| As we welcome the New Year and prepare for another busy session of the Alberta Legislature, I am encouraged by all our government has accomplished for Albertans in 2009. From our plan for Alberta's economic recovery to electricity transmission to blazing a trail towards more environmentally friendly resource extraction, we have taken extraordinary steps to help ensure that our province remains a great place to live, work and raise a family. Highlights from the past year include The Way Forward, our comprehensive four-point plan designed to bring Alberta back into the black and the passing of Bill 50 - The Electric Statutes Amendment Act, 2009. This year, we also introduced the amalgamation of Alberta's regional health authorities into the new Alberta Health Services, created a new provincial pharmaceutical plan that will see Albertans save considerably on generic prescription drugs, and committed to funding a number of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in order to decrease Alberta's carbon emissions. As a government, we will remain focused on our objectives and on leading our province toward renewed prosperity. |
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The Way Forward
This bold plan will see Alberta back in a budget surplus position and saving for the future within three years. It will do this by limiting government spending, using our cash reserves in the Sustainability Fund to cover a portion of our revenue shortfalls, continuing to invest in public infrastructure in order to prepare Alberta for when growth returns, and continuing to promote our industries abroad to ensure that Alberta remains competitive and attracts investment.
Our focus during this period of recovery will be on helping seniors and low-income Albertans, and supporting the programs and services that Albertans need most, such as health care, education and seniors' benefits. This will all be done while keeping taxes low. Our government recognizes that we cannot tax ourselves out of this recession, and as such, remains committed to ensuring that Alberta has the most competitive tax rates in the country. |
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Bill 50 - The Electric Statutes Amendment Act, 2009
The Electric Statutes Amendment Act, 2009, was passed in the Legislature this session. It allows the province to approve the need for critical electricity transmission infrastructure, just as we do for other critical infrastructure such as roads, schools and hospitals. The Alberta Electric Systems Operator (AESO) has identified five projects that are of particular importance for the future of our transmission system. The costs of building these projects now are significantly lower than they would be in the future, and they will help to prevent the $220 million worth of power wasted each year due to line losses. Improving our transmission system will ease pressures on the provincial power grid and ensure that Alberta has a transmission system that can support our growing population. Bill 50 only allows the province to approve the need for these transmission upgrades, and the Alberta Utilities Commission will retain responsibility for determining the siting of these projects through an open and transparent public consultation process.
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Alberta Health Services
In 2009, Alberta Health Services (AHS) was created as our province's new single health authority responsible for the delivery of health services. This role was previously performed by nine regional health authorities, the Alberta Cancer Board, the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission and the Alberta Mental Health Board. In addition, AHS also assumed responsibility for emergency medical services from Alberta's municipalities.
The purpose for creating a single provincial health authority to oversee all aspects of health services in Alberta was to streamline delivery and reform procedure. There were serious governance issues in several of the regional health boards and AHS now allows the Government of Alberta to ensure that best practices are implemented and followed province-wide. The creation of AHS and the streamlining of health services delivery in Alberta is part our province's long-term health strategy, Vision 2020. This strategy focuses on the sustainability of our health care system and aims to see a more coordinated and team based approach to care. These changes will enable our healthcare system to perform for every Albertan when they need it, and ensure that every patient receives the right care, in the right place and at the right time.
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Lowering prescription drug costs for Albertans
2009 also saw the introduction of an enhanced provincial drug plan that will see the reduction of prescription drug costs for all Albertans. Under the new provincial strategy, all new generic prescription drug prices were immediately reduced to 45 per cent of the brand-name price, and starting in April 2010, the price for existing generic drugs will also be reduced. This new plan will save Albertans, employers and government a considerable amount of money, improve prescription drug use and help our province provide better care to Albertans and improve their overall health.
To learn more about AHS, the Alberta Pharmaceutical Strategy or Vision 2020, please visit www.health.alberta.ca.
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Carbon Capture and Storage
This year, the Government of Alberta also announced a $2 billion investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. This investment shows our commitment to clean energy production and will maintain Alberta's economic and competitive advantage. The expertise and knowledge that will be generated from the projects supported by this investment will make Alberta a leader in CCS technology, providing skills that can be shared around the globe as we search for ways to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
CCS technology can also be used for enhanced oil recovery and helps increase the production from existing reserves. That means that the hard to reach oil from conventional reserves can be accessed. This increased production will translate into greater royalty revenues being collected by the province; revenues that will help ensure the delivery of programs and services in Alberta.
For more information on Alberta's investment in CCS technology, please visit http://www.energy.alberta.ca/Initiatives/1438.asp.
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If you have questions or would like to know more, please contact me at:
Hector Goudreau
Falher
P.O. Box 1054
035- 1st Avenue SW
Falher, AB
T0H 1M0
Phone: (780) 837-3846
Toll Free: 1-866-835-4988 |
Fairview
10404 110 Street
Fairview, AB
T0H 1L0
Phone: (780) 835-7211 |
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