Alberta Hansard — 1 November 2010, Afternoon sitting (13:30) (Legislature 27, Session 3)

20101101

Alberta — Debates (Hansard)

Province of Alberta The 27th Legislature Third Session Alberta Hansard Monday, November 1, 2010 Issue 36 The Honourable Kenneth R. Kowalski, Speaker

Legislative Assembly of Alberta The 27th Legislature Third Session Kowalski, Hon. Ken, Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock, Speaker Cao, Wayne C.N., Calgary-Fort, Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees Mitzel, Len, Cypress-Medicine Hat, Deputy Chair of Committees Ady, Hon. Cindy, Calgary-Shaw (PC) Allred, Ken, St. Albert (PC) Amery, Moe, Calgary-East (PC) Anderson, Rob, Airdrie-Chestermere (WA), WA Opposition House Leader Benito, Carl, Edmonton-Mill Woods (PC) Berger, Evan, Livingstone-Macleod (PC) Bhardwaj, Naresh, Edmonton-Ellerslie (PC) Bhullar, Manmeet Singh, Calgary-Montrose (PC) Blackett, Hon.

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

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

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

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

Frank, Peace River (PC) Olson, Verlyn, QC, Wetaskiwin-Camrose (PC) Ouellette, Hon. Luke, Innisfail-Sylvan Lake (PC) Pastoor, Bridget Brennan, Lethbridge-East (AL), Official Opposition Deputy Whip Prins, Ray, Lacombe-Ponoka (PC) Quest, Dave, Strathcona (PC) Redford, Hon. Alison M., QC, Calgary-Elbow (PC), Deputy Government House Leader Renner, Hon. Rob, Medicine Hat (PC), Deputy Government House Leader Rodney, Dave, Calgary-Lougheed (PC) Rogers, George, Leduc-Beaumont-Devon (PC) Sandhu, Peter, Edmonton-Manning (PC) Sarich, Janice, Edmonton-Decore (PC) Sherman, Dr. Raj, Edmonton-Meadowlark (PC) Snelgrove, Hon.

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

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

Munk Managing Editor of Alberta Hansard Liz Sim Party standings: Progressive Conservative: 68 Alberta Liberal: 8 Wildrose Alliance: 4 New Democrat: 2 Independent: 1

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

Raj Sherman Health and Wellness Greg Weadick Advanced Education and Technology Teresa Woo-Paw Employment and Immigration

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

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

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

Rodney Anderson Groeneveld Benito Kang Calahasen Mason Chase Olson Dallas Sandhu Elniski Vandermeer Fawcett Xiao Griffiths Standing Committee on Public Safety and Services Chair: Mr. Drysdale Deputy Chair: Mr. Kang Boutilier Brown Calahasen Cao Forsyth Johnson MacDonald Rogers Sandhu Xiao Standing Committee on Resources and Environment Chair: Mr. Prins Deputy Chair: Ms Blakeman Anderson Berger Boutilier Dallas Hehr Jacobs Mason McQueen Mitzel VanderBurg

November 1, 2010 Alberta Hansard 1021 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Title: Monday, November 1, 2010 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Monday, November 1, 2010 [The Speaker in the chair] head: Prayers The Speaker: Good afternoon. Welcome. Let us pray. At the beginning of this week we ask for renewed strength in the awareness of our duty and privilege as Members of the Legislative Assembly. We ask for the protection of this Assembly and also the province we are elected to serve. Amen. Hon. members, I would now invite Mr. Paul Lorieau to lead us in the singing of our national anthem.

Please join in in the language of one’s choice. Hon. Members: O Canada, our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. The Speaker: Please be seated. head: Introduction of Visitors The Speaker: The hon. Deputy Premier. Mr. Horner: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I rise to intro- duce to you and through you to all members of the Assembly His Excellency Manuel Schaerer Kanonnikoff, the ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay. Also accompanying the ambassador is Mr. Branislav Popovic, the honorary consul in Calgary. This is His Excellency’s first official visit to Alberta. As the minister in charge of advanced education I was very pleased to discover that Alberta and Paraguay share a number of relationships based on learning as the Alberta Research Council has partnered with Paraguay’s Moisés Bertoni Foundation to apply expertise in land planning.

As a result of this partnership they’ve developed a land management process and a plan to improve the ecological, social, and economic capacity in one of Paraguay’s most sensitive areas. We had a delightful lunch this afternoon, Mr. Speaker, where we were able to speak of a number of things, including the agricultural sector, the energy sector, and a number of the things that we are looking forward to working together on. I would now ask that His Excellency and the honorary consul please rise in your gallery, Mr. Speaker, and receive the traditional warm welcome. The Speaker: The hon.

Minister of International and Intergovern- mental Relations. Ms Evans: Well, Mr. Speaker, I’m thrilled today to introduce the members of the EU delegation that are with us. In most of their homelands they would be going to bed about now, but they’re coming here to take

part in this Legislative Assembly and to observe our processes here. I’m thrilled to introduce the chair for the delegation for relations with Canada, Philip Bradbourn; Elisabeth Jeggle, who is vice-chair for the delegation; as well as Sebastian Bodu, Ioan Enciu, Antonyia Parvanova, Anna Rosbach, Timo Soini. Accompanying them are Mr. Giovanni di Girolamo, and we have other members of the party that are here today. Mr.

Speaker, they’ve come all this way to answer an invitation to come up and see Canadian oil sands and judge for themselves, and I give them full marks for all their meetings and their initiative today. Please join me in honouring our delegation. If they would please rise. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview. Mr. Vandermeer: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a number of introductions today of people here to help build awareness of prostate cancer. I would like all these people to rise in the galleries following the introduction so they may receive the traditional warm welcome of this Assembly.

First of all, in your gallery, Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce Mr. Steve Jones, president of Prostate Cancer Canada; Mr. Irv Kipnes, co-chair of the leadership team for the Edmonton Campaign for Prostate Health, supporting the University Hospital Foundation and the Alberta Cancer Foundation. There is also Arni Goodman, chair of the Edmonton Prostate Cancer Canada network, and with them our former colleague and current Edmonton city councillor Ed Gibbons, who has successfully won his battle with prostate cancer. Mr.

Speaker, also in the members’ gallery are Craig Macdonald, president of the Alberta Firefighters Association, and Brad Hoekstra, the association secretary, who are here to show their support of Movember, which I will speak about later. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, these guests are joined by more than 30 prostate cancer victims, survivors, and advocates who are here to add their signifi- cant voices to the fight against the disease. I would ask all our guests to rise in the galleries and receive our traditional warm welcome. head: Introduction of Guests The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-East. Mr.

Amery: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to introduce to you and through you to all members of the Assembly 45 students from the Almadina ESL charter academy located in my constitu- ency, Calgary-East. Mr. Speaker, the Almadina school is home to students from over 30 countries around the globe. Almadina has come a long way since its creation, producing good results, and was rated in the top 10 by the Fraser Institute. Mr. Speaker, the students are accompanied today by their teachers, Mr. El-Masri, Mr. Elladen, and Mrs. Nagassar. They are seated in the members’ gallery.

I would like to ask them to rise and r eceive the traditional warm welcome of the Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Wetaskiwin-Camrose. Mr. Olson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my great honour to introduce some students from Wetas kiwin who are here this week for School at the Legislature. They’re here from Centennial school, and they are making a significant investment of time this week to be here and learn about how government operates. I’m really happy that they can be here and see us in action. I think that in doing that, they are going to become leaders of today, not only tomorrow.

They’re going to go home and apply some of the things that they’ve learned here, I hope. They are led by their teachers, Mrs. Joann Murphy, Mrs. Dianne Zielke, Mrs. Joan Fitzner, and parent leaders Myrna Peters and Trisha Wildcat. They’re in the public gallery. Please rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of the Assembly.

Alberta Hansard November 1, 20101022 The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lacombe-Ponoka. Mr. Prins: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s really an honour and a pleasure to introduce to you and through you to all members a group of 24 grade 9 students from the Ponoka composite high school. I met with them earlier today, and they are a very bright group of kids that ask good questions and tough questions. I would say that they are very well taught. They are accompanied by their teachers, Mr. Brady Teeling and Miss Courtney MacMillan. They’re in the public gallery.

I’d ask them to rise and receive the warm welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Airdrie-Chestermere. 1:40 Mr. Anderson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour and pleasure to introduce to you and through you to this Assembly 15 students and four teachers from Airdrie’s own Airdrie Koinonia Christian school, or AKCS for short. They are led by their teachers Mrs. Beth Griesel, Mrs. Laura Driedger, Mrs. Dorothy Martin, and Mr. Al Strohschein. AKCS is consistently one of this province’s highest performing schools, and the calibre of the graduates it produces is second to none.

The middle-class Alberta parents of these students sacrifice much of their time and finances so their children can learn in a faith-promoting environment, which helps these students become highly contributing citizens of our province. I’d ask these students and their teachers to now stand, rise, and receive the warm welcome of this Assembly. The Speaker: The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition. Dr. Swann: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce to you and through you to the House another new Liberal caucus member, Tyler Mudrey.

He joins our team this fall as administrative assistant. He’s been a great help to us already this week, and our staff always do their best to support our caucus in their role as the Official Opposition. I’d ask Tyler to stand and receive the warm greetings of the Legislature. The Speaker: The hon. leader of the New Democratic caucus. Mr. Mason: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise today to introduce to you and through you to all Members of the Legislative Assembly the NDP caucus sessional researcher, Mr. Dashiell Brasen.

Named for famous detective novelist and activist Dashiell Hammett, Dashiell was born in Toronto and raised in Edmonton-Strathcona. He received a bachelor of arts in philosophy from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver this past May. He is interested in global art, culture, food, film, music, social justice, and sustainability. He remains, despite all, a lifelong fan of the Oilers. I want to welcome Dashiell to the NDP caucus and to the Legislature.

He’s seated in the members’ gallery, and I would now ask him to rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of this Assembly. head: Members’ Statements The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview. Prostate Cancer Awareness Mr. Vandermeer: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. members may have noticed something a bit different a bout me today for I have temporarily abandoned the moustache I have had for years. It was shaved off this morning on live television, on Breakfast Television. I have done so for an excellent cause.

Today is the beginning of Movember, formerly known as November, when men start with a clean shave and grow moustaches to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer. I would like to thank hon. members for wearing Prostate Cancer Canada’s ties and scarves so that you, too, may show your support. I have to say you look wonderful. Prostate Cancer Canada funds research and support g roups all over the country and is the beneficiary partner of Movember in Canada.

Today is also an opportunity to sup port the Edmonton Campaign for Prostate Health, which is in support of the University Hospital Foundation, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, and the Alberta Cancer Foundation. They have been working diligently for three years to raise enough money to build a world-class research and clinical facility right here in Edmonton. Mr. Speaker, prostate cancer affects 1 in 6 men, statistically about eight of us in this Chamber. No one knows that better than the hon. Member for Little Bow, who has been successfully battling this affliction.

As he will tell you, it is critical for men to understand the merits of early detection through PSA blood testing and for women who have men in their lives to remind them to do so. In my role as chair of the Cabinet Policy Committee on Health I know that prevention and early detection save lives and save money in our health care system, so I am taking up this challenge today. I am going to grow back my moustache, and I’m taking pledges to do so. On behalf of all the victims, survivors, and advocates gathered here today, I hope you will wear your ties and scarves with purpose. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Gold Bar. Alessandro Simpatico Mr. MacDonald: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Two weeks ago Albertans gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our young people. The Great Kids awards recognized 16 great kids from ages 5 to 18, passionate and generous young people from all across the province. Today I’d like to give special attention to one of the award recipients, 11-year-old Alessandro Simpatico, who lives in our constituency of Edmonton-Gold Bar and attends Holyrood elementary school.

Alessandro was born with kidney disease and has been taking medication to control the condition all his life. He’s been operated on 13 times, with more surgeries to come. Alessandro has faced his disease with incredible courage. Even more impressive is that at a young age he understands the impor- tance of helping others. Every year Alessandro puts together a team of family and friends, known as Alessandro’s Peeps, to participate in the Kidney Foundation’s fun run and walk.

This y oung man’s team, now close to 60 members, has raised $20,000 for kidney disease so far, an astonishing accomplishment for such a young man. Alessandro isn’t even a teenager yet, but he’s already inspired dozens of people to work together in pursuit of a cure for kidney disease. I have no doubt that Alessandro will grow up to become an even more amazing adult. I wish him, his parents, family, and friends all the best in the years to come. I’m sure they’ll meet every challenge. I would like to thank the Premier and the minister of children’s services for presenting the awards two weeks ago Saturday.

It was a very special occasion for the 16 winners and their families. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Mackay.

November 1, 2010 Alberta Hansard 1023 One Book, One Calgary Program Ms Woo-Paw: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Reading is an essential part of our lives. It teaches, guides, encourages, informs, entertains, soothes, and connects us to each other and to the world. Calgary public library is launching One Book, One Calgary, a monthlong city-wide book club to create a shared experience through the celebration of reading, literacy, and civic engagement.

To quote Mary McGrory of the Washington Post: “The idea is that the city that opens the same book closes it in greater harmony.” Starting this Thursday, November 4, Calgary public library and author Aritha van Herk invite Calgarians to read Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta and to come together to share their passion, opinions, and civic pride in this city that we all call home. One Book, One Calgary is one of the most ambitious programs ever undertaken at Calgary public library, engaging civic partners, leadership organizations, artists, and entertainers to create city-wide maverick celebrations.

On the 17th of November Cowtown Creativity presents Alberta Ballet, Calgary Opera, One Yellow Rabbit theatre project, and EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts to show how their creativity fuels original works and to discuss the essential role of creativity in building a great city. Heart of the City will celebrate the importance of Calgary’s nonprofit sector. Maverick Leadership: Framework for Future on November 26 features Volunteer Calgary, the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, Youth Central, and other individuals.

One hundred years of Calgary’s Chinatown, past, present, and future, on November 30 celebrates our city’s cultural diversity. Mavericks in the 21st Century Economy looks forward from three distinct vantage points: Calgary Economic Development, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, and entrepreneurs. One Book, One Calgary is how we’re going to create a shared experience amongst Calgarians, so come join the conversation this November. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Lougheed. KidSport Calgary Mr. Rodney: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’m honoured to rise today to share the incredible story of KidSport Calgary, which helps families overcome barriers that prevent some children from getting into the game, gym, or studio. Focusing on economic, social, and educational needs, KidSport Calgary promotes sport as a tool to develop strong and healthy communities. Since its inception in 1995 KidSport Calgary has never denied support to any qualified applicant. It has distributed well over $3 million to help more than 15,000 young athletes to play in more than 50 organized sports over the past 15 years.

Of the 175 chapters across Canada it is the most successful in terms of funds distributed and families assisted. However, since 2007 the number of young athletes supported has doubled while donations have risen by less than 6 per cent. Despite the challenges of balancing services and support with the need to raise more funds, I’m pleased to announce that KidSport Calgary is committed to getting more young athletes off the sidelines, building community and social relationships to make programs more readily available, and reaching new levels of financial stability. 1:50 Mr.

Speaker, I’m proud and humbled to serve as honorary chair of KidSport Calgary, and I’d like to publicly thank our staff, Mark Kosak and Kaisa Christie, as well as our board chair, Ryan Proce- viat, along with our directors: Bill Hopkins, Melina Dharma- Wardene, Simon Brockett, Beth Gerrard, Chris Protti, Devon Smibert, Joe Tucker, and Amanda Stastook. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage all Albertans to visit to whatever extent they can kidsportcalgary.ca. You never know which contributing citizen, Olympian, professional athlete, or community leader you might be assisting. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. head: Oral Question Period The Speaker: First Official Opposition main question. The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition. Additional Beds to Relieve Emergency Wait Times Dr. Swann: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. While Albertans wait for 20 hours in emergency rooms to get a hospital bed, there are hundreds of closed beds sitting empty, the result of this govern- ment’s mismanagement. Albertans are frustrated because they see new hospitals being built, new additions, but the number of beds does not change, and the wait-lists only get worse. My questions are for the minister of health.

Is opening the emergency ward at the East Edmonton health centre included in the minister’s plan to reduce emergency room wait times? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, that’s a very good question, and I’m happy to take it under direct advisement and have a look at if things can be accelerated there. At the moment the East Edmonton centre is scheduled for a phased-in approach. That’s always been the case. We know that building today with shelled-in space is a far better way to plan for the future, and we’re looking at that in the medium term of the four different phases I explained last week. Dr. Swann: Mr.

Speaker, given that there were 140 beds boarded up at the Peter Lougheed hospital last year following an expansion, how many of the beds at the Lougheed is the minister going to order opened? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Zwozdesky: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve had that discussion as well with Alberta Health Services. In fact, it goes back a few months now since we started that particular discussion because there were some beds that closed as the same number of beds opened in the east wing, as it’s called, at the Peter Lougheed Centre.

What I’ve asked them to do in the immediate and short-term time frames, which are between now and Friday for immediate and going on into the middle of November and up until Christmas, is to take a look at whether or not we could open up more transition beds exactly at that site. I said the same thing about the Royal Alex. Dr. Swann: Well, I’m not sure about transition beds, Mr. Speaker. We do need in-hospital beds. Again to the same minister another suggestion. There is space for over a hundred beds at the closed women’s pavilion at the Royal Alex.

Will the minister order that these be opened to reduce pressure on the emergency room? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Zwozdesky: Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Transition beds are something in the immediate zone. What I mean by immediate time zone is things that can be done within days, where you might

Alberta Hansard November 1, 20101024 be able to recruit faster or you might be able to divert nurses, LPNs, and other types of care to a site. That’s exactly what I’ve asked them to do at the Royal Alex. It’s a good thing that the Lois Hole hospital opened, and it’s a good thing that we have some beds there that we might be able to work with. AHS is exploring that possibil- ity right now and has been since last week. The Speaker: Second Official Opposition main question. The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition. Nursing Recruitment Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Last year Alberta Health Services paid out $23.6 m illion in severance to 448 nurses; $23.6 million to buy out nurses, and now we’re short-staffed and hiring again. This is the definition of mismanagement. To the minister: what is the total number of nurses that will have to be hired to staff the mysterious 250 beds that he announced two weeks ago? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, let’s make it clear that things have changed very significantly since last year. Last year Alberta Health Services was looking at a $1.3 billion deficit, so they had to take a look at a number of different areas.

Then in January, February, and since my time, I’m happy to tell you, in fact, our government has taken over the full responsibility for that $1.3 billion. We’ve brought in a five-year funding commitment, and Alberta Health Services has a whole new set of parameters under which to work going forward. The Speaker: The hon. leader. Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. How many of these positions will be permanent, full-time positions so that Albertans may know that two years down the road these beds may still be open? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, that’s precisely the point.

Now that we have a five-year commitment of funding with predictable, stable dollars, better longer range planning is able to occur for the first time ever. Typically it’s been on an annual basis. That’s no longer the case. We now have a five-year funding plan. We’re going to stick to it, and we’re going to make sure Alberta Health Services sticks to it. In terms of the specifics you might want to put in a motion for a return, hon. member. I’ll be happy to answer it. Ms Blakeman: Oh, you didn’t even answer the question. How shameful. Come on, you guys. Yap, yap, yap, and no answers. Dr.

Swann: That’s why it’s called question period. What is going to be the cost of nursing overtime due to this minister’s rushing out a plan to open more beds? What is going to be the cost of nursing overtime? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, I’ll be happy to take a look at that and see if we can get the exact dollars and pennies involved. The important thing is that we are res ponding quickly. Alberta Health Services is reacting and responding equally quickly so that we can help emergency doctors and, in turn, help patients who deserve, require, and will get the immediate care that they need.

Let’s keep in mind that there are a lot more good things in the health system today than some of those things that are making the press lately. The Speaker: Third Official Opposition main question. The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition. Bitumen Upgrading Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Saskatchewan’s potash resource company faces foreign takeover, and Premier Stelmach has publicly opposed the sale. Saskatchewan’s potash community thanks the Premier for all his support. Albertans, on the other hand, are still left waiting for this government to sup port the bitumen industry upgrading in Alberta.

According to his own party the Premier has failed to encourage bitumen upgrading in the province of Alberta. To the Minister of Energy: why has the government failed to meet its own targets for bitumen upgrading in the province so far? Mr. Liepert: Well, Mr. Speaker, I don’t know who the Leader of the Opposition is quoting when he makes those statements because that, in fact, is not correct. I haven’t seen anywhere where anyone is saying that this government has failed. What people are saying is that we need to ensure that we get maximum value out of our resources.

We are currently in the midst of negotiations with North West Upgrading, as most members of this House will know. That, I believe, Mr. Speaker, will set a template to determine what the going-forward process is under our BRIK program. Dr. Swann: Well, since he didn’t answer the question, I’ll ask it again. Why have you failed to meet your own targets, Mr. Minister? Mr. Liepert: The reason I didn’t answer the question, Mr. Speaker, is because the question was irrelevant because we are meeting our own targets. It’s a question of whether we’re going to meet our targets 20 and 30 years down the road.

As I said in my first answer, the Leader of the Opposition is basing his question on misinforma- tion, so I’ll answer the question based on information that’s true. Dr. Swann: Mr. Speaker, will this government increase the proportion of upgrading done in Alberta this year? Yes or no? Mr. Liepert: Well, first of all, Mr. Speaker, we have to recognize that a significant portion of our bitumen is already being upgraded. It’s being upgraded through upgraders that were constructed by the private sector over a number of years. Now, the ec onomics have changed in the last few years.

Yes, a number of investments that were going to go into upgraders are not going ahead, but that’s a decision made by the private sector. If the hon. leader is suggesting that the government should go in and build upgraders in this province, we philosophically have to disagree. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Glenmore. Health System Governance Mr. Hinman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our biggest mistakes in life are often the ones resulting from our failure to admit and correct our first mistakes. Our long, drawn-out royalty fiasco is a prime example. We cannot afford to do this with health care.

This government has been focused on centralizing control when it should be focused on outcomes through accountability. Failure to reverse the new royalty framework before its implementation cost Albertans dearly. Failure to give decision-making authority to our hospitals is costing people their lives. To the Deputy Premier: how much more pain and suffering will Albertans endure before you correct the mistake of centralizing health care and return administration to the local level? The Speaker: The hon. Deputy Premier.

November 1, 2010 Alberta Hansard 1025 Mr. Horner: Thank you. There have been a number of very positive outcomes from what we have been working on over the last several years in health care, not the least of which is having a living laboratory to increase the results from research and as well to increase the delivery mechanisms that we have for patients in Alberta. So, Mr. Speaker, I don’t agree with the hon. member. Mr.

Hinman: Again to the Deputy Premier: will you see that there is one manager in charge of every hospital who has authority and the mandate to make decisions about a true team delivery of health care in their own facilities? 2:00 Mr. Horner: Mr. Speaker, the current structure that we have across this province already has a system in place for that. I’m sure the hon. minister of health would like to res pond with some more of the positive things that are happening in our health care system. Mr.

Hinman: To the Deputy Premier again: will you set some real performance measures for these hospital administrators, that they will be held accountable through publicly available performance reports? Answer the question. Mr. Horner: Well, Mr. Speaker, I’m quite certain that the minister of health would like to answer that question about the performance reports. The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Zwozdesky: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’ve indicated in this House and I’ll indicate again that we have the five- year funding commitment.

The five-year action plan is coming out very soon, and the companion piece to that will be specific perfor- mance measures. Secondly, I’ve already sent a directive to Alberta Health Services, after speaking with them and so on, to make sure they understood what I was asking for, to get exactly what the hon. member is looking for: some public reporting on a per individual site basis of EIPs and other numbers relative to emergency care. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Highlands- Norwood. East Edmonton Health Centre Mr. Mason: Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker.

The crisis in ER wait times has continued to grow even as the government failed to act on a number of promises it made to improve the situation. One such unkept promise was the establishment of an urgent care centre in east Edmonton, which would take the pressure off the Royal Alex hospital ER, one of the busiest in the province. Given that the urgent care centre would divert up to 34,000 cases from the Royal Alex- andra emergency room each year, can the minister tell us why nearly two years later the urgent care centre is still not open? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr.

Speaker, I indicated at the time that we were there cutting the ri bbon – and I know there were a few members from other parties that were there as well – that this was planned as a staged, phased-in approach. The additional services that are required will be coming, but they’ll be coming in that medium to longer term basis; in other words, over the next year to maybe two and a half years. In the meantime what we’re dealing with are some immediate strategies. That’s why we have the four-pronged approach that looks at things like the discharge protocol and increasing home care funding and so on. Mr. Mason: Mr.

Speaker, it was not planned as a phased-in approach. I was involved with the people that were planning and building this because it’s in my cons tituency. It was supposed to open nearly two years ago. The minister is wrong. He’s wrong. What happened is they cut the funding. They didn’t open it. In the meantime the Royal Alexandra hospital emergency room is backed up to the gunwales, and you have failed to take action. It was not planned, Mr. Minister. Why don’t you tell us the real story? Mr. Zwozdesky: Well, Mr. Speaker, that is the real story since Alberta Health Services took over.

That’s the only plan that I’m aware of, and that’s the plan that we’re proceeding under. There are a number of projects that had to be staged, phased in, or delayed because of the global economic downturn, the worst to hit this province, I might add, since 1930. But we’ve survived it thanks to the brilliance of the sustainability fund as brought in by our Premier and this government. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Mason: Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker. This is indeed frustrating when the minister is not aware of this.

Given that it would only cost $9 million to fully staff this urgent care centre, that was designed to take the pressure off the emergency room at the Royal Alex, can the minister commit to coming up with a mere $9 million and get this thing open before the new year? Yes or no? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, we have a facility there today that’s valued at well over $43 million. It does provide a number of services. It’s approximately 80 per cent occupied today.

It’s performing great work for the community because that was deemed to be the first priority: provide community-based health-type information services, family clinics, and so on. So that’s what’s going on there. Now, as part two we’ll look at the urgent care needs, the types of things that the hon. member is asking for. That’s the commitment, and that’s what we’re doing. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Gold Bar, followed by the hon. Member for Drayton Valley-Calmar. Manufacturing Outsourcing for Kearl Lake Project Mr. MacDonald: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

This government has failed to protect the competitive advantage of Alberta’s steel fabrication industry and the workers in it. They have allowed local jobs to be exported overseas by Imperial Oil to South Korea while we’ve had idle shops and workers here in this province. To the minister of finance: can Imperial Oil deduct the $250 million cost of this deal and the total cost of transporting the steel modules from South Korea through the U.S. north to Fort McMurray for . . . Dr. Morton: Mr. Speaker, this is the same question that the hon. member asked a week ago. The answer is the same.

When that bid was let, there were not idle shops in Alberta. Everyone was fully employed here. You couldn’t find anybody to even give a contract to. As I said last week, apparently he’s still opposed to the free trade agreement and free trade in general. This is an exporting province. We supported the free trade agreement, and we do it because it keeps people working in a strong economy.

Alberta Hansard November 1, 20101026 The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. MacDonald: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is not true. Again to the same minister: can Imperial Oil deduct the cost of necessary upgrades to roads and bridges in Montana and in Idaho from the royalty bill here in Alberta? Yes or no? Dr. Morton: Mr. Speaker, the hon. member just said, “That is not true.” What’s not true? That we weren’t at full capacity from 2005 to 2008? That the economy of this province hasn’t almost doubled since the adoption of the free trade agreement? I recommend the hon. member freshen up on economics.

The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. MacDonald: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again to the minister of finance. At the time that deal was set, unemployment in Alberta in the steel fabrication industry was at an all-time high and our shops were idle, and you know it. Now, my third question is: when you were running for leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in 2006, did you get any donations from Imperial Oil for your leadership campaign? Yes or no? Dr. Morton: Those questions shouldn’t even be asked, much less answered, but just for the hon. member, the answer is no. The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Drayton Valley-Calmar, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-McCall. Provincial Sales Tax Mrs. McQueen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every few months or so the issue of a provincial sales tax arises, and this is especially true as budget deliberations are taking place. I’ve spoken with many constituents over the last two and a half years and again this past weekend at our AGM in Calgary. I spoke with many delegates who have heard time and again that the Premier has said no to the possibility of a provincial sales tax. They do not want it, and I do not want it.

My question is to the Minister of Finance and Enter- prise. Can you clearly, once and for all tell Albertans now whether you or your ministry is considering the implementation of a provincial sales tax in Alberta? Dr. Morton: Mr. Speaker, the short answer is no, the medium answer is no, and the long answer is no. The Alberta government has no intention whatsoever of introducing this. The Premier has been unequivocal on numerous occasions: there’s no such intention or plan. This is just a desperate fundraising trick by the fourth party, or whatever they are, to raise some money.

They have to cancel their own fundraising dinner, so they’re using tricks. The good news here, Mr. Speaker, is that the Alberta Taxpayer Protection Act ensures no sales tax until a referendum. Albertans will have the final word on whether there will ever be a sales tax in this province. Mrs. McQueen: Finally, Mr. Speaker, to the President of the Treasury Board. I understand that last year and again this year you met with stakeholders to discuss budgeting and spending plans for the future. Have you been hearing from them about the idea of a sales tax?

The folks that I speak to are not in favour of a provincial sales tax in Alberta. The Speaker: The hon. President of Treasury Board. Mr. Snelgrove: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have in the last couple of years engaged a process of bringing in a diverse groups of stakeholders from across the province to talk about our budget. We talk about more spending. We talk about less spending. We talk about more taxes, less taxes. More importantly, we listen to them, and through that process we brought forward a budget that Albertans overwhelmingly supported.

Only two groups, as the finance minister has said, seem to be determined to talk about a provincial sales tax: media that are desperate for a story and a wild Alliance party that’s desperate for money. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-McCall, followed by the hon. Member for St. Albert. Infrastructure Capital Planning Mr. Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In 2002 this government agreed to develop a plan for maintaining its schools, hospitals, roads, and other infrastructure. Five years later the Auditor General reported that the government had not developed any plan.

In 2007 the Auditor General recommended developing objectives, timelines, and targets. Three years later the Auditor General is reporting no meaningful progress on this and no objectives, no timelines, no targets, no public reporting. To the President of the Treasury Board. One of the priorities in your mandate letter from the Premier is building tomorrow, but it seems that this government is badly stuck in yesterday. How can Albertans trust this government to build for tomorrow when it cannot get its house in order today? Mr. Snelgrove: Mr.

Speaker, one thing that Albertans can be very proud of is one of the few provinces that actually has a long-term capital plan, a fully funded long-term capital plan with input from all over Alberta.

The Auditor General has stated that there is more work to do to make sure that our members have all the information needed to make sure that we’re getting the best value for our money, but our Premier has committed the ministers of Infrastructure and Transportation, and all the ministers spending capital have commit- ted to a process that recognizes the requirement for long-term sustainability, maintenance, and dependability. 2:10 The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That’s why we’ve got long wait lines at the emergency hospital.

I’d rather have infrastructure like airport tunnels not being built. To the minister again: what kind of example are you setting for the rest of the government when there is no meaningful progress to maintaining the infrastructure that drives Alberta’s growth? Mr. Snelgrove: Mr. Speaker, it is not just as simple as build a hospital and open immediately. It takes millions of dollars in staffing and training to do it.

If the hon. member would just take two minutes off his fixation about Calgary tunnel and go drive around Calgary or drive anywhere in Alberta and see the hundreds of millions of dollars being invested in health infrastructure, he would have to change his tune. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are talking about the tunnel vision on their side of the House, not with me. That’s a very vital project for Calgary and for southern Alberta. Now to the Minister of Infrastructure: why is this government

November 1, 2010 Alberta Hansard 1027 continuing to neglect recommendations of the Auditor General with regard to its reporting obligations? Do you have some kind of hidden agenda, sir? Mr. Danyluk: Well, first of all, Mr. Speaker, this government and our ministry have a consistent message in tracking the physical condition of schools, health facilities, and postsecondary institutions. Secondly, we agree with the Auditor General’s report, and we have taken over the tracking of those facilities in 2009.

In a five- year period we do track and monitor the buildings on a consistent basis, and we will continue to do that. It is our job, and we will do it. The Speaker: The hon. Member for St. Albert, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Wetland Policy Mr. Allred: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the hon. Minister of Environment. In 2008, after extensive consultation with almost a thousand stakeholders, the Alberta Water Council submitted recommendations for a wetlands policy that included a nonconsensus goal of no net loss, meaning for every wetland loss one must be replaced.

What is this government doing with this wetlands policy? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Renner: Well, Mr. Speaker, just this past weekend we had an opportunity to talk with a number of the significant stakeholders that will be working with us to fully flesh out this policy. We had a recommendation that came from the Alberta Water Council that provided us with a tremendous amount of detail and advice, and we have accepted all of the consensus recommendations. On one of the nonconsensus recommendations we have asked for some further review and further study. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr.

Allred: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. My first supplemental is to the same minister. Is this government developing a wetlands policy that considers economic impact to business over protection of wetlands? Mr. Renner: Well, Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, this is one of those subjects that tends to take on a black-and-white or an either/or focus. Frankly, that’s not the case in this instance, nor is it the case in most instances. What we are looking at is a way that we can maintain that kind of balance. How can we continue to have economic growth and protect the environment at the same time?

That’s why we’re focusing on the functionality of wetlands and trying to develop a policy that will protect wetlands based upon function. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Allred: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again to the same minister. Wetlands losses continue. We need consistent provincial direction for effective wetlands management. When will this government take meaningful action to protect Alberta’s wetlands? Mr. Renner: Well, Mr. Speaker, let me be clear to all members of the House that we do now have a wetlands policy.

What we’re doing is improving and increasing the value of that wetlands policy, so I can assure this member that there is ongoing protection of wetlands. There will be ongoing protection of wetlands. What we’re doing is developing a policy that will do it even better. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity, followed by the hon. Member for Red Deer-South. School Board Governance Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Education has created governance confusion regarding appointing school trustees.

Over the past decade this government has undermined local school authority by firing the Calgary public board, formerly chaired by the sitting MLA for Calgary-Mackay, which included Danielle Smith, who is hoping for better electoral luck second time out. Most recently the entire board of the Northland school division was fired by this minister. To the minister: what’s to stop you or a faction of a closely divided board from tipping the scales in their favour by stacking the board with short-leashed, subservient lapdogs? Mr.

Hancock: The public of Alberta, who looks for openness and accountability and transparency and process and understands the political process and the governance process, obviously, far better than this hon. member. What we’re talking about, really, is transforming education.

When we’re talking about transforming education, we’re talking about what good governance looks like, not good government, not just the election of a board, which is one level of government in education, or the provincial government, which is another level of government in education, but a community governance model which will bring all voices to the table in understanding how we create the best opportunity for our students. Mr. Chase: More and more we’re seeing appointments, Mr. Speaker, as opposed to elections. Electoral process in this province is undermined.

Who w ill decide which groups are sufficiently underrepresented to require an appointe d trustee: school boards or the minister? Mr. Hancock: Well, Mr. Speaker, nobody has yet decided that there will be any appointed trustees. What we’re talking about is: what’s the right kind of governance model which involves all those people whose voices should be heard to ensure that our children get the education they need? I would point the hon. member to the fact that right now you can appoint members to a board in certain circum- stances.

For example, where First Nations students are educated by a provincial board, there’s an opportunity for that board to have a First Nation representative on the board if they wish to do so, and there’s at least one board in this province that has taken that opportunity to do so. Mr. Chase: And there’s the Northland school division, where 24 First Nations or Métis representatives were fired by this minister. To the minister: would the government support further undermin- ing the democratic process by appointing people to municipal councils to speak for supposedly underrepresented interests?

How is education any different? Mr. Hancock: Well, Mr. Speaker, I’m extremely surprised because just before this question from this hon. member questions came from the other hon. members about what the Auditor General said about capital. What the Auditor General said about capital in Education is that he’s surprised that a school was built that the school board

Alberta Hansard November 1, 20101028 didn’t own. I don’t know what the hon. member would have expected me to do to a school board who built schools on property they didn’t own and didn’t open them for a year. I don’t know what kind of accountability that hon. member wants, but if we need to have appropriate representation on boards, we’ll have a discussion with the stakeholders, with the public, and with this House before anybody is appointed to a public board. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Red Deer-South, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-Strathcona. Harmonized Sales Tax Payments by Albertans Mr.

Dallas: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In July of this year the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario replaced their provincial sales tax with the harmonized sales tax, or HST. Constituents are suggesting to me that some services purchased in Alberta are actually subject to this tax even though it’s not an Alberta tax. My question is to the Minister of Finance and Enterprise. Is this true, and to what extent are Albertans being affected by the HST in Ontario and B.C.? Dr. Morton: Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, it is true, and we’re taking steps to remove it.

Overall, most Albertans will be largely unaf- fected by this change in the HST in Ontario and British Columbia, but there are two areas where the HST is potentially being levied on Albertans. The first is when Albertans mail a parcel over $5 to a province in which HST is being collected, such as Ontario or B.C., and the second, even more serious in my view, is that when an Albertan is purchasing a mutual f und or other financial service through a financial institution, the cost of HST to that financial institution may be passed along to the purchaser, including a resident of Alberta. The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Dallas: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My first supplemental is to the Minister of Finance and Enterprise. Isn’t it true that there are federal rules surrounding mutual funds that protect Albertans from having to pay HST? 2:20 Dr. Morton: Mr. Speaker, the federal rules allow mutual fund companies the flexibility to avoid passing on HST to residents of non-HST provinces like Alberta, but they do not require it. The fact is most of the brokers, most of the institutions are not doing that. It’s important to consider this also in the larger context of retirement savings.

Here we are working with the federal government to try to encourage Albertans and other Canadians to save money for retirement, and all of a sudden now they’re going to start taxing it. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Dallas: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My second supplemental to the same minister: given that there are situations where Albertans are clearly and unfairly impacted by HST levied in other provinces, what is the minister going to do about it? Dr. Morton: Mr. Speaker, I’ve sent not one, not two, but three letters to the Minister of Finance protesting against this effect on Alberta.

I’ve indicated that it’s completely unfair, that it’s an accountability issue. You can’t have taxation without representa- tion. Many elections are fought on taxation. Is it too high, or is it too low? The principle of our government is that the government, the tax collectors, have to be accountable to the people, the taxpay- ers. Here we have a situation where one government is collecting taxes from people in another province who can do nothing about it. It’s unfair, and I’ll continue to work to make sure it doesn’t go any further. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Strathcona, followed by the hon.

Member for Edmonton-Riverview. No-net-loss Wetland Policy Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The range and frequency of this government’s capitulation to big industry’s every whim at the expense of long-term community sustainability is awe inspiring. After two years an expert panel came up with the plan aimed at protecting provincial wetlands, but at the eleventh hour reps from mining, oil, and gas balked and resorted to the tried-and-true method of going behind closed doors to their friends in the PC government.

To the Minister of Environment: why have you sold out the majority of Albertans by abandoning the wetlands no-net-loss policy that the vast majority of your own panel recommended? Mr. Renner: Well, Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that this is always a difficult situation, to develop a policy that will serve all parts of the province. I think the difficulty that we faced was that we were asked to implement a policy that was, in effect, one size fits all, and one size doesn’t fit all.

So in that same report they indicated that in the long term they would like to see a function-based management system put into place, and we have agreed. We’re now suggesting that we should be working with the stakeholders to determine how we would implement a function-based rather than a simplistic one for all. Ms Notley: Well, Mr.

Speaker, given that 23 of 25 expert represen- tatives from industry, community, and environmental protection groups endorsed the plan and given that they reached this conclusion after studying the issue for over three years and consulting with over a thousand stakeholders, why won’t the minister admit that he has backed down once again to his friends in big oil and mining and that his plan will com promise Alberta’s water protection regime for generations to come? Mr. Renner: Because it’s not true, Mr. Speaker.

The fact is that we had a report that came from an organization that is asked to try and reach a consensus. A consensus means that all of the affected parties are able to live with it. Some recognized that in some instances it’s not everything that they wanted, but in other instances it is. In this particular case there was a nonconsensus. Not all of the parties could live with the results. It’s up to us now to try and figure out a system that will allow all of the parties to be involved.

Ms Notley: Given that industry announced that it had successfully lobbied government to allow for continued industrial destruction of Alberta’s wetlands last March, seven months before the minister had the courage to go public with this shameful decision, will the minister now admit that regardless of the majority acceptance of scientific evidence citing the need to maintain wetlands for Alberta’s water sustainability, when mining and oil say, “Jump,” the minister’s only response will always be, “How high?” Mr. Renner: Mr.

Speaker, there was a total unanimous agreement within the room that I spoke to on Friday – it included industry; it included environmental organizations; it included municipalities –

November 1, 2010 Alberta Hansard 1029 that we need to do something. In the absence of a policy that would be a no-net policy, working towards something that is better than what we have right now is a laudable goal and is something that we can achieve. I think we need to move in that direction. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Riverview, followed by the hon. Member for Cypress-Medicine Hat. Fort Chipewyan Health Research Agreement Dr. Taft: Thanks, Mr. Speaker. Last week the Premier was handed an air ticket to personally visit, I think for the first time, Fort Chip.

In response the Premier said that he hasn’t visited Fort Chip because he’s waiting for a local chief to sign an agreement on health research. This is the first time I’ve heard of the Premier waiting for a local signature before he visits a community in Alberta. What involvement has the Minister of Aboriginal Relations had in developing this agreement, and would he table it in this Assembly? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Webber: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, hon. member, for the question. It’s not too often that I get questions from the opposition on aboriginal issues, so thank you for that.

I’ve been up to Fort Chip on a couple of occasions, and I’ve met with Grand Chief Allan Adam regarding the LOI, the letter of intent, with respect to the health study. It’s an ongoing process. There’s a lot of debate, a lot of discussions over it, and we are working toward some type of an agreement. The Speaker: The hon. member. Dr. Taft: Well, thanks. Some type of an agreement. All right. Let’s try the Minister of Health and Wellness.

Given that health concerns are the number one issue for the residents of Fort Chip, what role has the Minister of Health and Wellness played in drafting this agreement that we just heard about, and will he table it in the Assembly? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, I’ll be happy to make that available once it’s fully signed, but clearly we’re not releasing something – and I’m sure they aren’t either – until it has that final signature in place. In response to the first question, because I have the lead role on this file and have had for the past couple of years, I’ve been up there myself I think six times now.

I’ve met with that leadership on a number of occasions, and a lot of progress has been made. But in fairness they wanted a little bit more time so that the chief could maybe sign off if that’s his wish. He wanted to check with some elders. The Minister of Aboriginal Relations was integral to that meeting as well, as were the Minister of Environment and others. So good progress is in the works. The Speaker: The hon. member. Dr. Taft: Thanks, Mr. Speaker. Again to the Minister of Aboriginal Relations since he wants some more questions.

Reflecting on what we’ve just heard, it would seem to be that it’s this government’s position that the ball is in the court of the First Nations to sign this agreement and that they’re actually delaying and dawdling and being unco-operative. Are they? Mr. Webber: Mr. Speaker, these are complex issues, and it takes time for us to develop some type of a baseline study. We continue to work with the grand chief and with all the chiefs up in that area. Hopefully, in a short time we’ll have something resolved there. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Cypress-Medicine Hat, followed by the hon.

Member for Calgary-Fish Creek. Disaster Recovery Program for Flood Damage Mr. Mitzel: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past summer the province experienced a number of severe weather events that hit residents hard, resulting in seven active disaster recovery programs across Alberta. I’m particularly interested in the largest disaster, across southern Alberta. My question is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

I can say that emergency management responded immedi- ately, but still my constituents are asking: why does it seem that the government just doesn’t seem to understand or care about how they’re being impacted by the floods during the emergency? Mr. Goudreau: Mr. Speaker, southern Alberta was clearly the hardest hit, and we’re very, very fortunate and relieved that no lives were lost. The government quickly activated its operations centre to co-ordinate the emergency response during the critical first hours and days after the event.

There were a number of ministers that toured the area to see the damage first-hand so that we could get a sense of what needed to be done. Of course, we immediately began work on our disaster recovery program. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Mitzel: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the same minister: as it’s been over four months since the event and $203 million was announced for southern Alberta, why hasn’t all that assistance reached the people hardest hit by the flood? Mr. Goudreau: Mr.

Speaker, residents and farmers and our small businesses are our priority, especially in the hardest hit areas, areas like the community of Irvine. They do come first. To date 85 per cent of the residential applicants have received payments. As with most disasters we’ll follow up with the municipal costs that are involved. Recognizing the severity of the situation, again in certain parts, under my direction we opened up an office in Irvine to deal directly with those affected. The Speaker: The hon. member. 2:30 Mr. Mitzel: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Given that I’ve heard from constituents that the disaster recovery program needs to be more responsive to the needs of flood victims and given that the standards and guidelines for recovery were never set up to address this never- before type of flood, will the program be reviewed? Mr. Goudreau: Mr. Speaker, we always review our programs and have already made some very positive changes when it comes to the flood and flood damage. We didn’t wait for the program to end. As an example, we removed the $300,000 cap for assistance. We’ve eliminated the 20 per cent income requirement for farming opera- tions.

These changes are retroactive to July 1 and apply to all of our current applicants right across the province. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Fish Creek, followed by the hon. Member for Grande Prairie-Wapiti.

Alberta Hansard November 1, 20101030 Medical Procedure Wait Times Mrs. Forsyth: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Wait Time Alliance was created by Canada’s leading medical association to address concerns the medical community had about growing wait times. In its most recent report card two provinces received a failing grade, Alberta being one of them. Why? Because this government failed to provide any data to the group. Not only is that an insult to the medical community, but frankly it’s an insult to all Albertans. My questions are to the minister of health.

Why didn’t you provide the data to the Wait Time Alliance when you continually talk about being open and accountable to Albertans? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, I’ll be happy to take a look into the details. I’m not sure what period in time is being requested or referred to here, but I will tell the hon. member that I’ll have a look into that matter as soon as I leave the House. Mrs. Forsyth: Mr. Speaker, I just don’t know what to say. Again to the same minister: when will you table a comprehensive list of wait times in Alberta so Albertans will have the real picture on how their health care system is performing?

The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Zwozdesky: Thank you. That’s a good question. Mr. Speaker, as people here would know, we did have a wait-list registry that was up on the website, where people could go and look, for example, to see how quickly they could get in for a hip operation. Unfortu- nately, there were some computer difficulties, I’m told, that developed about a year ago, so the site had to be taken down, but one of the priorities for Alberta Health Services is to get it back up and functioning.

Secondly, I’ve also asked for public reporting on, specifically, emergency room wait times from Alberta Health Services on a per- site basis, and that is in motion as we speak. Mrs. Forsyth: Mr. Speaker, again, we knew about the wait times. We knew about the computer glitch. That should be an emergency because it’s urgent for Albertans to find out. To the same minister: will you commit right here and right now to participating in the 2011 Wait Time Alliance report card? Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr.

Speaker, as soon as I have a chance to read it through and discuss it with the people who are delivering the service, I’ll be happy to undertake the proper response to that question. But I want to make it clear that we have just gone through the single largest amalgamation in Canadian history, of 90,000 employees, and there were some bumps and bruises along the way. Those are being sorted out, including the wait-list registry. Market Access to China Mr. Drysdale: Mr. Speaker, in June the federal government announced that Canada had secured an agreement with China on staged market access for beef and tallow.

I know Alberta’s industry is trying to reduce its dependence on its beef trade with the U.S., and China is considered a priority market in our efforts to diversify. My question is for the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Could the minister tell us what our provincial government is doing to advance our trade with China? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Mr. Hayden: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are right now working with our federal government in negotiating trade protocols with China.

We have been working through a trade mission with the New West Partnership with British Columbia and Saskatchewan to advance the interests of our agriculture industry in Asia. A number of meetings with Chinese government officials, meat-purchasing agencies, and retailers have shown that there is an amazing market available for us, and we’re there developing it. Mr. Drysdale: Mr. Speaker, the agriculture minister mentioned his New West Partnership Asia mission. Was it just about beef, or did the minister highlight any other products while he was there? Mr. Hayden: No, Mr. Speaker.

There were a number of products that were highlighted, and it was very interesting to see the Asian market’s taste for our honey out of northern Alberta, as an example, the huge business that we do with them on canola and a number of other products. Of course, along with our partners there was salmon from British Columbia, the fruit industry. There are all kinds of opportunities. Mr. Drysdale: Again to the same minister: in addition to advancing the trade of our commodities, are there any other benefits to these international relationships between our industry and the industries in China and Japan? Mr.

Hayden: Absolutely. There are other opportunities, Mr. Speaker. We have industry people from China and Japan that are actually in our research centres in Leduc right now testing Alberta products and building them to the taste preferences of their market. It creates all kinds of opportunities when you meet in communities with people whose cities are as large as our entire population in Canada. The opportunities there are wonderful, and the people really want to do business. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Lougheed.

No-net-loss Wetland Policy (continued) Ms Blakeman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. We’ve had the interim policy on wetlands in place for approaching three decades, we’ve had the minister’s own Water Council give recommendations two years ago, and here we’re hearing the minister today explaining the current stall to a lack of consensus on wetland issues. Well, the opposite of consensus is hostage taking. To the Minister of Environ- ment: why is the minister abdicating his leadership and allowing CAPP and the Alberta Chamber of Resources to be the hostage takers and derail this process? Mr. Renner: Mr.

Speaker, let’s be very, very clear. There is a significant amount of consensus already in place. There were a number of recommendations where we are in fact proceeding along the very lines that were outlined. The report that came from the Water Council suggested that there needed to be more emphasis on the functionality of wetlands, and they were almost talking about interim. They said: in the interim no net loss. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Blakeman: Yeah. Exactly my point: hostage taking. Given that cumulative effects do not mean protecting one aspect

November 1, 2010 Alberta Hansard 1031 of an ecosystem while neglecting another, why is this administration moving forward with the land-use plan with accelerated develop- ment before implementing a wetlands policy? Mr. Renner: Mr. Speaker, let’s just face some realities here. When we’re talking about a no-net-loss policy in a region that already is more than 50 per cent wetlands, there could be some instances where someone would be expecting to replace a wetland by eliminating a much more valuable upland.

That’s why you have to have a policy that talks about functionality, that talks about protecting wetlands of the highest value. Not all wetlands are the same, and that’s why we need a policy that recognizes that. The Speaker: The hon. member. Ms Blakeman: Thank you very much. To the same minister. Here’s a reality check for you. We’ve lost 60 per cent of the wetlands in this province while this minister has been dragging his heels on this policy. Why does the Environment minister always default to the Department of Energy when it comes to environmental protection? Why? Mr. Renner: Mr.

Speaker, the Environment department defaults to the Environment department. I can guarantee the member that that simply is not the case. As to her assertion that there has been a 60 per cent decrease in wetlands since I have been the minister, it’s absolutely ludicrous. Why would she make a ridiculous statement like that? The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Lougheed, followed by the hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Canadian Dollar Value Mr. Rodney: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Canadian currency exchange rate was forecasted back in the first quarter, but ever since the loonie has continued to climb in value, hovering a round parity for the past few weeks. Many people consider this a good-news story, but in certain respects this is terrible news. My first question is for the Minister of Finance and Enterprise. How drastically has this affected the Alberta budget? Is it to the point where the minister needs to go back to the drawing board? The Speaker: The hon. minister. Dr. Morton: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The hon. member is correct.

The loonie has appreciated vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar, and it does have a significant impact on government of Alberta revenues. A 1-cent change in the exchange rate translates into a $215 million drop in government revenues – 1 cent equals a $215 million drop in revenue – and with the loonie getting towards parity recently, obviously it’s a concern. It’s on our radar. That’s why at first quarter we read- justed our projection from 95 cents to 96.75 cents and projected that that will cost us approximately $375 million in lost revenue. 2:40 The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Rodney: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My first supplemental is to the same minister. Some of those numbers are alarming, and it’s indeed possible this isn’t just a volatile, short-term issue. It may become a long-term trend. What is the minister doing to counteract this? Dr. Morton: Mr. Speaker, on the recent trip I made to New York and Toronto, meeting a lot with many of the banks and banking agencies, we discussed this at length. The general consensus is that the Canadian dollar is going to range between 95 cents and $1.05 over the next number of years. That’s the new range.

Again, when we do our second-quarter update at the end of this month, we’ll be looking at that and making the appropriate adjustments. The Speaker: The hon. member. Mr. Rodney: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My final question to the same minister. Albertans deserve some details. What specific actions is the minister taking to offset pressures of the high dollar value on our government’s fiscal plan? Dr. Morton: Mr. Speaker, as I indicated when I tabled the budget back in February, we’re an export-based economy, and what happens in the rest of the world affects what happens here in Alberta.

I also pointed out at that time that while we cannot control revenues, we can control expenditures. That’s what we’re working on right now as we prepare the budget for Budget 2011. The Speaker: Hon. members, that concludes the question-and- answer period for today. Eighteen members were recognized. There were 106 questions and responses. We will ret urn to the main Routine with additional members’ statements momentarily, but in the interim might we revert briefly to Introduction of Guests? [Unanimous consent granted] head: Introduction of Guests (continued) The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-McCall. Mr.

Kang: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is with great pleasure that I would like to introduce to you and through you to the members of the Assembly Mr. Jason Bedard and his beautiful wife, Leslie Bedard. Leslie ran for alderman in ward 4 in the last civic election in Calgary. The Bedards are very close friends of the family – that is, my family – and they’ve been a great help to me during my campaigns and elections. I’d like Jason and Leslie to rise and receive the warm welcome of the Assembly. The Speaker: In 30 seconds we’ll revert to Members’ Statements. head: Members’ Statements (continued) The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Cypress-Medicine Hat. Grimma-Alberta Flood Damage Fundraising Exchange Mr. Mitzel: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In 2003 due to a heavy rainfall crisis in the republic of Czechoslovakia and in Poland decisions were made to open floodgates on many dams in order to save their structures and prevent local flooding. As a result water gathered and flowed down the Elbe River and in a short time totally flooded the city of Grimma and the surrounding province of Saxony in Germany. The province of Saxony is twinned with the province of Alberta, and the Elbe River flows right through this 1,000-year- old city. Mr.

Speaker, the German consul, the hon. Bernd Reuscher, along

Alberta Hansard November 1, 20101032 with officials from Leduc were in the Saxony area very shortly after the flood in 2003 and saw the devastation for themselves. Upon returning to Edmonton, Consul Reuscher organized a benefit concert, and over $30,000 was raised. This was then matched by the Alberta government through the Wild Rose Foundation. Alberta was the only province and Albertans were the only people from around the world to come to the aid of the city of Grimma. As fate would have it, Mr.

Speaker, the very same mayor and council of Grimma were in Leduc very shortly after the flood this year in June in Medicine Hat and in Irvine in southeast Alberta. Upon hearing about the flood and seeing the devastation on TV, they immediately set in motion the required process to provide a donation by way of a cheque for €15,000, approximately $21,000, for the victims of the flood here. On October 15 this cheque was presented by Consul Reuscher to the Medicine Hat community foundation to address such things as mid- and long-term financial burdens of victims of the flood.

On behalf of the citizens and, in particular, the flood victims I wish to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the city of Grimma in the province of Saxony, Germany, for their very kind generosity. Thank you as well to German Consul Bernd Reuscher for his initiative and work on this. It is so much appreciated. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Calder. Building Trades of Alberta Courage Centre Mr. Elniski: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the opening of the Glenrose hospital Courage Centre.

The centre is an initiative of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation and the Building Trades Council of Alberta. The Courage Centre has been established to create an environment where new beginnings are born and nurtured using the latest and, I must say, somewhat amazing advances in rehabilitation technology. Mr. Speaker, since its opening in 1964 the Glenrose rehabilitation hospital has made significant strides towards enhancing rehabilita- tive care in our province.

The province has established itself on an international level as a place for excellence in neurological, orthopaedic, cardiac, geriatric, and pediatric rehabilitation care. Serving over 20,000 fam ilies a year, the Gle nrose is one of the largest free-standing tertiary rehabilitation centres in North America. The Glenrose hospital is unique to Alberta. Staff at the Glenrose are committed to the provision of complex and specialized rehabilitation care for all ages. They know that rehabilitation helps to restore a person to the way they were prior to their illness or injury.

The foundation has raised close to $10 million towards projects like the Alberta Courage Centre. For two years the foundation focused its efforts on funding this new state-of-the-art facility in the hospital, and on November 4 the Building Trades of Alberta Courage Centre will open its doors. Mr. Speaker, for most people technology makes things easier, but for someone with a disability technology makes things possible. Thank you to the Glenrose foundation and all the generous donors for making the Alberta Courage Centre a reality. You give people with disabilities a chance, but most of all you give them hope.

Your dedication to helping those who deal with the daily challenges of disabilities is truly inspirational. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lethbridge-West. Lethbridge College and U of Lethbridge Achievements Mr. Weadick: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As parliamentary assistant to the minister of advanced education and innovation I’ve had many opportunities over the past several months to tour and meet with people from many of Alberta’s excellent postsecondary institutions. Today, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to talk about a couple of recent milestones from my own neck of the woods, Lethbridge.

First, I’d like to recognize Lethbridge College for receiving a business of the year award from the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce in the innovation category. The college received the award in recognition of its commitment to excellence and innova- tion. Its recent collaborations with industry have challenged the college to find solutions to real-life problems. The award cited the college’s partnership in the living home project, a partnership with Cedar homes in Lethbridge, and its patent application for Simleg- gings, a medical training innovation.

Applied research is an integral part of college programming and often comes with groundbreaking results. This award recognized the advanced efforts of students, faculty, and staff towards building a knowledge-based economy. I’m sure Lethbridge College President Tracy Edwards is very proud of this award. It’s also my pleasure, Mr. Speaker, to speak about another event. I was able to join our Premier and a number of our southern MLAs at the grand opening of Markin Hall at the University of Lethbridge on October 21.

Markin Hall is a $65 million project that boasts western Canada’s first commodity trading laboratory, a nursing skills lab with simulated patients, and an addictions counselling lab with the latest digital recording technology for individual, family, and group sessions. This government invested $50 million of the cost with another $3 million coming from Dr. Allan Markin, the chairman of Canadian Natural Resources and part owner of the Calgary Flames. Markin Hall provides better teaching space for about 550 health sciences students, giving them the opportunity to learn by doing in the simulated health field.

Markin is also home to western Canada’s first commodity trading lab and provides students with hands-on experience in derivatives trading. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. head: Introduction of Bills The Speaker: The hon. Member for Grande Prairie-Wapiti. 2:50 Bill 20 Class Proceedings Amendment Act, 2010 Mr. Drysdale: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to request leave to introduce for first reading Bill 20, the Class Proceedings Amendment Act, 2010. This legislation will amend the existing Class Proceedings Act.

This act facilitates the e fficient handling of cases of mass wrong, commonly referred to as class-action lawsuits. It also provides improved access to justice for those whose claims may not otherwise be brought forward and can encourage actual or potential wrongdo- ers to change their behaviour. These amendments will improve and update current legislation and are consistent with the recommenda- tions made by the Uniform Law Conference of Canada and the courts. Thank you. [Motion carried; Bill 20 read a first time] The Speaker: The hon. Deputy Government House Leader. Mr. Renner: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I move that Bill 20 be moved onto the Order Paper under Government Bills and Orders. [Motion carried]

November 1, 2010 Alberta Hansard 1033 The Speaker: The hon. Member for Wetaskiwin-Camrose. Bill 21 Wills and Succession Act Mr. Olson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to rise today to request leave to introduce for first reading Bill 21, the Wills and Succession Act. This act will amalgamate five pi eces of legislation into a single statute that covers wills, intestacy, beneficiary designations, survivorship, and family support, making it easier for Albertans to use and understand.

This legislation will also modernize and update the law to reflect the current financial and social realities of Albertans, and it will provide Albertans with clear, easy-to-find, and easy-to-understand rules for estate planning. Thank you. [Motion carried; Bill 21 read a first time] The Speaker: The hon. Deputy Government House Leader. Mr. Renner: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill 21 be moved onto the Order Paper under Government Bills and Orders. [Motion carried] The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs on behalf of the hon. Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Bill 22 Family Law Statutes Amendment Act, 2010 Mr. Denis: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise today to request leave to introduce first reading of Bill 22, the Family Law Statutes Amendment Act, 2010. Mr. Speaker, Bill 22 will incorporate amendments to three different enactments in the family law area: firstly, the Family Law Act; secondly, the Maintenance Enforcement Act; and thirdly, the Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act.

Through Bill 22 we will update legislation to ensure that children born using assisted human reproduction have certainty about their legal parents, establish parents as guardians of their children, and abolish the status of illegitimacy, which is no longer relevant in Alberta law. Bill 22 will also enhance administrative fairness and increase efficiencies and regularity of payment for Alberta’s maintenance enforcement program. It will also address contact information requirements for clients and how insufficient funds payments and overpayments are treated at law.

Also included in this bill are amendments that will benefit families by making child and spousal support orders between Albertans and parties in other jurisdictions easier to establish, to vary, and to enforce. Mr. Speaker, these changes increase service, improve efficiencies, provide clarity, and streamline process. Thank you. [Motion carried; Bill 22 read a first time] The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Energy. Bill 24 Carbon Capture and Storage Statutes Amendment Act, 2010 Mr. Liepert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It’s my pleasure today to request leave to introduce Bill 24, the Carbon Capture and Storage Statutes Amendment Act, 2010. This being a money bill, His Honour the Honourable the Lieutenant Governor, having been informed of the contents of this bill, recommends the same to the Assembly. Mr. Speaker, carbon capture and storage, or CCS, technology is fundamental to Alberta’s clean-energy pursuits in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Passage of this act will clarify poor space ownership, ensure that the province accepts long-term liability for injected carbon dioxide, and creates a stewardship fund, financed by CCS operators, which will be used for remedial and ongoing monitoring costs. [Motion carried; Bill 24 read a first time] The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Energy. Bill 25 Freehold Mineral Rights Tax Amendment Act, 2010 Mr. Liepert: Mr. Speaker, I also request leave today to introduce Bill 25, the Freehold Mineral Rights Tax Amendment Act, 2010. Mr.

Speaker, the current act needs to be updated to align with current industry practices, and these proposed amendments will ensure that business practices comply with freehold mineral tax legislation, recognize the electronic transmission of documents, update auditing provisions to be consistent with the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act, and update appeal provisions to be consistent with other tax legislation. [Motion carried; Bill 25 read a first time] The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Glenmore. Bill 208 Recall Act Mr. Hinman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Today it’s a pleasure to request leave to introduce Bill 208 for first reading. I’m very pleased. Bill 208 is a recall act, a true accountability act. Recall is based on a very simple principle. Elected officials are not only accountable to voters on election day but every day. Being elected does not generate an entitlement. It is a privilege that must be revokable if the voters are to be truly empowered. Four or five years is a long time for citizens to have to wait if their MLA suddenly promotes their own hidden agenda or acts in some way that dissolves the trust and respect of the voters.

This is even more the case when a politician is not planning to run for office again. When this is the case, the threat of election day becomes meaningless, and an MLA can accordingly misrepresent constituents to an unaccept- able degree without fear of any consequences. Some no doubt have fear of

an act like this bringing instability to government. To this I counter that it does not do so in many jurisdictions in North America in which proper recall provisions are in place. The threshold in this act is high enough that there will not be any frivolous attempts that will succeed in triggering an election. In this act 33 per cent of the eligible voters must sign a petition that clearly explains why recalling the member is warranted. Canvassers are required to be residents of Alberta for six months and cannot be paid for their efforts.

This helps to ensure that the recall effort will be a grassroots movement and not something paid for by a wealthy minority or interest groups outside of Alberta. The signatures must be collected within 60 days. This is about as short a window as one would expect a campaign like this to work but ensures that the political uncertainty is minimized.

Alberta Hansard November 1, 20101034 In conclusion, this bill is about ensuring that the people of Alberta are the ones holding the power and that when elected representatives no longer represent the people, they have a process that allows them to remove politicians with hidden agendas who are not putting the interests of the people first. Recall is the only 24/7 way to hold elected people accountable and in check. If we want people to be engaged in politics, then they must be empowered. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Motion carried; Bill 208 read a first time] head: Tabling Returns and Reports The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Cypress-Medicine Hat. Mr. Mitzel: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to table the appropri- ate number of copies of a petition and a letter received in my office over the summer months. This petition states: We, the undersigned residents of Alberta, petition the Legislative Assembly to urge the Government of Alberta to inform the Health Minister along with the provincial health . . . board to give Dr. Wardell’s pain clinic in Medicine Hat . . . the adequate funds to keep it from closing as of July 1st 2010.

Also those funds need to be budgeted for in up coming budgets so he along with his patients do not experience this hardship again [past 2012]. The letter also reflects this opinion and thanks the minister for addressing this with the two-year interim funding. The Speaker: Hon. members, we’ve now arrived at the point of 3 o’clock. It’s been the practice that if we are in a part of the Routine that we’ve already started, we’ll go to the end of it before I come back to the standing order provision. The hon. Member for Edmonton-Riverview. 3:00 Dr. Taft: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have three tablings today.

All of them, I think, are important and interesting. The first is copies of a ruling written by Judge Wheatley in the case of Frick versus Her Majesty the Queen. I particularly draw members’ attention to paragraphs 19, 20, and 21, where, for example, it says: “For an accused without the means to pay for a lawyer, the current situation in Alberta is troublesome.” It goes on to elaborate on this. I am doing this on behalf of the Member for Calgary-Buffalo. My second tabling is perhaps for the enlightenment of the Minister of Health and Wellness or for all members and to make sure that it’s in the record.

The minister announced a couple of weeks ago that he was establishing benchmarks and so on. What I’m tabling today are simply copies of the same benchmarks that have been published by Alberta Health Services going back two years. So his announcement was really something that’s been in place for a long time and shows no improvement in that time. Finally, Mr. Speaker, a tabling that may reinforce my reputation as an egghead; I’m not sure. Last week I referred to King Canute, and very few members of the Assembly knew who King Canute was, actually, to my dismay.

Some members of this Assembly whose heritage might even stem from King Canute didn’t know who he was, so I am tabling a brief history of who King Canute was. He was a very important man. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Centre. Ms Blakeman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m tabling today documents that, in fact, I was prepared to table last Thursday. This is a copy of the letter that was signed by over 300 individuals in person and an additional 300 people online. It is the letter from the Stand with Fort Chip group directed to the government of Alberta and specifically to the hon.

Premier. It lists their concerns and, of course, accompanied the r ound-trip plane ticket that the students and the Stand with Fort Chip group delivered to the Premier. Later he agreed he would indeed be visiting this area. This is a copy of the letter and the signatures supporting it. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Currie. Mr. Taylor: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to table five copies of a letter from constituent Susan Wright, who has written a letter to the health minister detailing the ordeal that her daughter spent twice in the health care system when she had a gall bladder attack and subsequent complications because of the first ordeal. Thank you. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Strathcona. Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table the appropriate number of copies of a report by the Canadian Labour Congress titled How It Works (for Everyone).

This report refers to the advantages of a modest increase in CPP contributions that would result in extra benefits for workers when they retire. Thank you. The Speaker: Are there others? The hon. Member for Airdrie- Chestermere. Mr. Anderson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table the appropriate number of copies of a letter received from over 50 parents of special-needs students from across Alberta. The letter outlines their disagreement with the government’s plan for students with special needs and the lack of adequate funding they receive.

They do not support the initiative of forcing special-needs students to attend the same classrooms as regular students unless it is clearly beneficial to all students involved. Thank you. The Speaker: Hon. members, it’s my pleasure today to introduce you to the new pages that we have by way of a brochure that we’ve just recently produced called Page Biographies: Legislative Assem- bly of Alberta, 27th Legislature, Third Session, Fall 2010. Take a couple of minutes just to go through this to see these remarkable young people. head: Orders of the Day head: Written Questions The Speaker: The hon.

Member for Calgary-Currie. Sour Gas Well Blowout Q40. Mr. Taylor asked that the following question be accepted. How much gas has been released as a result of the sour gas blowout near Hythe that occurred on February 24, 2010? Mr. Taylor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. By way of background on the 24th of February of this year a sour gas well belonging to Canadian Natural Resources blew out very near the community of Hythe, about 19 kilometres northwest of Hythe, and it continued to burn for,

November 1, 2010 Alberta Hansard 1035 I think, some 13 days before the ERCB a pproved a plan to regain control of the well. The plan, as I understand it, was successful. This is not a question, Mr. Speaker, that seeks to determine the degree or the level to which the health of nearby residents may have been affected by release of sour gas because it was pretty clear at the time that there was a fairly insignificant amount of sour gas that may actually have been released into the atmosphere. It’s more about how much gas went up in smoke, if you will, during those 13 days.

The follow-up question is going to relate, as I will discuss at the appropriate time, to what they may have cost the province of Alberta in forgone royalties. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Energy. Mr. Liepert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The kind of information that this hon. member is attempting to seek is impossible to provide, and it’s for that reason that I would ask the Legislative Assembly to reject the question. As a bit of background this was a flaming gas well that blew while in the drilling stage. Measuring the flow from an uncontrolled gas well at that stage is impossible.

The measure- ment comes after the drilling has been finished and has gone into the test stage. As a result, there is really nothing that I can table to assist the hon. member. What I can say is that the ERCB investigation into this blowout is continuing. I would hope that within the next couple of months we would have that report. That report will become public, and if there is anything that the ERCB during its investigation could add relative to the amount of gas that may have been lost as a result of this blowout, we’re more than happy to provide it.

But I would have to ask that the Assembly reject the question primarily because the information is not available. The Speaker: Others to participate? The hon. Member for Calgary- Glenmore. Mr. Hinman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think that perhaps sometimes when we ask a question it opens up another door, and we see the reverse side of the question. Perhaps the other side and why this is a valid question to answer is because of the nume rous applications that are sitting in front of the ERCB, where those wells are not allowed to be drilled because we’re not processing it in a timely manner.

I think to see what happens in the 13 days when a well has run wild and got out of control – what would it be like to see the other side, where a company has waited six months or a year or been denied access just because they don’t have their act together or there isn’t clarity in it. I mean, I’ve spoken to companies that have made application up in the Lloydminster area. It has taken a short six weeks in Saskatchewan, and we’re waiting up to two years here in Alberta.

I think it’s significant to see how much royalty we are actually losing not because of the little bit that is being lost to a blowout like that but because we’re not drilling. I think it would also be interest- ing to show the world the amount of flaring that takes place in other jurisdictions and to show how environmentally responsible we are here in Alberta with restricting the flaring and that it is taking place right now. The amount of flaring that is going on in other nations is incredible.

If we want to talk about the CO 2 production and that aspect of it, we should be able to compare Alberta to those other jurisdictions to show what a great job the drillers and the people of Alberta are doing in developing our resources. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. 3:10 Mr. Chase: Thank you. What this question brings to mind is a concern over sour gas release and the types of remediation we have in this province to limit the dangerous effects. In 2005 in a measur- able circumstance the Shell plant near Pincher Creek released sour gas when their ignition system twice failed.

Now, that’s probably an example of a measurable amount of gas because it was from a refined circumstance. The problem that occurred when Compton proposed having sour gas wells right on the outskirts of Calgary, very close to the soon-to- be-completed, long-awaited east hospital, indicates how we need to be able to hold companies to account and ensure that, whether it’s in the drilling stage or somewhere along in the refining stage, sour gas isn’t either flared or released. So this question by the hon.

Member for Calgary-Currie creates a series of questions about the release of sour gas, the effects on both individuals and the flora and the fauna in the surrounding areas. I understand the minister’s inability based on the fact that the gas escaped before it was measured, but my concern is that the gas escaped, and what we are doing to ensure that it doesn’t continue to go into the air for 13 days after the initial loss. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Currie to close the debate. Mr. Taylor: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

That sounded, actually, like a plausible explanation from the Minister of Energy, and I’m inclined to accept the explanation. I look forward very much to the ERCB investigation report due in a couple of months, and hopefully we’ll have a further conversation with the minister about that at that time. Thank you. [Written Question 40 lost] The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Currie. Sour Gas Well Blowout Q41. Mr. Taylor asked that the following question be accepted.

What is the total amount of royalty revenue that the province expects to lose because of the sour gas blowout near Hythe that occurred on February 24, 2010? Mr. Taylor: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The same explanation, the same background goes for this question as for the previous question, so without further ado I’ll allow the response from the minister. Mr. Liepert: Well, Mr. Speaker, again, unfortunately, that type of information is not available because, in essence, it wasn’t a produc- ing well, and you only pay royalties on a producing well.

So the question as it’s phrased would be a guesstimate on the part of anybody because the real question would’ve been phrased: how much did the province lose in royalties during the time when the blowout took place? The answer there would be none because we only collect royalties on a producing well. Again, as I said in respect to the first question, the ERCB is reviewing this particular blowout. The report should be available within the next couple of months.

I’d be more than happy to share with this hon. member any information or hear his suggestions relative to how that process could be improved going forward, but for this particular written question I’m afraid I have to suggest that the Assembly reject this question, Mr. Speaker.

Alberta Hansard November 1, 20101036 The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity. Mr. Chase: Thank you. Again, I understand and appreciate that if something isn’t measurable, then how can you, therefore, determine the value of something that wasn’t measured in the first place? However, the question does prompt concerns about royalties, and our predecessor to Merwan Saher, Auditor General Fred Dunn, brought up the concerns about how it is that we measure and collect royalties.

He pointed out that the government had the potential of losing over a billion dollars in gas royalties because of its measure- ment system. One individual at that time when he did his study was the gatekeeper for all the incoming measurements of gas upon which royalties would be determined, and this person was swamped. He was basically receiving input from the various companies involved. As opposed to having an independent accounting, he was totally reliant on the information that he was receiving.

What he was basing his royalty measurements on were the highest outflows as opposed to any kind of consistent monitoring of individual produc- tion measures. My concern, even with the improved royalty measurements that we have out there, is that to a large extent we’re reliant on companies and their reports as opposed to accounting separately and measuring the flows and, therefore, an accurate accounting of the royalties that we’re due. Thank you to the hon. Member for Calgary-Currie for raising this question.

I don’t believe the royalty collection has been completed to the new Auditor General’s satisfaction, but that will remain to be seen. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Glenmore. Mr. Hinman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to comment a little bit. Again, the question is worded such as to say, “Well, how much royalty revenue does the province expect?” or, to me, “Can it calculate how much it actually did lose?” I would venture to say to the minister that, actually, we can fairly accurately measure that because we know the size of the pipe and the pressure at which it blew out.

The volume is just a correlation between volume and the pressure. I think that, again, the important thing to realize with this is that we have a smear campaign pointed at the province. I think questions like this need to be answered, but we need to go the next step further. As I mentioned a little bit earlier on Question 40, on this one here, Question 41, we had some CO2 production because of it being flared and it being allowed to continue on for 18 days. I think this is an opportunity where we can showcase to the world and show the amount of CO 2 that’s being produced per volume of gas in the province.

Once again, if this is what the real concern is for many of these environmentalists, then actually look at other jurisdictions, where they don’t care about their natural gas, where they flare it all the time and produce the oil. Yet if we were to actually use natural gas to extract our bitumen and upgrade it, we’d be ridiculed.

I think this is a great opportunity for the province and the Energy minister to do some calculations and answer these questions and to go a step further and show the amount of CO2 production per barrel of oil produced in many of the other countries of the world that just constantly flare and burn their natural gas because they don’t want to make the effort of liquifying it or pumping it or whatever else. They just want the oil, and they burn the gas, producing a massive amount of CO2 per barrel produced.

I think this is an opportunity for the government to look at and report on this and, more importantly, report on other jurisdictions, on how they handle these things, to once again show the expertise of those companies that operate here in Alberta and also to point out that it seems like people don’t realize that those companies, that have invested millions of dollars in drilling, absolutely have their best interests at hand in making sure these blowouts don’t occur. They probably do the best job of scrutinizing why this has happened to ensure that it doesn’t happen again in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: Others? The hon. Member for Calgary-Currie to close the debate. Mr. Taylor: Question. [Written Question 41 lost] head: Public Bills and Orders Other than Government Bills and Orders Second Reading Bill 204 Fiscal Responsibility (Spending Limit) Amendment Act, 2010 [Adjourned debate October 25] The Speaker: Hon. Member for Calgary-Varsity, if you want to proceed, go ahead and then the hon. Member for Calgary-North Hill. Mr. Chase: I didn’t want to interrupt the person who had adjourned debate or take away their opportunity to continue, but thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to speak.

A lesson I learned very early on came out of Sunday school. I had an Anglican grandmother living in Meota, Saskatchewan, and a grandmother who followed the Christian Science faith in Saskatoon who taught me a variety of Sunday school lessons, but my favourite lessons always came through stories. 3:20 One of my favourite stories, that relates directly to Bill 204, the Fiscal Responsibility (Spending Limit) Amendment Act, 2010, is the story of Joseph.

One of the reasons the story appealed to me to such an extent was that Joseph had a coat of many colors, and that actually attracted the attention of a rather bad element. They not only stole Joseph’s coat of many colors, but they dumped him into a pit, and they left him. Fortunately, as the story goes, God provided for Joseph, and Joseph went on to be the financial adviser for another very famous Biblical story individual, and that was David of the slingshot, who later became a very wise King David.

Joseph’s advice to King David was to set aside in times of good to cover times of famine, so he recommended that in the royal storehouses there be the equivalent of seven years of grain stored. And it came to pass, as the Bible would say, that the king on behalf of his loyal citizens set aside and was able to manage seven very devastating years. [Mr. Mitzel in the chair] To bring this Biblical analogy to Alberta reality, the sustainability fund, that the Alberta Liberals put forward as the stability fund, is that tide-over situation.

It’s very important that while the govern- ment operates within its means, it has the ability to tide us over in situations like we’re now experiencing with this recession. I agree with the hon. mover of Bill 204 that the government has a spending problem, but I also am aware of the different attitudes that a Liberal policy would bring to the table versus that being put

November 1, 2010 Alberta Hansard 1037 forward by members of the Wildrose Alliance. The difference between the Liberals and the Wildrose Alliance is that the Liberals see government as having a role in intervening on behalf of the citizens. That’s why, for example, governments collect taxes. If this government relies completely, as it unfortunately does, on oil and gas revenue, which makes us slaves to the global economy, sec- onded only by the revenue from gambling – from slots and lotteries, et cetera – then Alberta is going to continue to be held hostage.

Simply saying that the government must always only spend according to inflation and population means that there are going to be, as I started out in my Biblical reference, years of the equivalent of drought and years of plenty. If the government is not allowed to dip into that buildup, which is being called the sustainability fund, and invest that money – for example, in Children and Youth Services, in Health, in Education – then we’re going to see what happened to us in 1993 through 1998 with the Ralph Klein govern- ment, where education suffered tremendously. And it hasn’t recovered, Mr. Speaker.

In Calgary alone, for example, the infrastructure deficit, because building has not caught up over a period of almost the last 20 years, has risen to a billion dollars. The government has never gotten to the point where the class size initiatives of the Learning Commission of 2003 can actually be put into place because there is not sufficient space. So we see schools cutting up their libraries and turning them into classrooms, using workrooms, using staff rooms, taking the stage away from being a performance area to being an extended classroom.

If Bill 204 tied the government’s hands to inflation and popula- tion, then these years of recession would be extended, and as I say, the last thing I want to see is a repeat of the Klein administration. In Ralph Klein’s time it was convenient to say that we’d never run a deficit. But shortly after, when the Stelmach government came into power, they considered running a deficit a requirement. I understand the need to cover the expenses. In the case of health care we saw the beginnings of our emergent circumstance that we’re facing right now.

We had over twice as many operable, staffed beds in ’93, with a considerably lower population than we have now. We had three more hospitals operating in Calgary at that time. Unfortunately, Premier Klein decided to blow up the General. He sold off the Holy Cross to friends, basically, for a song, approximately $5 million after $32 million of renovations had taken place. He sold the Grace hospital to the HRC, which has now had their contract taken away. It’s well time that was done, but the point is that we had that extra operating room to work with.

Now we have the new McCaig centre basically replacing the two operating rooms from the HRC, so we’re no farther ahead. The point I’m making, Mr. Speaker, with regard to Bill 204 is that when Premier Klein made these cuts back in ’93 through ’98, it had a devastating effect. Through the cuts, and with the help of Messrs. Dinning and West, we lost 10,000 of our civil servants that provided the services, and we have not yet gotten back to the point where we have sufficient front-line child and youth services workers. We have a shortage of legal aid.

This famine, this lack of services, that was created in 1993 and going forward, would simply be repeated if the government had no ability to temporarily dip into the stability fund. That said, Mr. Speaker, I believe that the government could make much wiser investments than it’s currently making. For example, the government basically bailed out the superboard with $1.3 billion, and when the hon. minister of health talks about providing stability for five years, $1.3 billion of that was made to cover up mistakes.

In terms of investments, instead of gold watch send-offs like Jack Davis is receiving, $23,000 a month in pensions, the $44 million given out to top officials within the various government departments in terms of bonusing: that is where I share the Wildrose concern. Thank you. The Acting Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-North Hill. Mr. Fawcett: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m happy to stand today to share some thoughts on Bill 204, the Fiscal Responsibility (Spending Limit) Amendment Act, 2010, which is being brought forward by the hon. Member for Airdrie-Chestermere.

The main idea of Bill 204 is fiscal restraint. Broadly speaking, I do agree with the member’s premise that government should practise fiscal restraint – too often we see governments from all over the world act as if the money is theirs to spend and not the taxpayers’ – but limiting yearly spending increases to the rate of inflation plus growth is where I differ from the hon. member. That type of formula is way too simplistic for what is a complex, complex process in allocating resources, Mr.

Speaker. 3:30 In certain circumstances the bill would allow for government spending to exceed inflation plus population growth so long as spending per capita is lower than it is in nine other provinces. You can see, Mr. Speaker, that we’re already starting to make exceptions. Why stop here? Well, the simple fact is that that’s why we elect governments, to have the flexibility to meet the needs and priorities of those that elect them. In fact, this exactly shows that in this respect we would actually not be leaders; we would be followers.

What if in this circumstance the situation indicated, you know, that it was appropriate to keep spending to inflation and population growth? I want to be clear, Mr. Speaker, that the de facto effect of this bill, at least in the short term, would be that the inflation-adjusted government spending per capita would be constant over time, again a noble goal but one that does not necessarily need to be legislated by law. One problem with using inflation to limit government spending is that there is no right measure of inflation to use when it comes to delivering government programs.

This is because govern- ment spends on different items than does a consumer or producer, and inflation indices do not account for expenditures that are typical for government such as health care and education. Mr. Speaker, I remember, when I was just elected to the school board in Calgary in 2004, being sent a report or a news

article that indicated that education inflation was way over and above the regular inflation rate right across this country. Another example is that this government spends nearly 40 per cent of its budget on health care because it is important to all Albertans. Yes, population growth does have some sort of influence on the health care budget, but I would suggest that some of the biggest drivers in health care have nothing to do with the regular inflation rate or population growth. These drivers are changing demographics, particularly an aging population, as well as the drivers of technology and innova- tion.

Again, this is not reflected in such a simplistic formula. The result is that inflation in the government sector is not accurately measured by normal inflation indices. To link govern- ment spending to an index that does not accurately describe inflationary pressures in such services as health care and education is simply irresponsible. In fact, Mr. Speaker, it’s the exact opposite of what fiscal responsibility is. It just does not make sense. It does not make sense to many of my constituents that I have heard from.

It may make sense only to those who think that policy must be strictly ideologically based and strictly held to a narrow point of view on how we address our challenges.

Alberta Hansard November 1, 20101038 Mr. Speaker, proponents of this bill often cite the apparent successes of similar legislation in the U.S. states to bolster the case for this bill, and there are two problems with that. One, state budgets are a poor analogy for the Alberta budget. In particular, states spend a significantly smaller portion of their budget on health care than Alberta does. Most states spend around 30 per cent of their budgets on health care and related expenses, primarily through insurance vouchers and similar provisions rather than by directly providing health care.

The budgetary pressures faced by Alberta, therefore, are different than the budgetary pressures faced by many U.S. states. The second thing is that spending caps implemented in U.S. states have not been as successful as the proponents of this bill claim. Of the states with spending limits, which is a total of 22, all but two of them will face a budget shortfall this year, Mr. Speaker. Further- more, in Colorado, which in 1992 implemented a spending cap very similar to the one proposed in this bill, the spending cap was suspended in 2005 by refere ndum.

Not only was this suspension supported by teachers and health care providers but also by many business organizations. Among these organizations was the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, which is the state chamber of commerce for Colorado, and even the chamber of commerce for Colo

Document details

Collection	Alberta — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	20101101
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	L27 S3 20101101 1330 01 han.pdf
Language	en
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