Alberta Hansard — 8 April 2013, Afternoon sitting (13:30) (Legislature 28, Session 1)

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Alberta — Debates (Hansard)

Province of Alberta The 28th Legislature First Session Alberta Hansard Monday, April 8, 2013 Issue 41 The Honourable Gene Zwozdesky, Speaker

Legislative Assembly of Alberta The 28th Legislature First Session Zwozdesky, Hon. Gene, Edmonton-Mill Creek (PC), Speaker Rogers, George, Leduc-Beaumont (PC), Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees Jablonski, Mary Anne, Red Deer-North (PC), Deputy Chair of Committees Allen, Mike, Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo (PC) Amery, Moe, Calgary-East (PC) Anderson, Rob, Airdrie (W), Official Opposition House Leader Anglin, Joe, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre (W), Official Opposition Whip Barnes, Drew, Cypress-Medicine Hat (

W) Bhardwaj, Naresh, Edmonton-Ellerslie (PC) Bhullar, Hon. Manmeet Singh, Calgary-Greenway (PC) Bikman, Gary, Cardston-Taber-Warner (

W) Bilous, Deron, Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview (ND) Blakeman, Laurie, Edmonton-Centre (AL), Liberal Opposition House Leader Brown, Dr. Neil, QC, Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill (PC) Calahasen, Pearl, Lesser Slave Lake (PC) Campbell, Hon. Robin, West Yellowhead (PC), Deputy Government House Leader Cao, Wayne C.N., Calgary-Fort (PC) Casey, Ron, Banff-Cochrane (PC) Cusanelli, Christine, Calgary-Currie (PC) Dallas, Hon. Cal, Red Deer-South (PC) DeLong, Alana, Calgary-Bow (PC) Denis, Hon. Jonathan, QC, Calgary-Acadia (PC), Deputy Government House Leader Donovan, Ian, Little Bow (

W) Dorward, David C., Edmonton-Gold Bar (PC) Drysdale, Hon. Wayne, Grande Prairie-Wapiti (PC) Eggen, David, Edmonton-Calder (ND), New Democrat Opposition Whip Fawcett, Hon. Kyle, Calgary-Klein (PC) Fenske, Jacquie, Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville (PC) Forsyth, Heather, Calgary-Fish Creek (

W) Fox, Rodney M., Lacombe-Ponoka (

W) Fraser, Rick, Calgary-South East (PC) Fritz, Yvonne, Calgary-Cross (PC) Goudreau, Hector G., Dunvegan-Central Peace-Notley (PC) Griffiths, Hon. Doug, Battle River-Wainwright (PC) Hale, Jason W., Strathmore-Brooks (

W) Hancock, Hon. Dave, QC, Edmonton-Whitemud (PC), Government House Leader Hehr, Kent, Calgary-Buffalo (AL) Horne, Hon. Fred, Edmonton-Rutherford (PC) Horner, Hon. Doug, Spruce Grove-St. Albert (PC) Hughes, Hon. Ken, Calgary-West (PC) Jansen, Sandra, Calgary-North West (PC) Jeneroux, Matt, Edmonton-South West (PC) Johnson, Hon. Jeff, Athabasca-Sturgeon-Redwater (PC) Johnson, Linda, Calgary-Glenmore (PC) Kang, Darshan S., Calgary-McCall (AL), Liberal Opposition Whip Kennedy-Glans, Donna, Calgary-Varsity (PC) Khan, Stephen, St. Albert (PC) Klimchuk, Hon.

Heather, Edmonton-Glenora (PC) Kubinec, Maureen, Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock (PC) Lemke, Ken, Stony Plain (PC) Leskiw, Genia, Bonnyville-Cold Lake (PC) Luan, Jason, Calgary-Hawkwood (PC) Lukaszuk, Hon. Thomas A., Edmonton-Castle Downs (PC) Mason, Brian, Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood (ND), Leader of the New Democrat Opposition McAllister, Bruce, Chestermere-Rocky View (

W) McDonald, Everett, Grande Prairie-Smoky (PC) McIver, Hon. Ric, Calgary-Hays (PC), Deputy Government House Leader McQueen, Hon. Diana, Drayton Valley-Devon (PC) Notley, Rachel, Edmonton-Strathcona (ND), New Democrat Opposition House Leader Oberle, Hon. Frank, Peace River (PC) Olesen, Cathy, Sherwood Park (PC) Olson, Hon. Verlyn, QC, Wetaskiwin-Camrose (PC) Pastoor, Bridget Brennan, Lethbridge-East (PC) Pedersen, Blake, Medicine Hat (

W) Quadri, Sohail, Edmonton-Mill Woods (PC) Quest, Dave, Strathcona-Sherwood Park (PC) Redford, Hon. Alison M., QC, Calgary-Elbow (PC), Premier Rodney, Hon. Dave, Calgary-Lougheed (PC) Rowe, Bruce, Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills (

W) Sandhu, Peter, Edmonton-Manning (PC) Sarich, Janice, Edmonton-Decore (PC) Saskiw, Shayne, Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills (W), Official Opposition Deputy House Leader Scott, Hon. Donald, QC, Fort McMurray-Conklin (PC) Sherman, Dr. Raj, Edmonton-Meadowlark (AL), Leader of the Liberal Opposition Smith, Danielle, Highwood (W), Leader of the Official Opposition Starke, Hon. Dr. Richard, Vermilion-Lloydminster (PC) Stier, Pat, Livingstone-Macleod (

W) Strankman, Rick, Drumheller-Stettler (

W) Swann, Dr. David, Calgary-Mountain View (AL) Towle, Kerry, Innisfail-Sylvan Lake (W), Official Opposition Deputy Whip VanderBurg, Hon. George, Whitecourt-Ste. Anne (PC) Weadick, Hon. Greg, Lethbridge-West (PC) Webber, Len, Calgary-Foothills (PC) Wilson, Jeff, Calgary-Shaw (

W) Woo-Paw, Hon. Teresa, Calgary-Northern Hills (PC) Xiao, David H., Edmonton-McClung (PC) Young, Steve, Edmonton-Riverview (PC), Government Whip Party standings: Progressive Conservative: 61 Wildrose: 17 Alberta Liberal: 5 New Democrat: 4 Officers and Officials of the Legislative Assembly W.J. David McNeil, Clerk Robert H.

Reynolds, QC, Law Clerk/ Director of Interparliamentary Relations Shannon Dean, Senior Parliamentary Counsel/Director of House Services Stephanie LeBlanc, Parliamentary Counsel and Legal Research Officer Fiona Vance, Sessional Parliamentary Counsel Nancy Robert, Research Officer Philip Massolin, Manager of Research Services Brian G. Hodgson, Sergeant-at-Arms Chris Caughell, Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Gordon H. Munk, Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Liz Sim, Managing Editor of Alberta Hansard

Executive Council Alison Redford Premier, Pres ident of Executive Council Thomas Lukaszuk Deputy Premier, Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education, Ministerial Liaison to the Canadian Forces Manmeet Singh Bhullar Minist er of Service Alberta Robin Campbell Minister of Aboriginal Relations Cal Dallas Minister of Internationa l and Intergovernmental Relations Jonathan Denis Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Wayne Drysdale Minister of Infrastructure Kyle Fawcett Associate Minister of Finance Doug Griffiths Minister of Municipal Affairs Dave Hancock Minister of Human Services Fred Horne Minister of Health Doug Horner President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Ken Hughes Minister of Energy Jeff Johnson Minister of Education Heather Klimchuk Minister of Culture Ric McIver Minister of Transportation Diana McQueen Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Frank Oberle Associate Minister of Services for Persons with Disabilities Verlyn Olson Minister of Agri culture and Rural Development Dave Rodney Associate Minister of Wellness Donald Scott Associate Minister of Account ability, Transparency and Transformation Richard Starke Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation George VanderBurg Associate Minister of Seniors Greg Weadick Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs Teresa Woo-Paw Associate Minister of Inte rnational and Intergovernmental Relations

STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ALBERTA Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future Chair: Mr. Amery Deputy Chair: Mr. Fox Bhardwaj Cao Donovan Dorward Eggen Hehr Luan McDonald Olesen Pastoor Quadri Rogers Rowe Sarich Strankman Xiao Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund Chair: Mr. Khan Deputy Chair: Mrs. Jablonski Anderson Casey Dorward Eggen Kubinec Sandhu Sherman Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee Chair: Mr. Allen Deputy Chair: Mr. Luan Blakeman Dorward Fenske Johnson, L.

McDonald Notley Saskiw Wilson Young Standing Committee on Families and Communities Chair: Mr. Quest Deputy Chair: Mrs. Forsyth Brown Cusanelli DeLong Fraser Fritz Goudreau Jablonski Jansen Jeneroux Leskiw Notley Pedersen Swann Towle Wilson Young Standing Committee on Legislative Offices Chair: Mr. Cao Deputy Chair: Mr. McDonald Bikman Blakeman Brown DeLong Eggen Leskiw Quadri Rogers Wilson Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services Chair: Mr. Zwozdesky Deputy Chair: Mr. Rogers Casey Forsyth Fraser Kennedy- Glans Mason McDonald Quest Sherman Smith Standing Committee on Private Bills Chair: Mr.

Xiao Deputy Chair: Ms L. Johnson Barnes Bhardwaj Brown Cusanelli DeLong Fox Fritz Goudreau Jablonski Leskiw Notley Olesen Rowe Strankman Swann Webber Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing Chair: Ms Olesen Deputy Chair: Mr. Lemke Calahasen Cao Casey Hehr Jansen Kennedy-Glans Kubinec Luan McAllister Notley Pedersen Rogers Sandhu Saskiw Towle Young Standing Committee on Public Accounts Chair: Mr. Anderson Deputy Chair: Mr.

Dorward Allen Amery Anglin Bilous Donovan Fenske Goudreau Hale Hehr Jeneroux Khan Pastoor Quadri Quest Sarich Stier Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship Chair: Ms Kennedy-Glans Deputy Chair: Mr. Anglin Allen Barnes Bikman Bilous Blakeman Calahasen Casey Fenske Hale Johnson, L. Khan Kubinec Lemke Sandhu Stier Webber

April 8, 2013 Alberta Hansard 1703 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Title: Monday, April 8, 2013 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 8, 2013 [The Speaker in the chair] head: Prayers The Speaker: Hon. members, let us pray. Dear Lord, help us to understand the needs of our citizens and to prioritize our duties in order to address those needs. Help us to fulfill the requests of our constituents and of all Albertans, who are counting on us to deliver. Amen. Please be seated.

Hon. members, as many of you know, it is our custom to pay tribute on our first day back t o those members and former members of this Assembly who have passed away since we last met. Our gratitude also extends to their families, to the families who, like our families, know what sacrifice is, who sacrifice precious time away from their loved ones so that the duties of office are fulfilled to the highest degrees possible, yet so often our families go unrecognized in this regard. Mr. Ralph P. Klein, OC, AOE November 1, 1942, to March 29, 2013 The Speaker: Today we want to pause to honour former Premier the hon.

Ralph Klein, who served the people of Alberta through this Assembly for over 17 years, from March 20, 1989, to January 15, 2007. He represented the constituency of Calgary -Elbow for his entire service as a member of this Assembly. His public service actually began in 1980, when he was first elected to Calgary city council as mayor. His positive attitude and determination ensured the Calgary Olympics were lauded as a great athletic, social, cultural, and economic success. He was the first former mayor to serve as Premier of Alberta. Prior to becoming Premier, Mr.

Klein served as minister of the environment for just under three years. On December 14, 1992, he was sworn in as Alberta’s 12th Premier. It was during his premiership that we celebrated the centennial of this great province and, in fact, the centennial of this Legislative Assembly of Alberta. He resigned as Premier on December 14, 2006. Throughout his tenure, the third-longest of all Alberta Premiers, Mr. Klein retained his connection with everyday Albertans, people whom he lovingly referred to as Martha and Henry, and we all know exactly what he meant. Mr.

Klein received many, many accolades, awards, recognitions, honours, and other tributes for his accomplishments over the years, including being named an officer of the Order of Canada last year, but it was his remarkable ability to plainly talk to everyone from those Marthas and Henrys right up to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and it is for that that he will likely be most often remembered. Please note, hon. members, that I have invited members of Premier Klein’s family to join us today, our traditional first day of remembrance for members who have passed.

Unfortunately, they responded that they just simply were not able to join us today, so I would ask that we respect their privacy at this particular time of their bereavement, noting that it is very likely that one or more of them may be able to join us next week. I think they all deserve a rest given the enormous amount of public attention and media attention that they have had over the past several days. I would now ask you all to rise and in a moment of silent prayer and reflection please remember our former Premier in whatever way you may have known him. Grant unto him eternal rest, dear Lord.

Grant perpetual light, and may it shine upon him forever. Hon. members, thank you for your silent tribute. Now, M. Lorieau, s’il vous plaît, our national anthem. May I ask all of you to join in in the language of your 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: Thank you, M. Lorieau and hon. members.

Please be seated. head: Introduction of Guests The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Manning. Mr. Sandhu: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to rise today to introduce to you and through you to all the members of the Assembly 25 bright young future leaders from John Barnett school in my constituency, Edmonton-Manning. With the students are three parents, Miss Amanda Donald – she’s a good friend of mine – Miss Tara Brooks, and Mr. Will Davies. Also with the students is their teacher, Mr. Glenn Newby. They are seated in the public gallery.

I would ask all the guests to please rise and recei ve the traditional warm welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Calder. Mr. Eggen: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce to you and through you to all members of the Assembly the 28 members of St. Angela elementary school along with teachers Meghan Weis and parent helper Christine Siegel. I’m very happy to have them here. I think they’re here all week, in fact, at the School at the Legislature, so they’re going to compare theory to practice today when they watch us in question period.

If they could please rise and receive the warm welcome of the Assembly. The Speaker: The Deputy Premier and Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education. 1:40 Mr. Lukaszuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So many wonderful things to say about this young man. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to get through all of it. With us today we have a remarkabl e young Albertan by the name of David Wilson. David’s story is a testament to the resiliency of a child overcoming obstacles that most kids never have to deal with.

Through all that he has gained the knowledge and employability award, the work experience award, the employee of the year award from a local grocery store, and recently the 2013 Great Kids award, and he will be competing with a black belt in tae kwon do right away. With him is his father, Scott Wilson, who is the best advocate that any child cou ld possibly have. I would ask them both to rise and receive the welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Education. Mr. J. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a privilege to rise and introduce to you and through you to members of this

1704 Alberta Hansard April 8, 2013 Assembly my family. In five years in this House I’ve never had the opportunity to have my wife and three kids come in, and today is a very special day for me. I w ould ask them to stand and remain standing while I introduce you. There’s my 13-year-old son, Jamieson – he’s the middle one in the red – my 11-year-old son, Jakub; my seven-year-old daughter, Georgia, who will be eight this week; and my lovely wife of 17 years, Kim. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Decore. Mrs. Sarich: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It’s indeed an honour and a privilege for me to rise today to introduce to you and through you to all Members of the Legislative Assembly nine guests here in celebration of CapitalCare’s 50 -year anniversary and legacy of caring and compassion for Alberta’ s frail, elderly, and disabled people. My guests are seated in the members’ gallery, and they represent the dedicated leadership , management, a nd staff as well as residents from two of the 11 CapitalCare centres.

I would ask each guest seated to please rise or otherwise signify as I mention their name: Ms Iris Neumann, chief executive officer, CapitalCare; Mrs. Betty Kolewaski, administrator, CapitalCare Dickinsfield; Mr. and Mrs. Clinton and Susan Cook, a young married couple celebrating almost nine years of marriage and who also reside at CapitalCare Dickinsfield; Mrs. Adrien Mortensen, nursing attendant, CapitalCare Dickinsfield, celebrating 35 years of employment with CapitalCare; Mr. Thorsten Duebel, administrator, CapitalCare Kipnes Centre for Veterans; Mr.

John Elock, a centenarian and proud veteran of the Second World War and current resident of Kipnes Centre – thank you, John, for your sacrifice and service – Mrs. Penny Eliuk, therapy assistant at CapitalCare Dickinsfield and driver of the CapitalCare resident bus today; and, finally, Mrs. Penny Reynolds, administrator of CapitalCare Norwood. I would kindly ask that the Assembly honour my guests with our traditional warm welcome. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Service Alberta. Mr. Bhullar: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Earlier today I had the pleasure of attending the seventh Alberta consumer champion awards ceremony. Thes e awards recognize outstanding people, groups, and businesses that go the extra mile to educate consumers about their rights and to ensure Alberta’s marketplace is fair for everybody. Now I would like to introduce this year’s consumer champions. I’ll ask you to stand as I announce your names.

The recipients in the nonprofit category are Janice Harrington, a good friend of mine, representing the Certified General Accountants Association of Alberta, for their financial literacy program for high school students; John Pinsent, representing the Chartered Accountants Education Foundation of Alberta, for their online money management resources for young consumers – my wife is a chartered accountant; I will ask her to take this course herself – my friend and former constituent Gerry Baxter of the Calgary Residential Rental Association, for their landlord and tenant education course; Sandra Crozie r-McKee of the Better Business Bureau, serving southern Alberta and east Kootenays, for their consumer education efforts; and Diane Rhyason of the Centre for Public Legal Education of Alberta, for educating young consumers on their legal rights in the marketplace.

This year’s media recipients are Julie Matthews from Global News Edmonton for a report on marriage scams and Laura Lowe from CTV Edmonton for a report on a scam with wills. In the youth category we had Carin Li and Eunbit Cho, who won second place for their combined essay and poster on Internet shopping. I would ask all of these fine individuals to rise and ask all of my colleagues in the Alberta Legislature to give th em the warm welcome of the Assembly. The Speaker: Hon. Member for Edmonton-South West, your first of two introductions. Mr. Jeneroux: Great. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’m pleased to introduce to you and through you to all members of the Assembly a team of four outstanding indivi duals who participated in the 5 Days for the Homeless campaign at MacEwan University from March 10 to 15 here in Edmonton, which were so me very cold days. In addition to raising awareness for poverty and homeless- ness in our city through this campaign, these individuals also raised $15,000 for Youth Empowerment & Support Services, otherwise known as YESS. The good news keeps coming.

In addition, one of the participants, Cameron McCoy, was just elected president of the students’ association at MacEwan University. Seated in the members’ gallery today are Cameron McCoy, Cina Gross, Ellisha Shar ma, and Pierce Brindza. I ask that these individuals rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of the Assembly. Mr. Speaker, I’m also pleased to introduce to you and through you two amazing young Edmonton- South West constituents, Eunbit Cho and Carin Li, and her father, Tim Li.

Eunbit and Carin were recipients of a consum er champion award today, as mentioned by the Minister of Service Alberta, and I had the luxury of spending a lunch hour with them. They’re very smart girls. I ask all members to please extend a warm welcome to these two wonderful constituents. The Speaker: The Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. Mr. Denis: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure today to rise and introduce to you and through you to all members of the Assembly a couple of constituents of Calgary-Acadia, Jen Sputek and her son Nathan as well as Barb Pickering.

Jen and Barb are both on the Inside Out Action Research Team, which assists women dealing with homel essness, poverty, and incarcera- tion. Jen has been with the Inside Out Action Research Team since the beginning. She started as a group member, became a peer researcher and ultimately a project co-ordinator. Since then, she’s presented over 80 presentations. She’s been invited to Ottawa twice, once to London, Onta rio, and will be presenting at the Canadian Criminal Justice Association conference in Van- couver in October of this year.

Barb joined the group in 2011 as a then master’s student at the U of C and is currently a doctoral student in counselling psychology, again at the U of C. Both of these women have been instrumental in this project, and I ask them to rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of this Assembly. head: Ministerial Statements The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Human Services and Govern- ment House Leader. Mr. Ralph P. Klein, OC, AOE November 1, 1942, to March 29, 2013 Mr. Hancock: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Our Premier is represent- ing us in Washington today and has asked me to rise and speak on her behalf, on behalf of the government of Alberta, our caucus, and personally as someone who ha s had the great privilege to serve under former Premier Ralph Klein. As our current Premier

April 8, 2013 Alberta Hansard 1705 said last week, Premier Klein was an Alberta icon, a visionary leader, someone who devoted his life to Alberta. Premier Klein was Alberta’s great communicator. His wit, charm, and charisma made him one of the brightest lights on Canada’s political scene. He understood politics, but more than that, he understood Albertans, and he had a connection with Albertans. As a newly elected MLA in 1997 I had the great privilege of being asked by Premier Klein to join his cabinet as minister of federal and intergovernmental affairs, as it was then called.

It was then when I began to truly understand the gifts that he brought, the leadership he provided, the loyalty he engendered, the respect and love that he earned.

Much of the public commentary in the days after Premier Klein’s passing has focused on the strong fiscal agenda and record, and while that is no doubt a big part of what he will be remembered for and while I certainly agree that the strength and courage he provided showed real leadership for our whole country, Albertans like his close friend Rod Love have more accurately displayed the breadth of Premier Klein’s legacy as a journalist, mayor of Calgary, en vironment minister, and Premier of our beloved province.

The Kl ein Revolution was much more than just a fiscal one, as important as that is. 1:50 As a rookie minister of federal and intergovernmental affairs in 1997 I quickly learned how intelligen t he was, how smart he was, how quick to understand the breadth of the situation but also to understand the strategy needed to ach ieve results. I would read all of my briefings, background materials, and supporting materials – you know what I mean, Mr.

Speaker, when I talk about the agenda book, the backup book, and then the documents that back up the backup – and then I would get maybe 15 minutes to brief the Premier going into a federal-provincial-territorial meeting. He didn’t need more time than that. His approach at these meetings displayed his effectiveness and his understanding of the agenda. Premier Klein was never impolite at the table, but he was also not a fan of long discussions without purpose or result.

The Premier would step away from the table, perhaps go for a smoke, and leave me wondering whether I should be stepping in or saying something or participating in the agenda, but it wasn’t necessary. He was always there when it matte red. When we were on a topic on which Alberta could make a difference or which made a difference to Alberta, he would engage, and then he would knock it out of the park. Premier Klein had an unerring ability to know where he could add value, make a difference, ach ieve a result, and he took full advantage of those opportunities.

Pick your best spot, play your cards to win, don’t invest in lo sing hands, wait for the window or create the window where you can actually achieve a result, and then do it. That was Premier Klei n at the federal and provincial tables, quickly understanding the keys to the issues and translating it into what it meant for Alberta and into language which promoted understanding. Those same strengths were always at play at the cabinet table, Mr. Speaker. He did not like long meetings. “Bring your issue with a solution. Have the discu ssions with others before you come.

Let’s make the decision and get it done.” Premier Klein was always more concerned with the effect on Albertans than whether a decision would get us re-elected. The Ralph Klein I knew and loved strived to do the right things for the right reasons. His first question was always: is that what Albertans want us to do? I recall the Calgary courthouse being one of those decisions. Finances had always been a barrier to bringing together the various court facilities and crea ting a truly appropriate justice centre in Calgary. Various committees had in fact been working on the project for over 20 years.

There is very little politically attractive in building a new courthouse. They are expensive, and it isn’t something that’s high on an yone’s priority list aside from those who use it. We were well along in the process when I engaged in a discussion with a member of Prem ier Klein’s staff who met with me to inform me that the projec t was too grand, too expensive, and was being shelved yet again. On one of the few occasions on which I did this, I asked for a direct meeting with the Premier on the topic.

When we met, I stated my case, telling him that it wasn’t sexy, that there was no political win in it but that we should do it. He looked at me, and he asked one question: “Is it needed, David? Is it the right thing to do?” I replied, “Yes.” He said: “Okay, David. Let’s do it.” The meeting was over. He wanted ministers to do their job, convince their colleagues, and at the end of the day the question was not “Will this get us elected?” but, rather, “Is this needed?” He always trusted you to give him the straight goods, and you could trust him to return the favour.

Premier Klein changed the way government was done. He coined the phrase “dome disease” because he knew that to govern appropriately, you had to respect the role of the Legislature, but it was most important to get out and listen to the people. He started early and set the stage when he brought forward a new environ- ment act as environment minister. It was a very extensively consulted act. He produced a what-we-heard document after significant consultations involving Albertans. It wa s open, it was public, and it was the precursor to how everything needed to be done in government.

No legislati on or policy change was to be brought forward until there was a clear identification as to who wanted it and why, who was going to be affected and how, why we needed more legislation, an d, most importantly, whether the people had been consulted, partic ularly the people who are going to be affected. Government members played a larger role through changes Premier Klein brought to the legislative processes.

Instituting standing policy committees and mandating that almost everything had to pass through them meant government members had a significant role in providing i nput to, shaping, and ultimately approving policy and legislation befo re it came to the Legislature. Everything, including significant fiscal and budget discussions and business plans, went throug h standing policy committees. In no other parliamentary democracy that I’m aware of does govern- ment caucus have that kind of input into government direction.

In most parliamentary democracies government gives caucus the legislation, the direction, the budget, and caucus supports it. Premier Klein built on Premier Lougheed’s concept of caucus and extended caucus to really embed significant value in the role of a government MLA. Government MLAs were to listen to their constituents and all Albertans and represent those voices clearly in caucus, yes, but also in government committees, in committees that helped to shape the policy in the future.

The 20-year strategic plan, Learning Alberta, Water for Life, the land-use strategy, and many others have a direct line b ack to Ralph Klein and his vision of Alberta seen through the eyes of Albertans themselves, not telling Albertans what they need or want but working with Albertans to define our preferred future. He Listens, He Cares is not just an election slogan. It was Premier Klein. Premier Klein was often incorrectly portrayed as an individual who cared only about the finances. He cared about people. He wanted children to have a good start, and he exhibited that in so many ways.

For me, this was epitomized on the opening day of the Legislature. I believe it was in 1998, and I believe that the bill was the Protection of Children Involved in Prostitution

1706 Alberta Hansard April 8, 2013 Act, Bill 1, introduced by Premier Klein. He be gan his comments by saying: Bill 1 demonstrates our commitment to protecting the well- being of our children and youth. It recognizes the seriousness of the issue of children involved in prostitution and takes steps to address it . . . All government departments must work together along with other levels of government, nongovernment organizations, law enforcement agencies, and communities to make the matter of children involved in prostitution a priority and stop the abuse of our children.

As we were leaving the House through the main doors and heading down the stairs towards the traditional receiving line, Colleen Klein greeted me and ga ve me a big hug, smiled, and whispered: David, we ’re finally on the agenda. Colleen played a huge

part in Premier Klein’s premiership. She kept a focus on children and how they were harmed by prostitution, sexual violence, drugs, and abuse. I believe that from private comments such as the one I just related Colleen and Premier Klein were truly centred on what was important for Alberta’s future, that children needed the best start possible, protection from harm, and the opportunity to succeed. That was further reflected in Bill 1 in 2003, the Premier’s Council on Alberta’s Promise Act, which enshrined in law the government’s commitment to children and youth.

In his introduction Premier Klein said: The bill enshrines a promise made on behalf of all Albertans to the province’s children. It’s a promise to be partners with our neighbours, heroes to our children, and champions of their future. Ralph was not a balance-the-bud get-at-all-costs, fiscal-agenda- driven Premier. He was a Premier who knew that the fiscal agenda was important so that government could do what was really important: working with the community to create the opportunity for Albertans, the Alberta advant age, to have the quality of life they wanted for their children and grandchildren to succeed.

I’ve had the privilege to work with each of our Progressive Conservative leaders and Premiers during successive govern- ments. I’ve served in a political volunteer capacity with Premiers Lougheed and Getty; as a member of the PC Party executive, youth president, and party president; and with Premiers Klein, Stelmach, and now our current Premier in elected capacities. Each leader brings strength for their times. Each leader faces challenges for their era and reinvents the party and the government to meet those challenges and revisit the vi sion and direction for the future of our province.

Each has talents, gifts, strengths, and weaknesses that they bring to the challenge. Each is a role model and a mentor, an inspiration to their team. Each earned and deserves, in their own right, respect. Ralph Klein is a leader whom I grew to respect, value, and, yes, love as he faced very difficult choices with a very real concept of his own personal values and the values of Albertans. He taught me about knowing what you need to do but listening for better ideas. He taught us about humility and knowing when to say that you’re sorry, to change direction, that we can’t always be right all the time.

He lived his life his way and expected that others should live their lives their way but that everyone had the right to live in freedom and with dignity and respect. He taught me about leadership, and he left Alberta in better shape than he found it. Really, that’s what this is all about, that we can continue to aspire, to dream, and to fulfill those dreams in the best place in the world to live and to work and to raise our families. I agree with Shirley McClellan. I never called him Ralph; he was Premier to me. He earned the name and the respect.

On behalf of the Premier of Alberta, the gove rnment of Alberta, all of my colleagues in our caucus, and on my own behalf I want to say: goodbye, Mr. Premier. Thank you. [Standing ovation] 2:00 The Speaker: The hon. Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition. Ms Smith: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Minister, for your heartfelt and genuine word s about your former colleague. What more can be said about Premier Ralph Klein that hasn’t already been spoken? In the 10 days since his death we have heard from his colleagues, both provinci al and federal.

We’ve heard from MLAs, from Premiers, from Pr ime Ministers, both past and present. The outpouring of love and support for Ralph has been at once heartwarming and heartbreak ing, heartwarming to know the tremendous impact he had on life in Alberta and heartbreaking knowing that we have lost a once-in-a-lifetime leader. Ralph led Alberta through one of the most tumultuous political eras, as many of his former caucus colleagues in this Legislature today will attest to.

After inheriting record debt and deficits, Ralph repeatedly faced down his critic s with courage and conviction on his way to erasing Alberta’s debt load and forging our reputation as world leaders in fiscal res ponsibility. But that will form only part of his legacy. The other part, the human part, is unlikely to ever be equalled. Ralph Klein transcended politics. He transcended this place filled with spinners and counter spinners, opponents, and journal- ists and found his way into our hearts.

He had that increasingly rare ability to cut through the noi se and to speak to us with sincerity and with blunt honesty, and we believed him. We recognized in him not only a purpose to achieve but a person to trust. That’s what made him such a remarkable leader. I want to finish with two rules that all of us in this House would do well to remember in the wake of Ralph’s passing. Rule 1: if you say it, do it. If you commit to it, see it through. Lead it. Rule 2: if you mess up, fess up. You might just be forgiven. After all, we’re all only human.

Simple as these rules are, it’s getting harder and harder to find a leader who liv es them out. Ralph did. That’s how he achieved so much and earned the respect of so many. As Alberta’s current elected representatives, to honour Ralph’s legacy, we must understand this. The convictions Premier Ralph Kl ein stood on as Premier are as relevant today as they were then. He understood that real conservative leadership is doing what is right even when it’s hard, standing up to critics and special interests and not backing down even when they get in your face.

Mostly, he understood that principles don’t have an expiry date. He fought for what is right because it is right. Nothing more, nothing less. So let us honour Ralph by remembering that and, in doing so, bring back to the people of this province some semblance of that Ralph Klein leadership that we will all sorely miss. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: Hon. members, I see signals from the two other opposition parties wishing to add their comments. I will ask one question only. Does anyone object to other speakers, one from each of the two other opposition parties, joining in on this tribute?

Hearing none, the hon. leader of the Liberal opposition. Dr. Sherman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In response to the minister’s moving tribute to the la te Premier Klein, I’m pleased to reply on behalf of the Alberta Li beral opposition. Fi rst of all, we extend our best wishes and deep est, heartfelt condolences to the Klein family.

April 8, 2013 Alberta Hansard 1707 A lot has been said abo ut Premier Klein’s legacy. He was forceful, passionate, and witty. He had the ability to connect with Albertans from all walks of life. When you talked to Ralph, you felt as though you knew him for years even if you’d only met him minutes ago. Although he was affectionately known as King Ralph, he was a fellow you could have a beer with and a good sit - down chit -chat. My better half, Sharon, knew Premier Klein. That’s how she felt about him.

Premier Klein was the big -city mayor of Calgary, where he helped build city hall, the LRT, and the Saddledome and helped bring the Olympics to this province to put us on the international map. He understood the importance of building communities and infrastructure for cities. Many people think that it was Premier Klein’s fiscal conservatism that allowed for one of the most memorable photo ops in our Legislature’s history when he stamped a paid -in-full sticker on our province’s debt. However, I’ll remind the House that in the ’90s this was not just achieved by drastic spending cuts.

Premier Klein actually understood the value of progressive income tax, and he put an 8 per cent surtax on the wealthy to get them to pay their fair share. Even if you didn’t agree with his politics, you respected the man for his toughness, enthusiasm, and determination to build Alberta. He loved this province and could connect with the Marthas and Henrys, the average, everyday Albertans, like nobody else. He wasn’t perfect – none of us are – but he had this quality which is rare for a govern ment leader, the courage to admit mistakes and learn from them and change course. This is something we can all admire.

Finally, I’d like to extend my condolences to his father, Phil, who is a friend of mine. We were lucky to have had Premier Klein amongst us. We thank him and his family for sharing him with us. May God bless him and God bless his family and God bless Alberta. Thank you. The Speaker: Thank you. The leader of the New Democratic opposition. Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Premier Klein spent his life working for the province of Alberta. The far - reaching political changes brought by Premier Klein transformed the political climate and the state of this province.

The impact of the Klein era can still be felt to this day. Premier Klein dedicated his life to public service and spent decades working in both municipal and provincial politics. His passion made him a tough competitor to have across the floor, and I personally enjoyed question period with Ralph very, very much. If you could get him going, you had no idea what was going to come out of his mouth. It could be right, it could be wrong, but it was always entertaining. He was really hard to stay mad at, I found, and he was a strong communi cator.

His folksy charm allowed him to connect with Albertans on a very personal level. Mayor Klein undoubtedly made major contributions to the city of Calgary and as Premier to the province of Alberta throughout his lifetime. Today we recognize his dedication and hard work. On behalf of Alberta’s New Democrats I extend my sympathies to his wife, Colleen, to his family, and to his many friends, all of whom, I know, will continue to feel their loss deeply. Across the aisle, my colleagues in the Progressive Conservatives, to those of you that worked with him and knew him well, my sincere condolences.

Our thoughts are very much with you today. Thank you. head: Oral Question Period The Speaker: The Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition for her first main set of questions. Carbon Tax Ms Smith: Mr. Speaker, the govern ment is already raising taxes through a variety of adjustments that they either bury or deny or they call something else, this despite the Premier’s promise not to raise taxes. When her minister of environment muses about a huge increase in the current carbon tax, it’s no wonder the energy industry is getting nervous.

The minister insists it’s a collaborative process as she reviews climate change policy, but we know from past experience that collaboration isn’t always collaboration. Let’s cut to the chase. Is the minister going to raise the $15 -a-tonne tax to $40? Mr. Lukaszuk: Mr. Speaker, the minister and the Premier have been very clear. In the province of Alberta we have established a protocol that is the envy not only of the country but, in many cases, the world.

The Premier and the minister are working collaboratively with industry and with the Prime Minister, who actually, incidentally, at the funeral of our late Premier Ralph Klein indicate d that Alberta is driving Canada’s economy. We will not make any decisions that will not be collaborative with both the federal govern ment and the industry and that will not be conducing to building this economy and Canada’s economy. 2:10 Ms Smith: Mr. Speaker, a big increase in the job -killing carbon tax will have a direct effect on Alberta’s economy.

Now, we agree that curbs on emissions are necessary, but tossing out numbers like the minister did recently has a direct effect on investment, hiring, and business viability. Now, giving the Premier some ammunition for her Washington sales trip is one thing, but why do so much damage by floating trial balloons? Mr. Hughes: Mr. Speaker, the Premier and our colleagues are doing their utmost best on behalf of all Albertans to ensure that we have access to markets for our products.

Part of that conversation is ensuring that we have the social licence to operate, working closely with industry and the government of Canada, and to ensure that we actually have some place to send our production when we produce it in this province. Ms Smith: It’s beginning to sound like the answer is yes, Mr. Speaker.

The recent back -in-debt budget relies on a fictional future in Alberta to achieve projected revenue levels, yet with such industry uncertainty and with the job losses we’ve already seen, can we expect that the Minister of Finance is going to rely on other sneaky tax increases to meet his future revenue projections? Mr. Horner: Well, Mr. Speaker, the revenue projecti ons that we have in the plan have been arrived at by using industry’s numbers. They’ve been arrived at by using the market analysts that the hon. member across the way is actually talking about that we’re not talking to.

Well, in fact, those are the number s that we’re using. I would hazard a guess – I’ve been waiting for the question of when I lowballed the numbers because currently we would be a little bit under those numbers.

1708 Alberta Hansard April 8, 2013 The Speaker: Hon. leader, second main set of questions. Ms Smith: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I see they’re having trouble answering this question, so I’m going to try it again. Now, we are supportive of the Keystone XL pipeline, and we’re glad that the Premier is encouraging the Americans to approve the project, but we are not supportive of a shocking, disruptive, and unilateral approach to changing the structure of the current carbon tax regime in Alberta. The government has been musing about raising the $15-a -tonne charge for carbon to a job-killing $40.

It’s a transparent attempt to try to convince oil sands opponents that Alberta is green, but its actual effect is to create uncertainty. Why doesn’t the government see that? Mr. Lukaszuk: Mr. Speaker, the only person that’s talking about shocking disruption to the industry is the membe r across the aisle. If the member across the aisle would not engage in public discourse questioning the science of today, our Premier wouldn’t have to be in Washington, DC, right now trying to convince them that the product needs to be delivered there.

I w ould strongly suggest that the member focus on facts and look at the statements made by the Premier and the minister and not muse about increasing taxes because on this side we’re not doing that. Ms Smith: Mr. Speaker, the most recent job numbers show a decline in the number of jobs in Alberta, more than 11,000 lost jobs in March alone. The contraction suggests that the economy is not creating these jobs because of uncertainty about the future. Will the Deputy Premier create some certainty and commit that h e will not be increasing the $15 tax to $40? Mr. Lukaszuk: Mr.

Speaker, the member should know – and if she doesn’t, she now will – that the majority of the job losses occurred in the hospitality industry, and that is a natural reaction to what happens when you have a slowdown in economic development. That is why our Premier is in Washington right now. That is why we’re working with the Premier of New Brunswick. That is why we’re working with the Premier of Quebec. That is why we’re working with the Premier and government of British Columbia to get this product to the coast and not to perpetuate the fearmongering both on science and now some new taxes that I know not of.

Ms Smith: I’m sure the Deputy Premier knows the Voyageur project isn’t in the hospitality field. Business craves stability, certainty, consistency, but with this government they get the opposite. A few years ago it was the oil royalty mess, a few weeks ago the return to debt and deficit financing, and now the spectre of another broken promise with a threatened tax increase on the energy sector. Why are they trying to destroy the Alberta advantage? Mr. Hughes: Mr.

Speaker, I think this government is very much of t he view that it actually would be impossible to destroy the Alberta advantage, that we have in this province. We have exceptional strengths. The greatest certainty that we could create for industry in this province is to ensure that we have access to tidewater so that we can sell our products, and that is what this government is absolutely dedicated to. The Speaker: The hon. leader. Compensation for Pharmacy Services Ms Smith: Mr. Speaker, on to another group that’s not enjoying the Alberta advantage today.

The Minister of Health claims to be making drugs cheaper for Albertans, but the reality of his generic drug plan is this: drug shortages, price increases, and pharmacy closures. You’ll hear more about that in a few minutes. As a result of the government’s decision to pay less for generics, prices are actually going up for patients. Dozens of medications will not be covered by Alberta Health, which means patients will pay out of pocket, and other options either aren’t in existence or are more expensive. Why didn’t the Minister of Health trust pharmacists, who warned him about this disastrous policy change? Mr.

Horne: Well, Mr. Speaker, I’m not sure where the hon. member is getting her information, but in fact the price of generic drugs in Alberta is going down. On May 1 Alberta will pay the lowest price for generic drugs in the country at 18 per cent. That price not only benefits government-sponsored drug programs; it benefits private employers who provide drug benefit plans, that help support jobs in this province, something we’re interested in. Also, it helps support those who pay out of pocket. Mr. Speaker, these discussions are not new. They’ve been going on for a number of years.

We have supported and will continue to support . . . The Speaker: The hon. leader. Ms Smith: For the Health minister’s benefit: getting it from the

summary of changes to the drug benefit list. Let me give you a few details, Mr. Speaker. The gover nment spent $400,000 on an ad campaign that claims lower drug prices are good for Alberta. Now, we agree, but that’s not what’s happening. For example, take keterolac, a commonly prescribed painkiller, one of the generics that will no longer be covered by Alberta Health: the other version is discontinued, and the brand name is 50 per cent more expensive. The bottom line is that patients will pay more out of pocket. How is that good medicine for patients? Mr. Horne: Mr.

Speaker, I can assure this House that Albertans need have no concern about the supply of drugs in this province today or after the price changes on May 1. The fact is that we receive drug price quotations monthly from manufacturers both here in Canada and around the world. We have the opportunity because of the policy environment in this province to set a price and to choose from multiple providers of the same drug, in some cases brand name providers as well, to supply that drug for our province. This is sound policy. It’s rooted in practice t hat we see across the country in provinces such as B.C., Ontario.

It delivers on our commitment to lower . . . The Speaker: The hon. leader. Ms Smith: Mr. Speaker, here is another one out of a long list of affected medicines, and you’ll be hearing about th em all week. Triamcinolone, used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, lupus, and asthma, is one of the generics that will no longer be covered by Alberta Health. The version from the other generic drug maker is unavailable. The brand name is more than double the cost. The bottom line is that policy will cost Albertans more money. How is that good medicine for patients? Mr.

Horne: The hon. member is obviously not familiar with the policy and the practices around drug procurement in this province or, in fact, across the country. This price -setting exercise is the most comprehensive of its kind in the country. As I said earlier, it affects government-sponsored programs. It provides a price benefit for private and employer -sponsored programs as well as

April 8, 2013 Alberta Hansard 1709 for people who pay out of pocket. Mr. Speaker, we have multiple sources in Alberta and across the country and internationally for all of these drugs. Many of them are based on equivalent molecules. We will continue to provide the drugs that Albertans need at the best price that we can get on behalf of our citizens. The Speaker: The hon. leader of the Alberta Liberal opposition. Oil Price Forecasting Dr. Sherman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last year’s fudge-it budget wildly overestimated oil revenues so that the Premier could promise the world in the election.

This year’s bankrupt budget took advantage of a freak event in the oil market to underestimate oil revenues and manufacture a crisis as an excuse to break all of those promises. Well, the Premier’s bitumen bubble is BS. And by BS I mean bitumen sham because today the gap between the prices of Alberta and Texas oil is 23 per cent, smaller than the seven-year average. Some bubble. To the Premier: why did you misinform Albertans by trying to pass off a highly unusual market event . . . 2:20 The Speaker: The hon. Deputy Premier. Mr. Lukaszuk: Well, Mr.

Speaker, while members on this side of the House spent two weeks with constituents, obviously this member spent a lot of time coming up with slogans. Unfortu- nately, they’re meaningless. It is not the Premier or the Minister of Finance himself that comes up with the estimates of what the revenues will be, but frankly the br ightest minds in the world and in the financial houses throughout the world estimate what the cost of commodities will be in the future. We average it, as a matter of fact, on the small “c” c onservative side, and that’s how prices are set.

Maybe next time there’s a constituency break this gentleman can take some time and learn that. Dr. Sherman: Mr. Speaker, that’s a slogan Premier Klein would have used had he seen this. Given that the price of western Canadian select is currently higher than the monthly average for 2012, a year when the term “bitumen bubble” was just a glint in the Premier’s eye, to the Premier: why are you attacking vital services such as post- secondary education, K to 12, health care, and seniors’ care?

Does it have something to do with a leadership review, or do you just want to punish regular Albertan s: students, teachers, doctors, nurses, and seniors? Why, Premier? Mr. Horner: Mr. Speaker, I just rose in a previous set of questions and said that I was su rprised I hadn’t got the question about us lowballing the numbers. Well, now I’ve got it. It just goes to prove that there is a wide variety of pundits who believe they know where the oil price is going to go. We actually use the experts in the industry. We use private industry forecasts.

While this hon. member may think that the glut in the North American market, which everyone in the industry sees, is a freak accident, as I think he called it, this is something that the North American industry understands. Unfortunately, the hon. member does not. Dr. Sherman: Mr. Speaker, this same Finance minister told CBC listeners that Alberta, quote, wouldn’t get back to the differential of January 2012 at any point in the next three years. Unquote. But, lo and behold, the spread today is actually significantly lower. Significantly lower.

To the Premier: was this intellectually and morally bankrupt budget based on profoundly faulty assumptions, or was it based on truth-challenging assertions instead? Mr. Horner: Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should actually take the whole interview so that he can be truthful to this House, which he is not being right now. The context of the question that I answered was: in our budget projections do we get back to the differential of January 2012? The an swer is that in our projection we do not. That was the question that was asked. That’s the answer, and it’s truthful, not like the question that was just asked.

The Speaker: The hon. leader of the New Democratic opposition. Carbon Tax (continued) Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To the Deputy Premier. Our Premier is off on another one of her panhandling expeditions to Washington, hoping to convince Americans that Alberta’s government has been environmentally responsible with the oil sands. And there’s more misleading greenwash advertising, too, $77,000 worth.

Will the Deputy Premier tell the Assembly what he won’t say to the Americans, which is that after years of denial this government was for ced to admit that its water monitoring system was useless a nd that the promised new world- class system is still not in place two and a half years after it was announced? Mr. Lukaszuk: Well, Mr.

Speaker, as I said earlier, if the leaders of the ND Party both nationally and provincially wouldn’t spew information like this out, if the leader of the Liberal Party wouldn’t be talking about the magic of the bubble and not believing in the oil bubble, if the Leader of the Official Opposition wasn’t going on S.S. Minnow cruises with a whole bunch of other climate change deniers, our Pr emier wouldn’t have to be in Washington right now trying to convince the American public of the fact that export of our petroleum is important not only to Canada but to the United States as well. The Speaker: Hon.

Member for Airdrie, you rose on a point of order during that last answer, and it’s been noted. The leader of the New Democrats. Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Well, I hope the Deputy Premier enjoyed his corn flakes this morning. Will the Deputy Premier tell the Assembly what he won’t tell the Americans, that Alberta’s so- called price on carbon is actually based on the percentage of carbon in emissions, and will he tell them that Alberta has failed to reach its carbon emissions targets by a mile? Mr. Lukaszuk: Mr. Speaker, we will be telling Americans what- ever is true.

We will be telling Americans whatever is supported by science. As a matter of fact, we are inviting Americans over here. Very recently we had the governor of Colorado find out for himself. But we won’t be telling Americans to kill the Canadian economy. We won’t be telling Americans to kill the Alberta economy because of some ideology that they may have that is not supported by Canadians both federally or here, provincially, at home. Th e Speaker: The hon. leader. Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Well, we know that the Deputy Premier has some creative uses for breakfast cereal, but he shouldn’t be so cr eative with the truth. Why won’t he admit that the environment mini ster’s recent proposal is just a further attempt to trick the U.S. administration and that this

1710 Alberta Hansard April 8, 2013 government is already distancing itself from its recent proposal and trying to pin responsibility for it on the federal government? Mr. Lukaszuk: Mr. Speaker, if this member won’t show respect for Albertans and Canadians and for the engine of our economy, he should at least show some respect to our neighbours to the south and acknowledge the fact that they have the capabi lity of looking at the facts, of deciphering the facts and making righteous conclusions on what is good for the United States.

When they make that decision, I’m sure it will be a good decision for both the United States and Canada, for Alberta, that is dri ving the Canadian economy partially through our petroleum industry. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Chestermere-Rocky View , followed by Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville. Support for Postsecondary Education Mr. McAllister: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s great to have you back in the big chair. Mr.

Speaker, Edmonton’s mayor, Stephen Mandel, quite rightly standing up for all Edmontonians and the advanced education industry in general, pointed out that the minister of advanced education should choose his words more carefully. Last week the minister of advanced education said, and I quote – I’m sorry, but it is a quote – that somebody had pissed in the mayor of Edmonton’s corn flakes. Now, I’m wondering if today the advanced educ ation minister would like to publicly apologize to the mayor and the rest of Albertans as he made these comments publicly.

Speaker’s Ruling Parliamentary Language The Speaker: Hon. members, just because you heard something or read something that contained an ill-chosen word, perhaps, or maybe a well-chosen word in terms of the deliverer does not mean that it bears repeating in this Assembly when we have so many wonderful young students here with us and so many others at home listening. Let’s be very, very careful about this, please. Hon. Deputy Premier, I’ll allow you to comment if you wish. Support for Postsecondary Education (continued) Mr. Lukaszuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

First of all, I have to say that Mayor Mandel is not only a colleague as a politi cian on the Edmonton political stage, but he actually is a very dear friend of mine and of my family. So I don’t think he needs them to be inbetweeners. There are other members that need inbetweeners between them and their mayors. However, Mr. Speaker, let me be clear. I am happy that Mayor Mandel is so passionate about advanced education. As a matter of fact, I called him the same day. I asked him to call me or meet with me to discuss matters in more detail.

I continue to wait for his phone call, but I’m sure we will have a good discussion shortly. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. McAllister: Mr. Speaker, thank you. I assure you I was uncomfortable with that also. I wonder, Deputy Premier, if the mayor is as good a friend as the federal immigration minister is.

Given that many postsecondary institutions and leaders are rightly telling the advanced education minister that they are not interested in this government ’s vision of centralization, that takes autonomy away from postsecondary institutions, why does the minister of advanced education think that he knows how to run a postsecondary institution better than those currently doing it? Mr. Lukaszuk: Well, Mr. Speaker, I don’t. That is why I listened to what they have been asking the provincial govern ment to do.

For the last 10 years all of the leaders of advanced institutions have been asking this province to put in place Campus Alberta. They have been asking this government to assign roles and responsibilities for each institution within Campus Alberta, and they have been asking this province to provide them with mandate letters. We have done all of that, and now we will be working in collaboration in implementing those letters. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. McAllister: Mr. Speaker, thank you.

Given that we had professors hold a press conference today saying that they’re prepared and getting ready to leave Alberta because of the hand they’ve been dealt from this province, I just want to ask the minister: plain and simple , what is so wrong with postsecondary institutions in Alberta and the people in charge of operating them that you need to redefine what they do and, in the process, take a giant hatchet to their sector? 2:30 Mr. Lukaszuk: This is coming, Mr. Speaker, from the Wildrose, that wants us to cut even deeper and calls this budget not a balanced budget. How incredible is that?

But you know what? They will not be leaving the province of Alberta. Even after this budget, this moderate change compared to what they woul d have done, Alberta’s postsecondary education is still the highest funded postsecondary education system in Canada, and we will continue to grow it. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, followed by Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre. Market Access for Energy Resources Ms Fenske: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We’ve heard several times and again last week that a CIBC report was released that said that the oil pipeline constraints are costing our Canadian economy over $50 billion over the next three years. My question is to the Minister of Energy. I’d like to know, Mr. Minister: what is the Alberta government going to do to address this? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Hughes: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. You know, this is clearly not just an Alberta challenge. It’s a problem, a challenge for all Canadians.

What we’re doing together with the Premier and other colleagues is that we’re working right across this country. Of course, the Premier is in Washington this very week to meet with leaders to help ensure that there is an open market for all of the production that we can create in this province of Alberta. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Fenske: Thank you. To the same minister. The government once again is spending advertising money in the United States. Do you really think that that’s going to help access? Mr. Hughes: Mr.

Speaker, it’s really important to get through to all of the leaders in the United States who might have input into this important decision by the President. We’re all optimistic that

April 8, 2013 Alberta Hansard 1711 the President will make the right decision that will serve both American interests and Canadian interests at the same time. So we’re very much looking forward to that outcome. We’re prepared to invest however it takes, wherever it takes to get the right outcome for the citizens of Alberta. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Fenske: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the same minister. The Premier is taking another trip to Washington. What does she think she will accomplish this time that she didn’t on her previous trips?

The Speaker: Hon. minister, we’re not here to entertain what people might think. We’re here to discuss policy and fact. If you can craft an answer that deals with the policy side of it, please proceed. Mr. Hughes: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s clear this government has a policy of taking direct action to engage citizens, to engage leadership elsewhere. Meanwhile on the other side here we see the NDP is denying industry, the Liberals are denying bubbles, and the Wildrose denies science. Or maybe they deny science deniers. I’m not sure what it is today. [interjections] Well, you’ve got all of the options.

The Speaker: A point of order has been noted at 2:33. Carbon Tax (continued) Mr. Anglin: Mr. Speaker, in 2007 this govern ment passed legislation in an attempt to address greenhouse gas emissions. We could have passed legislation that actually achieved measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, but that’s not what we got. This government chose instead the cap and tax route, and now we learn that the cap and tax fund has been quietly collecting more than $50 million over and above what is necessary to fund our greenhouse gas emissions programs.

Why does this g overnment think that a cap and hoard strategy will improve our air quality? Mr. Hughes: Well, Mr. Speaker, it’s quite clear that this member – it’s not clear, actually, where this member is coming from, to tell you the truth. I would say that what we have done is that we have allocated very directly the resources that have been raised. They haven’t gone into general revenues. They’ve been directed towards long -term technology solutions that will get to the outcome of reducing greenhouse gases and the greenhouse gas footprint in a very responsible way in this province. Mr.

Anglin: Given that the $15-a -tonne carbon tax brings in about $70 million a year and given that the fund only spends $20 million a year, how does the minister think that hoarding money in a fund will actually improve Alberta’s air quality? Mr. Hughes: Mr. Speaker, more than 32 million tonnes of greenhouse gases have been reduced from business as usual. There are very specific measures that have been undertaken. More than $181 million has be en invested and committed to more than 49 projects that are clean energy projects. That’s exactly how we’ll get to the outcome we need to get to. Mr.

Anglin: Given that we now know that the minister of environment is musing about raising the carbon tax to $40 a tonne from its current level of $15 a tonne, my question is this: is this new extra $25-a -tonne carbon tax just going to increase the balance of this slush fund, or will this money be a straight up-and - down tax grab for general revenues to subsidize this government’s addiction to its overspending? Mr. Hughes: Well, Mr. Speaker, you can speculate all you want about what might happen in the future. What I can tell you are the facts.

The facts are that there are several alternatives that are being reviewed. The facts are that industry, the federal government, and the government of Alberta are working very closely. We want to ensure that we work very closely to get the right outcome for Albertans, to ensure that we have access to markets, that we get our products to tidewater, that we get world -price revenues for the products from this province. Campground Improvements Ms Pastoor: Mr. Speaker, summer is coming, and Albertans will be anxious to take

part in outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and hiking across this province. These activities are traditions which have been enjoyed by generations and must be preserved for the future generations of this province. My question is to the Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation, and it is his first question in this House. Some provincial campgrounds across our province have become inaccessible due to the current size of fifth wheels, trailers, and tent trailers. This being the case, what is being done to address this? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Dr. Starke: Well, thank you, Mr.

Speaker, and thank you for the question. We’re very proud in Alberta that we have some 41,000 campsites across the province to choose from, and I can assure you that those campsites range from the rustic to the sophisticated. Those campsites are being constantly improved upon, including a $17 billion capital and operational improvement fund this year that is going to improve the diversity and also enhance the quality of those sites. So we’re looking forward to that and to being able to enjoy those sites this summer. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Pastoor: Thank you.

To the same minister, although I think he’s pretty much answered my question: how many new campgrounds will we be getting for that money, or will it really just be for enlarging the existing campgrounds? Dr. Starke: Mr. Speaker, I’ve just been informed by the Treasury Board minister that I’ve augmented the budget by some thousand times. While I can assure you that I’m a passionate advocate for my portfolio, not even my pers uasive abilities would do that much.

With $17 million, however, we intend to continue to make the kinds of improvements like we’ve made at Pigeon Lake provincial park and Hilliard’s Bay provincial park and Lesser Slave Lake. We’re very proud of those, and we encourage Albertans, regardless of the size of RV or tent or trailer they have, to get out and camp in Alberta this summer. Ms Pastoor: Mr. Speaker, my next question is to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

Given recent cutbacks to wardens and conservation officers how does the govern ment plan to address the problems of random camping and unruly behaviour within our recreation areas? Mr. Denis: Well, Mr. Speaker, summer absolutely is coming. Last summer we went throughout Livingstone-Macleod, to Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, and Brocket, and in

1712 Alberta Hansard April 8, 2013 all of these cases we talked to many different conservation officers. I’m very pleased to advise that this year we’re recruiting 90 seasonal park rangers and an additional seven full-time rangers, bringing the total conservation officers on a full -time basis to 74 throughout this province. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre , followed by Edmonton-Strathcona. Market Access for Energy Resources (continued) Ms Blakeman: Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker.

I’d like to talk about some connected issues: the govern ment’s duty to act in the best interests of current and future Albertans to protect the environment and the economy as well as govern ment’s backward movement on A lberta’s targets on greenhouse gas emission and our part of the federal commitment to reduce the level to below 2005 emission levels by the year 2020. I guess the question goes to the money man.

To the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board: what is behind the government’s insistence on PR-begging trips over any action that would be transformational for the operation of oil sands . . . 2:40 The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Horner: Well, Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that the question is probably better t o the Energy minister because what this is all about is market access. As we have seen over the last 10, 12 months especially, market access is crippling our economy and the federal economy, Canada’s economy, because we cannot get to tidewater to get what is the appropriate price for our products.

Everything this govern ment does right now is focused on making sure that we’re doing the right things for Albertans. Part of that is making sure we have market access for our products, and we will do what it takes. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Blakeman: Thanks very much. Back to the same minister: given that the coal -burning power plants are the single largest emitters of greenhouse gas, why has the govern ment done absolutely nothing to encourage transformati on of this sector to a less carbon-intensive fuel?

As a matter of fact, what it has done is extend the worst polluters for up to an additional 10 years. How is that helping our economy? Mr. Hughes: Well, Mr. Speaker, let me take that. You know, there have been a couple of questions today which seem to be based on a completely false assumption. The carbon levy in this province has never been about raising money for general revenues. The carbon levy has historically always been about using it to reduce the gr eenhouse gas footprint.

In fact, the question with respect to coal: there were adjustments made last year, again, in close consultation with the industry and with the government of Canada to ensure that we got to the right outcome for the long-term health of Albertans and Canadians. Ms Blakeman: Okay. Then to the Energy minister: given that Siemens has just announced that they’re opening a head office in Calgary – so we’re hardly chasing them away – why is the government so obstinate about increasing the carbon levy to something that would be transformational? You could start anywhere.

I would take 50 bucks and then phase it in at $10 a year. But it’s got to be transformational, or we are not going to get anything happening, and we’ll be sitting here 10 ye ars from now with the same questions. Mr. Hughes: Mr. Speaker, the transformation that we’re creating in this province is the transformation of good, long-term economic fundamentals with a balance for environmental responsibility. Because of that, we will be successful in achieving market access for our products because we will continue to be the responsible provider of energy for America and for the rest of the world. The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Edmonton-Strathcona , followed by Medicine Hat. Support for Postsecondary Education (continued) Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week Edmonton’s mayor joined the chorus of opposition to this government ’s short- sighted attack on the province’s flagship university and, through that, on the capital city. Now we have undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, staff, faculty, administrators, presidents of universities, the board of governors at the U of A, and now a mayor all opposing the PC cuts to postsecondary education. To the minister. Not a single stakeholder supports you.

You clearly listened to no one. Why won’t you reverse your regressive cuts to our postsecondary education system? Mr. Lukaszuk: Mr. Speaker, the member will have plenty of opportunity in a few days to talk to the estimates that we will be presenting for this particular ministry. You should know that we have actually increased funding for students. We have frozen tuition increases, and some additional announcements will be coming forward.

However, we have made some difficult choices like every other minister on this front bench had to make in response to a suddenly changed fiscal situation for the province of Alberta. The fact is th at we are working with the presidents and chairs of all institutions, as a matter of fact, in a very collaborative spirit. They will have to make some difficult decisions, but we will minimize . . . The Speaker: Thank you. The hon. member. Ms Notley: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Given that the minister’s mandate letters, conveniently released at the very beginning of our break, have been met with a unified chorus of condemnation and given that these new mandates will erode academic independence, our inter national reputation, and overall educational quality, will the minister admit he doesn’t understand postsecondary education, he’s not equipped to lead this sector, and that it’s time to tear up his mandate letters and start over? Mr. Lukaszuk: Mr. Speaker, the member is wrong again.

As a matter of fact, there are chairs and presidents of postsecondary institutions that have already responded in writing very positively towards the letters. She should also know that the content of those letters is not drafted by me but actually is a collaboration of suggestions from Campus Alberta dialogues that took place over the last number of years. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, they’re not very prescriptive.

Right now each postsecondary institution has the opportunity to modify their letter, to find their perfect spot within Campus Alberta, and we will be negotiating that back and forth until we find a situation where every single school is satisfied with their letter. Ms Notley: Well, Mr. Speaker, given that in her leadership run

April 8, 2013 Alberta Hansard 1713 the Premier said that, quote, when times are tough, that is when you should invest in postsecondary education, end quote, and given that real leadership does indeed mean investing in education and, coincidentally, keeping your promises, will the Deputy Premier admit that his cuts to advanced education mean that his government understands neither leadership nor the concept of keeping your promises? Mr. Lukaszuk: Mr.

Speaker, what this govern ment will do is make sure that we find as much collaboration as p ossible without in any way affecting the academic independence of all of our 26 schools.

We will make sure that we have a strong Campus Alberta, we will make sure that we provide the best services possible to our students, we will make sure that we will in crease the voice of students in the decision -making process, we will make sure that we will not increase students’ tuition until we can look them straight in the eyes and say that we are running an efficient process, and we will make sure that postsecondar y education will be the driver of our economic growth in this province. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Medicine Hat, followed by Calgary-Fort. Mr. Mason: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: A point of order has been raised by the Member for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood at 2:47. Noted. Compensation for Pharmacy Services (continued) Mr. Pedersen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again this PC government has failed Albertans with their incredibly misguided and mismanaged approach to health care. As a direct result of cuts a vital community pharmacy in Medicine Hat is closing its doors. This is just one more black mark on the record of this Health minister, who’s proven time and time again that he is incapable of competently doing his job.

To the Mini ster of Health: how can you honestly tell Albertans that pharmacies closing their doors improves their quality of care? Mr. Horne: Well, Mr. Speaker, given that the reduction in generic prices hasn’t even occurred yet, I’m at a loss to explain the hon. member’s contention that the policies of this government are forcing the closure of that business.

The fact is – and the hon. member should know this – that this government has poured over $95 million over the last few years into financial support for phar macists across the province, particularly in rural and remote areas, as generic prices have been gradually reduced. He should also know and appreciate that pharmacists across this province are supporting the evolution of a pharmacy services framework that pays them for their services. Mr.

Pedersen: Given that pharmacists across Alberta are actually saying that they cannot operate under this government ’s new framework and are going so far as to protest on the steps of this Legislature, will the minister end his campaign of misinformation and be honest with Albertans about the damage these changes will cause? Mr. Horne: Well, Mr. Speaker, what would be honest is an acknowledgement of the fact that this govern ment has done more than any other in the country t o support pharmacists to become full partners in a health care team that’s delivering quality services to Albertans.

It’s amazing to us how at one moment the opposition can claim to be holding the domain on the interests of taxpayers in the province at a t ime when we’re lowering generic drug prices to the best in the country and at the same time oppose the same move based on information that isn’t even accurate. Mr. Pedersen: Given that pharmacies are closing their doors and Albertans are suffering because of this minister’s mismanagement, will he agree right now to cancel his drastic funding cuts and actually consult with Alberta’s pharmacists before making any more heavy-handed moves? Mr. Horne: Well, Mr.

Speaker, as we used to say to another party, I guess we’ll have to wait to figure out if it’s a saving day or a spending day, but I will tell you this: this govern ment has consulted more with pharmacists than any other government in the country that I’m aware of in the development of a model that they have asked for to allow them to provide the services that they’re trained to provide, to pay them to provide those services, and in the transition to support them in their businesses. We’ve done that, and we’ll continue to do that. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary -Fort, followed by Livingstone-Macleod.

Community Safety Mr. Cao: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Community safety is very important for the quality of life of Albertans. Our constituents were very happy when they heard the Minister of Justice in his news release from last year say: “It’s important that we provide them with the support they need to help put an end to gang activity.” But now they are very worried about the fact that the safer communities and neighbourhoods, or SCAN, program has been terminated in the provincial budget. My question is to the hon. minister.

Can the minister explain to my constituent your talk about community safety and your walk in the budget? 2:50 Mr. Denis: Well, Mr. Speaker, as a long -time parliamentarian in this House I’m sure that this member recalls that these grants were limited on a three -year basis. They were designed to break down silos in the various ministries, and they have succeeded. We will continue to honour the grants that are in their existing place, but as a result of budgetary reductions we have had to eliminate the grants on a go-forward basis.

I would also point this member to the civil forfeiture fund, which seizes assets from the proceeds of crime and gives them to organizations such as those people. Perhaps your constituent may want to apply for a civil forfeiture grant for his or her organization. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Cao: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the same hon. minister. Given that some community safety projects or pilot projects are going to be terminated, can the effective SCAN program be continued? If not, how can you help the safety of vulnerable neighbourhoods where my constituents live? Mr. Denis: Mr.

Speaker, even though the budget of Justice and Solicitor General has received an 8 per cent reduction – and we will be talking about that over the next couple of days – I’m very proud that we have not cut one police officer, we’ve increased the number of judges by two, and we have not cut one Crown prosecutor. In addition, the new police officer grant, or NPOG, is

1714 Alberta Hansard April 8, 2013 going to be continued for at least one more year. That adds 300 new police officers on the street. That was started by the Premier when she was Justice minister, and that includes 123 police officers in your hometown of Calgary. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Cao: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

To the same hon. minister: given that community safety is related to some of the public consultation that you have launched on grow ops, why don’t you just control or register the purchases of equipment and fertilizer that are also used in grow ops, similar to the controls on pawn shops and spray paint canisters? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Denis: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. That’s actually the first time I’ve heard an idea like that, and I would welcome the member to become part of our consultation.

You can go to Grow Op Free Alberta on the Justice depart ment’s website at alberta.ca and provide your information until the end of May. This is why we have a consultation. We want to listen to the views of Albertans and not just simply put in legislation. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Livingstone-Macleod, followed by Calgary-Hawkwood. South Saskatchewan Regional Plan Mr. Stier: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Residents in southern Alberta are concerned over the government’s centralized regional planning under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act.

Municipalities, land- owners, and business owners continue to be in limbo as they prepare to see the final draft of the South Saskatchewan regional plan, and now almost 9,000 Albertans have signed a petition against the plan. With this massive concern resonating among Albertans across southern Alberta, will the m inister commit to revisit with the advisory council before they make their first draft on this imposed plan to ensure these voices are heard? Mr. Hughes: Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to take that question on behalf of my colleague the Minister of ESRD.

In fact , this comes after a couple of years of consultations. The regional advisory committee consultations and consultations throughout the south have taken place. I would encourage the hon. member and all Albertans to approach this matter in good faith and see how we can create the best possible land-use structure that we can imagine in southern Alberta. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Stier: Well, thank you. We didn’t hear whether he’s going to meet with the regional advisory council again.

Anyway, to the Mi nister of Municipal Affairs: given that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties is warning against the dangers of forced regionalization on local communities, why does the province insist on forcing municipalities to accept the province’s plan instead of working for the best interest of their communities? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Griffiths: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the question.

I am fully aware that the AAMD and C has indicated that they don’t believe fo rced co -operation means success, but neither does allowing municipalities to not talk to each other encourage any sort of agreement or managing proper planning.

I’m simply encouraging that all municipalities come together within the region and come up with a sound plan that ensures strong growth, that ensures agriculture is still viable, that we protect the environment, that we build buildings where they’re supposed to be, that we put industry where it’s supposed to be, not just for the sake of us but for the sake of the next generation. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Stier: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, we’ll try it again, then.

To the Finance minister: given that the province spent $21 million or more in compensation under the lower Athabasca regional plan, what budget does the minister have in mind for compensating the businesses and landowners whose lands will be impacted by the South Saskatchewan regional plan? Mr. Hughes: Mr. Speaker, you know, this kind of highly speculative, provocative allegation is not really helpful to helping people understand what’s really going on here. I would encourage the hon. member to participate in the process, engage in the process in a constructive way and in a way that is well informed.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Hawkwood, followed by Cypress-Medicine Hat. Grandparent Access to Grandchildren Mr. Luan: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Currently there is an unfortunate situation that exists in our province, where many children have difficulty accessing or being visited by their grandparents because of parental conflict. However, research has shown that having grandparent support is crucial to healthy child development. To the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

The province of Manitoba has recently established the grand relations strategy, which successfully addresses problems and has gained some international recognition. Will you consider adopting such a program in Alberta? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Denis: Thank you very much, Mr . Speaker. I welcome this question from this hon. member. I think any one of us has had a strong relationship with our grandparents in our younger years, as I did with my grandfather, and I think it’s very important. He references the grand relations strat egy in Manitoba.

Alberta grandparents may access assistance through family justice services, which offers to assist family law litigants in a resolution prior to court involvement. Of course, court is available, but that is only the last strategy because i t can become very expensive, especially with all of the legal fees involved. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Luan: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again to the same minister: will you consider establishing a unified family court system which gives proper consideration for grandparent access? Mr. Denis: Mr.

Speaker, I’m aware that there was a unified family court task force in about 2004, two or three Legislatures ago. This isn’t something that we are looking at right now. I am aware that other jurisdictions have these types of court systems. We have looked at other jurisdictions to weigh the pros and cons and determined this w asn’t the best way to proceed after we looked at that task force. This decision was made with input from

April 8, 2013 Alberta Hansard 1715 the courts and all Albertans. I believe it was the former Member for Calgary-Lougheed who handled that. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Luan: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last question is to the same minister. Will you amend the Alberta Family Law Act,

section 35(3), which makes it difficult if not impossible for grandparents to access grandchildren? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Denis: Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. Most grandparents will never need to go to court to have contact with their grandchildren, and we want to ma intain that status quo. But for those who unfortunately do, Albe rta’s Family Law Act balances the best interests of the children and the best interests of parents and grandparents in a reasonable manner. Grandparents are important to me . I think they’re important to everyone else here.

I look forward to discussing these issues with this member. I look forward to talking to you after the session is done. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Cypress-Medicine Hat, followed by Calgary-Varsity. Federal Building Renovations Mr. Barnes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Infrastructure recently made comments to the Calgary Herald that require some explanation. Re garding $360 million for palatial MLA offices he said: “A lot of people are criticizing it now, but wait until the grand opening.

Everybody will be proud of what we have there and it will be a jewel.” To the Minister of Infra- structure: given that this government recently gave itself an 8 per cent pay raise and we are facing a 5 and a half billion dollar deficit, doesn’t this government think it has done enough to siphon from taxpayers and future generations? Mr. Drysdale: Mr. Speaker, aside from all of the points he made that weren’t true, I will comment on the federal building. To stop building that project right now, we’ll have spent $330 million and have nothing for it. There’s $20 million left, and the project will be finished.

It would be irrespons ible with the taxpayers’ dollars to stop building that project. Mr. Barnes: You guys sure like expensive jewellery. Given that perhaps congratulations are in order for not incurring another massive billi on dollar cost overrun like the south campus Calgary hospital, will this minister tell Albertans whether this government has entered into a cost-plus contract with no ceiling to protect taxpayers from those costs rising again beyond this incredible $75 million it’s already over? 3:00 Mr. Drysdale: Well, Mr. Speaker, the project was originally budgeted at $356 million.

When it was put out for tender, at a time when construction companies we ren’t busy, the bids came in lower, so the estimate was reduced. Once you start a project of that size, rebuilding, and get in there, the engineers found concerns that they had to address, and it dragged the project out longer and cost more. Dragging it out increased the budget. Mr. Barnes: Sounds like some interesting planning.

Given that this government has said that it ha s a prioritized infrastructure spending list but has refused to provide it, can the minister explain, please, how lush MLA and bureaucratic offices are more important on your priori ty list than schools, hospitals, and roads? Mr. Drysdale: Well, Mr. Speaker, here we go again misleading the public. There will be 50 MLAs in there, including the opposition. [interjections] There w ill be spaces for 600 people in that building, so 50 MLAs out of 600. I find it also surprising . . . [interjections] The Speaker: Just about made it, didn’t we?

Could we please have some restoration of decorum and let the minister answer the question, which you yourselves asked? Mr. Drysdale: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also find it quite surprising that the members opposite last year were complaining about their offices in the Annex, wanting us to spend more money, that they weren’t good enough, Mr. Speaker. [interjections] The Speaker: Hon. members . . . [interjections]. Hon. members, honourable and even some of you who may not feel so honourable today, please.

A point of order has been raised by the Member for Airdrie at 3:02 in response to the final answer here, prompted, I’m sure, by some wonderful comments fro m this side. We’ll hear that point of order shortly. In the meantime it’s just past 3 o’clock, and I’ll have to recognize the Government House Leader first. Mr. Hancock: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In view of the comments this afternoon relative to the passing of Premier Ralph Klein and the undeniable fact that I do tend to go on too long, I would ask the indulgence of colleagues in the House to waive Standing Order 7(7) and allow us to continue past 3 p.m. to complete the Routine. The Speaker: Hon. members, 7(7), of course, requires us to give unanimous consent to carry on with the Routine, including Members’ Statements. I will ask one question. Does anybody object to us continuing on in order to conclude our Routine for the day? [Unanimous consent granted] head: Members’ Statements The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Edmonton-Decore. 50th Anniversary of CapitalCare Mrs. Sarich: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rose earlier to introduce and warmly welcome to the Albe rta Legislature nine guests from CapitalCare. It is my honour and pleasure to rise again to recognize this remarkable organization for on April 1 they celebrated with pride 50 years of innovative continuing care and service to Alberta’s most valued resource, which is people. On April 1, 1963, CapitalCare bega n operations at Norwood annex, located at the Royal Alexandra hospital, with 72 beds. This

section of the hospital was built in 1947 and was known as the south pavilion. It was Alberta’ s first publicly owned long-term care centre. South pavilion toda y is known as the CapitalCare CHOICE Norwood, Canada’s first stand-alone day centre for the frail elderly living in the community. Mr. Speaker, since 1963 CapitalCare has evolved to become the largest publicly funded continui ng care organization in Canada. This organization administers west ern Canada’s first continuing care research unit, which specializes in assessment, customer care,

1716 Alberta Hansard April 8, 2013 and innovative service delivery options to continuing care communities across Canada. A few additional milestone achieve- ments over the years included the establishment of the CapitalCare Foundation in 1989 to fund raise for enhancements beyond government funding and the Kipnes Centre for Veterans in 2005. Also, it should be noted that CapitalCare is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alberta Health Services.

The organization has over 2,700 dedicated allied professionals who provide care and services to more than 1,400 elderly and disabled adults through 11 care centres and day programs around Edmonton and Sherwood Park. An example of a care centre located in m y constituency of Edmonton-Decore is CapitalCare Dickinsfield, which has 275 continuing care beds and provides support services to McConnell Place North, adjacent to Dickinsfield, and operates the young adult day support program. Mr.

Speaker, CapitalCare’s new motto, Putting People First, truly exemplifies an organization which over the past 50 years has concentrated on cultivating a person-centred social model of care which is responsive to meet the needs of our diverse population. I would like to offer m y heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation to all those past and present who have contributed to CapitalCare’s 50 years of compassionate care and outstanding service to Alberta’s frail, elderly, and disabled people, including their families. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.* Mr. Ralph P. Klein, OC, AOE Mr. Anderson: Mr.

Speaker, when I lose someone I love and admire, I find comfort and peace in pondering how that person has touched and affected my life for good. Many Albertans have fond personal stories about our friend Ralph Klein, and I’m no different. After Ralph left politics, he took a position at the law firm BLG in Calgary. I was just a first- year associate at the time, a nobody by the world’s standards. Ralph, of course, didn’t care about that. He took the time to talk with me and even counselled me on my nomination campaign. He even wrote a very, very kind reference.

For me, it was like getting hockey tips from Wayne Gretzky. But that was Ralph. He didn’t care who you were or what your position w as. He just treated you like a long -time friend regardless. Over the last week I realized that my emotions at Ralph’s passing were not just because of how he treated me personally. It was much more than that. I realized that more than any other person it was Ralph who made me proud to be Albertan. It was under Ralph’s leadership that our province went from economic slouch to economic powerhouse. We went from crushing debt to being debt free.

We went from a place where our children would leave for opportuni ties elsewhere to becoming a beacon of prosperity, attracting the best and brightest from all over the world. The Alberta advantage was built under Ralph. But it wasn’t just the substance; it was also the style. He wasn’t afraid to be different. He wasn’t afraid of saying what needed to be said or to do what needed to be done just because it may not have been politically correct. He gave us courage, he gave us swagger, but he also showed us humility and compassion.

He made us feel like our province could d o anything, and thanks to him I believe we still can. Many of us believe that after we leave this life for the next, we will be judged by how we treated others, by what we gave, by how we served our fellow man. If this is true, then Ralph Klein today has become a king. Thank you, Ralph, and please keep watching out for us down here. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Stony Plain. Holocaust Memorial Day Mr. Lemke: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Several years ago I visited the Dachau concentration camp.

It left a profound impression on me, so it is with great empathy, compassion, and humility that I rise today in commemoration of Yom ha -Shoah, also known as Holocaust Memorial Day. Many of us, including you, Mr. Speaker, attended the memorial ceremony today at the Leg. Each year, in accordance with the Jewish lunar calendar, the global community recognizes and pays tribute to the brave individuals who needlessly lost their lives in one of the worst atrocities of all time, the Holocaust.

Over the course of World War II more than 6 million Jewish men, women, and children unjustifiably lost their lives at the hands of an oppressive Nazi regime. Mr. Speaker, it is truly impossible for anyone t o imagine the unfathomable suffering and pain of those who endured this catastrophe, and unfortunately while the emotional scars of those who lived through this genocide may never heal, we as part of the global community must do our part to learn from the tragedies of the past, never allowing them to occur again.

Ensuring this, of course, is easier said than done but is essential for the progression of humanity and a peaceful future. We all have a part to play in making our world a better place to live, ass isting those who are indefensibly oppressed and discriminated against. 3:10 In saying this, I would like to quote the words of Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor: I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.

Keeping in mind the wise words of Mr. Wiesel, let us strive to be stewards of justice and righteousness within our own comm unities and globally. Lest we forget, may we always keep in our thoughts and prayers those affected by the Holocaust and other mass genocides. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Riverview. Baroness Margaret Thatcher Mr. Young: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sadly, we mark the passing of a truly remarkable woman, one who, in her rise to lead one of the world’s great nations, helped to champion responsible govern- ment.

Of course, I’m referring to the former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. Because of her indomitable spirit and strong -willed convictions, she earned the moniker of Iron Lady. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, Baroness Thatcher served as an exemplar of effective leadership and political vision because of her ability to rema in steadfast in the face of adversity. She applied that leadership in her incomparable work and in lending her voice to democratic values and economic freedom. Her vision for the United Kingdom propelled its people to a fresh success and prosperity.

Baroness Thatcher was no stranger to controversy. Such is the nature of uncommonly talented and determined public individuals. It cannot be denied that those who are privileged to have served her, whether directly in the United Kingdom or indirectly throughout the Commonwealth and across the globe, have much to be thankful for. *The text in italics exceeded the time limit and was not read in the House.

April 8, 2013 Alberta Hansard 1717 Baroness Thatcher served the people of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990, a remarkable 11 years. That decade saw the United Kingdom’s GDP increase by over 23 per cent and also saw a p eriod of international upheaval. Because of Baroness Thatcher’s strong -willed leadership and sense of purpose the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, indeed the world were able to weather the storm of the transformational period of international relations . Baroness Thatcher’s legacy continues to live in today’s age.

I have every confidence that the Common - wealth will feel the reverberations of one of the U.K.’s most iconic prime ministers well into the future. I’ll read one of her quotes. “Look at a day w hen you are supremely satisfied at the end. It’s not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it’s [a day] when you had everything to do and you’ve done it.” Mr. Speaker, Margaret Thatcher had a lot to do in her life, and she got it done. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lesser Slave Lake. FireSmart Program Ms Calahasen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In the fall of 2012 the regional tri-council of Slave Lake examined the details of a FireSmart plan from the FireSmart Regional Action Team. The goal of the Fire Smart plan is to minimize unwanted and harmful effects of wildfire while also recognizing the important ecological role wildfires play in a healthy landscape. At present FireSmart’s plans and accomplishments include vegetation management, also known as fu el modification, equip- ment purchases as well as some public education.

Municipal councillors have received input from constituents expressing concern that certain recovery programs included in the plan have been underfunded and that the $20 million alloca ted to FireSmart could be distributed more effectively with more educational promotion of what is occurring with the clear -cutting of all the trees and where the funds are spent and why. It has been suggested that a fruitful alternative method of fire prev ention and control could be to implement education and incentive programs for private landowners.

A recent survey of high-risk properties found that only 1 per cent had taken steps to reduce vulnerability to wildfire. A program of education and incentive could help to inform and encourage landowners to undertake fuel reduction on their property in order to prevent the accidental spread of wildfires. The active engage- ment of private landowners has potential to maximize the efficiency of allocated funds and to ensure the success of FireSmart in protecting communities from property damage. I am encouraged, however, Mr.

Speaker, to know that the discussion on the role FireSmart will play in protecting communities against wildfires is ongoing, and I am confide nt that a transparent and effective program can be implemented with full education data to help all constituents deal with any devastation. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Mountain View. Child Poverty Dr. Swann: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My Name is Today: this famous poem powerfully expresses the urgency and importance of providing critical opportunities now for the province’s poor children.

Ninety-one thousand children, including First Nations, today and each day lose ground in their physical and mental health, learning and behaviour problems, and failure to reach their potential as a result of this government’s failure to invest in our most valuable resource, our children. One year ago the Premier promi sed to end child poverty in five years. It’s appropriate, then, to ask: what has happened over this past year? What is the plan? How are we progressing on the now four-year plan?

The social policy framework, filled with high - sounding principles, shows no s ign that it will be backed up with substantial resources. Yes, people in poverty by definition need more resources: resources for basic needs, for school programs, for nonprofit organizations that provide critical support to our most vulnerable. Many plans have been touted over the years without significant resources or substantial results. Rather, we see every indication of increased burdens of mental illness, learning deficits, and social problems as a result of this mean -spirited short-term financial planning.

Let’s talk about the facts proposed in the budget: no increase in supports for independence, in fact a 16 per cent cut in relation to employment supports, a further 18 per cent cut in career develop- ment skills, over $80 million in cuts proposed th is year. Public education reductions also mean more disadvantaged children will have less chance of success in achieving essential education, social, and life skills. Child care supports: reduced by 7 per cent.

Funding to nongovernment organizations reduce d, the very organizations that support and enable families and vulnerable children to find stability and a measure of well -being. No increase in FCSS, which provides preventative supports. Far from moving ahead on issues like lunch programs, children and f amilies are not on a livable income. It’s time for the Premier and the Human Services minister to honour their promises and reverse the cuts and provide support for our most vulnerable. The Speaker: Thank you, hon. member.

Hon. members, before we proceed on, I wonder if we could just take a moment and extend our collective congratulations to one of our members, who was first elected on this day back in 2002 and went on to be re-elected in ’04, ’08, and, I believe, in ’12. Of course, I would be referring t o the Member for Battle River -Wainwright, the hon. Minister of Municipal Affairs. Congratulations. head: Tabling Returns and Reports The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview or someone on behalf of. Mr. Eggen: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to table the appropriate number of copies of 50 submissions from Albertans to the Premier which were received by the office of the Member for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview. They call on the Premier to honour her gove rnment’s promise to Albertans not to evict some of Alberta’s most vulnerable citizens from their home in Red Deer’s Michener Centre. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Buffalo, followed by Calgary-Mountain View. Mr. Hehr: Thank you, Mr. S peaker. I have three tablings today. My first is from my friend Mr. Ron Theaker on digital solar heat.

His company is avidly working on not only bringing in solar and other mechanisms to reduce our greenhouse gas impacts but also on having viable solutions for the Marthas and Henrys out there in Alberta who want to reduce their emissions as well as provide heating to their houses. He’s written a very interesting article. He does need some changes from the government to see that this is

1718 Alberta Hansard April 8, 2013 incentivized correctl y, but in my view it is worth a read, and I have sent a copy to the minister. My second tabling is from a pharmacist who owns and operates Beacon Pharmacy in my community, Mr. Richard Rego. He’s highly concerned about the changes and the nature and scope and the effect they will have on his practice and his ability to provide service to local constituents of Calgary-Buffalo.

My final tabling is from my good friend Ms Dariel Bateman, who has sent me an e- mail in regard to the recent changes to postsecondary institutions in terms of funding as well as, seemingly, the direction of a move to Campus Alberta. In Ms Bateman’s view, one that I support, she says that she believes “very strongly that universities do not exist, as their primary function, to be trade schools, and prepare students to be employable and marketable.” It is to get them educated. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. 3:20 The Speaker: Thank you.

I have Calgary-Mountain View next, but would you mind if we went to the Leader of the Official Opp osition quickly? Then we’ll come back to you and then Medicine Hat. Ms Smith: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I made reference to two documents in my questions today. One is a copy of the ad for the $400,000 ad campaign that the government is doing on pharmacy. The second is

Summary of Changes to the Alberta Drug Benefit List, effective April 1, 2013. I invite all members to take a look at the drugs that are no longer going to be covered as a result of the Health minister’s changes to generic drug plans. The Speaker: Thank you. Calgary-Mountain View, followed by Medicine Hat. Dr. Swann: Thanks, Mr. Speaker.

I have several tablings: eight citizens expressing deep concern about the closure of the Michener Centre, with the appropriate number of copies; a number of individuals and pharmacists writing with great consternation about the dramatic and poorly planned changes to pharmacy operations in the province; and the appropriate number of copies of a press release from the Alberta Federation of Labour entitled Redford Reneges on Farm Worker Safety, failing to enact any legislation in relation to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Medicine Hat. Mr.

Pedersen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have one tabling today. It’s a letter which I used to present my questions today to the Minister of Health. It was dated April 4, 2013. A copy was sent to the Minister of Health, so I know he has it. Basically, it’s commenting on the fact that pharmacies are struggling with the current framework that has been imposed by government and that the changes that they are imposing on pharmacists against what their traditional work used to be are not augmenting or supplementing their income. I have the requisite copies. The Speaker: Thank you. Are there others?

In that case, it’s my pleasure to table pursuant to

section 5(1) of the Property Rights Advocate Act five copies of the Property Rights Advocate office annual report. head: Tablings to the Clerk The Clerk: I wish to advise the House that the following document was deposited with the office of the Clerk: on behalf of the hon. Mr. Campbell, Minister of Aboriginal Relations, pursuant to the Metis Settlements Act the Metis Settlements Appeal Tribunal annual report 2012. The Speaker: Thank you. I believe we have some points of order to deal with, starting with the hon. Member for Airdrie. Please proceed with your citation and your point of order.

Point of Order Factual Accuracy Mr. Anderson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think we called four on our side. We can split them into two groups if you want for efficiency’s sake. In the first I would refer to Standing Order 23, in particular (

h) and (i), which says that members shall be called to order when they make “allegations against another Member,” impute “false or unavowed motives to another Member,” or (

j) use “abusive or insulting language of a nature likely to create disorder.” This is the third time we’ve stood on this, and we’ll stand continually on your initial ruling on this, which was, after a clarification last time, that the matter had been settled. It’s referring to several references on that side to the Leader of the Official Opposition and perhaps others as being climate change deniers. We have been very clear in this Assembly.

We’ve talked about it many times, and you, of course, did find that the matter had been clarified and settled, but I’m always happy to have the opportunity to clarify once again for the other side so that they know that they have an ally on this and that they know that they don’t have to continue to cast false and unavowed motives across the way. This is a good exercise in that regard. I’ll repeat for them and make it very clear that our position is and always h as been that our province must take responsible action to reduce our CO 2 emissions.

Not only does this make good business sense as our largest customers from around the world are demanding that we do so if we want to continue selling our energy to them, but it is important that we cautiously conserve our resources and planet for ourselves and for future generations.

Although there are billions being spent each year researching, of course, how fast the climate is changing, how much of that change is attribu table to mankind, and what we can best do to adapt to that climate change – and that’s what the member was referring to in the last election, by the way – there is a general agreement that we should do what we can to reduce our human footprint, whether tha t be less CO 2 emissions, better water conservation, or better land stewardship.

It is also quite settled that CO2 is a greenhouse gas and that pouring millions of tonnes of it into the atmosphere is likely to have an effect on the climate. Granted, we do not yet fully understand what that affect is or how fast it is affecting us – and, frustratingly, there is a lot of conflicting information in this regard – but that doesn’t stop the impetus or end the impetus to act. Again, Mr. Speaker, this is now the th ird time you’ve said that this is settled, that this is clarified. We all know that calling somebody a climate change denier is a very disparaging term. It’s been made a disparaging term.

Of course, it alludes to other things, other things that have been denied in the past despite their being in front of us and makes it sound like we’re denying that CO2 is a greenhouse gas or denying that we should decrease our CO2 footprint. That has never been said on this side, and I’m glad we’ve been able to clarify that for the members opposite. I would ask that they refrain from, in the future, standing up and calling us

April 8, 2013 Alberta Hansard 1719 climate change deniers or anything of the like, and we can start debating policy instead of where our positions are on these things. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Government House Leader. Mr. Hancock: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is always refreshing to hear the hon. member get up and talk about their new position because during the election, of course, it was clear that the quote f rom the hon. leader was: “We have always said the science isn’t settled and we need to continue to monitor the debate,” from April 16, 2012.

From April 19, 2012: “There is still a debate [in the scientific community]. I will continue to watch the debate in the scientific community.” The reality, Mr. Speaker, is that the public of Alberta will want to know that, in fact, the hon. members opposite are onside with this government in trying to assure the world that there is no jurisdiction in the world that is more conscious of its environment than this jurisdiction. We’d like to have them onside with that. We’re pleased that they’re saying that.

We’re concerned that they continue to say, taking the advice of a nationally known conservative, that they should no t let their true feelings be known because it might embarrass them. The Speaker: Hon. members, this reminded me of some previous – there are no other speakers to this point of order, are there? Very good. We’ve dealt with this before. In fact, it was most recently dealt with by my Deputy Speaker on March 20, I believe, where the same allegation was being made and the same factual accuracy points were described, and it’s all to do with use of the term “climate change deniers.” Let me say this.

Let’s put an end to that term in this House. It’s had its mileage, and it’s been used on this side to some effect. It’s been used on this side to their effect, and it’s just time to move on and get on with some choice of new words. So let that stand as a ruling on that point for now, and I won’t take up more of the House’s time. I believe, hon. Member for Airdrie, that actually addresses both the points of order you had with respect to this matter. Mr. Anderson: With respect to that matter. I have one more. The Speaker: Okay. Let me see now. We’re moving on to another point of order now.

On my list that would be the hon. Member for Airdrie again, please. Mr. Anderson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is again the same citation, 23(h), (i), and (j). There was a very . . . The Speaker: I’m sorry, hon. member. Just in terms of my own protocol here, I have you down as another point of order with the Minister of Energy, but I believe that’s been addressed just now. Mr. Anderson: That’s right. That has been addressed. 3:30 The Speaker: In that case, I must go to the next point of order, which factually is the leader of the New Democratic opposition. On his behalf the hon. Member for Edmonton-Calder.

Point of Order Imputing Motives Mr. Eggen: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise t o seek some clarification on an issue that the Deputy Premier brought up during an exchange between the leader of the New Democrats and himself. I’m citing the standing orders,

section 23(

h) and (

i) and (j). The Deputy Premier was making comments, and I realize that perhaps he was using a rhetorical flourish in using sort of groups of three to try to aim at all of the opposition here, but in his rhetorical flourish in regard to ourselves, the New Democrats, he I think said something in regard to denying industry. [interjection] Yes. Perhaps he was slipping up on this other card that he was using about carbon or other denials, that he was using before.

The point is that you cannot do so and make these inferences about our policy in regard to the energy indus try without, in fact, using some degree of accuracy. We have always been great defenders of our oil and gas industry. Of course, it is the backbone of our economy, where it employs thousands and thousands of people across this province. But we also have ma de sure that we are stewards of our industry as well and stewards of nonrenewable resources, Mr. Speaker.

The issue that seems to be capturing the attention of the day in regard to our oil and gas industry now, of course, is the export of bitumen across our borders to other jurisdictions, other countries around the world. We have taken a very firm position that we need to ensure that we are upgrading those resources whenever possible to ensure the maxi

Document details

Collection	Alberta — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20130408
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	L28 S1 20130408 1330 01 han.pdf
Language	en
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