Province of Alberta The 27th Legislature Fourth Session Alberta Hansard Monday, April 11, 2011 Issue 20 The Honourable Kenneth R. Kowalski, Speaker

Legislative Assembly of Alberta The 27th Legislature Fourth 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) Allred, Ken, St. Albert (PC) Amery, Moe, Calgary-East (PC) Anderson, Rob, Airdrie-Chestermere (WA), WA Opposition House Leader Benito, Carl, Edmonton-Mill Woods (PC) Berger, Evan, Livingstone-Macleod (PC) Bhardwaj, Naresh, Edmonton-Ellerslie (PC) Bhullar, Manmeet Singh, Calgary-Montrose (PC) Blackett, Hon.

Lindsay, Calgary-North West (PC) Blakeman, Laurie, Edmonton-Centre (AL), Official Opposition House Leader Boutilier, Guy C., Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo (WA) Brown, Dr. Neil, QC, Calgary-Nose Hill (PC) Calahasen, Pearl, Lesser Slave Lake (PC) Campbell, Robin, West Yellowhead (PC), Government Whip Chase, Harry B., Calgary-Varsity (AL), Official Opposition Whip Dallas, Cal, Red Deer-South (PC) Danyluk, Hon. Ray, Lac La Biche-St. Paul (PC) DeLong, Alana, Calgary-Bow (PC) Denis, Hon.

Jonathan, QC, Calgary-Egmont (PC), Deputy Government House Leader Doerksen, Arno, Strathmore-Brooks (PC), Deputy Government Whip Drysdale, Wayne, Grande Prairie-Wapiti (PC) Elniski, Doug, Edmonton-Calder (PC) Evans, Hon. Iris, Sherwood Park (PC) Fawcett, Kyle, Calgary-North Hill (PC) Forsyth, Heather, Calgary-Fish Creek (WA), WA Opposition Whip Fritz, Hon. Yvonne, Calgary-Cross (PC) Goudreau, Hon. Hector G., Dunvegan-Central Peace (PC) Griffiths, Doug, Battle River-Wainwright (PC) Groeneveld, George, Highwood (PC) Hancock, Hon. Dave, QC, Edmonton-Whitemud (PC), Government House Leader Hayden, Hon.

Jack, Drumheller-Stettler (PC) Hehr, Kent, Calgary-Buffalo (AL) Hinman, Paul, Calgary-Glenmore (WA), WA Opposition Deputy Leader Horne, Fred, Edmonton-Rutherford (PC) Horner, Doug, Spruce Grove-Sturgeon-St. Albert (PC) Jablonski, Hon. Mary Anne, Red Deer-North (PC) Jacobs, Broyce, Cardston-Taber-Warner (PC) Johnson, Jeff, Athabasca-Redwater (PC) Johnston, Art, Calgary-Hays (PC) Kang, Darshan S., Calgary-McCall (AL) Klimchuk, Hon. Heather, Edmonton-Glenora (PC) Knight, Hon. Mel, Grande Prairie-Smoky (PC) Leskiw, Genia, Bonnyville-Cold Lake (PC) Liepert, Hon.

Ron, Calgary-West (PC) Lindsay, Fred, Stony Plain (PC) Lukaszuk, Hon. Thomas A., Edmonton-Castle Downs (PC), Deputy Government House Leader Lund, Ty, Rocky Mountain House (PC) MacDonald, Hugh, Edmonton-Gold Bar (AL) Marz, Richard, Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills (PC) Mason, Brian, Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood (ND), Leader of the ND Opposition McFarland, Barry, Little Bow (PC) McQueen, Diana, Drayton Valley-Calmar (PC) Morton, F.L., Foothills-Rocky View (PC) Notley, Rachel, Edmonton-Strathcona (ND), ND Opposition House Leader Oberle, Hon. Frank, Peace River (PC) Olson, Hon.

Verlyn, QC, Wetaskiwin-Camrose (PC), Deputy Government House Leader Ouellette, Hon. Luke, Innisfail-Sylvan Lake (PC) Pastoor, Bridget Brennan, Lethbridge-East (AL), Official Opposition Deputy Whip, Official Opposition Deputy Leader Prins, Ray, Lacombe-Ponoka (PC) Quest, Dave, Strathcona (PC) Redford, Alison M., QC, Calgary-Elbow (PC) Renner, Hon. Rob, Medicine Hat (PC), 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) Sherman, Dr. Raj, Edmonton-Meadowlark (Ind) Snelgrove, Hon.

Lloyd, Vermilion-Lloydminster (PC) Stelmach, Hon. Ed, Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville (PC), Premier Swann, Dr. David, Calgary-Mountain View (AL), Leader of the Official Opposition Taft, Dr. Kevin, Edmonton-Riverview (AL) Tarchuk, Janis, Banff-Cochrane (PC) Taylor, Dave, Calgary-Currie (AB) VanderBurg, George, Whitecourt-Ste. Anne (PC) Vandermeer, Tony, Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview (PC) Weadick, Hon. Greg, Lethbridge-West (PC) Webber, Hon. Len, Calgary-Foothills (PC) Woo-Paw, Teresa, Calgary-Mackay (PC) Xiao, David H., Edmonton-McClung (PC) Zwozdesky, Hon.

Gene, Edmonton-Mill Creek (PC), Deputy Government House Leader Officers and Officials of the Legislative Assembly Clerk W.J. David McNeil Law Clerk/Director of Interparliamentary Relations Robert H. Reynolds, QC Senior Parliamentary Counsel/ Director of House Services Shannon Dean Parliamentary Counsel Stephanie LeBlanc Committee Research Co-ordinator Philip Massolin Sergeant-at-Arms Brian G. Hodgson Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Chris Caughell Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Gordon H.

Munk Managing Editor of Alberta Hansard Liz Sim Party standings: Progressive Conservative: 67 Alberta Liberal: 8 Wildrose Alliance: 4 New Democrat: 2 Alberta: 1 Independent: 1

Executive Council Ed Stelmach Premier, President of Executive Council, Chair of Agenda and Priorities Committee, Vice-chair of Treasury Board, Liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces Lloyd Snelgrove President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Finance and Enterprise Dave Hancock Minister of Education, Political Minister for Edmonton Iris Evans Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations Mel Knight Minister of Sustainable Resource Development Luke Ouellette Minister of Transportation Rob Renner Minister of Environment Verlyn Olson Minister of Justice and Attorney General Yvonne Fritz Minister of Children and Youth Services, Political Minister for Calgary Jack Hayden Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Political Minister for Rural Alberta Ray Danyluk Minister of Infrastructure Gene Zwozdesky Minister of Health and Wellness Ron Liepert Minister of Energy Mary Anne Jablonski Minister of Seniors and Community Supports Len Webber Minister of Aboriginal Relations Heather Klimchuk Minister of Service Alberta Lindsay Blackett Minister of Culture and Community Spirit Cindy Ady Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation Hector Goudreau Minister of Municipal Affairs Frank Oberle Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security Jonathan Denis Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Thomas Lukaszuk Minister of Employment and Immigration Greg Weadick Minister of Advanced Education and Technology Parliamentary Assistants Evan Berger Sustainable Resource Development Manmeet Singh Bhullar Municipal Affairs Cal Dallas Finance and Enterprise Fred Horne Health and Wellness Broyce Jacobs Agriculture and Rural Development Jeff Johnson Treasury Board (Oil Sands Sustainable Development Secretariat) Diana McQueen Energy Janice Sarich Education Teresa Woo-Paw Employment and Immigration

STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ALBERTA Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund Chair: Ms Tarchuk Deputy Chair: Mr. Elniski DeLong Forsyth Groeneveld Johnston MacDonald Quest Taft Standing Committee on Community Services Chair: Mr. Doerksen Deputy Chair: Mr. Hehr Allred Anderson Benito Bhullar Chase Johnston Notley Rodney Sarich Taylor Standing Committee on the Economy Chair: Mr. Bhardwaj Deputy Chair: Mr. Chase Amery Dallas Fawcett Hinman Johnson Lund Taft Tarchuk Taylor Woo-Paw Standing Committee on Health Chair: Mr.

McFarland Deputy Chair: Ms Pastoor Forsyth Griffiths Groeneveld Horne Lindsay Notley Quest Sherman Swann Vandermeer Standing Committee on Legislative Offices Chair: Mr. Mitzel Deputy Chair: Mr. Lund Bhullar Blakeman Campbell Hinman Lindsay MacDonald Marz Notley Quest Rogers Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services Chair: Mr. Kowalski Deputy Chair: Mr. Campbell Amery Anderson Bhullar Elniski Hehr Leskiw Mason Pastoor Rogers VanderBurg Standing Committee on Private Bills Chair: Dr.

Brown Deputy Chair: Ms Woo-Paw Allred Benito Boutilier Calahasen Dallas Doerksen Drysdale Hinman Horner Jacobs Kang Lindsay McQueen Morton Redford Sandhu Sarich Taft Xiao Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing Chair: Mr. Prins Deputy Chair: Mr. Hancock Amery Berger Calahasen DeLong Doerksen Forsyth Groeneveld Hinman Jacobs Leskiw Lindsay McFarland Mitzel Notley Pastoor Quest Sherman Tarchuk Taylor Standing Committee on Public Accounts Chair: Mr. MacDonald Deputy Chair: Mr.

Rodney Allred Anderson Benito Calahasen Chase Dallas Elniski Fawcett Griffiths Groeneveld Kang Mason Sandhu Vandermeer Xiao Standing Committee on Public Safety and Services Chair: Mr. Drysdale Deputy Chair: Mr. Kang Boutilier Brown Calahasen Cao Forsyth Johnson MacDonald Rogers Sandhu Xiao Standing Committee on Resources and Environment Chair: Mr. Prins Deputy Chair: Ms Blakeman Anderson Berger Boutilier Hehr Jacobs Marz Mason McQueen Mitzel VanderBurg Select Special Ombudsman Search Committee Chair: Mr. Mitzel Deputy Chair: Mr. Lund Blakeman Hinman Lindsay Marz Notley Quest Rogers

April 11, 2011 Alberta Hansard 563 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Title: Monday, April 11, 2011 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2011 [The Speaker in the chair] head: Prayers The Speaker: Good afternoon and welcome back. Let us pray. Life and health are precious. When they are lost, all of us are impac ted. Let us remember those who are no longer among us with the most positive of thoughts, and let us reach out with compassion, understanding, and prayer to those who suffer. May blessings be upon them, and may they find eternal salvation in an eternity of peace.

Micheline Gravel December 10, 1974, to April 8, 2011 The Speaker: Hon. members, it is with regret and deep sadness that I must advise members of the sudden passing on Friday last of Micheline Gravel, our manager of House proceedings. Micheline has been a valued professional member of the Legislative Asse m- bly staff for o ver 12 years and a dear friend to many of us. She will be remembered for her cheerful demeanour and her dedica- tion to serving the members of the Assembly. Our condolences go out to her family and friends at this very difficult time. I would now like to in vite Mr.

Paul Lorieau to lead us in the singing of our national anthem, and I would invite all present to join in the language of one’s choice. Hon. Members: O Canada, our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. The Speaker: Please be seated. Hon. members, Mr. Paul Lorieau has now concluded a 30-year career singing the national anthem for the Edmonton Oilers.

Mr. Lorieau had a very powerful, nationally televised send -off on April 8, 2011. I understand that one of the mementos that he r e- ceived from the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club is an opportunity to go to New York and sing at the Met, so he’s now in training for this next big event. But I would like to advise all members that although Mr. Lorieau has concluded his career at Edmonton Northlands, he will continue to grace our House with his presence every Monday. [applause] head: Introduction of Visitors The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Employment and Immigration. Mr. Lukaszuk: Mr.

Speaker, it’s my honour and pleasure to i n- troduce to you and through you to all members of our Legislative Assembly a fine guest that I and a few members of our Legislature had the pleasure of having lunch with, and that is Her Excellency the ambassador of Morocco to Canada. Her Excellency Nouzha Chekrouni has been the a mbassador of Morocco to Canada for some two years; however, this is her first opportunity to visit the province of Alberta.

We have found that there are many similar i- ties between the province of Alberta and Morocco, one of them being the fact that Morocco right now is getting into the business of oil and gas. I think we can develop many relationships on that front. Also our Faculté Saint -Jean is hosting a number of students from Morocco who are studying in our fine province of Alberta. I would ask Her Excellency to rise and accept the warm welcome of this Assembly. head: Introduction of Guests The Speaker: The hon. the Premier. Mr. Stelmach: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to introduce to you and through you 34 very special guests.

They are here from Ryley school. They are seated in the public gallery, and they are accompanied today by teachers Dan Gillis and Monique Tremblay and parent helper Lonnie Lauber. I would ask all of our students to rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of our Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Spruce Grove -Sturgeon-St. Albert. Mr. Horner: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s indeed an honour for me to rise on behalf of the hon. Member for Whitecourt -Ste. Anne to introduce 18 energetic visitors from St. Joseph school. They are accompanied by teacher Mrs.

Jennifer Jones Shaver and parent helpers Ms Manon Lanthier, Mrs. Zenovia Wiwchar -Crawford, and Mr. Gregory Michael Ian Evasiuk. I believe that they are in the members’ gallery. They have travelled quite a distance. I would ask that they would rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of this Legislative Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Ellerslie. Mr. Bhardwaj: Thank you very much, Mr. Spea ker. It’s an h o- nour for me to rise today and introduce to you and through you two groups of students from St. Clement Catholic elementary school in my constituency of Edmonton-Ellerslie .

I had the priv i- lege of meeting them in the rotunda just a few minutes ago. Joining them today are their teachers, Jason Geis and Miss Lyndsy Skilton. At this time I ask my guests to please rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of the Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Airdrie-Chestermere. Mr. Anderson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to introduce to you and through you to the Assembly 35 parents, parent teachers, and students, home -schoolers, from Airdrie. They are seated in both the public and the members’ galleries and are being chau f- feured around here by their parents: Mr.

Will Allen, Mrs. Rebekah Allen, Mrs. Carol Korsholm, Mrs. Julie Schroeder, Mr. Glenn Heslop, Mrs. Sue Heslop, Mr. Greg Lammiman, Mrs. Shauna Lammiman, and Mrs. Cheryl Roberts. A lot of these families are pillars in our community. They bring so much to our great city. I’d like all members to give them a warm, resounding welcome. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Highlands - Norwood. Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce to you and through you to all members of this Assembly 27 very bright and talented young people from St. Gerard school.

They are accompanied by their teachers and group leaders : Ms Marcelle Labossiere, Mr. Adam Swap, Mrs. Rita Storti, and Mrs.

564 Alberta Hansard April 11, 2011 Edna Encinas. I would ask them now to please rise and receive the warm, traditional welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. Mr. Blackett: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me pleasure to rise and introduce to you and through you three constituents of mine from Calgary: Mrs. Kelli Taylor, Dylan Taylor, and Ryan Barrows. I’m fortunate to know these individuals and to have them as active members of the Calgary-North West Progressive Conservative Association board.

In addition to her political work, Kelli is a businesswoman and active member of the community, whose efforts were instrumental in raising awareness for the much-needed schools in the Calgary community of Tuscany. Dy- lan is a focused young man who joined the board when he was 15. He is now a young adult, graduating this year with a bilingual diploma. Ryan Barrows is a bus iness owner in new media and a design specialist, whose skills are greatly appreciated and utilized by the board.

I’d like to ask Kelli, Dylan, and Ryan to please rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of the Assembly. 1:40 The Speaker: The hon. Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. Mr. Oberle: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is truly an honour today to rise and introduce to you and through you to all members of this Assembly two members of the Alberta Hate Crimes Committee. You’ll hear more about the Alberta Hate Crimes Committee short- ly in a member’s statement by the hon. Member for Edmonton- Ellerslie, but it’s my honour now to introduce Mr. Stephen Camp, who is the co-chair of the co mmittee, and Mr.

Kris Wells from safe and caring schools and a member of the committee. Both of them do fantastic work on behalf of their communities and their province. I would ask them to rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of the Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Mackay. Ms Woo-Paw: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It my honour to rise today and introduce to you and through you a Calgary-Mackay constituent, James Rouse, Miss International Pride Electronica St. Asia B’Alone Dynasty.

Miss Inte rnational Pride was crowned in December 2010, and part of her title responsibility is to raise funds for local charities of her choice. She has chosen the Cana- dian Cancer Society and Kids Help Phone antibullying campaign. Over the past decade she has raised over $45,000 for various char- ities like the Cancer Society, Pride Calgary, AIDS Calgary, and the Matthew Shepard Foundation. I ask Electronica to please rise and accept the traditional welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for St. Albert. Mr. Allred: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It’s my pleasure to rise today and introduce to you and through you to the members of the Assembly a constituent of mine, Murray Barker, and his wife, Arlene. Murray Barker served as a detective with the Edmonton Police Service for many years until he was forced to resign be- cause of the onset of multiple sc lerosis 15 years ago. Despite his condition Murray is an amazing man on his motorized wheelchair, visiting me often in my constituency office to update me on the current science related to the treatment of MS.

I would ask Murray to give us a wave and Arlene to rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of the Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition. Dr. Swann: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s great pleasure for me to stand and introduce to you and through you to all mem- bers a group of 20 representatives of CCSVI, the liberation therapy group, including their president, Debbie Golden of Grande Prairie. These individuals are among 11,000 Albertans with MS or whose immediate families suffer the debilitating effects of this disease. I’d also like to recognize Dr.

Bill Code, who has been working tireless- ly for the past 20 years to improve the lives of all who suffer from MS. Dr. Code is the author of several books on the topic of MS, including CCSVI, and recently experienced personal success with CCSVI treatment. I’d ask all our guests to stand in both galleries and accept the warm welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Hays. Mr. Johnston: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to introduce to you and through you to all members of this Assembly three students and their host from Rotary International.

Each year Rotary International sends over 8,000 high school students to countries around the world for one year to experience and understand another culture and way of life. Clubs send and receive students to encourage international understanding and co-operation. This year Rotary clubs in Alberta are responsible for approximately 40 outbound and 40 inbound students. Today I had the pleasure of hosting three students for lunch, as well their host, and then we attended the Premier’s office and exchanged gifts.

It’s my pleasure to introduce Mathilde Bézy from France, and she’s be ing hosted in Innisf ail; Phoebe Ho from Taiwan, and she’s being hosted in Red Deer; Praew Soithongpong from Thailand, and she’s being hosted in Red Deer, I believe; and Mr. Bryan Walton. He’s the host from the Rotary Club of Calgary South. Please join me in giving our guests the traditional warm wel- come of this House. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre. Ms Blakeman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I cannot tell you how delighted I am to introduce to you and through you to all members of the Assembly the newest member of our staff. Joining us in the public gallery we have Karin Kellogg. Karin is trained as a lawyer and came to us from the Health Law Institute. We are very grateful to have her joining our caucus staff, as I’m sure the rest of the staff are as well; we’v e been quite short-handed. Karin, if I could ask you to please rise and accept the warm welcome of the Assembly. Thank you. head: Members’ Statements The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Ellerslie. Hate Crime Awareness Day Mr.

Bhardwaj: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m ho- noured to rise today to recogn ize Monday, April 11, as Hate Crime Awareness Day. I congratul ate the Alberta Hate Crimes Committee for organizing this day to mark the start of National Victims of Crime Awareness Week. Hate crime is an important issue that must be addressed if Al- bertans are to continue to live in safety and security. By shining a light on what is being done to tackle hate crime, we send out a clear message that Albertans will not tolerate such behaviour. Hate Crime Awareness Day promot es mutual respect among Al- bertans.

It helps them understand their role in ensuring that our communities are free from intolerance and that hate crimes have no place in today’s society.

April 11, 2011 Alberta Hansard 565 The committee has also chosen this day to launch a new web- site, albertahatecrimes.ca, that promotes the message that our social and economic w ell-being is based on the premise that eve- ryone is equal regardless of age, colour, nationality, sexual orientation, or physical abilities. As Albertans we pride ourselves on our patience, politeness, and tolerance, but we must not be complacent. We must all, through initiatives like Hate Crime Awareness Day, continue to work together to rid our communities of ugly hate and prejudice.

This partnership includes individual Albertans and organizations such as educators, law enforcement agencies, media, commun ity groups, and all levels of government. Part of this process involves ensuring victims report hate crimes to the police. Only 1 in 10 hate crimes is ever reported. Clearly, that must be improved. Alberta is a beautiful place to live, work, and raise you r family, not least because of the diversity of people who call this province home. I applaud this initiative to help eradicate crimes of hatred and prejudice. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Calgary-McCall. Calgary Airport Tunnel Mr. Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week’s announcement regarding plans for a new Royal Alberta Museum was very wel- come. Assuming the government follows through, these plans will help the ongoing revitalization of downtown Edmonton. Plans t o include a high-speed rail link show the kind of for e- sight Alberta needs, but while the Premier tries to improve his legacy by making plans to improve long -term transportation links to Edmonton, the more immediate needs of Calgary are still being ignored by this government.

Barlow Trail is now closed because of the expansion of Calgary International Airport, but this gov- ernment continues to drag its feet on the airport tunnel issue. Actually, it’s worse than foot -dragging. This Premier and his m i- nisters seem to have stubbornly dug in their heels so that they can wash their hands clean of all responsibility for this very vital transportation issue. Mr. Speaker, the window of opportunity for this government to step forward and do the right thing is rapidly c losing. The provin- cial government has a duty to the people of Alberta to do its

part in making the Calgary airport tunnel a reality. This is critical transportation infrastructure that will serve the needs of the prov- ince for decades to come. If this gover nment has the foresight to plan a high-speed rail link between Edmonton and Calgary, a pol i- cy Liberals have advocated for many years, by the way, then surely you must also see that the airport and northeast Calgary will form part of the rail line. Doesn’t it make sense for the transportation links in northeast Calgary to integrate harmoniously?

Let’s craft a better future for our transportation infrastructure and invest in the airport tunnel. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1:50 head: Oral Question Period The Speaker: First Official Opposition main question. The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition. Patient Advocacy by Physicians Dr. Swann: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This Premier continues to hide behind the Health Quality Council by misrepr e- senting the legal protection it provides. It fails to provide. Today prominent surgeon Dr.

Ciaran McNamee is bravely stating that under a public inquiry, quote: I and other physicians who have left Alberta likely would be willing to help if invited to give our a c- count and opinion, but the protection of law is needed to make the details public. End quote. To the Premier: why does the Premier continue to hide behind the Health Quality Council review when this government knows full well that only an independent judicial inquiry can provide real legal protection? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, I’m very comfortable that the Health Quality Council can review allegations around physician intimid a- tion.

And if this particular doctor wants to come forward and has ideas on how to impr ove the system, I’m sure that good ideas won’t need any kind of legal protection. Dr. Swann: That’s disingenuous, Mr. Speaker. It’s very clear that under the law only a public inquiry can subpoena people and force them to testify. Is the Premier that afrai d of the skeletons in the closet that would be exposed if doctors like McNamee and Winton had real legal protection to make the damaging details of their dismissal public? Mr. Stelmach: Mr.

Speaker, once again the opposition is calling into question the reputation and the integrity of people like former Chief Justice Allan Wachowich and also former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada Anne McLellan, who are there as advisory members to the Health Quality Council. The review will be th o- rough, and obviously those providing evidence are protected by the Alberta Evidence Act. Dr. Swann: Very misleading, Mr. Speaker.

Does the Premier have the courage to call an independent jud i- cial inquiry that would allow doctors like McNamee to tell their stories of how government intimidated them, labelled them me n- tally unstable, and then pushed them out of the province? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, that’s an absurd allegation. The Health Quality Council has established their own terms of refe r- ence. The terms of reference are very br oad, they’re robust, and I have every confidence in the ability of the Health Quality Council to do a thorough review. They will have three reports that will come forward to this Assembly.

The Speaker: Second Official Opposition main question. The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition. Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Government payouts, payoffs, whisper campaigns calling prominent doctors crazy all nicely packaged in legal agreements to silence critics forever. One would think this is the legacy of a fo reign dictatorship, but sadly it’s the legacy of this Premier and this government, their attempt to cover up their campaign of fear, intimidation, and corruption in the health system. Now they’re trying to cover up the cover -up with the Health Quality Coun cil review.

This Premier is so afraid of Dr. McNamee that he’s not willing to call an open, public hear- ing. What are you hiding, Mr. Premier? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, time and time again under the immuni- ty of this House those that have made the allegations – they’re also members of this House – have not brought any information forward. Now, if there is any information there with respect to two books or some other illegal activity, there are the police, and there’s also the Auditor General.

I don’t know why, if people are sitting on such hard evidence, they would be sitting on top of it for months and not bringing it forward to the proper authorities.

566 Alberta Hansard April 11, 2011 Dr. Swann: Well, in direct contradiction to what the Premier has just said, the Alberta Medical Association is now advising its mem- bers that, quote: physicians subject to nondisclosure agreements will be at risk unless restrictions are lifted. End quote. How can the Premier continue to say with any credibility that doctors like Dr. McNamee can come forward to the Health Quality Council? Mr. Stelmach: Mr.

Speaker, the government was never a party to the agreements reached between those physicians and Alberta Health Services, so how can the government direct opening those disclosure documents? Those are agreements between those two parties. They have no relationship to the government of Alberta. Dr. Swann: So why, then, Mr. Premier, will you not call a public inquiry? Mr. Stelmach: Well, because the Health Quality Council has very robust terms of reference that wil l hear all the evidence coming forward and their ideas on how to improve the system. Why would somebody need some sort of legal protection?

The Speaker: Third Official Opposition main question. The hon. Member for Calgary-Buffalo. Education Funding Mr. Hehr: Well, Mr. Speaker, the Education budget reads like an insurance agreement in that what the large print giveth, the small print taketh away. A 4.7 per cent increase in the top line looks impressive until cuts to the school board grants are factored in. To the Minister of Education. School boards have indicated the result of cuts. Teachers will have to be let go, and this will lead to higher student-to-teacher ratios in the classroom. Does the minister deny that this is the result of his budget?

Mr. Hancock: Well, Mr. Speaker, there’s no question that this is a difficult budget. We’re in tough fiscal times. There’s been a 4.7 per cent increase to the Education budget, and almost all of that money goes directly out to school boards. Yes, school boards are going to have to look at what they’re doing to determine what still has value and what can be done next year, how they can draw down operating surpluses. There are going to be challenges, and there is going to be an impact. But it’s a fair budget, and it’ s ap- plied fairly across the province. Mr.

Hehr: Given that Alberta’s school-age population is expected to continue to rise and that this will no doubt be exacerbated by the high price of oil and the ramping up of our economy, experts indicate a need for mo re teachers, not fewer. To turn a phrase, are these cuts not the definition of penny -wise but pound-foolish gi v- en the future teaching needs of our children? Mr. Hancock: Well, Mr. Speaker, it has to be said again that there haven’t been any cuts to education budgets.

Not the Calgary board of education, but some jurisdictions across the province will have a lower overall grant when you take out some of the targeted grants, but their per capita per -student grants have all gone up. If they have an increase in student population, we’re funding the increase of that student population, so a 1.1 per cent increase that’s projected for the Calgary board of education will be totally funded. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Hehr: Thanks, Mr. Speaker.

Despite what the minister just said, given the shortfalls in funding to this province’s school boards they’re facing $150 million in deficit. Given that these cuts could be restored with some minor tinkering to a $45 billion budget, will the minister commit to meeting with the Premier and restoring this needed funding so the government does not balance their books on the backs of school-age children? Mr. Hancock: Mr. Speaker, a couple of things.

First of all, yes, there is an expected increase of student population of a hundred thousand students over the next 10 years, and, yes, we will be needing more teachers in this province. Secondly, I have met with the Premier, I’ve met with the President of the Treasury Board, and I’ll meet with every person on this side of the House and on the other side of the House if it will help to get resources for edu- cation. That’s my job, and I do it incessantly, and the President of the Treasury Board will tell you so.

Nonetheless, we still have to put together a government budget, and I have to be part of that government budget, and we need to continue to look at the overall budget in the interest of all Albertans. The Speaker: And it will become apparent to all that if they look at the Order Paper, on April 19 the estimates of the Department of Education will be debated in this Assembly. The hon. Member for Calgary-Glenmore. Lower Athabasca Regional Plan Mr. Hinman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Maintaining investor confidence, particularly for entrepreneurial businesses, should be of paramount im portance for any government.

To keep the eco n- omy growing, entrepreneurs must have full confidence that the investment climate is stable, predictable, and favourable to su c- cess. We also believe that government should be giving industry incentives to continu ally improve the technology that they are using. To the Premier: why has this government attacked the heart of our industry for the second time in five years by threatening to break contracts with the energy industry? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, I’m not aware of any contracts that have been broken.

In fact, if he’s referring to the previous accus a- tion that they made a number of months ago with respect to royalties, those contracts were asked to be reopened by oil comp a- nies at least a dozen times beforehand. I assume – I assume – that this member is talking about the lower Athabasca regional plan. A number of investment firms out of Calgary have endorsed the plan and have said that it’s good to ensure that we’re always making sure we have a greener barrel of oil. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Hinman: Yeah. That was just like the new royalty fram e- work. They all agree.

That culture of intimidation again. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Premier: given the ongoing evolution of new extraction technology and given the industry’s clear commitment to responsible resource development is the go v- ernment suddenly slapping a ban on oil sands development to score political points with environmentalists, or is it because they do not believe these resources can be developed responsibly? Mr. Liepert: Mr. Speaker, maybe I’ll answer that absurd que s- tion. There is no ban on oil sands development. In fact, it’s the exact opposite.

What we have done under the leadership of the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development is la y out a plan, and within that plan there is a 20 per cent conservation area that we will uphold. I can table in this House, if you like, a number of documents that say exactly opposite to what those folks are sa y-

April 11, 2011 Alberta Hansard 567 ing. Those are inaccurate statements that ar e being made, clearly, to score political points. 2:00 Mr. Hinman: He can put out all the documents he wants, but the economic facts are clear. They destroyed the industry once; they’re doing it again. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This one is to the Energy minister.

Given that he has been very vocal in promoting new technologies, does he agree with the government’s decision to restrict oil sands development in the lower Athabasca and rescind leases, or does he believe that companies with existing leases shou ld be allowed to develop their resources responsibly, using new technologies, be- fore the land is frozen? This is unprecedented. It’s wrong. Mr. Liepert: Well, Mr. Speaker, I’m not sure where the member is coming from, but I assume it’s from a position of not having read the document. Let me read and let me table in this House the research from Barclays Capital.

What Barclays Capital is saying is that new leases will not be issued for the land in the protected areas. Then it goes on to state which companies have leases in those areas and what the impact of the assessment is on them. Officially, there is very little impact, according to Barclays, and I’ll table it in the House. The Speaker: Thank you. The hon. Member for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood. NHL Arena Funding Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Premier is talking out of both sides of his mouth on the funding of a new arena for Edmonton.

On April 2 the Premier said that Alberta will not provide public funding for an arena, but last week the Premier said that he’s willing to consider public cash benefiting a billio- naire owner. Will the Premier categorically and once and for all rule out any provincial funding for private NHL arenas in Alberta? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, I’ve been very clear on that particular topic, that there will be no direct funding to any private enterprise, especially a hockey team that is privately owned and a privately owned arena.

What the member may be referring to is a plan that may be coming forward from the city of Edmonton mayor. I don’t know what may be in that proposal. Our door is open, but in terms of direct money to a private enterprise, clearly, no. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Well, I think that sharp lawyers can have a field day with the loopholes the Premier just left them.

Given that every NHL arena built in Canada in the last quarter - century has been entirely privately funded, can the Premier ex- plain why he would even consider giving directly or indirectly taxpayers’ dollars, which they pay to support services for the m- selves and their families, to billionaire hockey team owners? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, today, presently, we are contributing through agricultural society grants to the operations of Northlands. Northlands owns the coliseum, and the Edmonton Oilers play hockey in the coliseum. The team is privately owned, but the ar e- na is owned by the public.

It’s really owned by an agricultural society. Mr. Mason: Mr. Speaker, given that handing tens of millions of dollars to benefit the Katz Group is irresponsible at a time when schools are facing cuts and layoffs right across this province, why won’t the Premier focus on the priorities of Albertans instead of helping billionaires and categorically decline here and now any request for provincial money, directly or indirectly, for NHL ar e- nas in Edmonton and Calgary? Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, we have legislation passed by this government that is very clear. There is no money going to any private enterprise.

Period . That’s an issue that they’re trying to make hay with, but there’s simply no money going to a private enterprise. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Meadowlark. Patient Advocacy by Physicians (continued) Dr. Sherman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. All government members know that no one presents to caucus pertaining to health issues without approval from the Health CPC chair, the health minister, the whip, and the Premier’s office. After Dr.

McNamee’s presen- tation to caucus in 1999 and to Capital health, the government blew him off, questioned his competency and sanity, and then paved his way to Harvard. Now they all have collective amnesia. To the Premier: who opened the door for Dr. McNamee to present to caucus, and why did the caucus members, a few of whom su b- sequently became health ministers, ignore his concerns? Mr. Stelmach: You know, I don’t recall this Dr. McNamee mak- ing any presentation. I wasn’t part of any kind of presentation or even listening to him, so I’m not quite sure where the question is going.

In terms of the chair allowing and scheduling people to come forward, I would suspect that he made a presentation to the CPC at that particular time. The Speaker: The hon. member. Dr. Sherman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government replaced Dr. McNamee and Dr. Winton, both highly respected and r e- cruited thoracic surgeons, and then Dr. Winton’s career mysteriously ended. To the Minister of Health and Wellness: what happened to Dr. Ciaran McNamee’s and Dr.

Timothy Winton’s hundreds of patients who were waiting for cancer surgery, and how is the Health Quality Council going to get to the bottom of this if they can’t testify? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, I would assume that those patients were looked after by very qualified doctors in the system. The Speaker: The hon. member. Dr. Sherman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Given that the former Auditor General, Fred Dunn, and the Member for Edmonton- Meadowlark have shown proof of Capital health’s accounting irregularities, will the Premier finally allow a full, open, and ind e- pendent public inquiry to restore trust in the health system and in government and conduct a forensic audit of Capital health? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Premier, Mr. Speaker, if I could, I would like to take this question.

In fact, what the hon. member should be doing is reviewing page 127 of the Auditor General’s report, in which he says: “Had the financial statements not been corrected” by the health authority of the time, “they would have been pr e- sented to the Audit and Finance Committee with a material misstatement.” However, they were corrected, and the Auditor General subsequently signed off.

568 Alberta Hansard April 11, 2011 The Speaker: The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition. CCSVI Observational Study Dr. Swann: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I met this mor n- ing with one of our guests, the president of CCSVI Grande Prairie and district. On that group’s behalf I have some questions regar d- ing the government’s position on CCSVI, or liberation treatment, for MS. To the minis ter: what is the current status of the three - year CCSVI observational study the government committed itself to last December? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, I too met with the group. I want to thank Dr.

Bill Code and others who attended, and I want to say a special thank you to all of those who are here supporting MS r e- search and/or are suffering from it for their attendance. The short answer is that we’ll be releasing the details of the observational study very shortly, hon. member. There’s a compre- hensive d atabase that had to be put together first. That’s almost completed, and as soon as it is, Mr. Speaker, we will have a full press conference in that respect. Dr. Swann: Mr.

Speaker, what assurance can the minister offer that those MS sufferers who are unwil ling or unable to wait the three years will not be denied follow -up treatment here after lib e- ration therapy? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, I’m sure people would probably want to know that some people still use the term “liberation” treat- ment, and others simply refer to it as the Zamboni treatment. There are medical reasons for that, which I won’t get into right now. However, people may not have to wait two or three years. We’ll have to wait and see how quickly this evidence comes together.

We are one of seven major international sites chosen by the MS societies of Canada and the U.S.A., the University of Calgary specifically, to further some research in this respect, and we, too, in Alberta are doing everything we can to help fill what the go v- ernment of Canada called an information gap regarding safety and efficacy for this treatment. Dr. Swann: Well, with respect, Mr. Speaker, the minister didn’t answer the question. What reassurances can you give to those receiving that treatment that they will receive f ollow-up treatment in Alberta when they have any associated problems? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr.

Speaker, the question about waiting two or three years is what I had addressed because 30 seconds doesn’t allow me to address everything. However, the short answer to this question here is that we are already committed to the observatio n- al study. We’re also committed to a clinical trial once the ethics approval has been given. In general we’re doing everything we can to help MS sufferers, so we’ll address it as we can as quickly as we can. The Speaker: The hon. Member for St. Albert, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre. CCSVI Clinical Trials Mr. Allred: Thank you. Mr.

Speaker, some multiple sclerosis patients have found relief from the so-called liberation treatment, which is more correctly termed venous angioplasty. Saskatch e- wan, Newfoundland, and now Manitoba have all agreed to go ahead with clinical trial research to study the efficacy of the Zam- boni treatment. My questions are for the Minister of Health o f Wellness. Will the minister join these other provinces in conduc t- ing clinical trials? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr.

Speaker, I want to make it clear that I’m not aware of any province that is proceeding carte blanche with a clini- cal trial regarding the Zamboni trea tment. I think they all have certain conditions. Most of them tie in with something to do with ethics, safety, efficacy, and so on. The short answer is that I’ve indi- cated already that the government of Alberta through Health and Wellness will be there to help fund clinical trials. Probably $6 mil- lion to $7 million would be our commitment once these conditions have been met.

We are all working very, very aggressively to help fill that information gap that I talked about in the previous question. 2:10 The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Allred: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My second question is to the same minister. What else is being done to advance the health of MS patients in Alberta and the use of the CCSVI interventional procedure? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, we’re working very aggressively with Health Canada through the public health division on filling information in. We’re also doing an observational study, which is about a $1 million commitment.

We also have the University of Calgary study by the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, led by Dr. Costello. We’re also working with the community to establish an MS connec- tor services group. In fact, we’re pretty much done that process now. There are a few more people we’ll be adding in very soon. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Allred: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last question has been partially answered, but I’d like to give the minister an opportunity to add to his comments on what is being proposed on the observ a- tional study. Mr. Zwozdesky: Well, Mr.

Speaker, the update is with respect to our database, and that is moving along very expeditiously. Ho w- ever, I want to assure all MS sufferers, including those people who are advocating for them, that we are taking action. We’ve taken it almost immediately. I was meeting with other ministers of health from across Canada. They, too, are taking action. I want MS suf- ferers to know that if complications arise from their treatment when they come back to Alberta, we will help them through that. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre , followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Ellerslie.

Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (continued) Ms Blakeman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The draft lower Athabasca regional plan, the government’s response to it, and the initial public reaction seem to leave no one happy, which the government claims as a success. Now, under this version 16 per cent of new area will be added to the existing 7 per cent co n- served land. That’s 77 per cent of Crown land wide open for development and 23 per cent that will allow slightly less deve l- opment.

To the Minister of SRD: why does the government’s version of conservation permit conventional oil and gas explor a- tion infractions? Mr. Knight: Well, Mr. Speaker, the answer is that, in fact , when you take a look at the lower Athabasca regional plan – by the way,

April 11, 2011 Alberta Hansard 569 it’s out for consultation with Albertans. I don’t know about these numbers. Everybody is chasing numbers. I don’t know about the numbers, but what I will tell you is that the draft plan indicates that the region that would be set aside in the northeastern part of the province of Alberta is three times the size of Banff national park. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Blakeman: Thanks very much. Back to the same minister.

When even the big players in the oil sands industry say that land should be conserved with no subsurface activity, why has gov- ernment not instituted a moratorium on land sales or lease of land for that purpose in this region until the plan is finalized? Mr. Knight: Well, Mr. Speaker, we will be taking a look as we go forward, and during this consultation period, in fact, I believe that the ERCB won’t post land now that is in these conservation areas. You know, we do have to address the situation here where the economy of this province needs to continue to move forward.

This is a driver of the Alberta and Canadian economy, very important in North America. We’re reaching a very fine balance here, and I have to tell you that the majority of Albertans are in agreement. Ms Blakeman: Well, back to the same minister. I think the major- ity of Albertans would argue that conservation was conservation. Now, will in situ development be allowed in the new conserv a- tion areas, or is it included under the nonpermitted oil sands and mining category under the plan? Is it in or out? Mr. Knight: Well, Mr. Speaker, that depends. Again, please read the plan and look at the matrix.

It’s all there. There’s a matrix in the plan that indicates under which areas of conservation what would be allow ed and what would be disallowed. It’s there for consultation, for Albertans to look at. I believe they’re going to take the opportunity to have a very good look at it, and in the 60 days I believe we’ll get a lot more information and develop a proper final plan for Albertans in about 90 days. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Ellerslie, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-McCall. Safe and Secure Affordable Housing Mr. Bhardwaj: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Our Home Next Door, a facility fo r families fleeing domestic violence, is being built in my constituency of Edmonton-Ellerslie . My first question is to the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, the m i- nister responsible for housing vulnerable Albertans. Why is there a perception that the city of Edmonton was left on its own to fund this vital project? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Denis: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for this question.

I’m not exactly sure why that is the perception because the province has actually spent 76 per cent, or 3 and a quarter million dollars, on this entire project. I’m not so much concerned about money because anybody can talk about money. Rather, I’m concerned about the 29 units that we have for women and children in need. We’re helping break the cycle of domestic violence through our housing programs. That’s som e- thing we all can be proud of. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Bhardwaj: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

My next question to the same minister: given that there’s a n eed for these and many more spaces in Edmonton, what is the minister doing to assist more vulnerable families? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Denis: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Once again, thank you to the member for that question. Last year we spent $188 million on our housing programs in this province. That’s $188 million. But it’s not so much, again, how much we spend; it’s the results. Over the last three years we’ve constructed 10,800 housing units across this province.

We’re making a serious dent in our homeless numbers and providing assistance to those who are specifically in need but also doing so on an open and competitive tendering basis in the best interests of the taxpayer. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Bhardwaj: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My final question to the Minister of Children and Youth Services: given that funding continues to be identified as a need, can the minister tell all Albertans what is being done to ensure the safety and sec u- rity of women and children fleeing family violence? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Fritz: Well, thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Family violence does have devastating consequences. What I’d like everyone to know is that if they are in an abusive situation, we do have resou rces avail- able, as this member has mentioned here. We do provide $26 million for 619 beds and 29 emergency shelters for the safety and protection of women and children; $1.1 million of that is for pr o- gramming and second-stage housing. That includes, hon. m ember, what you’re interested in, the $500,000 that is going to WINGS of Providence. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-McCall, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Rutherford.

Registry Service Fees for Municipalities Mr. Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The 2011-12 budget drama t- ically increased registry fees. It also added new fees, including a fee as of April 1 for municipal law enforcement to search a motor vehicle registry for the name and address of the owner of a vehicle issued with a ticket. To the Minister of Service Alberta: what co n- sultation did the minister undertake with the municipalities about the increase from zero to $15 to get the information the municipal- ities need to collect fines? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It’s important to clarify these fees that came into effect on April 1. The police are able to continue to access and do roadside checks and all those timely things they do, and there’s no charge for those services. This is strictly to do with municipalities accessing information for such things as delinquent parking tickets, photo radar, and red light cameras. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That’s not answering my question. What consult ation did the minister undertake with the

570 Alberta Hansard April 11, 2011 Solicitor General on a way to cover any necessary costs through the budget for law enforcement? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As this was, indeed, part of the budget process, it was fees that we looked at across the province to see what was best. I think that with the fees we put in place – part of the challenge is that we have a technology system that runs 24/7. It’s really critical to make sure the police have access to that information, that it’s accurate, and that the system never goes down.

So it’s part of the technology services as well. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the minister again. It’s costing the city of Calgary $15 million. Wh at consultation did the minister undertake with the Minister of Municipal Affairs about the impact this increase on short notice would have on the ability of municipalities to budget? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are approx- imately 800 searches for licence plates that take place every year.

With respect to the budget increases in this area it was $83 million in total for all the fees. The $12 million is a portion of that $83 million. So during this transition phase you want to make sure that municipalities access the information for duplicate plates as well as looking for plates with missing information. So at the end of the day it’s making it better for the police to use the service. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Rutherford , fo l- lowed by the hon. Member for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo. Royal Alberta Museum Development Mr. Horne: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Well, after many years of discussions and plans for redeveloping the Royal Alberta Museum, last week my constituents and Edmontonians and, i n- deed, Albertans were thrilled to hear the Premier’s announcement for building a new museum in downtown Edmonton. To the M i- nister of Infrastructure: what is the rationale for movin g the museum out of Old Glenora and into this new location and for redeveloping on a single site? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Danyluk: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It is an ideal location. It’s close to LRT and transit.

It’s close to oth er galleries and libraries and theatres and concert halls. It’s also close to where thousands of people live. The previous land created cha l- lenges, and this plan solves them. It really enables us to move forward. 2:20 The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Horne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit: how can Albertans expect the telling of the Alberta story and the portrayal of our history to be improved and expanded as a result of this very important project? Mr. Blackett: Well, Mr.

Speaker, the fact that we have 36,000 square metres of exhibition space will allow us to showcase a lot of the artifacts that we were holding in boxes and in storage. Also, because we are going to be more connected using the SuperNet to connect to our other museums, historic sites, and interpretive ce n- tres, Albertans from all across the province, irrespective of geography or socioeconomic incomes, will be able to have access to our museum through distance learning and virtual tours. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Horne: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Finally, to the Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation: what impact on the Alberta economy through tourism can Albertans expect this new project to enable? Mrs. Ady: Well, Mr. Speaker, this is ex citing news for the tou r- ism industry. Obviously, this museum is going to be able to host even more important exhibits. People that might not have come might now visit and be able to go to the Winspear and other things that are critically being aligned with this. I think it’s very, very good news for Edmonton’s tourism industry, and I really look forward to the day it opens. The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Fort McMurray -Wood Buffalo, followed by the hon. Member for Lethbridge-East. Registry Service Fees for Municipalities (continued) Mr. Boutilier: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again this gover n- ment has shown its mismanagement of finances. Last week they suddenly started charging municipalities an extra $15 every time Service Alberta gives cities a name an d address. Cities and police forces are now scrambling because their budgets have been passed.

To the minister of finance: can you explain why you didn’t at the very least warn municipalities in advance, both urban and rural, in terms of what was coming? I ’ve heard there’s been no consultation. Mr. Snelgrove: Mr. Speaker, we have not only an obligation; we have a responsibility to make sure that services we provide are pro- vided on a cost -recovery basis. Most people or organizations that access this information were paying a fee of $11. This was still be- low cost. The municipalities are a user of this system.

They have an opportunity, if they want, of raising the ticket prices to people, so it really will become a user-pay system that balances its cost. Mr. Boutilier: Well, Mr. Speaker, you can send an e-mail for a cent. Given that the Calgary police force chief, Rick Hanson, spoke out for many saying that he was blindsided and that Calgary a l- dermen estimated it could cost about 40 police officers, will the Solicitor General please explain how he let this happen and why he wasn’t standing up for Alberta’s police forces? Mr. Oberle: Mr. Speaker, let me make it perfectly clear.

The fine revenue that is generated in municipalities is transferred back to those municipalities, and we’re doing so in this instance on a cost- recovery basis. If those municipalities choose to transfer the cost impact onto their police forces, that’s their decision, not mine, and I can’t interject in that decision. Mr. Boutilier: Mr. Speaker, a follow -up to the Solicitor General. He purports to support police chiefs and police officers across Alberta.

Would he please explain to Albertans why he remains silent as his government continues to gouge, hurting police forces across Alberta and the safety of Albertans with this? Mr. Oberle: Mr. Speaker, I have not at all remained silent. I’ve responded to every interview request as I’ve just responded to the member’s question. The fact of the matter is that the government

April 11, 2011 Alberta Hansard 571 is recovering costs of doing a serv ice for the municipalities. Al- though they have talked about transferring that impact onto their police departments, I’m not aware that any have actually done it. But I stand here every day in defence of our police departments in this province. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lethbridge-East, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Decore. PDD Administrative Review Ms Pastoor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In June last year the minis- ter of seniors announced an administrative review of the PDD program.

The report by the consultants at KPMG was due on Sep- tember 15, and my understanding is that it was delivered on time. To the minister of seniors. Peop le in the disabled community are very anxious about this report sin ce the department has said that savings may be diverted to other areas. When will the minister provide some clarity on that issue? The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Seniors and Community Supports. Mrs. Jablonski: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We did ask for an ad- ministrative review of the PDD program. We have received that review with its recommenda tions.

We’re going through the process right now, and when we are ready to make our recom- mendations from the report, that report will be released to the public. Ms Pastoor: Basically, it’s the same question. KPMG wrote it in three months, and it’s been almost six and a half months. When will the minister release it? Mrs. Jablonski: Mr. Speaker, I would say that we’ll release the report in due course, as soon as it goes through the process.

Every- one is aware that we are dealing w ith a population that is frail and vulnerable, so we have to make sure that when we look at the report and the recommendations, which is strictly an administrative re- view, not for the program itself, we’re doing the right things. Ms Pastoor: This really is a legitimate public interest in a report that will inform decision-making and really affect a lot of people who are worried. Will the minister commit to releasing the full report by June 10, 2011, which is a year from the date that she announced at a press conference this initiative of this review? Mrs. Jablonski: Mr.

Speaker, this is a very important report. It is important that we do things right with this report, and we will be releasing it in due course. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Decore, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Royal Alberta Museum Development (continued) Mrs. Sarich: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In follow-up to the earlier questions about the Royal Alberta Museum, Albertans and, specif- ically, Edmontonians would like to know from the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit: does the announcement of the new museum in downtown Edmonton end the discussions of two mu- seums or any other museums to be considered in the future? Mr. Blackett: Well, Mr. Speaker, I just want to be clear. There will now be one Royal Alberta Museum on one site. It will house both Alberta’s natural and human hi story. As I mentioned, it is about 36,000 square metres of space.

The museum will have the space to better profile more than 10 million pieces of natural histo- ry, specimens, and cultural artifacts, most of which are now in storage, as I mentioned before. We will move forward into this new space over the next four years and look forward to the results. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mrs. Sarich: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My first supplemental to the Minister of Infrastructure: what planning consid erations will be structured into the building construction to ensure that the new museum will be able to accommodate all of Alberta’s history now and into the future, for years to come?

The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Danyluk: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The new mu- seum is designed and built for today’s and tomorrow’s history. It is also flexible. It has flexible and adaptable space for new technolo- gies. It also has shelled-in space for growth and, really, the ability to expand into the future of the building if needed. This museum will be a building that works now and also into the future. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mrs. Sarich: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My last question to the Minister of Infrastructure: many Albertans, and Edmontonians in particular, are asking what will happen to the Glenora site and the current museum once the new museum is opened? Mr. Danyluk: Well, Mr. Speaker, the Glenora site will continue to be a public site. In fact, the mu seum on the site will continue to be active until the new one is completed. Government House will continue its functions there. Al so, a new Lieutenant Governor’s residence will be constructed on the grounds. There’s a lot of po- tential for the existing museum, and the decision will be made in the very near future.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity, followed by the hon. Member for Bonnyville-Cold Lake. Mental Illness Treatment Services for Children Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. I met this mo rning with the father of a 15- year-old girl who has not only seen her share of hell but has made life hellish recently for those around her.

Despite the best inten- tions and cross-ministerial efforts of Alberta Health, Children and Youth, and Justice, she has never remained in a secure treatment facility long enough to receive the psychological assessment and support she needs. To the minister of health: why is it that this girl and many other troubled children she represents do not receive the prompt and thorough assessment and support they need? 2:30 Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, I would hope that the children that he has just alluded to are receivi ng that treatment and support.

In the particular case of the young lady that has just been referenced, I know that my staff followed up with that family. I’m hoping that they will not only identify her but that they will be able to help her and her family resolve the issues and that the young lady will re- ceive the treatment and care she requires. The Speaker: The hon. member.

572 Alberta Hansard April 11, 2011 Mr. Chase: Thank you. To the minister. I very much appreciate the efforts of Fern Miller in your department in terms of explai n- ing what can potentially be done, but the girl remains on the run. Will the minister indicate when this government will produce a comprehensive plan for the improved treatment of mental illness in children? Mr. Zwozdesky: Very soon, Mr. Speaker. As one of the unde r- takings of our five -year health action plan we’ve committed to developing a province -wide mental health strategy. It’s moving along very briskly.

Alberta Health Services has committed to creating an advisory council at that level. We’ve added about 65 additional staff to deal with the addictions and mental health is- sues, and we’ve added an additional 35 of these spaces across the province. Thirty-four new spaces were just added in terms of res i- dential treatment type beds in Medicin e Hat and in Fort McMurray. We’ll continue to . . . The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Chase: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, this young lady doesn’t have a whole lot of time left. She’s out there. She’s 15 years old. She needs the government’s protection.

When will the department fulfill the outstanding recommendation it received from the Aud i- tor General in 2008 and provide a complete accountability framework for the provincial mental health plan and mental health services in Alberta? Mr. Zwozdesky: Well, again, Mr. Speaker, we are working on that right now, and we’re also working very aggressively with t he $500 million to $600 million that we spend in this area each year. Nineteen million dollars of that over the next three years is a par t- nership with Alberta Education, where we’re dealing with children or youth in that exact age range.

We’re adding more counsellors. We’re adding more support staff. We’re adding more spaces. So there’s quite a bit going on. If there are people who need help and if they want it, they can come forward. We’ll be glad to do our best to help them out. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Bonnyville -Cold Lake , fo l- lowed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Riverview. Water Quality Monitoring in the Oil Sands Mrs. Leskiw: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The federal government recently released a report on water monitoring in the Alberta oil sands.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Environment is waiting for recommendations in June from the provincial monitoring panel on how to build a better monitoring, reporting, and evaluation system for our great province. To the Minister of Environment. The fe d- eral report adds to a considerable collection of work related to monitoring. What does this particular report accomplish? The Speaker: Hon. Minister of Environment, this is not a provi n- cial matter. This is a federal matter. Mr. Renner: Mr. Speaker, in fact, it is a provincial matter.

The federal government initiated a panel that made recommendations that are of a very technical nature but are limited to data collec- tion. We need to really understand better the impacts and the sources of emissions throughout this re gion, and that’s why we have a provincial panel in place that will incorporate both the collaborative recommendations of the federal report as well as other information into a comprehensive system that will serve the needs here in Alberta. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mrs. Leskiw: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My first supplementary is to the same minister.

Since the federal report was produced in 90 days, why do Albertans, including my constituents of Bonnyville - Cold Lake, have to wait until June for the pr ovincial monitoring panel to report? Mr. Renner: Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, the federal report was very narrow in scope and is limited to technical information g a- thering. We’re developing a much more robust province -wide system that takes in all of the v arious media: air, land, water, and biodiversity. We’ll be making recommendations for technical and scientific governance as well as the funding aspects.

So it’s a much broader responsibility that the provincial panel has. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mrs. Leskiw: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last question is to the same minister. Who has ultimate authority when it comes to env i- ronmental monitoring in the oil sands, the province or the federal government? Mr. Renner: Well, Mr. Speaker, that’s a very good question. The fact of the matter is that there is joint responsibility. It has always been the case. However, I need to point out that ultimately the resource belongs to the people of Alberta, and it is Alberta that is responsible for developing that resource .

Therefore, we believe and have shown by evidence that we have a responsibility for the environmental aspects of the development of that resource. We’ll continue to work and co-ordinate with our federal counterparts, but at the end of the day it’s likely that most . . . The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Riverview , fo l- lowed by the hon. Member for Lacombe-Ponoka. Exemption from Municipal Zoning Dr. Taft: Mr.

Speaker, in the last question period the minister of advanced education said of the universities of Alberta, Calgary, and Lethbridge: “If there is any commercial activity or any co m- mercial development happening on that campus, it must go through all t he processes within the municipality for approval.” I must tell this Assembly that that is simply not true. Most comme r- cial developments on campuses never go for municipal approval. To the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology: will he withdraw his statement, or will he correct it? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Weadick: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It is true that all comme r- cial development in buildings where they’re primarily for commercial purposes or separate commercial facilities have to go through the planning processes. Where a commercial thing, such as a Tim Hortons incidental, is inside of another facility, that will not go through the same development processes as those other facilities. Dr. Taft: Mr. Speaker, the minister is mistaken. The minister needs to review his own regulations and consult with them. Will he do that and return tomorrow to answer my first question more correctly? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Weadick: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. We have reviewed that. I’d be happy to answer that question again tomorrow and talk about the potential for development on university sites.

April 11, 2011 Alberta Hansard 573 Dr. Taft: To the same minister: is this minister aware that unive r- sities are now allowing their exemption from municipal zoning to flow through to privately financed, privately owned, and privately operated buildings constructed on university land? Mr. Weadick: No, Mr. Speaker, I’m not aware of that. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lacombe-Ponoka , followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Mackay. Gull Lake Water Level Stabilization Project Mr. Prins: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Many of my constituents have expressed concern over the proposed elimination of funding for the continued pumping of water from the Blindman River into Gull Lake in order to stabilize and supplement water levels in the lake. Gull Lake is the home of Aspen Beach provincial park, the oldest and one of the largest provincial parks in the province. My first question to the Minister of Environment: why has the gov- ernment stopped funding for this project? Mr. Renner: Mr. Speaker, we haven’t ended funding for this project. We have committed to continue to fund the capital cost of this project.

What we’re asking the municipalities to contribute is the ongoing cost of utilities. This is a long-standing agreement that has been in place for some time. I understand that the original intent of the agreement was that the utility costs would be covered by the municipalities. For whatever reason, that has not taken place up until now. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Prins: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. My next question is to the same minister. What is the actual next step for these munic i- palities to ensure that the funding continues for this project? Mr. Renner: Well, Mr.

Speaker, as I indicated, th e province is committed to continue to provide for the upkeep of the equipment itself. We’ve asked for a letter of commitment from the municipal- ities indicating that they are prepared to cover the cost of the utilities. We’ve asked for a demonstration of g ood faith that is needed to engage in these negotiations. Once that letter is in place, the pumping on this site will continue. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Prins: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My last question to the M i- nister of Tourism, Parks and Recreati on: given that recreation is the primary driver for the pumping, will the minister commit to sharing part of the cost to fund this project? Mrs. Ady: Well, Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, low water levels are true across several of the lakes across the province. I would be really reluctant to make that kind of commitment as it would pe r- haps destabilize the funding that we have in parks across the province. So I could not make that commitment, hon. member. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Mackay.

Infrastructure Costs Ms Woo-Paw: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ensuring that Alberta has sufficient infrastructure to accommodate future growth is an important goal of this government. The government has stated that building infrastructure now rather than waiting will save money in the long term. My questions are to the Minister of Infrastructure. Can he tell us why it is prudent to spend money on infrastructure now rather than waiting until, say, we have a budget surplus? The Speaker: Well, okay. We’ve got the budget for Infrastructure coming up on April 20.

That really sounds like an opinion, but if you can put it into policy, go ahead. 2:40 Mr. Danyluk: Well, Mr. Speaker, I would suggest to you that it’s not an opinion. It’s fact that this is a good time to build infrastruc- ture. Prices are lower, skilled workers are available, and investing in projects today ensures that Alberta is ready for the next boom, not to touch on budget at all. Ms Woo-Paw: These questions are from a constituent. Can he put a dollar figure on the amount that would be saved by completing projects now when the construction costs are low?

The Speaker: As I already pointed out, hon. m ember, a few days ago, before the break, questions from constituents are not the pur- view of question period. Go ahead. Mr. Danyluk: Well, Mr. Speaker, I can say to you that presently, right now, our tendering process is very open – right? – and trans- parent. We advertise publicly and are open to bidders from across the province and other provinces, and this ensures a competitive process. Just to speak about the finance end of it, I’m just going to say that Albertans get good value for their investment. Ms Woo-Paw: My last question has been answered. Thank you.

The Speaker: Okay. Twenty members were recognized today, 118 questions and responses. In a few seconds from now we’ll continue with Members’ Statements. head: Members’ Statements (continued) The Speaker: The hon. Member for Bonnyville-Cold Lake. Cold Lake Ice Junior B Hockey Team Mrs. Leskiw: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As spring has finally a r- rived, it may seem odd that I take this opportunity to talk about hockey, but as we all know, hockey is a 12-mont h sport around here. It is with great pride that I congratulate the Cold Lake Ice junior B hockey team on a great season.

The Ice came very close to not icing a team at all this year, Mr. Speaker, but the dedication of the team’s board, management, coaches, players, and fans persevered. This perseverance resulted in a northeast Alberta junior B championship for the Ice and the team’s first-ever appearance at the provincial championship held in Leduc earlier this month. Though they were not victorious, the boys represented our area with dignity, class, and the utmost sportsmanship. Mr. Speaker, the Cold Lake Ice is a team made up of players from all over my area. In fact, three of the players were former students of mine.

The neighbouring communities of Bonnyville, St. Paul, Glendon, Lac La Biche, and even Brandon, Manitoba, were all represented in this year’s edition of the Cold Lake Ice. I would like to acknowledge not just the success on the ice but also the contribution to the spirit and pride of the com munity that the team helps to foster.

574 Alberta Hansard April 11, 2011 In all our communities, large or small, urban or rural, sports teams, clubs, and all organizations make up the life breath of our hometowns. I urge all Albertans to support teams like the Ice, whose season went a long way to bringing the communities around my constituency closer together, and they did so by exe m- plifying the character, class, and determination that made us all proud to cheer them on. Again, congratulations on a fabulous year. Wouldn’t you know it, the title defence begins again in five short months. Thank you.

The Speaker: I’m sure we’ll now hear from a real hockey team. The hon. Member for Stony Plain. Stony Plain Habitat for Humanity Project Mr. Lindsay: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recently had the privilege to attend a dedication ceremony for an extraordinary affordable housing project in Stony Plain. It didn’t involve hoc k- ey, but there was some being played in the background. This build was a first of its kind partnership between Habitat for Humanity, the Good Samaritan Society, the town of Stony Plain, and Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs.

This project provided 12 new homes for deserving and needy families. These homes are a new concept, Mr. Speak er, as they integrate young families and seniors in one complex. Built entirely through volunteerism and donors, Habitat for Humanity projects reflect the compassion and community spirit that is characteristic of Albertans. For 35 years, Mr. Speaker, Habi tat for Humanity has been mak- ing dreams come true by providing homes for the needy. I commend all who are involved in this project, especially the new homeowners, who invested a great deal of sweat equity during the build.

These 12 homes are more than bric ks and mortar. They are evidence of community pride and people helping people. As these grateful families accepted the keys to their new homes, they e x- pressed gratitude to all who made their dreams a reality. They are indeed proud Albertans. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: Sorry, hon. member. I anticipated that the hon. member was going to talk about the very prolific Spruce Grove Saints. The hon. Member for Drayton Valley-Calmar. Mrs. McQueen: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would talk about the Drayton Valley Thunder, but I’m not going to.

Tomorrow Project for Cancer Research Mrs. McQueen: I rise today to share about a very important and cutting-edge project called the Tomorrow Project. I had the priv i- lege of participating in the launch of the Tomo rrow Project in Drayton Valley in my constituency of Drayton Valley -Calmar on March 28. I was joined by Councillor Dean Schuler of the Dra y- ton Valley town council, town staff, the Legion, and 157 Drayton Valley and area participants for the kickoff of this great project. Most Albertans have been touched by cancer, be it a close fam i- ly member, a work colleague, or a close friend.

Shockingly, almost 1 in 2 Albertans will develop cancer in their lifetime, and approximately 1 in 4 will die of cancer. That is w hy researchers got together to try and understand more about why some people develop cancer and why others do not. The current campaign is called Count Me in 4 Tomorrow, with the goal of enrolling 50,000 participants by 2012. Each participant must be an A lberta resident aged 35 to 69 and have never had cancer.

Once a participant signs on for the project, they will be asked to answer questions about their health and lifestyle, to give simple physical measurements, and to give small amounts of urine and blood samples. The whole process only takes about two hours, but that time commitment can mean a great deal to future generations of Alber- tans. The Tomorrow Project has a mobile unit that was used in Drayton Valley and can be brought to any location. This mobile unit ensures that the Tomorrow Project can reach all corners of this province to make it as simple as possible for Albertans to participate.

The organizers hope to bring the mobile unit to the Legislature so that all members can see how easy it is to p artici- pate and help spread the word to their constituents. I encourage and challenge all MLAs and indeed all Albertans to get involved with this worthy project because the commitment you make today can save lives tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: Okay. I have to make another interjection as well about that hockey team that basically settles in the constituency of Spruce Grove-Sturgeon-St. Albert. I don’t know if they have won so far. They’re not finished yet.

They’re going to Vernon, British Columbia, in the next number of days as well. We’ll get them in here yet. The hon. Member for Leduc-Beaumont-Devon. Mr. Rogers: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m very proud to say that the Leduc Recreation Centre hosted the junior B provincial cha m- pionships exc eptionally well and that the Beaumont Chiefs finished second. I congratulate them. Child Care Awards of Excellence Mr. Rogers: I did want to talk about an event last Friday evening, the Alberta child care professional awards of excellence. This was cohosted by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Mr.

Speaker, 12 individuals were recognized for their outstanding service to Alberta children and families. Mr. Speaker, our government introduced the child care awards in 2006 as a way of recognizing the tremendous talents and dedi- cation of people caring for children while their parents attend school or work. Their care and skill have an essential role in su p- porting parents to successfully raise the next generation of Albertans. They offer a safe and cari ng place where children feel welcome and can develop their young minds.

This year the child care awards were expanded to include the skilled professionals working in our network of 46 parent link centres, who serve pa r- ents in 160 different Alberta communit ies. These centres are instrumental in supporting Alberta’s parents, who are their chil d- ren’s first and most influential teachers. The recipients of this year’s awards, Mr. Speaker, are shining examples of people who are making a positive difference in th e lives of children each and every day in every corner of this pro v- ince.

I’m proud to say that child care professionals from my constituency of Leduc -Beaumont-Devon have been recognized with an award every year since 2007. I would like to congratulate Laura Grenning from Beaumont, who received an award this year in the licensed daycare category. I would ask all members of this Assembly to show their great appreciation for all 12 of these outstanding professionals and their commitment to the children and families of Alberta. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 2:50 The Speaker: The hon. Member for Red Deer-South.

April 11, 2011 Alberta Hansard 575 Mr. Dallas: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I begin, I could mention that perhaps our Red Deer Rebels are planning a com e- back as we speak. Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board Awards Mr. Dallas: Today about 60,000 apprentices are learning and working in Alberta. They are part of Alberta’s very successful apprenticeship and industry training system. The growth and success of the system and our apprentices would not be possible without the employers, individuals, and other organizations that work tirelessly to make our trades community the best in the country.

Every year the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board presents awards to apprentices, employers, and instructors who have demonstrated excellence in their field. This annual rec- ognition helps foster strong role models and helps enhance best practices in over 50 designated trades and occupations in our province. It’s a chance for apprentices, employers, and instructors to honour one another, to highlight their skills and talents, and shine a positive light on careers in the trades.

Sixty -eight reci- pients received the 2010 awards in the top apprentice, top employer, top employer of aboriginal apprentices, top instructor, and chairman’s awards of excellence categories. Mr. Speaker, in addition to paying tribute to all of the rec i- pients, I have the pleasure today of recognizing one of my own constituents. Mr. Tom Olson is the 2010 Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board’s top instructor for southern Alberta. Tom received this award based on his motivational skills and his own best practices of identifying the best teaching methods and bringing out the best in his students.

I’m proud of the amazing contributions Tom and his fellow recipients made to ensure the high quality of our apprenticeship and industry training system. I would request that all members join me, please, in congratulat- ing the 2010 Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry T raining Board award recipients. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. head: Tabling Returns and Reports The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Energy. Mr. Liepert: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to table five copies of the document I referred to in question period today. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Health and Wellness. Mr.

Zwozdesky: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to provide the requisite number of copies of the following reports: the 2009- 2010 annual report from the Alberta College of Pharmacists, titled Healthy Albertans through Excellence in Pharmacy Practice; secondly, the 2010 annual report from the College and Association of Respiratory Therapists; thirdly, the 2009 annual report from the Health Disciplines Board; and finally, the 2010 annua l report from the Alberta Dental Association and College. Thank you.

The Speaker: Hon. minister, earlier today during the question period I was unsure completely if you did a quote from a doc u- ment concerning the Capital health authority prepared by the Auditor General. If you did use such a quote, would you be kind enough to table that document tomorrow. Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, I can certainly table the excerpt that I quoted. It’s actually part of his annual report for the year in question, so it’s already filed with the Assembly. The Speaker: All right. That’s fine. Then it’s not required. The hon. Minister of Municipal Affairs. Mr. Goudreau: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’m pleased to table with the Assembly five copies of the 2010 annual report for the Alberta Boilers Safety Association, or ABSA. ABSA is a del e- gated administrative organization that reports to Alberta Municipal Affairs, and Alberta’s pressure equipment safety pr o- grams are administered by ABSA under the Safety Codes Act. I’d like to thank them for their continued dedication to pressure equipment safety in Alberta. The Speaker: The hon. Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. Mr. Oberle: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It’s my sad duty, I suppose, to rise today and table three documents with respect to the release of the Mayerthorpe inquiry report last week. On March 30 Mr. Lorne Gunter wrote an editorial in the National Post, and despite the pre- ponderance of evidence to the contrary Mr.

Gunter suggested, against the committee’s findings, that this “could have been pr e- vented from turning so deadly if officers and commanders had approached it with a more professional and less cavalier attitude.” This is an affront to the police force, to the memory of those officers that died on that tragic day, and to the families of those officers. I table that for the information of members of the House. Secondly, Mr.

Speaker, I table a letter that I myself wrote to the National Post in response to that editorial, in which I pointed out how serious I feel about this and insisted that it was a dark day for our province and our country and that we need to move on. “We would like to do so with accurate understandings of what happened, and accurate memories of the honourable service of Constables Peter Schiemann, Leo Johnston, Brock Myrol and Anthony Gor- don.” I table the appropriate number of copies of that. Finally, Mr. Speaker, the National Post chose to publish my letter in an abridged version, as they always do.

I’ll table five cop- ies of that as well. I just want to say a thank you to all those who have been injured or perished in the line of duty in our province and our country. Thanks to all of them. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The impending clear-cutting crisis in the Castle -Crown continues to concern Albertans, inclu d- ing Mary Reid, Marion Walls, Mary Louise Campbell, Terry Galvon, David Parbery, Crystal Schatz, Al Coats, Shelley Robi n- son, Stephen Fairley, Laurie Loro, Kata Jhukoutaiy, Tomas Ersson, Cayley Orton, Deborah Jasinoski, Linda McFarlane, D i- ane Volkers, Annika Nicholson, Catherine Chevalier, Rick Moses, Margaret Vrielink, Albert Russon, Angeles Mendoza Sammet, Alistair Des Moulins, Angela Stemmer, and Scott Green. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lethbridge-East. Ms Pastoor: Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. I table on behalf of the Lead- er of the Official Opposition the reference to the Alberta Medical Association concern that physicians under nondisclosure agreement will be at legal risk under the Health Quality Council review.

576 Alberta Hansard April 11, 2011 My second tabling is five copies of my letter and cheque to the Vulcan food bank, as promised in April 2007, to help AISH pa y- ments be indexed the same as MLAs’ salaries. It’s only fair. My last tabling is from people concerned about the clear -cutting that is going to go on in the Castle special management area, probably a crime in itself.

The names are Vanessa Vallis from Calgary; Teresa Rocheleau, Ron Chambers – if I don’t mention outside of it, it’ s assumed they come from Lethbridge – Brittney Durston from Bradford, Ontario; Mary -Anne McTrowe from Lethbridge; Helen Henderson from Coaldale; Cordula Wenske from Dresden, Germany; Andrew Hurly from Monarch; Linda Stromsmoe from Lethbridge; Kevin Roll from Hays, Alberta; Tom Moffatt and Doug Saunders, both from Lethbridge. These people are very upset. Clearly, it isn’t just an Alberta problem.

These are people that have come from other places in the world to appreciate our tourism and our wonderful wild s cenery and life that we have here in Alberta. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Meadowlark. Dr. Sherman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to table five co p- ies of the members of the Legislature who were present when Dr. McNamee presented to the caucus in 1999 cases about lung cancer surgery wait times.

I’d like to table five copies of an excellent piece of investigative journalism, done by Charles Rusnell in 2007, about the financial irregularities and Auditor General Fred D unn’s critique of Capital health’s accounting practices. Thank you. head: Tablings to the Clerk The Clerk: I wish to advise the House that the following doc u- ments were deposited with the office of the Clerk. On behalf of the hon. Mrs. Klimchuk, Minister o f Service Alberta, responses to questions raised by Mrs. Forsyth, the hon. Member for Calgary - Fish Creek , and Mr. Mason, the hon.

Member for Edmonton- Highlands-Norwood, on March 7, 2011, Department of Service Alberta main estimates debate. On behalf of the hon. Mr. Renner, Minister of Environment, responses to questions raised by Ms Blakeman, the hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre, and Mr. Boutilier, the hon. Member for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, on March 22, 2011, Department of Environment main estimates debate. 3:00 head: Orders of the Day head: Written Questions [The Clerk read the following written questions, which had been accepted] Alberta Health Services RN Turnover Rate Q3. Dr.

Swann: What was the average turnover rate for registered nurses within Alberta Health Services for the years 2008, 2009, and 2010? Foreign-trained Physician Recruitment Q4. Dr. Swann: How many foreign -trained physicians have been recruited to Alberta in the last five years? Foreign-trained RN Recruitment Q5. Dr. Swann: How many foreign -trained registered nurses have been r e- cruited to Alberta in the last five years? The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Buffalo. Drilling Royalty Credit Program Q8. Mr. Hehr asked that the following question be accepted.

What was the t otal value of all tax credits expended pu r- suant to the drilling royalty credit program and the average value of tax credits claimed per company for the period April 1, 2009, to February 20, 2011? Mr. Hehr: At this time I believe this information is pertine nt for us, Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, to have. We are in the midst of what could be considered on the cusp of another boom in A l- berta. We have many projects up in the oil sands and in other areas of this province, much drilling activity going on all o ver the place.

Obviously, that is spurred by world demand as well as some other things going on here in Alberta but also the price of oil. I guess the debate is, as always, that we need a stable operating ground for companies who do business while at the s ame time trying to balance what is a reasonable return to the taxpayer. I know these are difficult things to balance, but having this i n- formation allows us to maybe try to get there and stay on top of that balance.

For instance, I know in our budget debat es with the hon. minister we were discussing, you know, the ups and downs of pricing of, in fact, the oil and gas industry and how it’s very difficult to peg things at $120 oil or that sort of stuff. We were discussing, I remember, how maybe we could devel op a system where if prices were stable for the period of a year, well, then, maybe you could factor some of these things in and out and poss i- bly give companies stability while at the same time allowing for the province to get its fair rate of return.

Nevertheless, I think this information would go some way in providing us with some information we need to do our jobs on behalf of the Alberta people to continue to challenge our gover n- ment to do the best they can and to provide both stability for the industry as well as value to Joe and Jane Albertan, who are the owners of the resource, which, we all know, is a very delicate balance and a fine balance that we have to adjust here in Alberta. Those are my submissions, and I wait for the hon. minister’s response. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Energy. Mr. Liepert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Like the member men- tioned, the government is always ready, able, and willing to help this member with his understanding and research, but there are a couple of problems with the way the particular question is worded. I have sent to the hon. member a proposed amendment because in the question it talks about tax credits in Alberta under the drilling royalty credit regulation. There are no tax credits but, rather, royalty credits.

In addition to that, due to corporate structuring of some of the companies – some of them may be subsidiary groups branched from parent organizations – we do not collect the data with respect to the average value of credits per company. That being said, I would propose to amend the question. What was the total value of all royalty credits expended pu r- suant to the drilling royalty credit program for the period April 1, 2009, to February 20, 2011? If the hon. member agrees with that amendment, I’m more tha n happy to supply that information.

April 11, 2011 Alberta Hansard 577 The Speaker: All members have received a copy of the amen d- ment. Discussion on the amendment? Mr. Hehr: I think this is a wonderful amendment proposed by the hon. minister. You know, it reminds me of how some people think he gets a reputation as such a cranky man. This is really an exa m- ple of how he helps sometimes and how he gets us the information we need. I would thank the hon. minister for his assistance in this matter. When I hear someone besmirching his good name, I will be sure to speak up on his behalf. The Speaker: Shall I call the question? Hon.

Members: Question. [Motion on amendment carried] The Speaker: Shall I call the question, then, on the motion as amended? Hon. Members: Question. [Written Question 8 as amended carried] The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lethbridge-East. Crown Land Sold for Agricultural Use Q13. Ms Pastoor asked that the following question be accepted. What are the locations of Crown land sold for agricultural use between 2005 and 2010? Ms Pastoor: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My intent, of course, is to see exactly how much Crown land is actually being saved for agricultural land. The Speaker: The hon.

Minister of Sustainable Resource Deve l- opment. Mr. Knight: Thank you very much, Mr. Spe aker. Of course, the hon. member has asked a question that’s important to many Alber- tans, most particularly Albertans that are now directly involved or may want to be involved in the agricultural industry. Mr.

Speaker, the issue, of course, is that the qu estion as it’s posed is not something that we’d have a ready answer for, so I would like to propose that we amend Question 13 to read: What are the legal descriptions and acreages of all public land managed by Sustainable Resource Development sold between April 1, 2005, and March 31, 2010? Mr. Speaker, the amendment is based on the following reasons. Sustainable Resource Development sells public land that’s cons i- dered surplus to government requirement. Municipalities regulate the use of land within their boundaries.

We could sell pieces of surplus public land and not know at the end of the day whether or not they may end up being used for agricultural purposes. The Department of Sustainable Resource Development’s records r e- garding the sale of public land ar e kept on a fiscal year basis, so that’s the reason for the adjustments relative to the dates. Mr. Speaker, I would like to propose that amendment. The Speaker: Have all members received a copy of this amen d- ment? If you haven’t, raise your hand. Okay. Hon. Member for Lethbridge-East, do you want the floor? Ms Pastoor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to thank the minister for having this amendment out on time. Unfortunately, I just saw it this morning because we were away for two weeks, and it was sitting on my desk here. Thank you, at least, for that. I was going to not accept it because I’m not exactly sure that what I’m trying to get at is what you’re going to give me. But after your explanation it’s a little bit closer to what I thought I was ge t- ting, so I will accept this amendment. Thank you. [Motion on amendment carried] The Speaker: Hon.

Member for Lethbridge-East, do you want to say anything further to close the debate, or should I just call the question as amended? Ms Pastoor: Question. [Written Question 13 as amended carried] The Speaker: You did not tell us, Lethbridge -East, where you went for two weeks. Ms Pastoor: I worked my tail off in Lethbridge-East. The Speaker: Aw. It catches my heart. That’s so good to hear. head: Motions for Returns 3:10 Bitumen Valuation M6. Mr. Chase moved on behalf of Mr.

MacDonald that an order of the Assembly do issue for a return showing a copy of all financial forecasts, economic trend reporting, and any re c- ommendations that were prepared by Alberta Finance and Enterprise regarding bitumen valuation for the fiscal years 2011-2012 to 2021-2022. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Energy. Mr. Liepert: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to move an amendment to Motion for a Return 6.

The amendment would strike out “financial forecasts, economic trend reporting, and any recommendations that were prepared by Alberta Finance and Enterprise” and subst i- tute “publicly available, nonproprietary information given by Alberta Energy to Alberta Finance and Enterprise” and, secondly, strike out “2011-2012 to 2021 -2022” and substitute “2011-2012.” So this motion would read: A copy of all publicly available, nonproprietary inf ormation given by Alberta Energy to Alberta Finance and Enterprise r e- garding bitumen valuation for the fiscal year 2011-12.

I’m proposing this amendment for a couple of reasons, Mr. Speaker. First, our department can only answer with respect to information prepared by our ministry and provided to Alberta Finance and Enterprise. Secondly, as the member proposing this motion is aware, the information we provide comes from a num- ber of financial forecasts and reports, much of which is confidential due to the c opyright terms of our subscriptions or because the information is considered proprietary. Any material we provide to Alberta Finance and Enterprise, which is actually publicly available, we’ll be happy to give to the member.

Also, the data from all of the forecasts and reports we receive are amalgamated and made publicly available in the budget, as are many of the identities of the analysts and forecasters that we use. If the member wants to see specific reports from, say, a bank or an investment service, he’s certainly free to subscribe to those r e- spective services. Regarding the later time frames mentioned in the motion, we do not provide long -term projections for use in the budget, but long - term valuation projections are publicly available via the Energ y Resources Conservation Board.

578 Alberta Hansard April 11, 2011 Just as a final aside, Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that our forecasting models are reviewed and are endorsed annually by the Auditor General. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Mr. Chase: Thank you. I understand the minister’s cautions or limitations with regard to proprietary information. We understand that. Whether it’s ministers’ notes or any other private information, we understand the FOIP regulations that cover that information. On the (

a) part, obvi ously we’re operating within the information that should be publicly available and asking for that information to be collected and accumulated and passed along to us. On the second part of the amendment, by striking out “fiscal years 2011 -2012 to 2021 -2022” and substituting “fiscal year 2011-2012,” what Alberta investors, the industry, and regular Alberta taxpayers are looking for is the idea that the government has some kind of a plan or a rough idea of where they would like to go given certain co nditions heading into the next decade.

Now, by this request we’re giving the government credit for forward thinking, and that was why that extended evaluation and the dire c- tion the government would like to at least head towards are extremely important to us. Again, we understand the nature of what’s private and what’s public, but we would like to get a sense of what the government’s plan is as well, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much. [Motion on amendment carried] The Speaker: Shall I call the question with respect to the motion as amended? Hon. Members: Question. [Motion for a Return 6 as amended carried] Conventional Oil Valuation M7. Mr.

Chase moved on behalf of Mr. MacDonald that an order of the Assembly do issue for a return showing a copy of all financial forecasts, economic trend reporting, and any re c- ommendations that were prepared by Alberta Finance and Enterprise regarding conventional oil valuation for the fiscal years 2011-2012 to 2021-2022. Mr. Liepert: Well, again, Mr.

Speaker, I would like to m ove an amendment to this motion very similar to the last one, striking out “financial forecasts, economic trend reporting, and any reco m- mendations that were prepared by Alberta Finance and Enterprise” and substituting “publicly available, nonproprietary in formation given by Alberta Energy to Alberta Finance and Enterprise,” and, secondly, striking out “fiscal years 2011-2012 to 2021- 2022” and substituting “fiscal year 2011-2012.” This motion would then read: “A copy of all publicly available, nonproprietary information given by Alberta Energy to Alberta Finance and Enterprise regard- ing conventional oil valuation for the fiscal year 2011-2012.” The reasons for these amendments are identical to the ones mentioned with respect to the previous motion that we just a d- dressed in this House.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Mr. Chase: Thank you very much. I don’t want to take up time from this Assembly. Obviously, we’re not asking for private i n- formation. What we’re asking for are recommendations th at were prepared by Alberta Finance and Enterprise regarding conventio n- al oil valuation. We’re looking for the minister’s and Alberta Finance and Enterprise’s projections. We’re not looking for pr o- prietary information.

We’re looking for the information tha t has been shared between the ministries that will give, hopefully – and then I’ll argue the second part of the amendment – some idea of where the government is headed not only now but into the next decade. The conventional oil opportunities are potential ly tremendously enhanced if the sequestration works. If we can pump carbon di o- xide into old conventional sites and receive the increased value from formerly nonproductive wells all of a sudden being brought to life, then this is important information. I re alize, Mr. Speaker, that the hon.

Minister of Energy doesn’t have a crystal ball, but I would think that between Finance and Enterprise and Energy they would have a desired outcome, and based on that desired outcome, the information and the studies on carbon sequestration, the fact that we’re no longer using potable water, that we’re using saline, given all that information, which is not proprietary but actually belongs and is well known to Alberta Finance and Enterprise and Energy, it would be very helpful to have not only that information but the forecast for how conventional extraction can potentially be improved over the next decade.

That’s why we’re projecting 10 years ahead. The Alberta Liberals are well known for thinking ahead, and we’d like the government to catch up to us. Thank you. [Motion on amendment carried] The Speaker: Shall I call the question? [Motion for a Return 7 as amended carried] 3:20 Natural Gas Valuation M8. Mr. Chase moved on behalf of Mr.

MacDonald that an order of the Assembly do issue for a return showing a copy of all financial forecasts, economic trend reporting, and any re c- ommendations that were prepared by Alberta Finance and Enterprise regarding natural gas valuation for the fiscal years 2011-2012 to 2021-2022. Mr. Liepert: Again, Mr.

Speaker, what we’re going to propose is that we amend this motion by striking out “financial forecasts, economic trend reporting, and any recommendations that were prepared by Alberta Finance and Enterprise” and substituting “publicly available, nonproprietary information given by Alberta Energy to Alberta Finance and Enterprise” and by striking out “fiscal years 2011 -12 to 2021 -22” and substituting “fiscal year 2011-2012.” This would then read: “A copy of all publicly avail a- ble, nonproprietary information given by Alberta Energy to Alberta Finance and Enterprise regarding natural gas valuation for the fiscal year 2011-2012.” Again, the reasoning remains consistent with the last two m o- tions, Mr.

Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Mr. Chase: Thank you. Again, I don’t want to sound like an echo, but what we’re asking for is not what we’re receiving. We’ve asked for a copy of all financial forecasts, economic trend repor t- ing, and any recommendations that were prepared by Alb erta Finance and Enterprise. I don’t know whether it would have made it simpler if we’d said all Alberta Finance and Enterprise financial forecasts, economic trend reporting, and recommendations. If we’d possibly put the producer of the information first, maybe it would have caused less confusion.

April 11, 2011 Alberta Hansard 579 What we’re getting from the minister is publicly available. In other words, he’s willing to collect information he’s already, I’m assuming, put out, which is not what we’re asking for. We’re ask- ing him to give us an indication of the advice that he is recommending going forward based on, obviously, nonproprietary information. The government, I am sure, beyond the very har d- working researchers and bureaucrats within the organization also goes out to other individual s seeking advice, especially, I would hope, experts in the field.

It’s that kind of direction that we’re looking for so that everyone understands the direction the gov- ernment is going. Now, Mr. Speaker, again with reference to 2021 -2022 we know it’s a historical fact that conventional gas for years has produced the highest royalties and the best return for Albertans. Well, now with the advent of shale gas and nonconventional gas our gas marketing basically has bottomed out, and we’re hoping that the minister, in replying to the hon. Member for Edmonton-Gold Bar , could provide us with a sense of where we’re going from here.

Is there a hope that with certain planning or direction we’ll be able to re-evaluate, regenerate the former conventional gas market? When the minister restricts the information to “publicly available” and for a single year, there is no forward prognosis. We don’t know where the ministry is hoping to head or the information that would take them in that particular direction. If we don’t know , then the Alberta public doesn’t know, and industry is uncertain about the government’s support for both conventional and new types of gas exploration involving shale, et cetera. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. [Motion on amendment carried] The Speaker: Shall I call the question, then? Hon. Members: Question. [Motion for a Return 8 as amended carried] head: Public Bills and Orders Other than head: Government Bills and Orders Committee of the Whole [Mr. Mitzel in the chair] The Deputy Chair: I’d like to call the committee to order. Bill 201 Health Insurance Premiums (Health Card Donor Declaration) Amendment Act, 2011 The Deputy Chair: Are there any comments, questions, or amendments to be offered with respect to this bill? The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Mr. Chase: Thank you very, very much, Mr. Chair.

In previous discussions I’ve brought forward the concerns about the potential punitive action of sort of two classes of individuals: those that have indicated a yes, no, or possibly at some time in the future they would consider organ donations, and then there’s the group who, if they don’t respond immediately, may get the second mail - out of their Alberta health care cards. I wanted to bring up that concern, which was not addressed in previous amendments.

As I’ve indicated twice before in speaking to Bill 201, Health Insurance Premiums (Health Card Donor Declaration) Amen d- ment Act, 2011, I am very supportive of not only organ donation but tissue donation, blood, et cetera.

I indicated that I thought that a potentially better method for achieving this was an electronic health card complete with a chip, which offered greater privacy protection and was capable of being presented either by a person, for example, giving blood – their record would be part of that card – or in the unfortunate event of someone dying, there would be a go-to place which would clearly indicate an individual’s wishes in addition to their health information. Recently, Mr.

Chairman, with regard to having a health card that would facilitate improved service delivery as well as declared donor information, it was pointed out to me by both a psychiatrist and a medical physician who came to my office this past Friday their concern about the government potentially pulling back the approximately $35,000 that helped their offices maintain their electronic data and record keeping. Mr.

Chair, in order to facilitate the information collection and the appropriate sharing between medical individuals of private, protected information, I believe that something beyond our simple paper card has to be devised so that physicians, regardless of where they are in the province, have appropriate access to the information that in the case of an injured person would facilitate their treatment and in the case of a person who has indicated that upon their death their organs could be harvested, that information would be available in a secure situation. Mr.

Chair, without going into a whole lot of repeat, I also me n- tion the fact that Alberta Health, while impr oving on the number of Alberta health cards out, has not the tracking necessary to en- sure that only Albertans are receiving these Alberta health cards. So the tracking of the card, to whom it goes and for what purpose, I would suggest needs to be improved in order for the wishes of Bill 201 to be taken into account. 3:30 I thank the hon. chair for allowing me to participate again in the debate on Bill 201. Donation I’m very much in favour of.

Facil i- tating and improving the process, I think, requires furthe r work than Bill 201 presents at this time. The Deputy Chair: Any other members wish to speak? The hon. Member for Edmonton-Ellerslie. Mr. Bhardwaj: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I’m pleased to rise today in Committee of the Whole to speak to Bill 201, the Health Insurance Premiums (Health Card Donor Declar a- tion) Amendment Act, 2011, as amended. The intent of this bill is to increase organ and tissue donation in Alberta, and I believe that various sections of this bill achieve that aim. I would like to focus my comments today on one

section in particular,

section 22.1(1). For the record this

section states: A certificate of registration shall include a declaration form concerning organ and tissue donation that specifies the follo w- ing 3 options: (

a) yes; (

b) no; (

c) undecided. Mr. Chairman, the subject of organ and tissue donation can be a sensitive one. Many people find merely thinking about such ma t- ters extremely uncomfortable. While Bill 201 does propose to compel Albertans to make a choice as to whet her or not they would like to be organ donors, it would not force anyone to be- come a donor if they do not wish to be one.

Section 22.1(1) stipulates that the options given in the certif i- cate of declaration, which in this case will be the Alberta health care card, will be yes, no, and undecided. As such, should an indi- vidual not wish to become an organ donor, he or she has two options from which to choose. This individual can choose no or

580 Alberta Hansard April 11, 2011 undecided, and then those choices will ensure that he or she will not become an organ donor. The undecided option is there to make sure that Albertans who are not yet ready to make a decision regarding organ and tissue donation are not rushed into doing so. Further, should an individual know whether or not they want to become a donor but do not wish to make that decision public, he or she can choose the undecided option to ensure that their privacy remains intact. Mr.

Chairman, it is not the intent of the bill to force Albertans into doing something they do not want to do, whether that is b e- coming an organ and tissue donor or simply disclosing their decision on the matter. Rather, the intent of this bill is to prompt some thought and discussion on the issue of organ donation. The fact is that Canada’s organ donation rates are some of the lowest in the western world. While there are no statistics available that are specific to Alberta, only 13 Canadians for every million actually become organ donors.

This lack of donation means the difference between life and death for many a cross the country, including right here in the province of Alberta. With the requir e- ment to make a specific declaration regarding organ donation, as outlined in

section 22.1(1), we could ensure that, at the very least, Albertans think long and hard about t his issue and their feelings towards it. What’s more, Mr. Chairman, it is my hope that Albertans will also have this discussion with their families so that everyone’s wishes are known should the worst happen. It is important to e n- sure that our families ar e aware of our feelings towards organ and tissue donation because, ultimately, their permission will be r e- quired in order for us to actually become donors. If passed, Bill 201 will help to raise awareness in our province regarding organ and tissue donation.

Subsequently this could help to increase the number of donations which could in turn save lives. Mr. Chairman, it is remarkable how many lives can be saved or drastically improved by just one organ donor. According to Alberta Health Services one donor can save the lives of eight people and enhance the lives of as many as 75. For the thousands of people who are currently waiting, an increase in donors could mean the difference between life and death.

I believe that it is incumbent upon us as legislators to try to increase the number of organ and tissue donations in our province, and Bill 201 could be an effective tool to achieve this goal. Ho w- ever, the provisions in

section 22.1(1) clearly provide Albertans with options should they not want to become orga n donors. B e- cause organ and tissue donation is an extremely personal decision and because, ultimately, Albertans should have the final