Alberta Hansard — 28 May 1979, Afternoon sitting (14:30) (Legislature 19, Session 1)

19790528

Alberta — Debates (Hansard)

May 28, 1979 ALBERTA HANSARD 25 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ALBERTA Title: Monday, May 28, 1979 2:30 p.m. [The House met at 2:30 p.m.] PRAYERS [Mr. Speaker in the Chair] head: INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 203 The Conflict of Interest Act MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to introduce Bill No. 203, The Conflict of Interest Act.

This Bill is intended to prevent conflicts of interest among Members of the Legislative Assembly, cabinet minis ters, deputy ministers, executive staff members, and heads of Crown corporations and government agencies. [Leave granted; Bill 203 read a first time] Bill 3 The Commodity Futures Act MR. KOZIAK: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to introduce Bill 3, The Commodity Futures Act. The purpose of the Bill is to ensure that the climate for commodity futures trading in this province continues to be a healthy one, with a balance of government regulation and self-regulation by bodies involved in the field.

The intention of the government, Mr. Speaker, is not to pass the Bill during the course of this session, but ultimately to reintroduce The Commodity Futures Act together with a new Securities Act during a future session. [Leave granted; Bill 3 read a first time] Bill 4 The Alberta Insurance Amendment Act, 1979 MR. KOZIAK: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to introduce Bill 4, The Alberta Insurance Amendment Act, 1979.

The purpose of the Bill is to provide legislative authority to approve an industry plan, a facility under which the drivers in the province of Alberta are able to obtain insurance, particularly those who find their claims are rather high. The legislation permits those drivers to obtain insurance as easily as possible. It will replace an exchange presently in existence with a less cumbersome method. [Leave granted; Bill 4 read a first time] Bill 7 The Alberta Property Tax Reduction Amendment Act, 1979 MR. MOORE: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to introduce The Alberta Property Tax Reduction Amendment Act, 1979.

This Bill is designed to provide that senior citizens who live in rented accommodation may receive a re nter's assistance grant of $500 per year as opposed to the previous $250 per year. As members may recall, this measure was announced before the last election, and it seems to have been rather well received. The second part of the Bill, Mr. Speaker, is designed to provide for a renter's assistance grant of $400 for senior citizens who live in their own mobile homes, but rent space in a mobile-home park.

That grant is at the option of the senior citizens if the benefit is greater than the benefit which flows from the regular property tax reduction grant. Finally, Mr. Speaker, a change will ensure that citi zens who receive the property tax reduction benefits can receive those benefits on both farmland and residential property, without any restrictions to receiving the ben efits on whichever piece of property provides the most benefit. [Leave granted; Bill 7 read a first time] Bill 18 The Local Authorities Board Amendment Act, 1979 MR. MOORE: Mr.

Speaker, I beg leave to introduce The Local Authorities Board Amendment Act, 1979. This Bill is designed to provide for the expansion of membership on the Local Authorities Board, and to provide legislative authority for the splitting of the board into two divisions so that two hearings may be held at the same time. The reasons for bringing this Bill forward, Mr.

Speaker, are to do with the applica tion of the city of Edmonton for annexation and our desire that those hearings be held as expeditiously as possible, and that at the same time the other work and matters before the board be dealt with without delay. [Leave granted; Bill 18 read a first time] Bill 8 The Alberta Government Telephones Amendment Act, 1979 MR. SHABEN: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to introduce Bill 8, The Alberta Government Telephones Amend ment Act, 1979.

The purpose of this Bill is to bring about a change in the chairmanship of the AGT Commission to allow the Associate Minister of Telephones to assume the chairmanship of the AGT Commission, and the Minis ter of Utilities and Telephones to assume the responsi bilities of vice-chairman of the commission. [Leave granted; Bill 8 read a first time] Bill 17 The Workers' Health, Safety and Compensation Statutes Amendment Act, 1979 MR. DIACHUK: Mr. Speaker, I request leave to intro duce Bill 17, The Workers' Health, Safety and Compen sation Statutes Amendment Act, 1979.

The purpose of this Bill is to transfer two Acts from

26 ALBERTA HANSARD May 28, 1979 the Minister of Labour to my portfolio. The two Acts are The Occupational Health and Safety Act and The Radiation Protection Act. [Leave granted; Bill 17 read a first time] Bill 202 The Code of Ethics and Conduct Act MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, I request leave to intro duce Bill 202, The Code of Ethics and Conduct Act. Mr.

Speaker, there are four provisions in this Act: first, the disclosure of assets of all Members of the Legislative Assembly; two, conflict-of-interest guide lines; three, post-employment guidelines; and four, clarification of the method of Executive Council appointments. [Leave granted; Bill 202 read a first time] MR. SPEAKER: I might say that owing to the simi larity between Bills 202 and 203, there may be some need to consider what should be done whenever the first of those two Bills comes up for debate. Bill 5 The Libraries Amendment Act, 1979 MRS. LeMESSURIER: Mr.

Speaker, I beg leave to introduce Bill 5, The Libraries Amendment Act, 1979. The purpose of the Bill is to provide remuneration and travel expenses to the members of the Alberta Library Board in accordance with the committee re muneration order. Currently, The Libraries Act specif ically forbids any remuneration for services, while other government boards and committees are paid an honorarium. [Leave granted; Bill 5 read a first time] Bill 9 The Public Lands Amendment Act, 1979 MR. MILLER: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to introduce Bill No. 9, The Public Lands Amendment Act, 1979.

The purpose of this Bill is to make for increased administrative effectiveness as well as to accommodate requests we have received from individuals. [Leave granted; Bill 9 read a first time] Bill 10 The Public Lands and Wildlife Statutes Amendment Act, 1979 MR. MILLER: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to introduce Bill No. 10, The Public Lands and Wildlife Statutes Amendment Act, 1979. The amendments are necessi tated by the 1979 departmental reorganization. [Leave granted; Bill 10 read a first time] Bill 12 The Department of Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Amendment Act, 1979 MR. TRYNCHY: Mr.

Speaker, I beg leave to introduce Bill 12, The Department of Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Amendment Act, 1979. The purpose of the Bill is to define the jurisdiction of Alberta Recreation and Parks and remove the mention of Alberta Wildlife. [Leave granted; Bill 12 read a first time] head: INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS MR. WOLSTENHOLME: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the hon. Member for Edmonton Meadowlark it is my pleasure to introduce 11 students, along with their teacher Mrs. McKie. They are from Lynnwood elemen tary school. I would ask that they rise and be recog nized by this Assembly. MR. L. CLARK: Mr.

Speaker, it gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce through you to the Members of the Legislative Assembly a class of grade 12 stu dents from Delia high school in the Drumheller con stituency. They are accompanied by their school prin cipal, Nelson Houghton, and are seated in the public gallery. I would ask them to rise and receive the welcome of the Assembly. MR. STEVENS: Mr. Speaker, may I introduce to you, and through you to the members of this Assembly, 15 grades 9 and 10 students and their leader David Connors, from the Seventh-day Adventist school in my constituency.

Would they please rise, and we could welcome them to this Assembly. MR. HIEBERT: Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome to the Assembly grades 5 and 6 students from St. Helen school in the southeast area of Edmonton, and their principal Mr. Wozney. Would we show them the usual applause or accord. MR. TRYNCHY: Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure today to introduce to you and to the members of the House some 40 young Albertans, grade 10 students from Sangudo. They're accompanied by their teacher Mr. Tanasiuk. They're seated in the public gallery, and I'd ask them to rise and receive the welcome of the House. MR.

CRAWFORD: Mr. Speaker, I also take great pleasure in introducing to you, sir, and to the members of the Assembly some young Albertans from the con stituency of Edmonton Parkallen, some 18 students of the Mount Carmel school grade 6 class. I'd like them to rise in the public gallery and be recognized by the House. MR. SPEAKER: I have the honor to draw to hon. members' attention and to introduce the group of legislative interns in my gallery. They are serving the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and are here to return a visit our interns paid to them some time ago.

I'd like them to stand and receive the welcome of the Assembly.

May 28, 1979 ALBERTA HANSARD 27 head: TABLING RETURNS AND REPORTS MR. HYNDMAN: Mr. Speaker, pursuant to

Section 3 of The Government Emergency Guarantee Act, I wish to table three copies of Order in Council No. 654/78 made under that Act. DR. HORNER: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to file with the Legislature the annual report of Alberta Disaster Services. MR. TRYNCHY: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to table the third annual report of Alberta Recreation, Parks and Wildlife, as required by legislation. MR. SPEAKER: I have the honor to table the first report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Alberta, for the period September 15, 1977, to December 31, 1978. head: ORAL QUESTION PERIOD Government Contract MR. R. CLARK: Mr.

Speaker, I'd like to direct the first question to the Minister of Energy and Natural Re sources. It relates to the contract tabled in the House last Friday between the minister and the former Minis ter of Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Don Getty. My initial question to the minister is: are there any specific projects on which the government is now asking Mr. Getty for his advice? MR. LEITCH: Yes, Mr. Speaker. MR. R. CLARK: A supplementary question would be: what are those projects? MR. LEITCH: There are a number of them, Mr. Speaker, and I'm not sure I can call them all to mind today.

Certainly two of the major ones would be the Alsands project and the Cold Lake project. I expect he will be doing a good deal of work on those two. A number of other major projects or policy issues are active in the department, and he will be doing work on those as well. One of them would be incentive natural gas pricing, which has been discussed earlier, and there are a number of others. As I say, without check ing over all my files I couldn't be sure of exactly all the items on which he is now or is likely to be working in the future. Ministers' Business Disclosures MR. R. CLARK: Mr.

Speaker, a supplementary ques tion to the Premier. It's been reported that Mr. Getty formed his investment company last December. No such disclosure was made at the Clerk's office of such a company. The question to the Premier is: is it still the government's practice that ministers should file with the Clerk's office a statement of their business activities? MR. LOUGHEED: Yes, it is, Mr. Speaker, and of course the ministers have been asked to file those state ments with the Clerk's office by the end of June. MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, can the Premier en lighten the Assembly as to why, when Mr.

Getty formed a company last December, the forming of that company did not appear on his disclosure in the Clerk's office, even though it was announced that Mr. Getty would not be seeking re-election? MR. LOUGHEED: Mr. Speaker, I can't give the hon. member any information on that. MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, then is the Premier prepared to give some direction to ministers in fact to keep those disclosures, to be very blunt, up to date? Or have they ceased to be worth a great deal? MR. LOUGHEED: Mr. Speaker, there's certainly an imputation of motives to Mr.

Getty with regard to that question that I think disturbs both me and many citi zens. But let me try to answer it this way. I would anticipate that Mr. Getty would view the fact that he would not be involved with the activity of that com pany until such time as he had resigned his post with the government; that obviously, with good business practice, he would be forming the company, having it ready so that he could go into private business after he had resigned from the Executive Council.

So from that point of view, on the basis of his own judgment he probably felt it was unnecessary for him to add a disclosure-of-interest statement for that period, with the fact that such an entity probably was not in existence or not going to be active until such time as he'd resigned. It strikes me as just incredible — the imputation of motives of the question. MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, whether the Premier agrees with the motives or not is purely beside the fact.

The question is this: is the Premier now prepared to direct his cabinet ministers to keep those files in the Clerk's office of their business activities up to date? MR. LOUGHEED: Mr. Speaker, that is the direction, and that's what they attempt to do. I think they have subscribed to that as effectively as they can since the year '73, I think, when they first filed those statements. I think I've given a reasonable speculative answer as to why Mr. Getty did not do that. Quite clearly he would have been thinking that he would be involved actively after he retired from business at the end of March.

But boy, I sure find that a disturbing line of questioning. MR. R. CLARK: Well, Mr. Speaker, whether the Pre mier does or not is totally another question. Air Transport MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, a second question. I'll direct this to the Premier, and he can pass it on to whichever minister is responsible. It deals with War- dair International and its recent announcement that it's encountering serious difficulties competing with hea vily cross-subsidized charter flights in Canada, specifi cally Air Canada. Has the Alberta government met with officials of Wardair on this particular matter? MR. LOUGHEED: Mr.

Speaker, I'd refer the question to the Deputy Premier, the Minister of Economic Development.

28 ALBERTA HANSARD May 28, 1979 DR. HORNER: Mr. Speaker, we've had ongoing dis cussions with Wardair relative to a variety of problems in which they find themselves. They're now before the Air Transport Committee of the Canadian Transport Commission on two different hearings relative to both air freight and the question of the regulations relative to their operations. I can suggest to the House, Mr. Speaker, that we'll continue that dialogue, having regard to the fact that our interest is to ensure the best economic climate for Wardair in operating out of Alberta. MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, to the minister.

Have officials of the Alberta government — not necessarily of the minister — either met with or made any presen tation to the Canadian Transport Commission on the passenger portion of Wardair's two problems? DR. HORNER: We've not yet made any direct repre sentations to the Canadian Transport Commission on the passenger problem. I would point out to my hon. friend, though, that perhaps the air freight one is of much more value to Wardair. MR. R. CLARK: A further supplementary question to the minister.

Is it the intention of the Alberta govern ment to have representation at the July 9 meeting of the Canadian Transport Commission specifically deal ing with that matter? DR. HORNER: Well, Mr. Speaker, we'll be reviewing that matter. If it's necessary to have a submission or to make our views known to the Canadian Transport Commission, that will be done. MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, to the minister. What's the status of the facilities at the Edmonton Internation al Airport that, if my memory is accurate, the govern ment really financed through PWA, and PWA in turn leased to Wardair? DR.

HORNER: The status is as it was, Mr. Speaker. The financing was done through Pacific Western Air lines, which has leased the majority of the space to Wardair. That operation is continuing. My informa tion from Pacific Western is that they consider it a very useful investment and will be able to find adequate use for the hangar at all times. MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, more specifically to the minister. Is Wardair still using that facility in the manner that was initially agreed upon between PWA and Wardair, which I guess the minister also was involved in at the time? DR. HORNER: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

Natural Gas Supply and Marketing MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to direct this question to the hon. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. It flows from page 9 of the Speech from the Throne, where the government indicates that it now supports the export of natural gas to the United States "under appropriate conditions". I would ask the minis ter to advise the Assembly what the government means by appropriate conditions. MR. LEITCH: Mr. Speaker, we would consider a number of items falling under the heading "appropriate conditions".

Certainly some of them would be the availability of supply in Alberta, things of that nature. But to enumerate all that might be within appropriate conditions — one would have to wait and deal with each individual export matter as it came before us and examine the circumstances at that time. MR. NOTLEY: A supplementary question to the hon. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

For the record, has the government now dropped the condi tions cited in the Legislature, I believe in 1976 or 1977, and discussed with the Vice-President of the United States in January 1978, with respect to specific conces sions in the American market for agricultural prod ucts, particularly meat products, as well as petrochemicals? MR. LOUGHEED: Mr. Speaker, I'll respond to that question with the minister, because it relates to more than the area of energy. When we first got involved in the question of the export of natural gas to the United States, our bar gaining position was quite different.

At that time we thought we would be in a position to tie to the export of natural gas some improved access with regard to agricultural or petrochemical products. As I explained to the House a year ago — that is, in the spring session of 1978 — a very major change occurred with regard to natural gas supply in North America with the substantial discovery of natural gas in Mexico, which gives the United States an alternative supply source. They can choose between a supply from Cana da and one from Mexico.

In addition to that, the situation has been com pounded by exploration success in finding a signifi cant degree of new natural gas fields in our province. We looked at the matter of jobs at stake in Alberta in many constituencies, including those represented by the hon. member who asked the question, and have come to the conclusion that in order to sustain our exploration budgets it is extremely important for this province to press, without qualification, for natural gas exports under the appropriate conditions, as re ferred to by the Minister of Energy and Natural Re sources.

If during the course of these discussions it is at all possible for us to improve our access to agricul tural and petrochemical products, as I explained to the Legislature a year ago, we will continue to do so. But we will not make it a condition, because we do not want to jeopardize the many jobs that are affected and would be seriously affected by a lack of continued exploration in the province. MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the hon. Premier.

During the two years that the conditions were in fact the policy of the Alberta gov ernment — the policy that the former Minister of Agriculture indicated was still in place as recently as July 1978 — did the United States government give any indication to the government of Canada or the government of Alberta that they were prepared to make major modifications with respect to the importation of beef and petrochemical products?

May 28, 1979 ALBERTA HANSARD 29 MR. LOUGHEED: Mr. Speaker, the use of the word "indication" gives me some difficulty in responding, because certainly in the discussions we held with Vice- President Mondale, Senator Jackson, and others, there were indications of the possibility of at least continu ing those discussions. I think the possibility still ex ists, although not tied as a condition precedent to export.

I think it's fair to say that some serious efforts were made by the United States to work with Canada in terms of petrochemical tariffs, but these were frustrated, as we understand it — to be confirmed — by the overall negotiations, the GATT negotiations, and the con cern by the chemical industry in the United States with regard to offshore production; that is, outside of North America. With regard to agricultural products, of course we were faced with the situation of a decision — and the Minister of Agriculture may or may not wish to be involved now — on the matter of access of products into the United States.

An opportunity was given to Canada to increase its access of beef cattle into the United States, but at that time we were not in a supply position to take it up. It was the position of the then Minister of Agriculture of Alberta that it was desirable to try to firm that down. So these discussions on both agriculture and petro chemical access are continuing. They will continue in a variety of ways, particularly after the GATT negotia tions and discussions have been fully ascertained and assessed. They'll be continued in a number of different initiatives over the next months.

The change, as I will reiterate so that it's clear, is that it's not now a condi tion of the government of Alberta precedent to the export of natural gas, because we do not want to jeopardize the literally thousands of jobs that are at stake in this province. MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the hon. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources with respect to one of the obvious conditions; that is, a supply of natural gas. Does the government of Alber ta at this time support the Q & M Pipe Line project to extend Alberta natural gas markets into Quebec and the maritimes? MR. LEITCH: Mr.

Speaker, statements have been made by the hon. Premier and my predecessor in this office regarding the principle or concept of extending na tural gas supplies east of the markets now served by Alberta natural gas, and we're supportive of that prin ciple. As a result of that support, officials in the department were asked to examine the issues and the difficulties involved and make a report to us as to how that principle might be implemented. Of course, one way of carrying out that principle is the Q & M proposal referred to in the hon. member's question.

We have not yet had an opportunity to examine the work of the officials, which has included discussions with officials of other governments. That is under very active review at the moment. But I anticipate it will take us some little while to review that situation, because the increasing of markets east of those now served, and particularly into the Atlantic provinces, involves some very difficult questions. MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the hon. minister.

Has the government been able to reconcile the apparent disparity between the National Energy Board report, on one hand, which says we have approximately 2 trillion cubic feet surplus to Canada's needs and therefore we can export, and the submission of the Q & M people, who suggest that they need considerably more than the estimates of the board — a disparity of about 1.6 trillion cubic feet, or the bulk of what the National Energy Board now claims is surplus to Canada's needs? MR. LEITCH: Mr. Speaker, I'm not sure I have gotten the implication of the hon. member's question.

As I recall, he asked whether the government had been able to resolve the disparity between the estimates in natural gas reserves and what might be available for export. A multitude of such estimates is put out by a number of companies or boards, and certainly I have not followed the practice of trying to make all those estimates compatible. MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the hon. minister.

In view of the fact that the government indicates in the Speech from the Throne that it now feels there are sufficient quantities of natur al gas, my question is: has there been a specific effort to reconcile the obvious difference on page 66 of the National Energy Board report, which would clearly indicate that if the Q & M project goes ahead there is not surplus natural gas in Canada at this time? That raises the question of whether or not this additional natural gas is going to be used for Canadians. MR. LEITCH: Mr.

Speaker, I'm not sure the hon. member's indignation doesn't flow from his lack of understanding of the process. The Energy Resources Conservation Board, which is an Alberta board, makes a report to our government indicating the quantities of natural gas that may be available for export from the province, in its view, after having assured itself of a supply for Albertans well into the future. Before natural gas can be exported from Canada, the next application goes before the National Energy Board, which deals with the question of whether there is surplus supply having regard to Canadian needs. Mr.

Speaker, these applications go on at different times. The information on which estimates as to the natural gas reserves in the province and in Canada are based changes very dramatically and very rapidly. That's occurred as a result of new finds in Alberta. It may well be that when the National Energy Board has before it the new information regarding the reserves in Alberta, it may come to a different conclusion. In fact, I have no doubt that the report to which the hon. member is referring was prepared and put out by the NEB at a time when they didn't have the up-to-date available information on Alberta reserves.

MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the hon. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. Beyond the statutory obligation of the ERCB, which is to look after the rolling supply with respect to Alberta, does the government of Alberta as a matter of policy have a position that Canadian needs must be served before export is authorized? If that is the case, has the government assessed the report of the National Energy Board, and is the minister in a position to report a reconciliation of that position today?

30 ALBERTA HANSARD May 28, 1979 MR. LEITCH: Mr. Speaker; I think the second part of that question is a repeat of the earlier question, and I thought I'd fully answered it. With respect to the Alberta policy as to the use of natural gas by Cana dians, I think it's been said a number of times by persons speaking on behalf of the government of Alberta that we do support the use of natural gas by other Canadians. Petro-Canada Status MR. NOTLEY: Mr. Speaker, I have one final supple mentary question to the hon. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources or to the hon. Premier.

In view of the widespread discussions both inside and outside the industry with respect to the future of Petro-Canada, is the government in a position to advise the Assembly what advice, if any, the hon. gentlemen across the way are going to make to the Prime Minister-elect with respect to his views on the future of Petro-Canada? MR. LOUGHEED: Mr. Speaker, I think we've taken the view on a number of occasions that it's very important that the federal government respect the ju risdiction of the government of Alberta.

It strikes us that the decision with regard to the continuation or otherwise of PetroCan is a federal matter. Natural Gas Supply and Marketing (continued) MR. GOGO: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the hon. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, for my clarification. When he refers to the security supply for Albertans well into the future, would that be ap proximately a 30-year term of anticipated needs of Albertans? MR. LEITCH: Yes, it is, Mr. Speaker. Parole System MR. MANDEVILLE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the hon. Solicitor General.

Could he indicate whether his department will be taking any action with regard to the number of crimes by people out on parole? MR. HARLE: First of all, Mr. Speaker, I think it must be recognized that when you're talking about the parole system you're talking about the federal Parole Board, and obviously decisions they make fall within the jurisdiction of a federal program. MR. MANDEVILLE: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. Could the Solicitor General indicate whether his department keeps any statistics on the number of crimes committed by people on parole? MR. HARLE: Mr.

Speaker, I'd have to take that as notice. As far as I know, such statistics are kept. In fact, from the information I have, there is going to be quite an improvement in the statistics available to all police forces as a result of some computerization of that type of information. MR. MANDEVILLE: A supplementary question, Mr. Speaker. Could the Solicitor General indicate whether any representation has been made so that Alberta could have some input in putting people on the Parole Board? MR. HARLE: Mr. Speaker, I tried to indicate earlier that parole is a federal matter.

A federal board adminis ters the parole system. While it has impact on provin cial areas in some respects, I'm sure that as a result of federal/provincial meetings, where there is that impact those matters will be discussed. Annexation Hearings MR. R. CLARK: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to direct a question to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. It flows from the comment the minister made this afternoon when he introduced the legislation dealing with the Local Authorities Board.

My question to the minister is: when might we expect the hearings on annexation, the city of Edmonton and the surrounding municipali ties, to be held? MR. MOORE: Mr. Speaker, I'm not yet at liberty to give, nor do I have, full information in that regard. But as early as second reading on the debate on The Local Authorities Board Amendment Act, 1979, I would be prepared to outline in some detail the procedures which are going to be followed and the expectation as to the date on which hearings will occur — probably toward the latter part of next week or the first of the following week. MR. R. CLARK: Mr.

Speaker, without trying to get an answer out of the minister — well, a little better than that. But to ask the minister very directly: is it the expectation of the government that the hearings on annexation, Edmonton and the surrounding areas, will finally be able to get under way during 1979? MR. SPEAKER: I question whether government ex pectations are something that should be part of the question period. MR. R. CLARK: Mr.

Speaker, then is the minister in a position to indicate to the Assembly that he will be asking the Local Authorities Board to view the ques tion of Edmonton and its annexation problems prior to the end of this calendar year? MR. MOORE: As I indicated, Mr. Speaker, I've had fairly extensive discussions with the chairman of the Local Authorities Board and indeed with the other two members.

On second reading of The Local Authorities Board Amendment Act, 1979, which was introduced today for first reading, I'll be in a position to elaborate further on the time frame under which we expect the hearings on the annexation application of the city of Edmonton to be carried out and on how long we might think the procedure is going to take. Mr. Speaker, with the bill now having been intro duced and second reading not far away, I don't think it's inappropriate to ask members to delay my full response until then. Hopefully at that time I will have better information as well.

May 28, 1979 ALBERTA HANSARD 31 ORDERS OF THE DAY head: GOVERNMENT MOTIONS 1. Moved by Mr. Crawford:

Be it resolved that the Assembly adopt the following amendment to Standing Orders, to be effective until the prorogation of the Fourth Session of the 19th Legislature: Standing Order 8 is amended by striking out suborders (2) and (3) and by substituting the following: (2) (

a) The order of business for the consideration of the Assembly on Tuesday afternoons shall be as follows: Written Questions Motions for Returns Government Designated Business Motions other than Government Motions Private Bills Public Bills and Orders other than Gov ernment Bills and Orders Government Motions Government Bills and Orders (

b) When Government Designated Business is called the Assembly shall consider any item of business which the Government Whip has designated by written notice to the Clerk prior to 12 noon on the previous Thursday from those on the Order Paper for that Thursday under Motions other than Gov ernment Motions, Government Bills and Or ders, or Government Motions. (

c) The Clerk shall cause any designation pur suant to clause (

b) to be printed in Votes and Proceedings for that Thursday. (

d) A motion that has been designated under this sub-order may not be designated a second time. (

e) Debate on Government Designated Business shall not continue for more than one hour. (3) (

a) The order of business for the consideration of the Assembly on Thursday afternoon shall be as follows: Written Questions Motions for Returns Motions other than Government Motions Public Bills and Orders other than Gov ernment Bills and Orders Government Motions Government Bills and Orders (

b) On Thursday when Motions other than Gov ernment Motions is called, the Assembly shall consider the next such motion on the Order Paper unless the Leader of the Opposition has designated by written notice to the Clerk prior to 4 p.m. on the previous Monday a motion from those set down by other than government members on the Order Paper for that Monday under Motions other than Gov ernment Motions, in which case the Assembly shall consider that motion first. (

c) The Clerk shall cause any motion designated pursuant to clause (

b) to be printed in Votes and Proceedings for that Monday, (

d) A motion that has been designated under this sub-order may not be designated a second time. (

e) Debate on Motions other than Government Motions shall conclude at 4:30 p.m. (

f) At 4:30 p.m., Public Bills and Orders other than Government Bills and Orders shall be called and debate thereon shall be governed by the standing orders that are applicable to private members' motions. MR. CRAWFORD: Mr. Speaker, I would like to say just a few words about Motion No. 1. It's a motion that I would think has the general concurrence of hon. members in regard to its intent.

I think all hon. members would agree that in this Legislature, and indeed in any parliamentary system, it is very impor tant to provide that both government and opposition members have a fully adequate time during which to debate matters that relate mostly to that distinction between private members' concerns and those that are government business. I mentioned that this involves both government and opposition private members, Mr.

Speaker, because I think it's important to know there is a balance between government and opposition members in regard to the fairness of the opportunity to debate items they would like to debate. Part of that balance is to provide a special opportunity for the opposition, of course, and that is proposed in Motion No. 1. The situation on Thursdays, as was the case in the last Legislature, is of particular advantage to the opposition, the opportunity of the Leader of the Oppo sition to designate a motion for discussion at that time.

This proposal would continue that in the same way as many hon. members will recall was done in the last Legislature. Mr. Speaker, I refer to the proceedings of the last Legislature only really for the purpose of underlining the fact that we've now had some experience with what we called, during that time, the new rule in regard to opposition days. I think that experience is worth while and has served its purpose in the sense of leading me to the conclusion that it might be appropriate that the amendment to Standing Orders last for the term of the Legislature.

For that reason, it is suggested that it be until the end of the fourth session prorogation of the 19th Legislature instead of some earlier date, as was done in the last session. Mr. Speaker, with those few comments and the obser vation that any other changes are minimal — there is one under 3(f), which is meant to assure the precise timing on Thursdays of the beginning of the discus sion of private members' public bills. Other than that, there is no change from what had been the case. [Motion carried] 2. Moved by Mr. Crawford:

Be it resolved that the Assembly adopt the following amendment to Standing Orders, to be effective until the prorogation of the Fourth Session of the 19th Legislature: The following standing order is added after Standing Order 36: 36.1 Notwithstanding any established precedent to the contrary, a member not being a gov ernment member may have two notices of motion in that member's name on the Order Paper at the same time.

32 ALBERTA HANSARD May 28, 1979 MR. CRAWFORD: Mr. Speaker, I'm sure I can be even briefer in moving Motion No. 2. Once again, that one will be familiar to many hon. members, and has been tested and shown to be a useful situation in regard to the rights and opportunities opposition members have to bring matters to the attention of this Assembly. The principle, of course, Mr.

Speaker, is merely that opposi tion members may have more than one matter on the Order Paper in their name at any given time, which would not otherwise be the case. [Motion carried] head: CONSIDERATION OF HIS HONOUR THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR'S SPEECH Moved by Mrs. Osterman: That an humble address be presented to His Honour the Honourable the Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta as follows: To His Honour the Honourable Ralph G.

Steinhauer, Lieutenant-Governor of the province of Alberta: We, Her Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly, now assembled, beg leave to thank Your Honour for the gracious speech Your Honour has been pleased to address to us at the opening of the present session. [Adjourned debate May 25: Mr. R. Clark] MR. R. CLARK: Mr.

Speaker, in rising to lead off the debate on the Speech from the Throne from the opposi tion side of the House, might I commence my remarks by saying that I too, in a manner similar to that of the Member for Three Hills and the Member for Calgary Forest Lawn, would like to pay my respects to Alberta's Lieutenant-Governor. I think it's well known that in all likelihood this will be the last Speech from the Throne His Honour will be delivering to this Assem bly.

I believe when His Honour took on the rigorous responsibilities of office, many people felt he was cer tainly following in very big footsteps, following Grant MacEwan, Alberta's previous Lieutenant- Governor. I'm sure there isn't a member in this Assem bly nor an Albertan who wouldn't feel that Alberta's present Lieutenant-Governor has done just an out standing job being Her Majesty's representative in this province. [applause] Secondly, Mr. Speaker, I would say to you, sir, my congratulations on your selection as Speaker of the Assembly.

I did note though, sir, that since the first occasion you were selected as Speaker of the Assembly in 1971, your pugilistic talents have increased consid erably, and my colleague from Brooks and the hon. member opposite who moved the nomination are hav ing increasing difficulty getting you out that door. But, Mr. Speaker, I wish you good luck in your endeavors as Speaker in this Assembly. I'm sure all members are confident in the job you will do. The third comment I'd like to make in the introduc tion of my remarks is to the hon. Member for Three Hills, on the comments the hon. member made in moving the reply.

I think I could associate myself with the feelings of the hon. member and the Member for Calgary Forest Lawn when they spoke in the Assembly for the first time. As I reflect on the spring session in 1961, I guess it was, when I first spoke in the Assembly, having come in in a by-election and been sworn in that day, and the first day in the House having been involved in moving the throne speech, I can appreciate very much the feeling the two hon. members had on Friday last. Might I say to the hon.

Member for Three Hills — in fact we went to school together in the small town of Acme, more years ago than I'm sure both of us would like to admit — that where the hon. member hasn't on many occasions agreed with my political point of view, nor I with her, I found her remarks most refreshing, especially those comments where she referred to the importance of the family and the family unit. The hon. member has an extremely fine family, and she and her husband are to be congratulated. I found her remarks most appropriate. To the hon.

Member for Calgary Forest Lawn, whom I recall some years ago as a budding young politician on the students' council of the University of Calgary, I say good luck in your endeavors in the House. I should just say to the hon. Member for Calgary Forest Lawn that it isn't my expectation to be always as kind and generous to the hon. member in the future as I am today, but the very best of luck during your stay in the Assembly. I won't become involved in the question of how long you might be here. To all hon. members of the Assembly, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I didn't congratulate them on their election.

I know that many good people ran for public office in all parties. I say to the hon. members, new members and members who have been here before, that you have embarked on another session of this Assem bly. I wish all members sincere enjoyment, and for all of us to have the very best of judgment in the course of the four years. I've saved until last a fifth group of people whom I really want to comment on: the good people of the constituency of Olds-Didsbury. They're a very long- suffering group in that constituency, a very fine group of people.

I must say I found myself very disappointed in results across the province, and ex tremely pleased at the results in my own riding. I would like to have taken a few votes from my own riding and placed them someplace else, but obviously that isn't possible. But to the people in the riding of Olds-Didsbury I want to say a very genuine thanks for the confidence they have shown in me on this occasion.

In fairness, I think I should thank the Deputy Premier, the former Minister of Agriculture, the now Minister of Environment, the present Minister of Tourism and Small Business, and the MLA for Camrose, because they all came down to my riding. Never have we been blessed with such visitors in the course of a campaign, and never have I won by as many votes. I'm not quite sure, Mr. Speaker, just how one puts that all together, but that's basically what happened. Mr. Speaker, I find myself in the very strange situa tion of being the first member in the Assembly to congratulate the new Prime Minister of Canada.

It would seem to me that with a Conservative govern ment with [74] members in the Assembly, we wouldn't have had to wait for the Leader of the Opposition on Monday, the third day into the session; that some member in this Assembly would have congratulated a native-born Albertan, in fact, a gentleman who ran in 1967 for the Conservative Party, albeit unsuccessfully, and is now the Prime Minister of Canada. I just expected a number of gushes of enthusiasm.

May 28, 1979 ALBERTA HANSARD 33 MR. NOTLEY: They've all got their fingers crossed. MR. R. CLARK: A little more enthusiasm than was shown by one of his chief campaign workers, the now minister of birds and bees. But might I say to hon. members that Alberta should truly be the land of milk and honey. We have 74 Conservatives in this Legisla tive Assembly, with a $4 billion Heritage Savings Trust Fund, almost $2 billion in surplus, 21 Conserva tives going to Ottawa, and the Prime Minister com ing from Alberta. [applause] A little more enthusiasm.

I really thought you'd never get to the point of being that enthusiastic about the situation. But let's not have Conservatives, be they federal or provincial, coming back in two or three years with all sorts of reasons that we haven't got Alberta's transpor tation problems or freight rate problems resolved. If Alberta and the Conservatives are ever really to come to grips and get some of these long-standing, legiti mate problems resolved, now is the time, hon. mem bers. I wish the new Prime Minister of Canada the very best of luck in his endeavors as Prime Minister.

Re gardless of our political point of view, I'm sure we as Albertans have to be proud of the fact that Joe Clark, a native Albertan, is Prime Minister-elect. I for one feel he will do a very fine job in that office as far as Canada is concerned. Mr. Speaker, before I become involved in the five areas I'd like to touch upon in my remarks, for the benefit of all members I would simply like to say, especially to the new members, that we attempt to look at what goes on really from three points of view.

We see the role of the official opposition as one of scru tinizing legislation and action; secondly, of talking about positive alternatives; and thirdly, of playing par liamentary and legislative ombudsman for the people of this province. You will not find us patting the government on the back on very many occasions. When I look around the Assembly, I come to the conclusion that this government will not be short of people to pat it on the back. So that isn't one of the major responsibilities that we in opposition feel we need spend a great deal of time upon.

The criteria we attempt to use in assessing legisla tion and government action are really based on four principles. First of all, as a group, my colleagues and I are committed to the individual initiative system. We feel that people should be rewarded for their efforts. Secondly, we're strongly committed to the competitive private enterprise approach. We see the role of gov ernment to establish an economic climate, to set the rules for business to function by and, yes, to be the referee but, I want to emphasize, not to be playing the game of business.

That's why, especially to the new members, you will find us on many occasions being extremely critical of the government and Pacific West ern Airlines, and why you'll find us on several occa sions being very critical of the government from the standpoint of the Alberta Energy Company. We would see the 50 per cent shares of the Energy Company which the government owns being sold directly to the people of the province of Alberta.

The third principle or guideline we use is that we have a strong social conscience which finds its roots primarily in the area of health care for Albertans and a very broad concern in the field of education. Fourthly, a commitment to open, limited, and responsible gov ernment, open from the standpoint that we believe this government is making a serious mistake in the ca binet's isolating itself from meeting provincial or ganizations and groups like the Alberta Chamber of Commerce, Unifarm, Alberta Medical Association, the Alberta nurses' association.

We also feel that, from the standpoint of responsibili ty, and I say this to the new cabinet ministers — and I should congratulate the new ministers; I wish you good luck in your endeavors, because the buck- passing stops at the minister's desk. Mr. Minister and Ms. Minister, I say this to you: it's great to go out and snip ribbons and do those kinds of things. But if you're a good enough minister to snip the ribbons, then you should be a good enough minister to take the responsibility for what goes wrong in your department.

We in the official opposition in this Assembly will do all we possibly can to hold you to the concept that if you as politicians, as ministers, are going to take the credit for all the fine things you do and open new buildings — and that's fair ball, that's part of the job — at the same time, if you're responsible for those things, in our judgment you're responsible for those things that go wrong too. We will do everything we possibly can to hold you accountable and responsible for those things in the departments which are now your responsibility. Mr.

Speaker, from the standpoint of open, limited, and responsible government — the "limited" part sim ply means this: basically we trust local governments. We think we should move in the direction of a great deal more decentralization of decision-making in this province. That's why we've talked for some time about revenue sharing, and I'll have more to say about that this afternoon. I'll make one last comment to all members as far as the Assembly is concerned, as we start this new session. There are only four of us in the official opposition.

In fact, parties represented in this Assembly and those that are not picked up some 43 per cent of the vote in the last provincial election. I just remind you of the rather sobering fact that if your own federal party had picked up 43 per cent of the vote in Canada, you wouldn't have a minority national government today. It might be well for all of us to keep this in mind when we're looking at the various roles involved. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to move on to the second portion of my comments, and it is very brief.

It deals with what I believe to be one of the most difficult problems any government has to face: the question of establishing priorities. Very, very quickly I want to use three examples of where right at this time I think this government is just miles off base when it comes to priorities. Not long ago, within the last three weeks, the Minister of Housing and Public Works announced $14 million to be spent this year for refurbishing the grounds around the Legislature Building, building tunnels over to the Administration Building and the Natural Resources Building.

I've been around here a few years, and I don't know of anyone who's really had difficulty getting from one building to the other in the course of the winter or the summer. The $14 million is the first phase of a refurbishing of the grounds around the Legislature Building. But at the very same time I pick up the paper and see the Univer sity of Lethbridge having very, very serious financial responsibilities. We have quotas on the faculties of

34 ALBERTA HANSARD May 28, 1979 engineering, business administration, forestry, and agriculture at our universities. Somehow, in the way this government establishes priorities, we've got $14 million this year to refurbish the Legislature grounds and start a massive program for at least two, three, or four years, or more at that rate, yet we haven't got enough money to guarantee the long-term future of the University of Lethbridge, and we haven't got enough money to take off the quotas on agriculture, forestry, engineering, and business administration at our universities.

Some of you are fairly recent graduates from those faculties. You know very well that we're bringing engineers from across Canada to Alberta. We're bringing in people with university training in the field of business administration. Yet you sit in your places and have us go through this exercise of $14 million capital works. It's fine to have good grounds around the Legislature Building. But they're really not bad now by my standards. In fact, they're pretty good. Then complicate the matter just a little further.

As the Member for Highwood knows, not long ago the High River hospital board got a letter from the government, from the new minister. His department tells them to cut $1 million out of the new hospital at High River. That hospital has been delayed, frozen, put on holding patterns, and every other kind of manoeuvre possible. The Member for Ponoka knows very well that a hospital was to go in there. The Member for Grande Prairie should know — I'm sure he does — the situation of the Grande Prairie hospital.

I can go down a whole variety of constituencies: the Member for Drayton Valley knows, the Member for Wainwright knows what progress he made on nurs ing homes. In Edmonton there was a real shortage of auxiliary hospital beds. It seems we don't have money for these things. But we've got $14 million to start phase one of refurbishing the Legislature grounds. That doesn't add up, hon. members. That doesn't add up at all. I'm sure that some hon. members are sitting there saying, but it says in the Speech from the Throne that we're going to have a record year as far as hospital construction is concerned.

For the benefit of the new members: if you will just go back and read the 1976 budget, which was presented by the present Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, it says we're going to spend $50 million a year on rural hospital construction each year. Go back and check. We never spent that $50 million one year, let alone the years '76, '77, and '78.

When you talk about priorities, whether you repre sent an urban riding or a rural riding, I would urge hon. members to think seriously about places in educa tional institutions, hospitals, auxiliary hospital beds, and nursing home beds as opposed to this $14 million venture refurbishing the Legislature grounds that you appear to be getting yourselves into. Frankly, I think our priorities — your priorities in this case — are totally wrong, totally wrong. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to move into the third portion of my remarks, and that deals with five items in the Speech from the Throne.

Rather than touch on a wide-ranging number of departments, there are five areas I want to touch upon. First is the question of the public right to know; second is question of education, especially for the handicapped; third is the area of municipal finance; fourth is the question of ethics in government — and I notice the Premier isn't here — and fifth, the question of economic development. I want to suggest to all hon. members of the Assembly that, in my judgment, this government has a problem with long-term thinking. Mr.

Speaker, this basically is a piecemeal Speech from the Throne, as I see it, that is long on conservatism and not very progressive. Let's look at these five areas. For the past five years my colleague Dr. Buck, the member from Fort Sas katchewan, has introduced legislation regarding the public right to know. On every occasion the argu ments from the government side of the House have been the same: we're an open and responsible govern ment, and we don't need any kind of public right-to- know or public information legislation.

I remind members of the report of the Environment Council of Alberta that somehow never got to the public until the election campaign was over, even though it was in the minister's office before. I remind members of no adver tising for positions that recycled ministers are now picking up. Third, I remind members of the difficulty we've all had in finding out the salaries of the presi dent of the Alberta Energy Company. And we could go on. But it's now very clear, Mr. Speaker, that Mr. Bald win, the MP for Peace River, will have little difficulty getting his bill moved through Parliament with some haste.

In fact, in the course of his campaigning across the country, the Prime Minister-elect indicated that right-to-information legislation would be high priority. If the federal Conservative government can pass such a bill, recognizing its importance, I see no reason why a provincial Conservative government shouldn't be able to take that view. My colleague Dr.

Buck will be introducing this legislation again in the course of this session, and we'll continue to challenge this government to make good what it says about being open and responsible, open and responsive, giving more than lip service to the proposition that the public has the right to know about the background information which goes into making of public policy, the method in which this government has proved itself, to date, not accessible. It seems to me, Mr. Speaker, that what this Speech from the Throne should have done was set the tone for the next four or five years.

In setting the tone, what more appropriate thing could the government have done than say, look, in the life of this Legislature we're going to commit ourselves to public right-to-know legislation. That would have been very progressive. Alberta would have been in the position of leadership across Canada. With 74 members in the Assembly, I don't think you'd have that much difficulty fighting off the four in the official opposition. There was an opportunity for this government to really give some progressive leadership to the rest of Canada. They chose not to do that. The second area, Mr. Speaker, is education.

I think one could fairly say that this government has really favored a policy of expansion and continuation of ex isting programs, over improvement and innovation. The learning disabilities fund, which is to be ex panded, the educational opportunity fund, the small school jurisdictions grant program, and the heritage learning resources project are good projects, Mr. Speaker. We're pleased to see that they're being ex panded. One wouldn't criticize those projects basically. They're well received. Taken together, however, they

May 28, 1979 ALBERTA HANSARD 35 demonstrate one of the major limitations of, the gov ernment: its inability to plan for the future, to antici pate changing needs, to create bold new initiatives. In a world increasingly jarred by social and technologi cal change, it seems to me that the Alberta govern ment's position as far as education is basically to maintain the status quo. Surprisingly, though, the government exhibited some limited ability in coping with the future. It's done some reasonable things, started to make a move in the direction of the handicapped.

But I would remind hon. members of what was said in the Assembly last Friday, what took place on the front steps of the Legislature Building last Friday, the commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child. On the surface it was very moving. But when one recalls that the real nut or the heart of that declaration is the right of every child, regardless of his handicap, to appropriately public-funded education, that right is still not guaranteed in Alberta. Gestures such as we had last Friday really don't do anything for the problems of those young people.

I am pleased that there are going to be some improvements as far as the School for the Deaf is concerned. I welcome in the Speech from the Throne, Mr. Minister, the initial steps to be taken in planning a facility for multi-handicapped deaf and blind chil dren. I would point out, though, that parents of chil dren attending the School for the Deaf have been peti tioning this government for at least nine years. I would point out, too, that there is some urgency, Mr. Minister . . . [interjection] Did I say nine when I should have said eight years? They petitioned the former minister for one year.

I should point out to hon. members that steps were being taken to move in 1971 also. But that's another story. Let me say to the minister, though, that there is a great deal of urgency. A number of these multihandi- capped young people have been able to go to educa tional institutions outside the province. That oppor tunity is being withdrawn very shortly, Mr. Minister, and there is real urgency that you and your department move on that area very, very quickly. Most important though, Mr. Speaker, I would point out that the above projects are really isolated and don't point to an overall educational philosophy.

As one of my colleagues in the Assembly used to say, it's really a matter of legislation and governing by planning rather than governing by some long-term objectives. I submit, Mr. Speaker, that the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child is pretty hollow in Alberta until we bring in legislation that's going to guarantee the right of our young people, regardless of their handicaps, to an educational opportunity. In my judgment the Speech from the Throne that came down this year would have been an outstanding opportunity to guarantee that right for young Albertans.

By doing that, I think the government could have been very progressive. It chose to back off, to move away. It became extremely conservative. That's the second area where I think we've seen an example of this government becoming very, very conservative when it had the opportunity to be very progressive.

During the very week when we were having the celebrations recognizing the twentieth anniversary on the front steps of the Legislature Building, what better oppor tunity was there to guarantee that right, not only for young Albertans but for their parents and their fami lies also, than the day before, in the Speech from the Throne. Regrettable. Mr. Speaker, the third area I want to touch upon, deal ing with opportunities missed, where the government became very conservative rather than progressive, is municipal affairs.

I'm pleased to see that the present Minister of Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs is with us this afternoon. I'd be remiss if I didn't compliment the government on its decision to act on a program that my colleagues and I advocated over a year ago. That program involves the dedication of $1 billion to be used for debt reduction by Alberta municipalities. I'm not sure a bit of history will be interesting to the members, but I think it will be worth while. Perhaps it would be useful.

On March 20, 1978, when I moved the reply to the budget during the budget debate, I proposed that we take $1 billion of Alberta surpluses — that's in addition to the heritage fund — and make that money available to Alberta municipalities so that they could reduce their debt load. On that occasion I pointed out that their debt load was the highest in Canada, some $4 billion. I should point out to hon. members that that was not received very enthusiastical ly by the Minister of Municipal Affairs at that time, the hon. Mr. Johnston.

In fact, having called the proposal irresponsible, the minister is quoted as saying: "there would be no way of equitably applying such a lump sum payment," because "some municipalities have kept tighter reins on their debt than others." He also stated that such a move would encourage municipalities to be somewhat loose with their capital funding. He said that a write-off of municipal debt by the province would benefit the property owner more than the renter, and would not benefit senior citizens. On that occasion, the March 21 Edmonton Journal said: During debate Monday on the budget, Mr.

Clark said the money could be used to reduce municipal debt. He said the debt of Alberta's municipalities is $4 billion — the highest in Canada. As I indicated earlier, my colleagues and I advocated that municipalities receive $1 billion to reorganize their local debts in the province. Now it's safe to say that the then Minister of Munici pal Affairs used almost every negative argument he could think of at the time to downplay the idea pro posed by ourselves. However, less than a year later something happened. Some event came along.

It was then that the Premier made his announcement that all of a sudden this idea of $1 billion to help reorganize municipal debt in Alberta wasn't so bad after all. Suddenly the Premier felt something had to be done, that some attention had to be paid to the critical problem of municipal finance. And suddenly he leng thened the purse strings on the budget, shortened the wheelbase of the Minister for Municipal Affairs, and made it possible for Alberta municipalities to be the beneficiaries of $1 billion over a period of some time. Now I commend the government for doing this. I think it's a very fine idea.

We are pleased you borrowed the idea from us, but suffice for me to say that a year and a few months ago this government couldn't pos sibly consider the idea of debt reorganization, taking a [billion] dollars to Alberta's municipalities and help

36 ALBERTA HANSARD May 28, 1979 ing them that way. If you've changed your mind in one year, we think there's a possibility you might see the light again and be able to go the route of revenue sharing this time. Then, Mr. Premier, it wouldn't be a matter of your having to do this every four years. Now this scheme you've developed — doing it once every four years — about 1983 would be the next time around. That may have some political benefit for you at that time. But, Mr. Premier, it would far better for you to be able to go across the province very safely during the three years between now and then.

If you would simply see the wisdom this year of revenue sharing with our municipalities, both income tax and resourcewise, Alberta's municipalities would not be liv ing in a hand-to-mouth kind of situation. As good as the $1 billion is, in four years we are going to have to do the same kind of thing all over again. So, Mr. Speaker, here is a third area where I believe this government missed the opportunity to be pro gressive.

It missed the opportunity to take the sug gestion made by Alberta municipal organizations, to take our advice once again, and has not chosen to go the route of revenue sharing at this time. I think that's regrettable, Mr. Speaker, but it's a third opportunity. Fourthly I want to deal with a question of ethics in government. Here is another area, Mr. Speaker, where this government could have used the Speech from the Throne to set the tone for the next four years, and it failed miserably.

During the past several months Al bertans have witnessed a series of abuses of power unmatched in our history: the acceptance of free air plane flights by the Premier; the introduction of legis lation by a minister to be directly affected by such legislation — yes, that legislation was withdrawn; the involvement of board members of Crown corporations in party fund raising ventures; the appointment of retired ministers to high-paying positions for which no competition was allowed. Mr. Speaker, it's said that to err is human; to forgive, divine.

If that's the case, we have a very human government but not a very divine opposition. In our view the most shameful aspect of the government's recent history with regard to ethics is the way they flaunt the question. Anyone can err; all of us have. I'm sure all of us have erred on ethical matters on occasion. But people and governments should be big enough to be able to say, we've been wrong, to apologize, to say they'd do better next time. They should be able to learn from their experiences, from the public reaction, to admit that they've made mistakes.

This government, and I say this regretfully, especially the Premier, refuses to do this. That's why we've intro duced a conflict of interest Act; that's why we'll con tinue to criticize this government on this issue. I was shocked last Friday to hear the Premier's ra tionalization of what I still call freeloading at public expense. I asked the Premier at that time to apologize and admit that his action was wrong in principle. I won't take issue with the Premier's refusal to apolo gize; I know some people find it very difficult to be humble.

I am concerned at the Premier's refusal to address the question of moral principle. The Premier says he presented the question to the people of Alberta last March. Yes, the Conservatives did receive a vote of confidence in that election; they were generally well supported across the province. That's not the same as specific support on a very particular issue of behavior. To take such an inference would be logically invalid and I think not playing square with the public at all. Indeed, Mr.

Speaker, in my judgment it is wrong to attempt to justify any behavior after the fact by such a questionable reference to public opinion. Unwritten codes of ethics are fine if they're followed. We've seen several examples recently in this province where an unwritten code of ethics has not stood this government nor the people of Alberta in good stead. For that reason there's a need for a written code of ethics similar to what is used for the public service. We can't have one law for the public service and another standard for the elected officials. That simply will not wash. Once again, Mr.

Speaker, there was an area in the Speech from the Throne where this government could have been progressive. It could have come forward itself with a code of conduct, not only for cabinet ministers and retired cabinet ministers but for MLAs. But it chose not to and then hides behind the election results. In addition to just not being prepared to accept that, I find that does nothing at all to enhance the reputation of any member of the Legislative As sembly, wherever he sits. Mr. Speaker, the fifth area I think the government missed an opportunity to be very progressive in is the area of economic development.

I note that the Deputy Premier is now the Minister of Economic Development, and I look forward to hearing of and watching his free-style efforts in that area. Whatever one may think of the Deputy Premier, one can't take any marks away from him for trying. But the area, I believe, where the government missed the opportunity is in not taking advantage of one of the greatest assets we have right now. The greatest asset we have, of course, in addition to our people, is that Heritage Savings Trust Fund.

We're asked in this Speech from the Throne to prepare ourselves to approve the next 30 per cent of our resource revenue to go into the fund. The Speech from the Throne would have been a very reasonable place for the government to spell out in a progressive manner what it sees happening with the Heritage Savings Trust Fund, its major investments for the time ahead. No effort like that is made at all in the course of this speech. So in review, Mr. Speaker, I simply say this: I believe this Speech from the Throne had the opportunity to set the tone of this Legislative Assembly for the next four years.

I think there are at least five areas, and I know my colleagues Mr. Mandeville, Dr. Buck, and Mr. R. Speaker will seize opportunities in the course of the next few weeks to explain some of the areas they feel they wished the speech had been more progressive in. Certainly there are five areas I feel this speech failed miserably in, became very conservative as opposed to very progressive. Those five areas are: first, quick passage of right-to- know legislation; second, guaranteeing the right to education of all Alberta children. If any jurisdiction in North America can afford to do that, we can.

Third, revenue sharing to our municipalities, a portion of income tax and resource revenues; fourth, a code of conduct, not only for the cabinet, but for retired cabinet ministers, for MLAs, and heads of Crown corporations; and fifth, a statement of positive intention for use of the Heritage Savings Trust Fund. Those are five areas in our judgment, Mr. Speaker, that the Speech from the Throne missed the opportunity to give progressive

May 28, 1979 ALBERTA HANSARD 37 leadership to the people of this province as we start this session of this Legislative Assembly. MR. PAYNE: Mr. Speaker, as I rise in this Assembly for the first time, I must confess the newness of the ex perience and the weight of the responsibility are somewhat intimidating. Nevertheless I welcome the opportunity, sir, to comment on the Speech from the Throne, particularly as it relates to the expectations and concerns of the constituents of Calgary Fish Creek. Mr.

Speaker, I trust that it's appropriate for me to preface my remarks with an expression of gratitude, on behalf of my constituents, for the very human qualities His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor has brought to the discharge of his responsibilities as the Queen's representative here in Alberta. For the kind of Lieutenant-Governor that he has been, we are deeply appreciative. And for the experiences that await him following the conclusion of his royal duties, we indeed wish him well. Mr.

Speaker, I would like also to take this opportuni ty to compliment my colleagues from the constituen cies of Three Hills and Calgary Forest Lawn on their recent speeches in moving and seconding the Speech from the Throne. Their deliveries were eloquent, en gaging, thought provoking, and humane. Certain ly they have set a high standard. If their speeches on Friday last are any indication of the newcomers to this Assembly, that should augur well for the calibre of the deliberations and judgments of this House in the years ahead. Mr. Speaker, when the late Mr.

Harris of Salisbury made his first speech in the British House of Commons, Charles Townsend asked with affected surprise, who he was. He had never seen him before. Came the reply, ah, you must at least have heard of him. That's the celebrated Mr. Harris of Salisbury, who has written a very ingenious book on grammar and another on virtue. Came the retort, what the devil then brings him here? I'm sure he'll find neither the one nor the other in the House of Commons. Well, Mr. Speaker, if Mr.

Townsend were in the galleries today, I would hasten to assure him that both qualities are abundantly manifested in both the new and seasoned members of this Assembly. Mr. Speaker, I must confess my surprise, if not my amusement, that the debate on the throne speech today would begin with paternalistic counsel for new mem bers and even new ministers.

Although this counsel possibly was well motivated, I must say as a newcomer to the Legislature that the past leadership and legisla tive service of so many government ministers and government members provides me with all the prece dents I may need as I formulate my own Legislature style and attitudes. It's of course understandable, Mr. Speaker, that each Member of the Legislative Assembly feels that his con stituency is unique and significant and that he is honored to represent the people who reside in his con stituency. That's certainly so in my case, Mr. Speaker.

As the recent provincial election campaign progressed and I met more and more of the Albertans who reside in the communities of Woodlands, Canyon Meadows, Lake Bonavista, Lake Bonaventure, Bonavista Downs, Queensland, Deer Run, Deer Ridge, Parkland, and Midnapore, I came to realize what a particular privi lege it is to serve in the Legislative Assembly. Many of these were comparatively new to Alberta, having been attracted to the province's vibrant economy and promising future. Many others were long-time Alber tans, equally optimistic and confident about Alberta's tomorrows.

Located along the southern border of the city of Calgary, Calgary Fish Creek is a new constituency created through the process of redistribution. Calgary Fish Creek is a constituency characterized by strong families, attractive homes, and a good life style. Every home either overlooks or is within walking distance of our magnificent Fish Creek Provincial Park. By and large the people of the constituency are enthusiastic, committed, concerned, and aware. Involvement in community programs is unusually high, and a high youth density and a great number of young couples add to the prevailing dynamic atmosphere. Mr.

Speaker, their interest in government is well illustrated by the fact that on March 14, the day of the provincial election, better than two-thirds of the eligi ble voters came out to the polls. Their support for this government's policies — and might I add parenthetic ally, for this government's ethics — is amply demon strated by the fact that 9,000 votes, 76 per cent of those cast, were for this government. The constituency comprises communities that were previously in the southern portions of the constituen cies of Calgary Egmont and Calgary Glenmore. Need I add, Mr.

Speaker, that the constituents there had long been accustomed to strong and dedicated repre sentation in this Assembly, a precedent of which I am acutely aware. The general area, Mr. Speaker, is rich in historical significance. The area's first inhabitants were Black- foot Indians, who made the Fish Creek valley their base and camping area. From here they travelled to their buffalo hunting grounds. Just west of the Parkland community, on the opposite escarpment of the Fish Creek valley, are the remnants of a much-used buffalo jump.

This site, along with 31 other archaeological sites, is being preserved by this government. The first white men in the area included the ex plorers David Thompson and Captain Palliser. The first settler, John Glenn, and his family arrived in 1875, when he cleared nine acres in Fish Creek valley. He expanded his acreage over the next few years until 1879, when he sold his holdings to the federal gov ernment to be used as Indian supply camp No. 24. The sale price was $350, a cow, and a calf.

The federal government phased out this program over the next few years and, in 1892, William Roper Hull purchased the property. In 1902, Patrick Burns purchased the property and eventually expanded his holdings, that became known as the Bow Valley Ranch, to 20,000 acres, extending from two miles south of Midnapore clear up to the Stampede grounds. His ranch headquarters, just west of Parkland commu nity, became the showplace of Calgary. Senator Burns used this facility to entertain many of the dignitaries coming to Calgary. These included royalty and many heads of state.

Just down the hill to the east of the Parkland community, running parallel to the road known as the Bow Bottom Trail, which originally provided access to the ranch house, is an abandoned railroad bed. This railroad bed was built and ties purchased early in the century by Senator Burns in anticipation of building a railroad to the Burns coal mines near the headwaters of Sheep River, 35 miles west of Turner Valley. It never

38 ALBERTA HANSARD May 28, 1979 reached fruition. In 1973, 2,800 acres of Fish Creek valley and the Bow River valley were acquired by this government to be preserved as a provincial park, a truly magnificent recreational area that shares the name of this new but great constituency. As one who was raised in a house of silence by deaf-mute parents, Mr.

Speaker, I was greatly en couraged, as were many in my constituency and un doubtedly throughout Alberta, by the emphasis given in the Speech from the Throne to our physically and mentally handicapped Albertans: expansion of the learning disabilities fund, a new program unit to enhance the assistance available for dependent handi capped and multihandicapped children, the commit ment to introduce the Alberta assured income plan for the handicapped, the commitment to establish the aids to daily living program, new programs for daytime development opportunities for mentally retarded and handicapped children, and the list goes on.

I sug gest, Mr. Speaker, that all these programs clearly sus tain Alberta's leadership in the provision of services for the handicapped. As well, they are a stirring refuta tion of partisan and highly suspect suggestions that people programs don't get a high priority with this government. I was encouraged also, Mr. Speaker, by the indica tion given in the Speech from the Throne that during 1979 a number of the specific features of the heritage learning resources project will become available in Alberta schools.

As the members of this Assembly are undoubtedly aware, many Albertans have had a long standing concern for the inadequacy of Canadian con tent in our educational materials. With the availability of the works of Albertan and Canadian writers, and audio-visual materials in Canadian history and geo graphy, Alberta students will be in a significantly better position to know, to understand, and certainly to revere our great nation. In my constituency, Mr. Speaker, are many represent atives of the Alberta business community.

I am confi dent they were heartened by the commitment given in the Speech from the Throne to continued support of the policy to use the private sector wherever appropri ate. I'm advised by senior departmental officials that the tendering to the private sector of computer systems development work and multicolor printing has been a most successful endeavor. I think we do a great disser vice to private industry when we develop within gov ernment capabilities that merely duplicate capabilities which already exist in the private sector and which are inevitably more efficient and more competently managed.

The suburban constituency of Calgary Fish Creek, Mr. Speaker, has one of the most rapid new housing development rates in Canada. Homes are frequently sold before they are completed. Homes on the resale market are usually sold in a matter of days or weeks, rarely in a matter of months. In such a dynamic housing market it's not surprising that prices con tinue to escalate, making it increasingly difficult for apartment and town house renters to purchase a home of their own.

These constituents have been given new hope by the priority given in the Speech from the Throne to the need for new housing, and the indica tion that substantial funds will be requested from the Assembly to support important new initiatives under the Alberta family home purchase program and other key programs. On their behalf, Mr. Speaker, I express gratitude and urge my colleagues in this Assembly to support these funding requests when they are made. A Bill to create a new government department, Mr. Speaker, the Department of Economic Development, will be presented to the Legislature during this ses sion.

I suggest that creation of this department illus trates that this is a government not of opportunities missed, as has been suggested today, but of opportuni ties seized. I noted with interest the three primary objectives of the new department: one, strengthening our base industries of agriculture and energy; two, balanced economic growth throughout the province; and, three, diversification of the Alberta economy. The latter I regard as a highly important but admittedly difficult objective.

In recent months a number of my constituents have expressed their misgivings over what they perceive as an undue reliance on our energy resources. I recog nize, Mr. Speaker, that the risk of overheating our economy and our distance from markets are but two of many limiting factors in this aspect of the govern ment's economic strategy. Despite these limiting fac tors, however, the challenging goal of diversification holds so many potential benefits for the people of Alberta, that it is a goal that merits every effort the new department can make toward its realization.

These benefits include broadened employment base, addition al skill requirements, new research and development opportunities and, of course, new revenue sources. I am somewhat dismayed, Mr. Speaker, by the in creasing tendency within Alberta and elsewhere to at tribute Alberta's strong economy solely to our hydro carbon resources. Oil and gas revenues, to be sure, play a dominant role in Alberta's economy. But that simplistic conclusion obscures the fundamental ex ploration and development skills of our petroleum industry, and the enlightened legislative and regula tory leadership shown by this government.

That simp listic conclusion also obscures an even greater and more profound factor: the initiative, the ambitions, and the energies of the people of Alberta. They constitute a remarkable resource that has contributed much to Alberta's past achievements and current prosperity, and most assuredly will contribute to Alberta's future pro minence in Confederation. While on the subject of our people, Mr.

Speaker, I was intrigued by your remarks on the steps of the Legislature last week to a group of very young Alber ta people during ceremonies commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Declara tion of the Rights of the Child. As I have reflected on your remarks, sir, and on the children-related pro grams outlined in the Speech from the Throne, I've asked myself: what can I, what can we as legislators, bequeath to our province's children over and above government programs? Might I suggest, Mr.

Speaker, that as legislators, as lawmakers, we commit ourselves to new standards of parliamentary excellence. Might I also suggest that we commit ourselves to legislation that will significantly enhance the rights as well as the opportunities for our children and for generations of Albertans yet unborn. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. MR. ISLEY: Mr. Speaker, as the fourth rookie to partic ipate in the throne speech debate, I'm not sure I can attain the high standards set by the hon. members for

May 28, 1979 ALBERTA HANSARD 39 Three Hills, Calgary Forest Lawn, and Calgary Fish Creek, but I will do my best to improve as time goes on. At this point in time I would like to share with the Assembly a brief description of the constituency of Bonnyville, which I represent, and to share some of the concerns held by residents of that constituency. My constituency covers in excess of 4,000 square miles of northeastern Alberta, encompassing a large portion of the heavy oil sands.

Until recently the con stituency could probably have been fairly described as a quiet, rural area with an agriculturally orientated base. Located in the Bonnyville constituency are three major towns — Cold Lake, Grand Centre, and Bonnyville; the village of Glendon; a number of hamlets; two Indian reserves, Kehiwin and Cold Lake; and the Elizabeth Metis colony. Being located in the lakeland country, the agricultural economy of this area has been supp lemented by the tourism industry which, by the way, is in a very preliminary development stage.

The other major contributor to employment to this point in time has been the Canadian Forces Base, Cold Lake, which is in the east end of the constituency. Mr. Speaker, as the hon. members of this Assembly are no doubt aware, the importance of our constituency to the Alberta and Canadian economy has increased dramatically with the application of Esso Resources for the construction of their major heavy oil plant.

Add to this the numerous other oil companies that have pilot projects in the area and which could feasibly be con- structing commercial projects in the not-too-distant future, and you suddenly realize we have become a potential boom area. In this regard I and, I believe, the majority of the residents of the Bonnyville constitu ency were very pleased to hear the announcement that the former Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Don Getty, was retained to assist the Hon. Merv Leitch in the transition period, because a smooth flow of the plans with relation to energy resources is impor tant to our area.

Although the majority of the residents of the con stituency are progressive minded and hence supportive of the heavy oil industry, they also have some very deep and justifiable concerns. These concerns could proba bly be summarized as follows: number one, environ mental. We must strike a balance which makes devel opment of the energy resources economically feasible and yet retains the beauty of the lakeland region. Emphasis must be placed on proper reclamation of land disrupted by the heavy oil industry for both agricultural and non-agricultural purposes.

Concern must be given to the private landowner who is going to have his rights infringed on with the widening of highways, pipelines, and power lines. A second major concern of residents in the area is the protection and development of existing industries, and I refer to the three industries of agriculture, tourism, and Canadian Forces Base, Cold Lake. The third concern is to ensure local participation in the development of the area, job opportunities for local people, including native people, and involvement of the local people in the planning process.

A fourth major area of concern to residents in north eastern Alberta is social impact. What will be the impact of a boom area on the life style of the communi ties? Will schools become overcrowded and hence the quality of education in the area deteriorate? Can we keep pace with the increased demands for hospital serv ices, social services, police protection, et cetera? Mr. Speaker, over the years governments have prob ably earned the reputation of being reactors as opposed to actors. I think we're now in a situation where we can reverse that conception.

This means that all de partments of our provincial government must be pre pared to play some real leadership in conjunction with the local governments in making the growth of the Cold Lake area a positive success story. From my reading of local constituents, I would suggest the following as areas of immediate atten tion: number one, housing will be the first basic re quirement of people as they flow into the area. In order to ensure these needs are met, we must assist municipalities with front-end financing to get their municipal infrastructure in place.

Water and sewage systems currently under review must be expanded in the near future. There must be a smooth, efficient flow of land through the annexation process, the planning process, and the development process, so that we do not end up with a shortage of serviced land and hence an increase in housing prices. I have a high degree of faith in the free-enterprise system, and I would urge that we in government set the stage so that the private developer and the private contractor can satisfy the housing needs.

Hospital services in the Bonnyville constituency are at present inadequate to serve the current needs, and planning must be done in the near future to update things so that we're ready when the boom arrives. Local hospital boards are currently agitating to get on with the planning process, and I would hope that we will be prepared to sit down and work with them. A third area is education and job training. I think both Alberta Education, and Advanced Education and Manpower are faced with the challenge of developing educational services in advance of population needs.

Advanced Education has already taken some positive steps in the area through their manpower training workshop and through the planning carried on by Lakeland College. The Hon. Dave King has spent two days in the area, assessing the K-to-12 situation. I believe he was very well received. I think he has an excellent grasp of the many problems the area is facing. I think I would go one step further and suggest that if he can solve all the education problems in our constituency, he'll have a handle on all the educational problems in the province.

We are faced with the problem of seven different school jurisdictions involved in the delivery. We have the basic differences and aspirations as a result of religious differences, linguistic differences, problems as far as sharing of taxation when you get that many jurisdictions. I think Mr. King has a handle on it, and we're looking for some very good things.

Recreation: as I previously mentioned, the area has a tremendous tourism potential, and we must become more active now in developing parks and related recre ation facilities to handle the local population, the cur rent tourist population, and the anticipated incoming population. Within our constituency we have a num ber of very attractive lakes, which have a tremendous potential. Cold Lake, which I'm sure many people here are aware of, is undoubtedly one of the most attractive lakes in Alberta.

A provincial park has been designated for this lake; the slowness of progress on the park is causing concern with many people there. I would hope that Alberta Recreation and Parks would hasten forward with completion of it. In the field of

40 ALBERTA HANSARD May 28, 1979 recreation, I think we should also be giving some consideration to helping communities get capital rec reation facility infrastructure in place before we get large numbers of people coming in. The fifth area, protection and development of exist ing industries: I have strong concerns — and I think we see some of this happening in the local area — that we don't become so involved in developing the energy industry that we forget the basic industries of agricul ture and tourism.

Neither of these industries have yet been developed to their potential, and I think we must find ways of encouraging this to happen. The sub stantial increase in the area's population will put addi tional demands on our food industry, and I wonder if it's not possible for us to find ways of developing programs that would encourage local production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products. In closing, Mr. Speaker, may I reiterate that we have an opportunity to become actors as opposed to reactors in the development of a boom area.

I hope we're prepared to pick up the challenge and make the devel opment of the Cold Lake area a positive success story. MR. STEVENS: Mr. Speaker, members of this Assem bly, I welcome this opportunity to take

part in this Speech from the Throne debate in the 19th Legislature of this province of Alberta. It was indeed a special privilege for me to hear the Lieutenant-Governor read the Speech from the Throne. He has a special place in my constituency. It's de scribed in this book, Big Hill Country, and I'm indebt ed to Margaret and Harvey Buckley, who have given me this publication. This was produced by the Co chrane and Area Historical Society in 1977, and [there is] a great deal of work and love by many people in this publication, including Marjorie Spicer, who had made this all possible.

Ralph Steinhauer, who began his term on July 1, 1974, was born on the Morley Reserve in Banff-Cochrane on June 8, 1905, the same year Alberta became a province. May the Great Spirit be with the Steinhauers always. As I look around this Assembly, I am very conscious of the strengths and qualities of the members elected by their constituents to represent them. In my own constituency, Banff-Cochrane, I've had the privilege of knowing three of its previous members. The first is Frank "Pop" Gainer. He was elected in 1955 as one of the three coalition members of this Legislature.

He came to Cochrane in 1912, the youngest CPR station operator in Alberta, and he served that area until 1945, 34 years, when he went to Lethbridge for two years, and then back to Banff until his retirement in 1955. He served this Assembly and the people of Banff-Cochrane for three terms until 1967. The second member I would like to note is Mr. Fred Kidd, my immediate predecessor. Fred served this As sembly from 1975 until 1979. His father, Stuart Kidd, came to this province in 1903. He homesteaded about seven miles north of Calgary up the Simons Valley Road.

In 1907 he moved to Morley to operate a store and became the agent. He was the first white honorary chief of the Stoney tribe. Mount Kidd, on the Kananas kis Road, south of Morley, is named after Fred's father Stuart. Fred and his wife Helen live in the Cochrane district, and he gave me his time, guidance, and advice during the campaign. I'm sure that members will join me in acknowledging his service to this Assem bly. [applause] The third member from my constituency whom I have had the privilege to know is Clarence Copi thorne. Clarence was first elected to this Assembly in 1967 as an Independent MLA.

In 1970 he joined the Progressive Conservative party. He was re-elected in 1971 and became the Minister of Highways and Transport. I could list his contributions, humor, strengths, and warmths, but instead I would like to read a letter to the editor of The Calgary Herald of May 26 from a Mr. G. Elson of Cochrane. This letter refers to the dedication which marked the opening of the Cochrane Ranche historic site on May 21 and the unveiling of the statue by Malcolm MacKenzie, Men of Vision. You'll recall that occasion well, Mr.

Premier, my colleague the Minister responsible for Culture, and those other MLAs, both present and past, who were there last Monday together with over 2,000 people last Monday. The letter reads: On May 21st I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the Cochrane Ranch Historic Site. The occasion was very well planned with a tribute to the various groups: fur traders, missionaries, Indians, ranchers, ranchers' wives and surveyors, who through pure grit and determination helped to put this country on a firm foundation for the generations . . . to follow.

Although this cere mony was a tribute it was . . . a reminder to us that there is value to be had in preserving at least a little of our heritage. One man who believed in the importance of preserving our heritage was present at the open ing ceremonies although he was unable to take his place of honor at the podium. The determina tion of this man, Clarence Copithorne, who was instrumental in establishing this historic site was evident just in his appearance.

Many of us present were touched by Copithor ne's supreme effort, not the least of which was Premier Lougheed who at one point faltered when describing Copithorne's involvement in establish ing this . . . site. Although this ceremony was an official open ing of an historic site and a tribute to our forefa thers, it was also a tribute to the man who made it . . . possible, for us and for our children. G. Elson, Cochrane Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to follow these men — Mr. Fred Kidd, Mr. Clarence Copithorne, Pop Gainer, and those before — and I am grateful to the people of Banff-Cochrane for this privilege.

My constituency stretches from within the city of Calgary, the northwest corner, right to the Alberta- B.C. border. It lies between the constituencies of Rocky Mountain House, Olds-Didsbury, Three Hills, Drum heller, Highwood, and the Calgary constituencies of North West, Bow, West, Glenmore, and Fish Creek. There are nearly 14,000 voters. Less than half of them live in three urban communities: Banff, Canmore, and Cochrane. The remainder live in such communities — and I was thinking of words like bubbling and babbl ing, words that make a lot of sense to us as we hear them.

Listen to these community names: Lake Louise, Harvie Heights, Exshaw, Seebe, Pigeon Mountain, Lac des Arcs, Morley, Bearspaw, Springbank, Re dwood Meadows, Bragg Creek, Priddis, Red Deer Lake, Ghost Lake, Waiparous, Greenwood Village, and Jumping Pound. Or they live on ranches, farms,

May 28, 1979 ALBERTA HANSARD 41 or acreages in the municipal districts of Rocky View and Foothills, IDs 8 and 9, or the Stoney and Sarcee reserves. In addition, we're fortunate to contain Banff Nation al Park, our own Alberta provincial Kananaskis park, and our recreation area, Kananaskis Country, as well as many other provincial parks and privately owned or leased recreational areas such as Yamnuska Centre, the Kinsmen camp, Paskapoo, Norquay, Sunshine, Lake Louise, Fortress, and many other tourist attractions all of us enjoy. It's one of the most beautiful, rugged, and historic areas in the province.

It's an area as diverse and complex as Alberta herself. But with that attractiveness come other pressures: growth, visitors, urban expansion, recreation, trans portation, energy. As the Calgary region grows, by the year 2000 — 21 years from now — with another half million people in that area, many of their needs will impact upon Banff-Cochrane, particularly in terms of land-use change. We feel this in the agricultural area; we feel it in a rural way of life which many of my constituents enjoy. Mr. Speaker, let me talk for a moment about some of the concerns my constituents have presented to me.

The previous federal government has announced plans to expand overnight accommodation in Lake Louise for 1,600 visitors. Many Canadians and many Albertans already have expressed concern with the impact of this proposal on the wildlife habitat adjacent to the pro posed development area, as well as what they perceive to be a change from the park's interpretative role and day-use area to an overnight townsite.

On behalf of my constituents in Lake Louise, I've taken the position with the federal panel of simply pointing out the long overdue need for Parks Canada to rectify the employee accommodation situation, the inadequate roads, the services, and the sewage treat ment for the present residents of Lake Louise. Much needs to be done to alleviate the living conditions these Alberta residents must endure while providing visitor services to thousands of visitors each year. I'm very pleased to see the inclusion of the 12-unit, self-contained senior citizens' housing project in Banff in this year's list.

For far too long, Banff senior citi zens have been forced to retain their own residences as they grow older and as their residences become obso lete, simply to remain resident in Banff rather than to relocate elsewhere; for example, in Canmore or outside that area. That is because the federal government has discouraged retirement in the park. Now it's one thing to discourage a newcomer to Banff to retire there, but it's quite another to discourage a long-time resident from staying on to enjoy his or her retirement years after years of service to this community and its visitors.

Two other concerns in Banff are important: the pre vious federal government's announcement to consider twinning the Trans-Canada Highway from the east park gate to Banff townsite, the traffic circle; and to establish a form of municipal government and taxa tion or to provide for continued administration of the townsite by Parks Canada, with a form of service charge to cover the federal government's costs of oper ating the town. Regarding the highway twinning proposal, it is surely no longer a question of study, but when.

Alber ta's position has been stated clearly during the past decade, and the urgency for this project is immediate from the points of view of safety and traffic congestion. Obviously there are unique concerns relative to the environment: as much as possible to protect the natural features, the wildlife habitat, and the migratory routes, but not at the expense of continued loss of human life, traffic delay, and property damage.

Indeed the initial development of our country's rail system, the system that tied us together a century ago, was the reason for finding the hot springs and the eventual establish ment of the park, setting it aside for its preservation, its use, and its enjoyment. I hope my colleague the Minister of Transportation again will state clearly our position on this issue. With regard to townsite self government, I was very pleased with the May 22 events, as were thousands of Canadians. The election of Mr.

Joe Clark, member- elect for Yellowhead and Prime Minister-elect, together with 20 other Alberta MPs, is something I'm really happy about. Mr. Clark, in his previous capacity as MP for Rocky Mountain, spearheaded the work of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indian and Northern Affairs. He wrote that committee's re port, which was accepted unanimously. That report simply stated that Banff and — with the permission of my colleague from Edson — Jasper residents be given the opportunity to determine their own destinies as any other Alberta residents enjoy.

Gordon Taylor, member-elect for Bow River, again within which my constituency lies, has 39 years of Alberta Legislative Assembly experience, and I'm look ing forward to working with him as we represent the views of Banff residents to the federal House and to this Assembly, respectively. It appears essential for my colleagues the Minister of Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs and the Minis ter of Municipal Affairs to commence discussions short ly with the new federal government to establish an appropriate framework for these discussions for self- government.

If this is what Banff citizens choose and if they have access to the implications, costs, and alter natives, I'm confident that my colleague from Edson will join with me in urging this step so that the present fears of the residents of both Banff and Jasper will be alleviated by providing full information, rather than as in the past, the imposition of a particular program. I was pleased, Mr. Speaker, to note reference in the throne speech to the year-round operation approval given to the Banff Centre.

The Banff Centre, under its director, David Leighton, and its former director, Sena tor Donald Cameron, provides a unique experience to thousands of students and lecturers, artists, performers, and visitors in the areas of fine arts, performing arts, environment, management, and conferences. In addi tion to the Festival of the Arts, this year the Banff Centre is hosting the International Festival of Films for Television, co-ordinated by Carrie Hunter. The Centre is a focal point for community activities in Banff.

There is a serious problem in Banff, and that is in housing; it's scarcity, overcrowding, high costs. Li mitations on growth of the townsite are essential if Banff is to remain a visitor service centre. But this impacts directly on those least able to cope with this, people who provide service, teachers, hospital service, park service. This same pressure spills well outside the gate, to Canmore, Exshaw, Harvie Heights. Canmore is growing at the rate of 14 per cent per year, it's

42 ALBERTA HANSARD May 28, 1979 providing a sixth of Banff's labor population, and it's feeling the pressures of growth from Calgarians seek ing summer homes or ski season homes, and the devel opment of Kananaskis Country, the cement plant ex pansion at Exshaw, and all the industries now being attracted to Canmore to provide needed service. There fore I am very pleased with the assistance our govern ment has provided to Canmore to ameliorate this pres sure.

The Alberta Housing and Alberta Home Mort gage corporations are actively developing serviced lots, providing mortgage fundings and assistance to low and middle income families in our area. My col league the Minister of Housing and Public Works well deserves the appreciation of Canmore for this assistance. I'm very pleased, Mr. Speaker, to see in the throne speech the end of the temporary holding pattern for the submission of new hospital projects. In Canmore there is no question in my constituents' minds that the Canmore hospital, built in 1937 and accommodating 20 beds, is no longer adequate for today's needs.

I well appreciate, however, the demands that will come and be placed before my colleague the Member for Calgary Elbow and Minister of Hospitals and Medical Care. But I'm confident that with the assistance of the Canmore hospital board, I'll be able to present a strong case to him. I should also mention, Mr. Speaker, the sad legacy of black lung disease. Gordon Taylor, in this Assembly, received the support of the members for his motion that this government should evaluate carefully the matter of compensation for this disease.

A study is now in preparation by Eileen Patterson of Canmore for the United Mine Workers, District 18, and this will be dis tributed to all MLAs. Black lung is caused by very fine coal dust being trapped in the lung tissue. It scars the tissue, impairs the transfer of oxygen to the bloods tream, and in advanced cases leads to deterioration and death.

My colleague the Member for Edmonton Bever ly, Minister responsible for Workers' Health, Safety and Compensation, knows how relatively simple it may be to decide or define how to compensate for a job injury but how much more difficult it is to determine the cause of an industrial disease. I hope this study will do much to clarify the dilemma. I'm also pleased, on behalf of the Canmore constitu ents, with the announcement of the 36,000 square foot provincial building to be built in Canmore.

This will further the growing recognition by our government of Canmore's future as the administration centre for Kananaskis Country. My constituents here and in Bragg Creek will wish me to work closely with the Minister of Recreation and Parks in defining what changes this development will bring about to these communities. I'm pleased that the mayor of Canmore, Mr. Pat Byrne, is a member of the Kananaskis citizens' advisory committee. You know, Cochrane too has its history and grow ing pains.

The first race meet at Cochrane was held on July 1, 1895, and yet today volunteers and members of the Cochrane and District Agricultural Society are hard at work converting a vacant field into a grands tand, a track, and a place for the animals. This should open this season, and so Calgarians who once shunted back and forth by train to Cochrane in the '20s, will be able to renew their visits and enjoy the famous Co chrane ice cream. I should note, too, that the first racetrack with pari-mutuel betting west of Winnipeg was in Cochrane.

I'm pleased also that there will be eight self- contained units for this list in Cochrane. I visited the Bug Hill Lodge during the campaign. I met Mr. John Boothby, who was born in 1895. He gave me a lot of advice on how to campaign, and it must have worked. Cochrane, like many other towns around Calgary, fears its loss of identity. But it's taken positive steps under Mayor Mark McCaghren and the council to provide for the future needs of Cochrane.

Cochrane is concerned about growing pressures: public transit, sewerage system and sewage treatment improvements, water system expansion, fire and ambulance protection for the surrounding area, and land use. So the recently announced plan for the Calgary region, establishing a metropolitan, a rural, a preservation, and an envi ronmental protection area, will be considered very care fully by Cochrane and by the Municipal District of Rocky View and the reeve, Louise Feltham, and her council, and by the MD of Foothills and the reeve, Ed Poffenroth, and his councillors.

I look forward to the public hearing process this fall and the recommenda tions which will come forward. In my mind there is no question that on an overall basis the major concern in my area is land use and property assessment and taxation in the remaining areas of the constituency. The area around Calgary is virtually lost to Albertans as agricultural land. Acreage owners, small holdings, compete side by side with ranchers and farmers for any developable parcel.

When they buy it, find water, develop a septic tank field, pay for or build their road, provide a party line and gas and power hookups, build their home, and settle back to enjoy the country life, they find their taxes proportionately high compared to the services they feel they receive — the occasional snowplough, grader, or policeman — and inequitable compared to their neighbor, who may be an agriculturalist in the true sense or in the textbook sense.

On the other hand, the rancher or farmer sees the land being exploited for development, increasing demands for schools, roads, and services, and wonders why he should have to pay for these services. I hope to able to represent my con stituents' concerns well in this issue, so we can develop a change in the provincial assessment system which will restore equity and fair treatment. I would be remiss, Mr. Speaker, if I did not mention the special welcome I received from the Sarcee band council under Chief Clifford Big Plume, and from Stoney Chiefs John Snow, the chief of the Wesley Band.

I will be meeting soon with Chief Frank Powderface and Chief Bill Ear Senior of the Chiniquay and Bears- paw bands respectively. They were not able to be present when I travelled through the Stoney Reserve during the campaign. In closing, I can say with pride, on behalf of my constituency, that each of the six priorities emphasized in this throne speech will have a special impact on Banff-Cochrane.

Those constituents who turned out to the polls in record number and who, in the majority, supported my candidacy, did so, I am convinced, be cause of their conviction that Alberta's prosperity and continued development have depended largely upon this government and the leadership of Premier Peter Lougheed. It's a privilege to join the ranks of this Assembly. I do so knowing how much work and effort was put

May 28, 1979 ALBERTA HANSARD 43 into our campaign by our campaign manager, our press officer, our finance officer, our policy advisers, our workers, our drivers, and our volunteers. I will never forget them, as I visited over 5,000 homes, or the volunteers who ran our office or did the telephoning and mailing. I am confident those contacts with the people will serve me well in this Assembly. I hope I can serve this Assembly as well. Members of the Assembly, Mr. Speaker: today is your day and mine, the only day we have, the day in which we play our part.

What our part may signify in the great whole, we may not understand. But we are here to play it, and now is our time. MR. PAHL: Mr. Speaker, it is with a sense of privi lege, honor, and history that I rise to address this Assembly for the first time as the first person to repre sent the new constituency of Edmonton Mill Woods. I must caution you, Mr. Speaker, that I will be hard pressed to match the eloquence of the previous speak ers. But I would beg you to bear in mind that prior to my political involvement, my public appearances were limited to three three-minute rounds.

My modest objectives are to learn the rules, obey the referee — you, Mr. Speaker — and hopefully score some shots for the people of Alberta generally and the people of Mill Woods constituency specifically. In that sense I would like to describe the constituency of Edmonton Mill Woods in a way that I hope will reveal the challenges and aspirations of this very new, in an electoral sense, part of Alberta. Picture if you will, Mr. Speaker, an urban area of about 30,000 people which, in the context of the 1975 census, would make it Alberta's fourth largest city.

I use that analogy with apologies to the representatives of the constituencies of Red Deer and Medicine Hat. This city is bounded on its western and northern edges by major traffic arteries that, at an average point on an average day, pass 30,000 vehicles. These western and northern boundaries are the Calgary Trail and Argyll Road respectively. From these boundaries an industrial/commercial strip about 1 mile deep separates our homes from the rest of Edmonton.

This busy sector of Edmonton Mill Woods represents the major propor tion of the province's and, indeed, the country's indus trial service to the oil industry. Thus it is an integral part of the basic economic foundation of the province. In that regard, Mr. Speaker, my constituents will be pleased with the throne speech forecast of a continued high level of activity in the petroleum industry.

The energetic and imaginative business people in this area of Edmonton Mill Woods will be and in fact already are pleased with the commitment outlined in the throne speech to create a new Department of Economic Devel opment, particularly the international trade compo nent. A growing industry centred in the people and businesses of Edmonton Mill Woods is developing in the export of Alberta citizens' consulting expertise, Alberta technology, and Alberta products to the oil fields of the world. These activities, Mr.

Speaker, are jobs created, building upon the strengths of our energy base in a way not immediately thought of, but significant none the less in the move toward further diversifying our economy. The other two quadrants of this city are encroaching upon class 1 agricultural land at the rate of about 100 acres per year, although the limits are presently de fined at a population of 93,000 people by the year 1999. And by the way, we're ahead of the population projec tions already. The city I proudly represent, Mr. Speaker, enjoys a mixture of people who typify the greatness of our province and country.

We Albertans of Edmonton Mill Woods have a background of many diverse origins, cultures, and races. More important than the cultural mosaic of our background is the common future we have in building this great province of Alberta. In deed, the success of our future in Edmonton Mill Woods depends so very much on the future direction and leadership this Assembly provides. In terms of history, Mr. Speaker, this city I refer to is the Mill Woods suburb of Edmonton or, in the par lance of the urban planners, the Mill Woods Outline Plan Area.

The place names of our neighborhoods have been drawn from the native Indian language and from past and more contemporary public figures, hence the subdivision names of Tipaskan, Kameyosek, Satoo, Menisa, Ekota, Sakaw, and Crawford Plains. [laughter] The Mill Woods experiment, as we're sometimes called, started as a city land bank in the early 1970s. It was a good idea that was in part overwhelmed by the tremendous development of our province since 1971. Mr. Speaker, I use the completely non-partisan indica tor of housing starts. In Edmonton they nearly dou bled, from 4,900 in 1970 to 9,500 in 1971.

That trend has continued. In terms of population growth, Mr. Speaker, in three-quarters of a decade the constituency of Edmon ton Mill Woods has reached a size that our sister cities of Medicine Hat and Red Deer have taken three- quarters of a century to achieve. Therefore in my view it is not surprising that this very new city within a city is lacking, in quality and quantity, in important serv ices.

The Mill Woods subdivision of the city of Edmonton is still lacking in the areas of schools, emergency and hospital treatment facilities, roads and traffic control, basic retail services, recreational and cul tural amenities. On the other hand, the Mill Woods subdivision of the city of Edmonton in our view has plenty of poor urban planning, plenty of busy, undercontrolled inter sections, poorly planned, poorly built community housing units, and its share of natural and man-made disasters. The reason, Mr.

Speaker, that I am so directly indicating some of the important needs and problems of my constituency is not to lay blame for the shortfalls, which I am determined to do my part to make only temporary, but respectfully to point out some of the challenges that our government, in co-operation with local municipalities, must face in response to the tre mendous growth and development in Alberta. In that vein, Mr. Speaker, I would like to go on record as supporting the city of Edmonton's attempt to face part of the question of management of growth.

I am referring to the City of Edmonton's large annexa tion or, if you will, amalgamation proposal. I am not saying that I support the approach in total, but I do compliment the city administration for squarely facing the issue, and I suggest that the Mill Woods experi ment or experience would be instructive in our gov ernment's thoughtful consideration of this proposal. The challenge is to marshall intellectual, financial, and land resources so that the economic growth we of Edmonton Mill Woods so strongly support can pro ceed without an unacceptable cost to the quality of life

44 ALBERTA HANSARD May 28, 1979 of the citizens of Alberta. My approach to that chal lenge, Mr. Speaker, refl

Document details

Collection	Alberta — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	19790528
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	L19 S1 19790528 1430 01 han.pdf
Language	en
Format	json
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	844f620368f136d16412afa9410e7e033050ad53

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