it comes to improving accessibility and availability of opportunity, but many positive steps forward have been made thanks in great part to the folks working at CPA and their generous supporters. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to thank Paulette and her amazing group of volunteers once again and to offer a shout-out to the fine Albertans who gave generously at the fundraiser. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Lougheed. Norma Bastidas Mr. Rodney: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

It’s a great privilege for me to rise today to share an incredible story of an Albertan who is an inspiration for us all. Norma Bastidas lives in southwest Calgary, and she’s a single mother of two. Now, her 14- year-old son suffers from cone-rod dystrophy. It’s a progressive condition that often results in sign ificant vision loss. Rather than waiting for someone else to do something about this, Norma has taken it upon herself to search to the ends of the earth for a cure.

Along with Operation Eyesight Universal, the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind she has launched an initiative to help combat vision loss. Norma is an ultramarathon runner, and to bring attention to a cause that affects more than 160 million people, she will literally run all over the world. Norma will compete in seven ultramarathons on seven continents in seven months, seven-on-seven-in-seven.

She will run 1,400 kilometres through some of the most hostile environments: the thick jungles of Brazil, the subzero temperatures of Antarctica, and the hottest deserts on the planet. When she completes her journey, the 777 Run for Sight, she will be the first person in history to do so. It won’t be easy, Mr. Speaker. Ultramarathons are one of the toughest challenges in sports. The first race alone is equal to running up and down Mount Everest.

In this effort Norma will express how lucky we are to have the gift of sight and how we need to share our good fortune with others who need support in dealing with vision loss. The project will focus on helping to find the causes and ultimately the cure for inherited retinal diseases that cause vision loss. Twenty-five years ago finding a cure for retinal dystrophies was considered impossible, but today research has led to promising treatments to prevent and in some cases even restore vision. People can follow along on normabastidas.com in her quest for $100,000. The Speaker: The hon. Member for St. Albert.

Labour Mobility of Land Surveyors Mr. Allred: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my privilege to rise today and relate one of the first of many success stories to come from the trade, investment, and labour mobility agreement, com- monly referred to by its acronym, TILMA.

The Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association and the Association of British Columbia Land Surveyors have recently announced that the first Alberta land surveyor to apply under the new TILMA rules has completed and passed the jurisdictional examination for British Columbia and will be commissioned as a British Columbia land surveyor at the annual general meeting of the Association of B.C. Land Surveyors being held next week in Vancouver. Congratulations go out to Richard Nixon, Alberta land surveyor from Fort St. John, B.C.

Both associations signed an agreement on April 26 of last year that provides for the labour mobility of their members as of January 1 of this year. This agreement complies with the trade, investment, and labour mob ility agreement of the tw o provinces. Under this agreement, Mr. Speaker, a land surveyor in good standing in one association may apply to become a land surveyor in the other association and will have to write a nonmaterial jurisdictional examination.

By writing and passing this nonmaterial examination, the land surveyor will prove that he or she is knowledgeable in the statutes, regulations, and survey practices of the other province. Once completed, the land surveyor will be sworn in as a commis- sioned land surveyor in the other jurisdiction. This revised process for entry will ensure compliance with both provinces’ labour mobility requirements in a fair and transparent process for land surveyors in each province.

The two associations are looking forward to working together in this new relationship to share ideas and projects to save time and resources in ongoing activities. The Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association and the Association of British Columbia Land Surveyors are the self-governing professional associations established by provincial legislation. The associations regulate the practice of land surveying for the protection of the public and the administration of the profession. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. head: Introduction of Bills The Speaker: The hon. Member for Peace River. Bill 15 Dunvegan Hydro Development Act Mr.

Oberle: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to request leave to introduce Bill 15, being the Dunvegan Hydro Development Act. Mr. Speaker, on December 22, 2008, an independent joint review panel determined that the Dunvegan hydroelectric project, a 100- megawatt run-of-the-river hydroelectric project on the Peace River is in the public interest. Our ow n Hydro and Electric Energy Act requires that a bill be prepared in order to authorize a construction order for the hydro development. Passage of Bill 15 would authorize the Alberta Utilities Commission to make an order for the construc-

Alberta Hansard February 18, 2009106 tion and operation of Glacier Power Ltd.’s Dunvegan hydroelectric project. While this act meets our legislative requirements to grant the appropriate authority to the Alberta Utilities Commission, it does not remove any of the regulatory duties of that body. Mr. Speaker, this is a good-news story. Renewable energy production already accounts for 13 per cent of Alberta’s total electricity generation. This project will add to that total. [Motion carried; Bill 15 read a first time] The Speaker: The hon. Government House Leader. Mr. Hancock: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I move that Bill 15 be moved onto the Order Paper under Government Bills and Orders. [Motion carried] The Speaker: The hon. Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. 2:50 Bill 16 Peace Officer Amendment Act, 2009 Mr. Lindsay: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to request leave to introduce Bill 16, the Peace Officer Amendment Act, 2009. Mr. Speaker, effective May 1, 2009, the P eace Officer Act will restrict the use of terms and symbols used to represent auxiliary or volunteer police officers to differentiate them from sworn police officers.

An unintended consequence is that auxiliary policing programs are required to make changes to their uniforms and insignia, incurring extra costs. The proposed amendment would allow police services to ask for an exemption to this

section of the act so that similar uniforms and titles can be used within the same police service when both auxiliary and police constables attend scenes together. Making the amendment now ensures police services or auxiliary police programs don’t incur these additional costs. [Motion carried; Bill 16 read a first time] The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-North Hill. Bill 17 Securities Amendment Act, 2009 Mr. Fawcett: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I request leave to introduce Bill 17, the Securities Amendment Act, 2009.

Alberta and all the provinces and territories in Canada with the exception of Ontario have made a commitment to ongoing reform and harmonization of our securities regulation under the 2004 provincial-territorial memorandum of understanding regarding securities regulation. Bill 17 builds on this work, Mr. Speaker, and Alberta has taken a leadership role to further modernize, harmonize, and streamline Alberta securities law. Mr. Speaker, thank you. I look forward to the further debate and discussion on this issue as we move forward. [Motion carried; Bill 17 read a first time] The Speaker: The hon.

Government House Leader. Mr. Hancock: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill 17 be moved onto the Order Paper under Government Bills and Orders. [Motion carried] The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Buffalo. Bill 201 Traffic Safety (Vehicles with Unlawfully Possessed Firearms) Amendment Act, 2009 Mr. Hehr: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave to introduce private member’s Bill 201, the Traffic Safety Amendment Act, 2009. The purpose of this amendment is to stem the tide of gang and gun violence in our towns and cities.

These additions to the Traffic Safety Act will make it an offence to drive on a highway in a motor vehicle in which there is an unlawfully possessed firearm. Provided that the police officer has reasonable grounds to believe an offence has been committed, they may request the surrender of the driver’s licence and detain the vehicle. The licence suspension is for a 24- hour period, and the vehicle is impounded for the same length of time. At this time the government may use new legislation provi- sions to rescind the individual’s driver’s licence for up to one year and fine the individual up to $25,000.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to thank the table officers, members of our staff, and everyone who aided in the creation of Bill 201 for their assistance. Thank you very much. [Motion carried; Bill 201 read a first time] head: Tabling Returns and Reports The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Egmont. Mr. Denis: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise today and to table a list of 150 students from J.C. Charyk school in Hanna in the constituency of Drumheller-Stettler. These students have written this Assembly asking for a prohibition on the sale of flavoured tobacco products in Alberta.

I just briefly have a quote here that they indicate is from a U.S. smokeless tobacco executive: “Cherry Skoal is for someone who likes the taste of candy, if you know what I’m saying.” I have five copies here which I will pass to the Clerk. I think we should congratulate these students on their initiative in writing our Assembly. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past Saturday, Valen- tine’s Day, the hon.

Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, the MLA for Calgary-Mountain View, and I participated in the first annual march to honour the lives of more than a hundred Alberta women murdered or missing over the last 10 years. Among the names of the women remembered were: Sharene Oswald, Jane and Kathryn Johnson, Mary Jane Serloin, Barbara Eyapaise, Starr Solway and her daughter Daniha, Christine Ackabee, Annette Leger, Elaine Krauscher, Sheila Ritchie, Joanne Shover, and Shauna Vanderbosch. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre. Ms Blakeman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

On behalf of my colleague the Leader of the Official Opposition I have two tablings today. The first is a letter from Paul Hawirko, who notes that he’s approaching his 80th birthday and has been moved to write a letter expressing his concern, which he sees as an assault on the drug coverage benefits available to seniors in Alberta. He would like to see that changed.

February 18, 2009 Alberta Hansard 107 The second tabling on behalf of the Leader of the Official Opposition is from Wayne Hampton, who resides in Lacombe, who is also expressing his vehement opposition to the proposed changes in the Alberta government’s pharmaceutical strategy. Thank you very much. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Strathcona. Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two tablings. I’d like to table the appropriate number of copies of 10 reports from long- term care workers indicating specific instances of shifts that were short-staffed.

One of these reports shows that because of short- staffing residents missed baths, were fed late, and were not toileted when needed. The second tabling, Mr. Speaker, is the appropriate number of copies of 105 letters from residents of Newton Place, a University of Alberta residence, which relates to my questions today. The letters highlight the lack of affordable housing for U of A students. Thank you. head: Tablings to the Clerk The Clerk: I wish to advise the House that the following document was deposited with the office of the Clerk. On behalf of the hon. Mr.

Goudreau, Minister of Employment and Immigration, pursuant to the Architects Act the Alberta Association of Architects annual report, 2007. head: Orders of the Day head: Government Motions 3. Mr. Hancock moved:

Be it resolved that the Legisl ative Assembly do resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, when called, to consider certain bills on the Order Paper. The Speaker: Hon. members, neither motions 3 nor 4 are debatable. I’ll call the question on the motion put forward by the hon. Govern- ment House Leader. [Government Motion 3 carried] 4. Mr. Hancock moved:

Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly do resolve itself into Committee of Supply, when called, to consider supply to be granted to Her Majesty. [Government Motion 4 carried] head: Consideration of His Honour the Lieutenant Governor’s Speech Mr. Johnston moved that an humble address be presented to His Honour the Honourable the Lieutenant Governor as follows. To His Honour the H onourable Norman L.

Kwong, CM, AOE, Lieutenant Governor of the province of Alberta: We, Her Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly, now assembled, beg leave to thank Your Honour for the gracious speech Your Honour has been pleased to address to us at the opening of the present session. [Adjourned debate February 17: Mr. Lukaszuk] The Speaker: Hon. Member for Edmonton-Castle Downs, do you wish to continue? Mr. Lukaszuk: Mr. Speaker, just a couple of words in summation to what I had the pleasure of saying yesterday on the speech.

It is very important that we as leaders in this Assembly focus on the positives that are happening in the province of Alberta. If we as elected officials representing our constituents in this Chamber cannot focus on the positive and cannot underline what great work not only this government but this Chamber as a whole and all Albertans have done and how far ahead we are of all jurisdictions, it would be very difficult to expect that of Albertans in turn. Mr.

Speaker, we’re at a time right now when we need to pull together and when we need to show the strength of Alberta and when we need to forge new markets and when we need to market Alberta in foreign markets. The world is watching us. If we’re here knocking down the work of this government, if we’re here knocking down, in turn, the work of Albertans, I am not sure what kind of a picture we are painting in front of the rest of this world.

Hence, I suggest to you and through you to all members of this Assembly that when discussing the Speech from the Throne, we s hould perhaps focus on the realities and less on the partisan objectives and highlight the positives and the opportunities that exist in this province because it is indeed a province like no other in this country and like no other state further south of us.

The Speech from the Throne definitely is meant to inspire Albertans, it’s meant to boost our economy, and it’s meant to show all Albertans and the world that this province is open for business, that this province is going to develop its natural resources in a very responsible way, that this province is going to take care of those who need assistance but will not do any of that frivolously. This province will continue with a very sound small “c” conservative fiscal plan, and this province will be probably, if not definitely, the first one to rebound from this economic turmoil that we’re in. Mr.

Speaker, with this, I will close my comments and tell you that I have confidence in all members in this chamber and in this government that we will lead Alberta through this turbulent but also challenging time full of opportunities. Thank you. 3:00 The Speaker: Hon. members, Standing Order 29(2)(

a) is available. The hon. Minister of Environment. Mr. Renner: Thank you. I’m very pleased to rise today to respond to the Speech from the Throne, delivered by His Honour on February 10. Mr. Speaker, let me say that it’s my pleasure to respond to the speech both as a proud Albertan and as the Environment minister. In these uncertain times when we face so many unknowns, what we do know for sure is that this government remains committed to managing the environment for now and for our future. Albertans take great pride in our land, our ecosystems, and our natural resources.

It transcends gove rnment, communities, and the econ- omy. Our love of the land is as Albertan as this building or cowboys or, indeed, free spirit. It’s simply a part of who we are. Managing our impact on the land is very much what my depart- ment is all about. One of the phrases used in the sp eech resonated strongly with me; I think it rea lly captured what Alberta Environ- ment is all about. His Honour talked about conducting business with an environmental footprint that grows lighter and lighter over time. Mr. Speaker, I couldn’t agree more. Everything we do has some impact.

Every change we go through, economic or otherwise, has some impact. We recognize that Alberta has changed. The province is growing. More people, more demand for Alberta resources means that our proverbial footprint is larger. It’s the reality of today’s Alberta. Society as a whole will dictate the

Alberta Hansard February 18, 2009108 size of the foot. It’s really beyond the scope of any government or any industry. What we can control, however, Mr. Speaker, is how deep that footprint goes. Alberta Environment is doing just that. Albertans have told us that this is what they want. As I said before, we share a common pride for the natural beauty of Alberta and the diversity of our environment. Albertans value a high quality of life. Some people may think it’s a choice between one and the other. We know that both can be achieved by finding the right balance, and we know that Albertans demand both from us.

Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Speaker. Finding this balance is a continuous work in progress. We don’t have all of the answers in the Ministry of Environment. We never have had, and frankly we never will. But we are focusing our efforts to get better every day and to make sure that with every step we take, we move further and further down the right path. Albertans would accept nothing less. Albertans want to know that someone is considering all the impacts of a development when making decisions, so we are and in a way we have never done before.

Alberta is pioneering new tools and approaches that will determine what our environment can handle and how we manage within those limits. This approach takes us beyond project-by-project planning. It considers all sectors that exist on a landscape: residential, agricultural, industrial, and commercial. At the same time it balances these sectors with what is required to maintain an ecosystem. Ecosystems, Mr. Speaker, are interconnected, and so should be our planning. Our air emissions will be capped to ensure that air emissions remain safe and that our air rema ins safe to breathe.

Water with- drawals will be limited to protect aquatic systems. Land distur- bances will be minimized by putting the right developments in the right places. Just as importantly, all of us will know what these thresholds are. We can ensure th at we live and work within these limits. The cumulative effects approach is already in place in the Industrial Heartland. Our ministry is taking what we are learning in the heartland and will be applying it throughout the rest of the province.

Much of our ministry’s work on cumulative effects is happening behind the scenes, changing the internal processes and policy reviews to ensure that we align the department to this new approach. We’re examining our own environmental impact assessment process to determine how we can reimagine it to fit under cumulative effects planning. Mr. Speaker, Albertans want to take action against climate change, and they want us to show that we are part of the global solution, so we will continue to refine our greenhouse gas emission regulations, which are already the first of its kind in North America.

We’ve always said that we have much more to do in this area, and we’re going to act on that commitment. Alberta is in a unique role as a global energy supplier. We have the ability to produce energy the world demands, but with that we are also the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Canada. So Albertans have a challenge ahead of us. We’re ready and willing to do our part, but climate change is not just Alberta’s issue; it belongs to everyone who drives a car, heats a home, or buys consumer goods. Any climate change strategy must reflect this reality.

It must take steps to limit emissions at all points in the fossil fuel life cycle, not just the production side. This is why we’ll continue to focus on reducing the emissions that come from the production of energy in Alberta, especially those that come from the oil sands, while also taking action to promote wise energy use, such as the consumer incentive program that we will be introducing and announcing soon. We’ve made great strides, but this is a race that’s just getting started, Mr. Speaker, and we know we have much more to do. Technology investment is priority one.

It provides long-term solutions to how we can reduce emissions and make energy production more efficient. An investment in technology develop- ment here at home is also an investment in jobs in our economy. It shows the rest of the world that we take our responsibility as a global energy supplier seriously. Decisions that will soon be made on how to invest the $2 billion earmarked for carbon capture and storage will be announced. While carbon capture and storage alone will not solve the world’s green- house gas emission issue, it’s a critical and important tool in our tool box.

It has the support of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and, as we heard last night, the Obama administration. This is where we have much to offer. Frankly, I think we have the most to offer, Mr. Speaker, not only to make real, lasting emission reductions in Alberta but to take what we learn in the coming years and share this valuable knowledge with others. For a province of 3 and a half million people to commit this significant amount of dollars is a tremendous commitment to the world, particularly in times like these.

This year will be an important one for climate change policy in North America. President Obama is meeting our Prime Minister tomorrow. Climate change will certainly be on the agenda, and speculation persists that Canada will be looking for some sort of free pass for the oil sands. Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker, to you and to all Albertans that Canada and Alberta are not looking for a free pass. The oil sands do not receive a free pass from our own regulatory system, and we don’t expect one from a North American system. What we do want, Mr.

Speaker, is a common North American system that respects jurisdictional differences and efforts under way. We expect our $2 billion commitment to CCS to be recognized. So, too, would be our regulatory system that directed and led to real emissions, a price on carbon, and an offset credit market. A system that works for one place does not necessarily work for another. Each province and each state has its own challenges and its own means to find solutions, and everybody has a set of experience and expertise to bring to the table.

But it can be one that shares the same common outcome: real, lasting emission reductions. For Alberta this means that money generated by an emission regulatory system should stay here where it can nurture the greatest change. 3:10 Let me talk for a few moments, Mr. Speaker, about water. Albertans want to know that there will be enough water in the future for people, for ecosystems, and for the economy. It is by far the greatest environmental concern for many Albertans. Living on the prairies, Albertans realize how important the supply of fresh water is.

Like other natural resources water must be managed appropri- ately. In 2003 we introduced water for life. At the time it was a groundbreaking framework for a province in the northern hemi- sphere. In five years it has accomplished much. Our knowledge of Alberta’s water systems has increased dramatically. We’ve forged many partnerships with on-the-ground organizations across the province. We’ve made safe drinking water even safer. But with every accomplishment another challenge arises, so we are imple- menting the renewed water for life strategy.

We’re going to look at important and, in many ways, challenging questions about how we allocate and use this valuable res ource. Priorities coming forward will include continuing to find ways to support regional drinking water and waste water solutions, managing and understanding the health of our aquatic ecosystems, and building our water monitoring and evaluation public reporting through the Water Information Centre so that Albertans know the state of their water.

February 18, 2009 Alberta Hansard 109 Renewed water for life is also setting the stage for dealing with two converging fundamental truths about water in Alberta: on one hand, our growing population and an economy that continues to put upward pressure on the demand for water; on the other hand, Mr. Speaker, scientists agree that a warming climate in Alberta will probably mean less supply available in the future. These converging themes are taking our water management planning in new directions. Alberta will ensure that we have the right system to manage the balance with these realities.

We have a system that has served us well, but it’s time that we take a hard look and ask ourselves if it will still serve us into the future. More than anything else, Mr. Speaker, Albertans want balance. They want a robust economy but not at the expense of the environ- ment. They want confidence that the land they love will be the land that they pass on to future generations. That is our goal, and it’s a goal that I am very proud to be part of meeting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: Hon. members, Standing Order 29(2)(

a) is available. The hon. Member for Edmonton-Riverview. Dr. Taft: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciated the comments from the minister. I think the minister knows that on this side we share the vision, or at least we have the vision of developing the oil sands but in a sustainable, sensible manner. I’m sure the minister has that same vision. My question is particular to oil sands development and habitat protection. The plan released the other day – I don’t have a copy in front of me – what was it called?

Responsible directions or some- thing, you know, the big plan released the other day that talks specifically about committing to habitat protection and to working with groups like CEMA. Now, CEMA last year made a recommendation, endorsed by industry and environmentalists, to set aside, protect from develop- ment some areas in the oil sands region. Despite a strong, compre- hensive recommendation the government denied that.

So I see a gap between the commitment to CEMA that the minister talks about and the commitment to habitat protection and the actual actions of this government which overrule the recommendations of CEMA. I’d be interested if the minister can tell us how this government is moving. Is it for CEMA or against CEMA? Mr. Renner: Well, Mr. Speaker, I think it’s clear.

It’s important to understand that what is so fundamentally important about the oil sands strategy, in addition to what is specifically within it, is that this strategy provides the framework for a number of different ministries throughout government to work together, to have the framework to know that no longer is it acceptable for Environment to head off in one direction, Energy in another direction, and SRD, for example, in a third direction. This is the document that brings it all together.

To specifically address the member’s question, we have before us the land-use framework, which is under the direction of the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development, referred to in the oil sands strategy document. That process has within its own regulatory regime and within its own process right as we speak a board that has been struck to talk about land-use issues in the lower Athabasca. That will, among many other things, be the way that the issue that the member refers to can be addressed.

At the same time Alberta Environment will be talking about issues related to water, groundwa- ter, ecosystems around water. We can guide and bring what we need from a scientific, environmental point of view by way of advice into that regional planning. That’s, I think, what the member and what Albertans have to understand is so monumental in bringing forward this overall strategy: not specifically what’s in the strategy but what the strategy brings to the planning process.

It brings a commitment on the part of government and the tools necessary so that we have cross- government initiatives, cross-government planning. This is a government of Alberta planning document, not an Alberta Environ- ment or an SRD document. This is across all departments. That’s what I’m looking forward to working on. The Speaker: Standing Order 29(2)(

a) is still available. The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Mr. Chase: Thank you. I have three questions for the minister. You mentioned water for life, which is a legacy of former Minister Taylor, which I very much appreciate. What percentage of aquifer mapping have we accomplished to date? That’s my first question. Also, the government and the opposition have different views about capping intensity versus capping overall emissions. The government has committed $2 billion toward sequestration. What practical steps have been taken to ensure that that process begins?

Then just a fairly simple question as number three. Is Sustainable Resource Development the quarterback for all ministries in balanc- ing resource, environmental, and economic issues? Are they the chief ministry? Mr. Renner: Mr. Speaker, I thought I just made myself clear. The Speaker: Well, I’m sorry, hon. member, but the time apportion- ment has now left us. Hon. Minister of Energy, did you wish to participate? Mr. Knight: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I do wish to participate. I’m very pleased to take the opportunity today to respond to the throne sp eech.

As His H onour the Honourable Lieutenant Governor made very clear in his speech, I believe that this is a speech for our times. Alberta is not immune from the global economic slowdown and the challenges facing all sectors of the economy. Now more than ever Alberta needs a plan to help our province respond to the challenges of today while positioning us to succeed during the year to come. I believe that the tone and direction are not only in the throne speech but also in the provincial energy strategy, which was released last December.

His Honour indicated in the throne sp eech that our goal must be to provide the energy the world needs – the energy the world needs – with an environmental footprint that grows lighter and lighter over time. Mr. Speaker, the energy strategy puts us on a path to do exactly that. As the Energy minister I’d like to focus for a couple of minutes on a couple of the things that are in the energy strategy. 3:20 First, as was clearly outlined in the throne speech, our goal over the coming year will be to ensure that our province remains a competitive and secure pl ace to invest and do business.

We will maintain the high quality of life that Albertans have come to expect, and that will depend in large part on the continued responsible development of energy resources. Mr. Speaker, we’ve heard a lot of comments, often from across the way, that criticize the way that this province addresses these issues. I think it’s very important to look a little more closely at the plans and at exactly what we have put in place. As you know, to name a few, the plan that we have relative to responsible development includes air quality – first in legislation,

Alberta Hansard February 18, 2009110 first in regulation – a working model that has reduced 2.6 million tonnes of emissions into Alberta’s atmosphere. Water for life and the new water for life: a plan that’s working today to decrease the amount of fresh water and brackish water used in energy industries and in other industries in the province. The latest land-use frame- work and the oil sands strategy, with mandates to assist developers, overarched by the energy strategy, will last this province for three decades of solid, responsible development. Mr.

Speaker, all of these policies will work together to ensure that Alberta’s energy resources are developed in a way that pays close attention to the impact on individuals and our environment. When we talk about the environment, the biggest challenge, of course, that we have in the immediate future are greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. We strongly believe that we can mitigate these impacts with the advancement of what we would like to call the science of solutions, carbon capture and storage being one of them, another key topic that was mentioned in the throne speech. As you know, Mr.

Speaker, this government has committed $2 billion to carbon capture and storage to develop three to five large projects. Keep in mind that the province of Alberta, about 3.2 million people, committed $2 billion to CCS projects. The President of the United States has recently indicated that they will commit $2.5 billion to projects for carbon capture and storage development. That represents a $2.5 billion investment for about 350 million people. The province of Alberta will justly be seen as a global leader with respect to this issue. In short order, Mr.

Speaker, we believe that we will have legisla- tion to formally commit to the funding, and we have a development council currently finalizing research with respect to the issue. Make no mistake: Alberta is on the international radar, and this throne speech sends a strong, clear message to those audiences. Again, Mr. Speaker, we’re very, very pleased to hear the Presi- dent’s comments and particularly his recognition of the enormous benefit that carbon capture and storage can have on a global problem. To me it’s further proof that Alberta is on the right path.

We’ve seen a lot of rhetoric about our province directed toward the President in recent weeks, but his comments make it clear to me that he’s a thoughtful leader interested in real solutions. I was also pleased to see his comments relative to clean coal because, as you know, Mr. Speaker, the use of technology to sustain our economies, which, of course, is a key focus of the provincial energy strategy, deals with coal as well. This message is so important now, especially during a time of economic slowdown. Now is the time to find ways to sustain our province’s economy. How will we do that?

We will do that by moving forward with the key outcomes of the provincial energy strategy. We will pursue clean energy production. That doesn’t only mean seeing enhance- ments in things like renewable energy, including projects like the hydro legislation being considered before the House. More impor- tantly, clean energy production means finding better ways to produce our vast energy resources and ways that we can market these improvements to other jurisdictions. It means exploring clean coal technology, bioenergy, gasification, in situ development, and so on. We will also focus, Mr.

Speaker, on wise energy use, something that is referenced in the throne speech and which I along with the Environment minister are dedicated to working on for the benefit of all Albertans and, we think, Canadians and people around the world. By securing the outcomes from this work, we believe that we will sustain Alberta’s future.

Make no mistake: I believe that energy remains the driver of this province, and if we can find solutions to enable our province to develop resources in an environmentally responsible way, we will continue to have a steady stream of revenue and economic activity and wealth generation that will benefit Alberta for years to come. Mr. Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity. The Speaker: Hon. members, Standing Order 29(2)(

a) is available. The hon. Member for Edmonton-Riverview. Dr. Taft: Thanks, Mr. Speaker. Again, I appreciate the minister participating in this discussion and responding to the throne speech. He alluded, indirectly at least, to some of the differences of views on both sides of the Assembly, but I think in important ways there are common desires as well. The minister used the phrase, referring to the throne speech, about Alberta having the energy the world needs. Fair enough.

I like to look at this from a different perspective, which is not thinking about Alberta having to deliver the energy the world needs but healthy development that Alberta needs. I think that’s what the government should be about. My question, just elaborating on that, to the Minister of Energy is just concerning royalties. There has been an awful lot of debate around royalties in the last couple of years, and we’ve all had an earful or several earfuls on this one.

Is the minister satisfied that the people of Alberta are now in a position to get the best value for the bitumen that’s being produced from the oil sands through the royalty system? Is the royalty system as it is now – it has settled down – delivering the best possible value for the people of Alberta? The Speaker: The hon. minister if you wish. Mr. Knight: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. You know, the question is, I think, quite pointed and, I would suggest to you, very easy for me to answer because the short answer to the question is absolutely.

A few of the issues around what we’ve done recently in my opinion enhanced the opportunity for Albertans with respect to their participation and their ownership of the resource. I would point to one, just to answer the hon. member’s question, and that is bitumen royalty in kind. I think that as we look out over the next decade and we look at the opportunity that Albertans will have relative to bitumen royalty in kind, what this does in fact is put Albertans as citizens of this province in control of someplace in the range of 20 to 25 per cent of bitumen production over time.

As these projects mature, move into their second phase of the royalty structure, we’re talking here about hundreds of thousands of barrels of bitumen production on a daily basi s that will be handled by the province of Alberta for the people. So do I believe that we moved in the right direction? Absolutely, Mr. Speaker. I certainly do. The Speaker: Others? The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Mr. Chase: Thank you very much. In his response to the Speech from the Throne the hon. Leader of the Opposition, the MLA for Calgary-Mountain View, made the point that Alberta is more than the world’s gas station.

I would question the minister as to our priorities. Are our human resources more important, or do they take first place over our nonrenewable resources? I would specifically give the example of the small town of Tomahawk, where sour gas is being drilled within the emergency evacuation zone because of the ERCB’s approval to drill for this sour gas. We need to have a balance, obviously, between economics, environment, and human resources. Could you attempt to answer the question: should Alberta’s first priority be our human resource served by our nonrenewable resource, or is the tail wagging the dog in this case?

February 18, 2009 Alberta Hansard 111 3:30 Mr. Knight: Well, Mr. Speaker, my first response to that particular bit of rambling, I might say, is that I actually have a 12 gauge at home that spreads wider than that, but I’m not sure how much wider. Nevertheless, there were a number of questions in there. I don’t know which one it is that I’m actually supposed to address. Mr. Speaker, I’ll start with the first one relative to Alberta being the world’s gas pump.

I would suggest to the hon. member that Alberta doesn’t even produce enough gas for our own requirements, never mind the world’s, so, you know, I’m not sure what the thrust of that was. Mr. Speaker, relative to the development of the energy industry in the province of Alberta, we have in the province of Alberta . . . The Speaker: Alas, hon. minister, the time has expired. The hon. Member for St. Albert, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-McClung. Mr. Allred: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise as the Member for St.

Albert to speak in favour of the Speech from the Throne given by His Honour the Lieutenant Governor. As we commence the second session of the 27th Legislature, it is essential that this government continue on its steady course. We must invest in our province and its people while maintaining fiscal prudence in our spending. Mr. Speaker, I think the Speech from the Throne demonstrates the importance of this balance as we push forward.

With a number of planned projects and investments across the province and a variety of important interests we must continue to be mindful of the short- and long-term implications of our funding decisions. Some of these projects that I’m particularly mindful of are projects like the northwest

section of the Anthony Henday ring road and the P3 funding for our new schools. These are projects that are required to serve the needs of the growing capital region, and St. Albert is certainly supportive of both projects. [The Deputy Speaker in the chair] Alberta is well positioned financially compared to many jurisdic- tions, but we must not take our good fortune for granted. We must invest strategically in infrastructure and other capital projects to secure the prosperity of our province for many years to come, and we must acknowledge the hard work of Albertans in building our great province. Mr.

Speaker, during the last election campaign there was a lot said about plans, particularly in the negative, that the Premier did not have a plan. This Speech from the Throne clearly demonstrates that the Premier does have a plan, in fact a lot of plans, a lot of good plans. There are plans for health care, such as Vision 20/20, plans to end homelessness, the provincial energy strategy, the climate change strategy, water for life, and the land-use framework, to name a few. As well, last week the President of the Treasury Board released a plan for Alberta’s oil sands.

This brings me back to the days of Great Canadian Oil Sands in 1963, when I did the original topographic survey and was witness to that area prior to any development. Today one of things that particularly irks me is the frequent reference to dirty oil by members on my far left and short-sighted environmental groups. Mr. Speaker, that gooey substance is not dirty oil; it is, in fact, oily dirt, and it has been there as part of the landscape around the Athabasca River and beyond for centuries.

In fact, in 1783 the explorer Peter Pond was led by natives to the place where they gathered this gooey substance to waterproof their canoes. It is only in the past 50 years that we have learned how to capture it and upgrade it into a viable, marketable commercial product. Mr. Speaker, this oily dirt plays a significant role in the future of this province, and we need to continue to improve our methods of extraction and upgrading, taking into consideration any potential environmental impacts. We can and we will improve our techniques through proper planning, taking into consideration all relevant factors.

The Speech from the Throne addresses both the economic and the environmental considerations relevant to the Athabasca oil sands, Alberta’s most important natural resource, that will sustain our province and our economy in the years ahead of us. I’d now like to turn to another issue that is of concern in my constituency and I’m sure in many others, and that is the concern of seniors. Seniors have in many cases lived here their whole lives.

We also have families who have firm roots in this province and are spreading their branches today, growing a strong and enthusiastic new generation of Albertans ready to embrace the many challenges on the horizon. Mr. Speaker, seniors must be able to maintain a fair standard of living. We must remember that seniors are becoming a larger portion of the population, especially with so many baby boomers on the verge of retirement. However, we must keep in mind the needs of all Albertans and avoid prioritizing one group at the expense of another.

Therefore, we must be mindful of our spending to ensure efficient use of our money for seniors while we also invest in our younger generations and build on the opportunities for Alberta’s future. I recently read a book by Sherry Cooper, the chief economist for the Bank of Montreal, called The New Retirement, which talks about the growing number of baby boomer retirees, that will peak by the year 2025. This is not n ecessarily a new revelation. Her analysis reminded me of another book, Boom, Bust, & Echo by David Foot, which was written some 10 years ago and described the very same phenomena.

Ms Cooper, however, takes the analysis one step further and describes the effects of this wave of retirees on the labour and financial markets and talks about what this new retire- ment will look like to both retirees and society in general. I find her points especially relevant to our economic situation today. With the increasing potential for seniors to live longer and enjoy more prosperous times, some interestin g challenges arise that we must consider carefully in Alberta as our baby boomers retire. As I said, issues for seniors are amongst the most common concerns I hear from my constituents in St.

Albert, so I think that an innovative analysis like Cooper has made in her book can provide insight that will be very useful for our province. While seniors certainly deserve great facilities and great health care as they move along in age, we must ensure that our programs are well planned and our spending commitments do not unduly constrain our spending priorities in the future. Young people just starting out in the workforce, for example, will be the support base for years to come. Today we have 10 workers for every retiree. In another 10 to 15 years we will have only five workers supporting that same retiree.

These young people will contribute significantly to the prosperity we so thankfully enjoy, and in turn we must support their opportunities and recognize that we will be relying on the younger generation to support us in the future. This is why it is so important to be balanced in our approach, Mr. Speaker. We must maintain an ethic of care for our seniors while also acknowledging our responsibilities to future generations. Mr. Speaker, the Speech from the Throne has indicated that our expenditures must reflect these prio rities, and we must ensure that we do not put the next generation back in debt.

The matters related to seniors in the Speech from the Throne, such as Supportive Living Accommodation Licensing Act and the Protection for Persons in

Alberta Hansard February 18, 2009112 Care Amendment Act, are some of the necessary gover

Document details

Collection	Alberta — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20090218
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	L27 S2 20090218 1330 01 han.pdf
Language	en
Format	json
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	687e26a40a40cbdfe99484d053fe143c51bc3909

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