March 14, 1991 Alberta Hansard 1 Legislative Assembly of Alberta Title: Thursday, March 14, 1991 3:00 p.m. Date: 91/03/14 SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Order! All rise, please. [The Clerk read the Royal Proclamation dated March 6, 1991, summoning the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta to convene on this date] CLERK: Please be seated. SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Order, order! Mr. Speaker. [Mr. Speaker in the Chair] head: Prayers MR. SPEAKER: Let us pray. The prayer that we use is the prayer for Parliament as used at Westminster, our Mother of Parliaments, since the year 1659.

We, Thine unworthy servants here gathered together in Thy name, do humbly beseech Thee to send down Thy heavenly wisdom from above to direct and guide us in all our consider- ations. Amen. Please be seated. head: Presentation to the Assembly of head:Mr. Barrie Chivers, Member for Edmonton-Strathcona MR. SPEAKER: Would the Leader of the Opposition party and the party Whip please proceed to the main door.

Hon. members, I have received from the Chief Electoral Officer of Alberta, pursuant to the Election Act, a report containing results of the by-election conducted on December 17, 1990, which states that a by-election was conducted in the constituency of Edmonton-Strathcona, and the said report further shows that Mr. Barrie Chivers was duly elected as the Member for Edmonton-Strathcona. [Mr. Martin and Mr. Fox escorted Mr. Chivers to the Mace] MR. MARTIN: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present to you Mr.

Barrie Chivers, the new Member for Edmonton- Strathcona, who has taken the oath as a member of this House and has inscribed the roll and now claims the right to take his seat. MR. SPEAKER: Let the hon. member take his seat. [ap- plause] head: Entrance of the Lieutenant Governor [The Premier, the Clerk, and the Sergeant-at-Arms left the Chamber to attend the Lieutenant Governor] [The Mace was draped] [The Sergeant-at-Arms knocked on the main doors of the Chamber three times. The Associate Sergeant-at-Arms opened the door, and the Sergeant-at-Arms entered] SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Ladies and gentlemen, all rise, please.

Mr. Speaker, His Honour the Lieutenant Governor is without. MR. SPEAKER: Sergeant-at-Arms, admit His Honour the Lieutenant Governor. [A fanfare of trumpets sounded] [Preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms, Their Ho nours the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Gordon Towers, and Mrs. Towers, their party, and the Premier entered the Chamber. His Honour took his pl ace upon the Throne] head: Speech from the Throne HIS HONOUR: Mr.

Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly: On this first occasion on which I am privileged to represent Her Majesty at the opening of this Assembly, it gives me great pleasure to have the honour to welcome you to the Third Session of the 22nd Legislature of the province of Alberta. I, first of all, wish to take this opportunity on behalf of all Albertans to pay tribute to my predecessor, the Hon. Helen Hunley, who as Her Majesty's representative so diligently and conscientiously carried out the duties of this office for the past six years.

I would also like on behalf of my government and all Albertans to express my sincere gratitude to those Albertans who served with the coalition forces in the recent conflict in the Persian Gulf. Their bravery and that of their families make us proud. I am thankful for their safe return. We live in interesting times. Everywhere we are surrounded by change. As we begin this session, my government recog- nizes these changes pose immense challenges for Albertans and Canadians as we approach the beginning of a new century.

In facing these challenges, in finding solutions that will allow us to continue to prosper as a province and a people, my government and Albertans must communicate and co-operate better than ever before. Albertans, through our province's strong democratic traditions, have made this Assembly the instrument through which their common desires and values are developed into policies that shape the future of our province. In developing these policies, the key to my government's role is balance. My government must provide stability amidst this world of change. It must instill confidence in Alberta' s future.

I now outline the directions my government will take. The Fiscal Challenge The fiscal challenges facing my government and all Albertans, those of maintaining the services my government provides while exercising fiscal restraint, are extremely difficult ones. Reduced federal government support, inflationary pressures, increased demand on services, and fluctuating commodity prices all influence Alberta's fiscal position. It is widely accepted that my government's record with respect to controlling program spending is the best in Canada.

In addition, because of my government's careful fiscal manage- ment hundreds of thousands of Albertans enjoy the lowest taxes in Canada. My government cares about all Albertans. Fiscal responsibility is not a blind obsession; fiscal responsibility helps our people and allows us to provide special help to those who really need it. The fiscal challenges for governments grow more difficult every day, but striving to balance the budget remains a priority. Budgets, however, are not just balance sheets. Budgets are also about schoolchildren, the sick, the handicapped: people, 2 Alberta Hansard March 14, 1991 families.

My government will ensure that those basic services – health, education, social services, seniors programs, and protection of the environment – are maintained to ensure the high quality of life Albertans enjoy. Except for Alberta, Canada is in the midst of a recession, and many Canadians are enduring economic hardships. Through the efforts of Albertans and my government's fiscal and diversifica- tion policies, Alberta will conti nue to grow in spite of the recession ar ound us. It is widely recognized that Alberta's economy will continue to be the most vibrant in Canada and indeed North America.

Alberta's unemployment rate is the lowest in our country as my government's plan, working in partnership with our people, is meeting its objectives. Albertans should be proud that their planni ng, work ethic, and individual initiative have made our province a beacon of financial strength in North America. The Economic Challenge The economic challenges facing Alberta are considerable.

An increasingly competitive marketplace, technological change, and protectionist trade practices bot h within and outside of Canada are a few of the challenges business and my government must face together in developing an ec onomy that will continue to prosper into the next century. My government will work with business, labour, and commu- nity leaders in order to ensure that our plan for Alberta's economic future continues to be su ccessful and able to meet the changing conditions. My government will assist business to find other solutions as well.

For our traditional industries, agricul- ture and energy, and for our new industries – forestry, technol- ogy, tourism, and petrochemicals – my government will continue to aggressively pursue new markets, reduce interprovincial and international barriers to trade, seek new investment, apply new technologies, and provide a climate in which business can be successful. At the same time, the initiative of individual Albertans should not be and will not be restricted or overregulated.

Alberta's economic strength depends on the prosperity of every region of our province, and my government is committed to ensuring that both urban and rural Alberta are given the opportunity for growth. By working with farmers and the federal government to provide income stability for agriculture, assisting small businesses and exporters in getting their start, encouraging continued specialization and diversification through- out the province, continuing to improve our transportation system, and encouraging rural business development, my government will be part of the solution to our economic challenges.

Alberta's economic prosperity also depends on the quality of our work force. My government will work with business, labour, and industry to develop new labour market strategies; enhance our education, traini ng, and certification programs; encourage research and development; and continue to improve workplace health and safety. My government also recognizes the importance our interna- tional relations hold with respect to the prosperity of our province.

My government will enhance its international efforts through our offices, trade missions, and our special relationships with provinces and states in other countries. My government will also pursue closer economic ties with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. In the important area of international trade policy my government will work closely with Alberta business, other provinces, and the federal government to ensure that Alberta's interests are addressed in the Canada/U.S./Mexico and General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade negotiations.

The success of the GATT negotiations is vital to the future of agriculture in Alberta. My government strongly supports fair and liberalized trade throughout North America and the world. Encouraged by my government, Alberta's entrepreneurs and dedicated work force have built a strong and diversified economy that will continue to prosper amidst the changes we face. The Environmental Challenge The environmental challenges facing Alberta, Canada, and the world are very complex.

Balancing economic development and environmental protection, maintaining our quality of life and the quality of our environment, and accepting our role as part of a global environment: these are issues facing our province in the '90s. Albertans, Alberta industry, and my government have worked together to achieve great success in the past, and we must be steadfast in our commitment to find solutions for the future. My government will introduce strong environmental protection legislation, draft waste management legislation, create clean air and fuel efficiency programs, and examine all major economic initiatives.

Albertans throughout the province will be consulted and involved in deciding our environmental future. My government also is committed to helping individuals become more active in protecting their environment. Through our waste management and recycling programs, the development and use of environmentally friendly products and environmental workshops for t eachers, students, and the general public, my government will encourage greater awareness and understanding of the role individual Albertans have to play in protecting our province.

Together Albertans and my government must demonstrate a clear and strong commitment to protect our magnificent province for the present and future well-being of all Albertans. The Social Challenge Working with Albertans, my government will remain commit- ted to meeting the social needs of Albertans. Our aging population, the changing nature of families, and limited re- sources all contribute to this challenge. Enabling Albertans to improve the quality of life through better health and providing Albertans with equal opportunity to attain and maintain good health continue to be a goal of my government.

In addressing this priority, my government will focus on managing health resources more effectively and efficiently to ensure that our system remains affordable and sustainable. In providing prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and support services, my government will continue to develop an acute care funding plan, establish an Alberta family life and drug abuse foundation, and respond further to the recommenda- tions of the Premier's Commission on Future Health Care for Albertans. Alberta's social strength is more than the health of Albertans.

In addressing the social challenges we face, my government must work with Albertans to strengthen the family, bolster volunteers, care for our seniors, prevent violence in and out of the home, provide for recreational and cultural opportunities, encourage independence and dignity for all Albertans, and allow for the full expression of our ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. Stability and choice and freedom are the foundations of society in Alberta, and my government will continue in its efforts to keep the foundations strong.

March 14, 1991 Alberta Hansard 3 Education will continue to be a top priority for my govern- ment. The greatest cause we can have is to prepare young Albertans for the challenges they will face as adults. My government will assist Albertans in helping our children prepare by developing a new vision for education, continuing to provide equal opportunities for students throughout the province, and introducing tuition policies that reflect the evolving needs of our advanced education system.

The Constitutional Challenge The constitutional challenges, those of deciding what Alberta's future in Canada will be, are as important as any my govern- ment and Albertans face. Nowhere is the co-operation, commitment, and consensus of Albertans more required than on this issue; the future of our province and Canada is at stake. The issues – language, our political institutions, the division of responsibilities, our fundamental rights and freedoms, the future of our aboriginal peoples, and the very nature of our federal system – are more compelling now than they have ever been.

Canada has changed, and Albertans will have to decide what Alberta in a new Canada will be. My government has already begun the task of seeking the views of Albertans on the key constitutional questions facing the province and the country. My government has sought to encourage dialogue through the release of a discussion paper entitled Al berta in a New Canada. It is my government's intention to establish a select special committee of the Legisla- ture to conduct public hearings on our constitutional future.

Through the work of the select committee my government will ensure that Albertans have full opportunity to participate directly in determining our province's future. My government's responsibility is to use the instruments of democracy Albertans have entrusted to us to develop a plan to address the challenges I have outlined today. My government has that plan to provide for stability amidst change.

In addition, during this session my government will • establish a conference on the economy to review and renew our economic plan for the next d ecade, • reintroduce the loans and trust company Act, • introduce a new Municipal Government Act, • introduce legislation to promote local self-government in improvement districts throughout Alberta, • participate in the North American waterfowl plan, • continue to negotiate treaty land entitlement claims, • establish the foundations for adult learning and development policy, • implement a number of recommendations of the Action Plan of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, • establish a single agency to provide for the granting of lottery funds to the arts, • amend the School Act to recognize minority language educa- tion rights, • amend the Legislative Assembly Act to include certain recommendations from the Conflict of Interest Review Panel report – an ethics commissioner will be established – and • introduce other legislation, programs, and fiscal measures for consideration and deliberation in this House.

There are many jobs left to do. My government's cause is to make a difference in a different and changing world. My government cares about the well-being of our free society and for this beautiful land we share. The land has shaped Albertans and been shaped by Albertans. The prairies, the foothills, the forests, streams, and lakes have shaped a people of freedom, independence, and pride, a people with beliefs and values that mean greatness for Alberta and opportunity and dignity for each and every Albertan. In due course you will be presented with budget estimates.

You will be asked to authorize the necessary funds for operating services and expenditures and to endorse a program of capital financing for the government of Alberta. You represent a beautiful province of strength, hope, and promise. And now I leave you to the business of this session, confident that as elected representatives you will in every way fulfill your responsibilities to Albertans. Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, I pray that the blessing of God may rest upon your deliberations. God bless Alberta. God save the Queen.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: All rise, please. [Preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms, Their H onours, their party, and the Premier left the Chamber as a fanfare of trumpets sounded] [Mr. Speaker took his pl ace in the Chair, and the Mace was uncovered] MR. SPEAKER: Please be seated. head: Introduction of Bills Bill 1 Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta Act MR. GETTY: Mr. Speaker, I be g leave to introduce a Bill, being the Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta Act.

This Bill provides the legislative framework for our Seniors Advisory Council to provide recommendations and advice to the government. [Leave granted; Bill 1 read a first time] head: Tablings MR. SPEAKER: Hon. members, I have the honour to table a copy of the sp eech graciously given by His H onour the Lieutenant Governor. head: Motions MR. GETTY: Mr. Speaker, I move that the speech of His Honour the Honourable the Lieutenant Governor to this Assem- bly be taken into consideration tomorrow. [Motion carried] MR. BRASSARD: Mr.

Speaker, I move that the Votes and Proceedings of the Assembly be printed, after first having been perused by Mr. Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing thereof and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to print the same. [Motion carried] MR. WEISS: Mr. Speaker, I move that the select standing committees for the present session of the Legislative Assembly be appointed for the following purposes: 4 Alberta Hansard March 14, 1991 1. Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing, 2. Public Accounts, 3. Private Bills, 4. Law and Regulations, 5.

Public Affairs, 6. the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund Act, and 7. Legislative Offices. [Motion carried] MR. TRYNCHY: Mr. Speaker, I move that a special committee be appointed, consisting of seven members hereinafter named, the said committee to prepare and report with all convenient speed lists of members to act on the select standing committees ordered by the Assembly: Mr. Day, chairman; Mrs. Black; Mr. Cherry; Mr. Hyland; Mrs. Bonnie Laing; Mr. Fox; and Mrs. Hewes. [Motion carried] [At 3:40 p.m. the Assembly adjourned to Friday at 10 a.m.]