Alberta Hansard — 24 February 1977, Afternoon sitting (15:00) (Legislature 18, Session 3)

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Alberta — Debates (Hansard)

February 24, 1977 ALBERTA HANSARD 1 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ALBERTA Title: Thursday, February 24, 1977 3:00 p.m. [In accordance with the Royal Proclamation dated December 15, 1976, summoning the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta to convene on this date, the House met at 3 p.m.] SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Order! [All stood, and the Clerk Assistant read the Royal Proclamation] SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Order, order! Mr. Speaker. [Mr. Speaker in the Chair] MR.

SPEAKER: Please be seated. [The Premier, the Clerk Assistant, and the Sergeant- at-Arms left the House to attend the Lieutenant-Governor] SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor. [His Honour the Honourable the Lieutenant-Governor took his place upon the Throne] THE HONOURABLE RALPH G. STEINHAUER: Please be seated. head: SPEECH FROM THE THRONE HIS HONOUR: Mr. Speaker and Members of the Leg islative Assembly, I have the honor to welcome you to the Third Session of the 18th Legislature of the province of Alberta.

In recognition of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the reign of our Queen, Elizabeth II, I will send, on behalf of all Albertans, appropriate messages reflecting our deep respect for the monarchy and our warm wishes to her for the years ahead. We are now marking the commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the signing, by the Indian people and the representatives of Her Majesty, of treaties No. 6 and No. 7.

This is obviously a special event for me personally, and my people join with me and with all Albertans in welcoming His Royal High ness Prince Charles to Alberta this summer to partic ipate in the colorful commemoration ceremonies. The province of Alberta is truly a fortunate part of this great country in the year 1977. It is abundant in talent and natural resources. This Legislature and our institutions reflect stability and integrity.

Alberta is the most dynamic area in Canada, not only in economic terms but in the vibrant life of our people, be they at work, enjoying the outdoors, participating in the arts and education, or at home with their families. There still remains, though, a number of Alberta citizens who are not participating fully in the general prosperity. My government will continue its efforts to reduce such inequities. Many reforms and improve ments have been initiated, but some programs are still incomplete. The challenge of effectively manag ing the many problems deriving from very rapid growth in some centres must be met.

My government intends to continue its responsible objective of restraint in government expenditure, size, and growth. To achieve this goal, a continued reduc tion in the number of new programs and a consolida tion of existing programs will be necessary. The growth in the size of the public service will be further restricted.

My government recognizes that there is a developing consensus by Albertans that they may be asking too much of the government, that expectations must be reduced, and that desirable but non-essential activities must be the personal responsibility of the citizen, the parent, the family, and the community.

During the 1977 spring and fall sittings of the Legislature, my government will seek support from the members for five specific priorities: (1) to reassess the goals and objectives of our basic education system and to consider the desirability of providing greater emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge and skills; (2) to build on last year's record performance and to provide again this year unprecedent ed funding for the construction of housing and shelter units for our citizens; (3) to further improve the already high standard of our health services in both rural and urban areas and to expand extended care and applied research facilities; (4) to propose legislation which will assure the balanced planning and utilization of our precious land resource for Albertans and their children; (5) to take selected initiatives in international tariff and trade matters as may be required to improve access to essential new markets for our agricultural and other products.

The Alberta Economy More Albertans have jobs, as a percentage of our population, than in any other province, and there is solid investor confidence and commitment. As a result, in economic terms Alberta is by far the strong est province in Canada. The Canadian petroleum industry, centred in Alberta, anticipates another re cord year of activity. The prospects for our important agriculture industry are mixed, with income from grains expected to be lower. However, a strengthen ing of prices for our livestock producers may partly offset this factor.

With the lowest tax rates, Alber tans have more funds, in terms of disposable income, for personal and family expenditure than citizens in any other part of the country. However, as my government has consistently stated, the Alberta economy is still based upon too precarious a foundation because it is overly depend ent on the sale of unprocessed oil and natural gas. These are depleting, non-renewable resources. As they disappear, our economy becomes more fragile.

Further steps in the strategy of economic diversifi cation will be taken, and reports will be made as to the continuing challenges posed by transportation hurdles, particularly in relation to freight rates. Alberta has been a firm supporter of the national

2 ALBERTA HANSARD February 24, 1977 effort to reduce inflation. My government's future plans will be proposed to the Assembly in March. Restraint Program Last November the Provincial Treasurer announced the continuation of the expenditure restraint program for the second year, commencing on April 1, 1977. Municipal governments, school boards, postsecond- ary institutions, hospital boards, and health units were advised that grants for the forthcoming year would not exceed a 10 per cent increase over the previous year.

In the budget, my government will present estimates for expenditure which reflect this 10 per cent restraint guideline for all provincial gov ernment expenditures, subject to such special excep tions as may be approved by the Legislature. Education Working with school boards and educators throughout the province, my government will ensure the continued provision of high quality education for over 400,000 school children in Alberta. There will be a reassessment of the goals and objectives of our basic education system and the priorities that should be given to certain goals and objectives.

A shift in emphasis to basic skills may be indicated. Recom mendations from members of the Assembly, the Cur riculum Policies Board, the general public, and interested groups will be welcomed. The levels of achievement by our students will receive close scru tiny by the Minister's Advisory Committee on Student Achievement. Further consideration will be given to the place of provincial examinations in our educa tional system.

Students from disadvantaged areas of the province will continue to receive help in the acquisition of basic skills under the compensatory component of the highly successful educational opportunities fund. Selective expansion of even more special educational services for the learning disabled and handicapped will take place. Libraries As an integral part of the process of basic, continu ing, and further education, adequate library services are needed throughout the province. Accordingly plans for major policy changes and enlarged support for libraries will be announced.

Not only is signifi cantly increased financial support for urban and rural library development involved; in addition, a number of ancillary measures to upgrade library standards and services will be outlined. Advanced Education and Manpower Close attention to and support for Alberta's ad vanced education system will be maintained. Signifi cant amendments to The Universities Act and The Colleges Act will be proposed. Governing bodies at universities and colleges will be expanded to include more public members.

A new Banff Centre act will reflect its uniqueness as an institution for the fine arts and performing arts. The opportunities provided by our technical and agricultural institutions will con tinue to be in high demand. Alberta's manpower initiatives, so crucial to the provision of more and better jobs for Albertans of all ages, will be further developed. Alberta vocational training programs will continue to play a significant role in meeting the needs of the unemployed and the disadvantaged. New developments in the health/ manpower sector will be set forth.

The trades schools advisory board will acquire more public representation. A position paper outlining my government's science and research policy will be presented to the Legislature. Housing The upgrading and improving of older homes in the province is a policy goal of my government. Phase I of the senior citizens' home improvement program has been an outstanding success with 25,000 appli cations approved. It provided a grant of $1,000 to all qualified senior citizens for the upgrading and im provement of their homes.

Phase II of this program will be initiated in 1977; it is expected that an addi tional 20,000 senior citizens will benefit from a home improvement grant under the program. The nearly 39,000 housing starts in Alberta in 1976 is a record number for the province and repre sents the best per capita performance of any Cana dian province. Building on this record of achieve ment, my government will continue to stimulate and assist in the construction of additional shelter units for more Albertans at affordable costs. Our land banking and development program, in co-operation with municipalities, is being accelerated.

In addition a residential land development fund involving the private sector will be announced; it will increase the supply of serviced land to the house building industry. The modest apartment program will be expanded, and the core housing incentive program will continue to help to improve supply of modest rental accommodation in rural and urban Alberta. The successful starter home ownership pro gram, designed for first-time home buyers, will be continued in 1977. Senior citizen housing will again be a priority, with even more units than last year to be constructed throughout the province.

Hospitals and Medical Care Alberta's hospital and medical care system provides Canada's highest quality health services for our citi zens. The Alberta Health Sciences Centre project will give Alberta the lead in health care research and will provide excellent education facilities. As well, it will act as a patient referral centre for all Albertans by providing them with the finest diagnostic and health care services available. The Alberta Children's Hospi tal in Calgary will also serve as a major provincial referral centre and will specialize in the care of our younger generation.

February 24, 1977 ALBERTA HANSARD 3 Supported by the Alberta heritage savings trust fund, further expansion in cancer and heart disease research, detection, and treatment and rehabilitation has been initiated. During the fall session a progress report on these unique provincial initiatives will be made. Health care centres providing services from acute through long-term care were opened in Mannville, Radway, and Elk Point. The health care centre in Provost will be opened shortly.

Projects under con struction or major renovations will take place at Barr head, Fairview, High Prairie, Islay, McLennan, Peace River, and Trochu. Major construction and renova tions are under way in the regional hospitals at Red Deer and Lethbridge, and new facilities are planned for Medicine Hat and Grande Prairie. In order to continue to improve our services to senior citizens, new extended care facilities are under construction at Bow Island, the Dr. Vernon Fanning Extended Care Centre in Calgary, the Bethany geriatric complex in Calgary, and the Dickensfield Extended Care Centre in Edmonton.

An improved and more equitable method of provid ing financial support to nursing homes is being designed to assure flexibility and fairness in the fund ing of nursing homes of different sizes, locations, debt structures, and designs. New incentives to fur ther encourage voluntary and religious organizations to build and operate nursing homes will be a feature of the revised policy. Social Services and Community Health Alberta's social services and community health programs are among the best in the nation. There will be renewed emphasis on services to persons who are mentally retarded or mentally ill.

My government endorses the work of volunteer agencies and sup ports the thousands of citizens who donate their time to these good works. The encouragement of individ ual responsibility for the maintenance of healthy bodies and minds will be continued. The Com-Serv Association of southwestern Alberta will be receiving special attention as a demonstration model of service co-ordination for mentally retarded persons. In Edmonton, construction will commence on five new community resource centres to provide residen tial and day care for 100 dependent handicapped persons and 50 family members.

A new forensic unit at Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, will provide treatment for the mentally ill who have come into conflict with the law. The unit will provide intensive assessment and both medium- and long- term rehabilitative therapy, and will have appropriate areas of maximum security. Again this year my government is making available $250,000 specifically for research in mental health. This money is dispersed through the Provincial Ment al Health Advisory Council. Following receipt of Dr.

Menno Boldt's study on suicide, a steering committee has been struck to design a pilot project to advise further on the devel opment of services to combat this problem. The Senior Citizens Advisory Council, established in September 1976, is now providing advice to my government with respect to future services for senior citizens in Alberta. Alberta is among the leaders in providing a high level of income support to senior citizens through the Alberta assured income plan. My government is improving both community and institutional services for children.

Legislation will be introduced which will allow officials to restrict the freedom of those young people who will endanger themselves or others. The handicapped children's services program meets the needs of children without their coming under the direct care of the government. The Nursing Assistant Act, which will transfer nursing aide education to the Minister of Advanced Education and Manpower, will be introduced. The Alberta Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Commis sion continues to expand its range of services, largely through effective management of available resources.

In 1976 a new alcoholism rehabilitation centre was opened at Bonnyville. In early 1977 the commission will open a new centre with special program content in a rural setting near Alsike. It is designed to help persons for whom more traditional program concepts are not suitable. These programs follow the commis sion philosophy of encouraging the concept of per sonal responsibility for behavior associated with intoxicants.

In co-operation with the Attorney General's De partment, an extended effort will be made throughout the province to enforce delinquent single-parent fami ly payments for maintenance and alimony. Agriculture Maintaining and improving a high standard of so cial services requires a strong and growing Alberta economy. Because it involves a renewable resource, agriculture remains our base industry. The key to long-term stability for our farmers is better access to domestic and world markets for Al berta farm products, at stable prices.

My govern ment's numerous international trade and tariff initia tives will be the subject of a special report to the Legislature. Nineteen seventy-seven could be the crucial year in this decade in respect to international trade opportunities for Alberta and the west. The focus will be on negotiations towards a general agreement on tariffs and trade, which could culmin ate in Geneva during the next year. Alberta's significant submissions to Canada's tariff and trade negotiators will be presented to the Legisla ture.

Canada's and Alberta's essential interest in bilateral tariff and trade arrangements with our bigg est trading partner, the United States, will be outlined to the Legislature. Marketing activities will be expanded throughout the coming year. Priorities will include provision of better market information for the livestock industry and the increased promotion of Alberta products. The new international marketing branch will seek and develop export markets for our agricultural products.

Continued emphasis will be placed on the develop ment of agricultural processing industries located within the province; they are a vital part of the province's diversification strategy. My government's decentralization program will continue. The Alberta Hail and Crop Insurance Cor poration and the field crops branch will move to

4 ALBERTA HANSARD February 24, 1977 Lacombe. A major agricultural facility, including regional offices, animal and food laboratories, will be completed in Airdrie. A new veterinary clinic will be opened in Fort Vermilion. The construction of a swine centre at Leduc will provide new incentives for expansion in the hog industry. The irrigation development program, a highlight of the Alberta heritage savings trust fund, will be in full operation through 1977 and will further strengthen the economy of southern Alberta. The effective Agricultural Development Corporation will expand its activities.

A revised beginner farmer program and a new father/son lending program will assist in bringing young people into agriculture. Amendments to The Farm Implement Act will be introduced to provide for more comprehensive war ranties, emergency repair services, and increased consumer protection. Energy and Natural Resources In the energy area, exploration and development activities are at an all-time high, creating jobs for many Albertans. The Alberta petroleum exploration incentive plan of December 1974 has been the prime stimulus.

My government is guiding two major research thrusts within the energy and resource sectors. The Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority will be implementing, jointly with industry, several major experimental schemes for the development of deeper oil sands deposits in the Peace River, Fort McMurray, and Cold Lake areas. As well, the authority will be considering research proposals for the efficient re covery and upgrading of Lloydminster-type heavy oils.

A second major research program, involving ap proximately $100 million, relates to Alberta's conven tional petroleum, coal, and other energy and renew able resources. Resulting from successful negotia tions with the federal government over the past 12 months, moneys are now targeted for research on enhanced recovery of crude oil, coal mining and conversion technology and utilization, and renewable energy resources. Among other benefits, these pro grams will train and provide jobs for young Albertans in scientific engineering and natural resource technology.

To better identify the timber supply available for harvesting in future years, my government will com mence a comprehensive new inventory of forestry resources in 1977. This move will assist my govern ment's plans, over the intermediate term, to make the forest product industry a more significant component of the Alberta economy. Public Lands Planning for the expansion of the grazing reserve program is well under way. A number of new grazing reserves will be announced during the forthcoming year, particularly in northern Alberta. Land-use zoning in the eastern slopes is now almost completed.

This initiative, coupled with the development of specific management plans, will result in more expeditious handling of applications for the use of land in that area. A comprehensive policy statement on the management and administration of public lands will be developed during the year. The accelerated public land inspection program will be further expanded to provide a quicker response to citizens applying for use of those lands. Municipal Affairs Following wide-ranging discussions and advice from many Albertans, a new planning act will be presented to the Assembly in 1977.

It will reflect an updated and comprehensive review of all land use and planning policies in the province and will point the way for balanced planning in the next decade. Recommendations for improvements in municipal elections and revisions to improve county administra tion, resulting from input by local government repre sentatives, will be proposed in amendments to The Municipal Election Act and The County Act. Recognizing the importance of land-use planning within the major urban areas, requests by Edmonton and Calgary for assistance in the preparation of their general plans will be accommodated.

In addition, my government proposes the rewriting and moderniza tion of the Alberta Assessment Manual. Environment The Department of the Environment will expand its unique public water resource programs. Following completion of the public hearings on the Red Deer River, a decision will be made, and planning com menced for an overdue system of flow regulation to assist citizens in central Alberta. Preparation for similar hearings regarding the Oldman River will be completed. The Red Deer regional water line will be in operation this year, bringing an assured supply of water to a number of communities.

The northeast utilities study, centred on the Edmonton area, will be finalized. The protection and enhancement of Alberta's land resources will be sustained by my government. Sup ported by the Alberta heritage savings trust fund, over 150 projects for the reclamation of abandoned gravel pits and landfill sites, and the closing of old mine shafts, will be proceeded with this year. The popular Beverage Container Act will be rewrit ten to reflect recent trends in the marketing of bever ages.

An act to control the use of chemicals and pesticides will be introduced in the fall session. Transportation My government will intensify its efforts to rational ize rail transport services and freight rates. Updated policies respecting the trucking industry and those who use it will follow the report of the select legisla tive committee on trucking regulations. Highway and airport programs will emphasize a balance of services for agricultural needs, recreational travel, access to

February 24, 1977 ALBERTA HANSARD 5 remote areas, and research and industrial develop ment. A new program is being designed to assist cities, towns, and villages in the improvement of streets and public transportation systems. Increased assistance to urban centres will be provided through my government's policy for major continuous trans portation corridors through cities. Innovative approaches to Alberta's transportation needs will be pursued through such concepts as the North West Rail Authority and the use of hoverlift ferries.

Efforts to encourage the improvement of driving skills and vehicle safety will be reinforced. A new community information program will precede conver sion of highway signing to the metric system. Labour The second stage of the three-year development of the occupational health and safety program is pro ceeding. Important regulations relating to joint work site committees, established under The Occupational Health and Safety Act, will be announced. Proposed increases in benefits under The Workers' Compensation Act will be submitted to the Assembly for approval.

They flow directly from the recommen dations of the select legislative committee and of the advisory committee to the Minister of Labour. Recent public hearings in Edmonton and Calgary have provided an opportunity for individuals, employ ees, trade unions, employers, and employer organiza tions to express their current thinking in regard to labor/management relations legislation. My gov ernment is currently assessing the many submissions made, and appropriate legislative amendments will be introduced during the fall sittings.

Attorney General My government has acted decisively on many of the key recommendations of the Kirby Board of Review. New court facilities are under construction in many areas of the province, with special emphasis on rural Alberta. To better utilize these facilities and increase their effectiveness, provincial court circuits have been rearranged and several new provincial court judges appointed. Our courts are now better staffed with new administrative personnel, Crown counsel, and court reporters.

New training programs have been developed, and improved procedures and technology are being introduced into the courts. Top priority has been assigned to areas of special concern including witness scheduling, criminal case processing, case flow management, and the decriminalization of the traffic courts. Legislation will be introduced with respect to the traffic courts, which will permit "guilty" and "not guil ty" pleas to be entered and payment of specified penalties to be made outside the formal court setting at a time and date chosen by the person charged.

Payment of penalties will be encouraged through a system of discounts for early payment together with driver licence and motor vehicle registration suspen sion mechanisms. With respect to family law, my government will introduce legislation to provide for the enforcement in Alberta of custody orders made in other jurisdictions. Solicitor General My government will further expand on new initia tives taken in the corrections field last year, including the restitution and fine/option programs. Emphasis is on the therapeutic value of steady work as a basic policy objective in the correctional system.

New work projects for inmates and fine defaulters will be devel oped in government parks and forests, in community agencies, within correctional institutions, and in the reconstruction of heritage sites. The capacity of the wilderness challenge program at Nordegg correctional institution will be expanded. Structural improvements will be made to the Calgary Remand Centre, the Calgary Correctional Institution, and the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Institution. My government will continue to place a high priori ty on crime prevention programs.

Native Affairs My government continues to place special empha sis on native affairs. A further assessment of the possible extension of certain provincial services and programs to Treaty Indians will be conducted. New home building and renewal programs for isolated communities, stressing initiative at the local level, will be announced. Self-determination will be further encouraged through continuation of the autonomous housing program for the Metis colonies. Increased support for the Metis housing program, through the emergency trailer and transitional housing compo nents, will be provided.

Activities under the Indian treaty commemoration program will foster an understanding by all our citi zens of the historical and cultural values of the Indian people. My government will welcome His Royal Highness Prince Charles to the re-enactment of the signing of Treaty No. 7 at Blackfoot Crossing and his later induction to the Kainai chieftainship on the Blood Reserve. Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Increasingly, citizens of all ages enjoy recreation and leisure activities in the great Alberta outdoors. A major capital construction program at Kananaskis Provincial Park will be undertaken in 1977.

A system of classification of provincial park areas, with empha sis on small-scale recreation developments, will be introduced. The successful major cultural and recreational facil ity development program continues its positive impact on recreation development all over Alberta. New policies will allow increased access to funding under that program. Citizens will be encouraged to develop a greater awareness of the need for fitness and exercise, and departmental programs designed to improve personal fitness will be expanded. The successful Alberta

6 ALBERTA HANSARD February 24, 1977 summer and winter games will continue to offer greater opportunities for participation at all levels by Albertans. Business Development and Tourism My government will further stimulate diversifica tion of Alberta's economic base. The strategy for diversification involves many areas and is not overly dependent upon any particular segment of our economy. The development of Alberta as a new financial centre in Canada is occurring and is provid ing a number of challenging new job opportunities.

The maturing of the computer industry, in Calgary especially, is a positive development. The initial pet rochemical project is progressing favorably, but fur ther developments will depend largely upon market accessibility. Recent data indicate that the rural population in Alberta has reversed previous trends; it is now increasing rather than declining. There are now dozens of small growth centres in Alberta. Supported by 10 regional offices, the department's program of rural development will be expanded to assist small businessmen outside the major cities.

Reflecting the significant work of the Northern Al berta Development Council, government programs and initiatives will continue to respond to the unique problems and opportunities associated with northern living. A new industrial land assistance program will pro vide needed assistance to small urban communities wishing to set up land banks. The Alberta Opportunity Company will continue its programs, which have resulted in $80 million in loans and guarantees being provided to over 650 small businesses, more than two-thirds of which are located outside the metropolitan centres.

The Alberta Research Council will accelerate its energy related programs, such as coal gasification research. Regarding our healthy tourist industry, increased emphasis will be placed on facility development rath er than marketing. Both the private and public sec tors in Alberta must plan for the establishment of additional destination areas and other improved facili ties and services to meet the growing demands of Albertans and visitors to our province. Export markets are increasingly important for Al berta.

There will be special emphasis on trade devel opment in the western United States, the Pacific Rim, the Soviet Union, and the Middle East. New initia tives to attempt to lower or abolish those tariff and non-tariff barriers which restrict Alberta products from moving into foreign markets will be taken. Culture The viability and development of the performing arts has been enhanced by the new matching grant policy. It is providing unequalled incentives to volun teers and donors alike.

My government will continue to encourage even more performances outside the metropolitan centres, for the enjoyment of all Albertans. In order that historical resources be protected and not lost forever to future Albertans, my government will increase emphasis upon the identification, re cording, excavation, and preservation of important historical features. In the area of international assistance, the people of Alberta continue to donate increasing amounts personally to the agencies which help the less for tunate in third world countries.

My government will continue to match this assistance in direct support of those volunteer efforts. Albertans lead Canada in per capita donations for international assistance. You will be asked to approve amendments to The Alberta Historical Resources Act, The Cultural Devel opment Act, and The Alberta Emblems Act. Consumer and Corporate Affairs Alberta consumers continue to be well served by the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs. The unfair trade practices program, with its emphasis on truth in advertising and selling, has received wide acceptance from both consumers and the business community.

The department has completed decen tralization of its consumer relations branch into six regional offices to make its facilities more accessible to Albertans. The Rent Regulation Appeal Board has been suc cessful in providing some relief to tenants. A deci sion with regard to the termination or continuation of rent controls will be made during the course of the spring sitting. Important amendments to The Landlord and Tenant Act, relating to security of tenure, will be proposed.

Amendments to The Condominium Property Act will make this increasingly popular form of home owner ship a more viable personal investment and more accessible to the average citizen. Utilities and Telephones The successful price protection program for Alberta natural gas users has been a significant benefit for Albertans. The minister recently announced that the Alberta natural gas price protection program will con tinue for three years beginning in 1977. Details of the program will be announced in the Budget Address.

The rural gas co-operatives program, initiated in 1972, is now making natural gas available to over 34,000 new rural users. The minister will report on the progress of this program and adjustments which have already been announced. Your government is aware that a number of rural electric systems require rebuilding. With the co operation of all participants, your government will accelerate its efforts to assist in providing arrange ments for rebuilding these important systems. Amendments to The Alberta Government Telephones Act will be proposed, as will substantial revisions to The Hydro and Electric Energy Act.

Treasury Through The Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund Special Appropriation Bill, 1977, you will be request

February 24, 1977 ALBERTA HANSARD 7 ed to authorize the transfer of 30 per cent of the revenues from our non-renewable oil and gas resources to the fund, for the fiscal year commencing April 1, I977. Many of the recommendations of the Task Force on Provincial Public Service Labour Relations will be reflected in a proposed new bill which will establish a balanced, fair, and contemporary approach. Local governments will benefit from proposed increases to the borrowing limits of the Alberta mu nicipal finance corporation.

Government Services and Public Works Increased productivity in many areas of Government Services has been accomplished. A unique energy conservation program has been launched; it holds promise of a significant reduction in power consumption and dollar savings in the oper ation of government buildings. There will be greater emphasis on the use of automatic devices to reduce energy consumption. Following the successful involvement of the private sector in printing services for the Queen's Printer, possible expansion of this concept to other areas is being actively assessed.

Public Works has been reorganized to permit more effective cost control of capital works projects. Build ing design is being increasingly related to energy conservation. The necessary ground work is being established for a smooth transition to the metric sys tem. The construction of government buildings throughout the smaller centres of Alberta is being accelerated. Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs My government is fully aware of the need to broa den Alberta's perspective beyond our provincial bor ders.

Activities involving interprovincial, federal/ provincial, and international matters continue to expand. The minister will report on a number of important discussions and negotiations relating to tariffs and trade, energy pricing, shared-cost programs, and con stitutional developments. Tabling of the report of the select legislative com mittee studying The Ombudsman Act is expected. An opportunity to debate the findings of the committee will be provided, following which appropriate legisla tion will be presented.

Amendments to The Legislative Assembly Act, to implement the report of the Electoral Boundary Commission, will be proposed. The Election Act will be opened to add provisions assisting voting proce dures for the handicapped. My government reaffirms its commitment, on behalf of our citizens, to national unity. The next few years will obviously be important ones for the future of Canada and the preservation of its federal system. Confederation has proven to be remarkably flexible in the past, and my government has every confidence in the future of the country.

My government believes that the future depends on the continuation of strong provinces and recognition of the diversity which has enriched our country. Members of the Legislative Assembly, in due course you will be presented with budget proposals by my government to support these priorities and legislative initiatives, and to reflect a restraint pro gram of consolidation. You will be asked to grant the necessary funds for the operating services and ex penditures authorized by the Legislature, and to en dorse a program of capital financing for the govern ment of Alberta.

I leave you now to the business of the session, with full confidence that as elected representatives your debates and your votes will reflect your understand ing of the public interest of all the people of Alberta. I pray for your wisdom and your strength in your deliberations. SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Order! [The Lieutenant-Governor left the House] [Mr. Speaker in the Chair] MR. SPEAKER: Please be seated. head: INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 1 The Alberta Historical Resources Amendment Act, 1977 MR. LOUGHEED: Mr. Speaker, I request leave to introduce a bill, being The Alberta Historical Resources Amendment Act.

The purpose of this bill is to provide amendments to further strengthen the preservation of a multitude of historical resources within the province, to assure not only that Alberta history is preserved but to provide a foundation for greater awareness by our citizens of the colorful and interesting history of our province. [Leave granted; Bill 1 read a first time] MR. SPEAKER: For the records of the Assembly, I am tabling a copy of the Speech of His Honour the Honourable the Lieutenant-Governor. MR. LOUGHEED: Mr.

Speaker, I move that the Speech of His Honour the Honourable the Lieutenant- Governor to this Assembly be taken into considera tion tomorrow, Friday. [Motion carried] MR. FOSTER: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Votes and Proceedings of this Assembly be printed after first being perused by Mr. Speaker, 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. CLARK: Mr.

Speaker, I hesitate to disturb the proceedings on opening day, but feel I must rise on a point of personal privilege with regard to the resolu tion dealing with the patriation of the Canadian con stitution, which was passed by this Assembly on November 4 of last year. It is also, in fact, a matter of

8 ALBERTA HANSARD February 24, 1977 the privileges of the House, inasmuch as the vote as recorded was not correct. On November 1, I moved what I considered to be an important amendment to the hon. Premier's original motion. The amendment stipulated that "unanimous consent of all provinces for a proper amending formu la" be obtained prior to patriation. The motion as amended was agreed to and printed in Votes and Proceedings on November 1, but in every record of the House thereafter the amendment somehow dis appeared.

This includes the Orders of the Day for November 2, 3, and 4; the final edition of Hansard on November 4; and the November 4 edition of Votes and Proceedings. This is the point of privilege on which I rise. I am making the point today because the omission did not come to my attention until after the November 4 closing of the Legislature, and this is consequently the first possible opportunity I have had to so notify the House.

I personally apologize to the House for not noticing the mistake in Orders of the Day, and can only offer in my defense the fact that the motion was not read to the House prior to the final vote, a practice which we should perhaps think about changing; secondly, that an omission of this nature is entirely unexpected, quite like the Edgar Allen Poe story about leaving the purloined letter in plain view so no one could find it. Similarly, I would not like to place the blame on any of our legislative staff, since they generally perform their duties exceedingly well.

If the blame is to be placed anywhere, it could perhaps be attributed to the nature of this Assembly, where it is practically unheard of for any opposition initiative to be accepted. Since the hon. Government House Leader and Min ister of Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs called this resolution "a landmark in the history of this federation we call Canada", and since it was certainly the intention of this Assembly to pass the amended motion, I feel that the point of privilege is important enough to warrant my intrusion into today's proceed ings.

Therefore, if this point of privilege is ruled in order, I would like to give notice of a motion today to correct the records of this House. This motion reads as follows: That Votes and Proceedings for the date November 4, 1976, under Government Motions, be amended by adding after the words "concurrence of that province" the words "and that it should refuse to give its support to any patriation prior to obtaining the unanimous consent of all provinces for a proper amending formula". MR.

SPEAKER: There may be some question as to whether an error or omission in the records of the Assembly is a matter of personal privilege, or some thing which is the business of the whole Assembly. However, if an error or omission occurred in the records of November 4, this is the first opportunity for the matter to be raised. Possibly the matter could be dispensed with simply by the Assembly agreeing that the records be correct ed and the necessary information added. Do mem bers agree that this be done? HON. MEMBERS: Agreed. MR. SPEAKER: It shall be so done. DR. HOHOL: Mr.

Speaker, I move that the select standing committees of this Assembly for the present session be appointed for the following purposes:

(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; which said committees shall severally be empowered to examine and inquire into all such things as shall be referred to them by the Assembly, and to report from time to time their observations and opinions thereon, with power to send for persons, papers, and records. DR. BUCK: Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that the motion be amended by adding after the words "Alber ta Heritage Savings Trust Fund Act" the words "which committee shall be chaired by a member other than a government member". MR. HYNDMAN: Mr.

Speaker, I ask leave of the Assembly to adjourn the debate. HON. MEMBERS: Agreed. MR. BOGLE: Mr. Speaker, I move that a special committee be appointed, consisting of these 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 this Assembly. Messrs. Appleby, Bradley, Diachuk, Hyland, R. Speaker, Trynchy, and Cookson as chairman. [Motion carried] MR. HYNDMAN: Mr. Speaker, I move that this As sembly do now adjourn until tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. MR. SPEAKER: Having heard the motion by the hon.

Government House Leader, do you all agree? HON. MEMBERS: Agreed. MR. SPEAKER: The Assembly stands adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. [The House adjourned at 4:30 p.m.] [With the permission of the Speaker, in this issue of Alberta Hansard the text representing proceedings of the House from 3:32 p.m. until the House adjourned is based on shorthand notes taken at the time by Hansard staff and on printed material checked for accuracy as it was read. The Editor.]

Document details

Collection	Alberta — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	19770224
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	L18 S3 19770224 1500 01 han.pdf
Language	en
Format	json
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	c891287651c6d9702df9b244bf32558640d87e79

Source file is stored in the law ingest library (json).