Dave's ColumnsDave's Columns
Alberta on track to meet budget forecast -- September 3
Province keeps heat on impaired drivers -- August 27
Moving Alberta forward -- August 20
If the recent cycle of boom, recession and (tentative) recovery has taught us anything, it’s that you should control what you can control… and plan for the things you can’t control. Alberta has done both.
Government plans to beef up management of public lands
Many constituents have told me they want government to be better able to deal with people who abuse public land. For example, off-highway vehicle riders who rip through wet areas, such as lakeshores or riparian areas.
Highway 21 update
Although poor weather has slowed the contractor’s progress, significant work has been completed to date on the Highway 21 twinning project.
Value of P3 schools and a new scholarship
Premier's Council for Economic Strategy invites Albertans to help shape our future -- July 23
The Green Trip Revs Up -- July 9
As part of the province’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the $2-billion Green Transit Incentives Program (GreenTRIP) is ready to give a super boost to public transit. To meet the needs of Alberta’s two largest urban areas, $800 million in funding will be available to the Capital region; $800 million to Calgary and surrounding area; and $400 million to other municipalities throughout Alberta.
Measuring Up: Progress Report on the Government of Alberta Business Plan -- July 2
The Alberta government released its annual report on June 24. Part of the annual report, Measuring Up, is an important tool government uses to let Albertans know how it has done on achieving its goals.
Regulatory efficiencies improve Alberta's oil and gas competitiveness -- June 25
Substantive actions to improve Alberta’s competitiveness are highlighted in the 90-day progress report of Alberta’s Regulatory Enhancement Task Force. The task force report, Enhancing Assurance: The First 90 Days, identifies how the Alberta government is pursuing a comprehensive review of the regulatory system for oil and gas development, and successes that have been achieved on specific enhancements.
Update on Highway 21 twinning
Completion of Highway 21 twinning project is anticipated during summer 2010. The project commenced in 2006, twinning approximately 12.8 kilometers of Highway 21, south of Highway 628 to north of Highway 16. This improved transportation infrastructure in Strathcona Constituency was a long desired improvement that supports our growing community. Completion of this $115 million upgrade to Highway 21 will benefit motorists through improved traffic flow and increased safety.
Province and retailers agree to reduce plastic bag use -- June 11
At one time or another we’ve all seen plastic bags blowing down our roads and lying in our yards and ditches. Since it is so highly-visible, plastic bag waste has become an important issue for many. Not surprisingly, over the past few years, I’ve heard many people comment about the plastic bag waste in Alberta’s landfills and in our community.
Cabinet minister tour Strathcona County -- June 4
It was a wonderful occasion to be a part of a Tour on Monday, May 31 with Alberta Cabinet Ministers. Strathcona County Mayor and staff assisted in providing an exceptional program, extending warm hospitality, showcasing our great facilities, and providing the Ministers the opportunity to hear our concerns and engage our residents. It was important for members of Cabinet to hear for themselves about the successes and challenges we face in everything from infrastructure to health care.
Western premiers wrap-up China mission -- May 28
On the final day of their joint trade mission to China, Premiers Ed Stelmach, Gordon Campbell and Brad Wall promoted investment opportunities found in Western Canada to 250 leading Chinese businessmen and government officials at a gala dinner in Beijing.
Premiers Campbell, Stelmach and Wall highlighted key industries found in Canada’s three westernmost provinces that are in high demand in China, including clean energy, natural resources and agriculture. The Premiers also discussed Western Canada’s geographical advantages, integrated transportation network and support for open sky policies.Alberta's bitumen royalty-in-kind proposal adds value, strengthens economy -- May 21
Following a request for proposals in July 2009, the Alberta government has announced that it will begin negotiations with North West Upgrading Inc. Once completed, North West Upgrading would process 75,000 barrels per day of royalty in-kind-bitumen on behalf of the province. Under the Bitumen Royalty in Kind (BRIK) initiative, the Alberta government takes its royalty share of bitumen production in-kind, as opposed to dollars. The province can then strategically use its bitumen to selectively stimulate value-added activities such as upgrading, refining and petrochemical development. BRIK and other value-added initiatives add value to the bitumen resource, diversify Alberta’s economy, increase resource revenues and create jobs in the province.
New scholarship will help Alberta students reach for excellence -- May 17
On May 12, the Honourable Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology announced that the Alberta Government "is committed to working with Skills Canada to help build our province’s next generation workforce and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. The WorldSkills scholarships will help Alberta students and apprentices set a gold standard in provincial, national and international competition and reach success in their career paths."
Education research project focuses on the early years -- May 7
A child’s early experiences sets the foundation for their success in school and in life. By understanding what influences healthy child development, government, families and communities can work together to ensure our young children are provided the right kinds of experiences to support positive preschool development.
Website presents picture of state of Alberta's environment -- April 30
The province’s water, air, land and wildlife are vitally important to all Albertans. Increasingly, people want to know what is happening with the environment and what the government and its partners are doing to protect it.
On April 22, 2010, the Government of Alberta launched a revitalized State of the Environment website, which provides Albertans with easy access to environmental data, information and knowledge.
Streamlined municipal grants save time and money -- April 23
Excellence in Teaching Awards -- April 9
Educators have the challenging and rewarding job of encouraging students to enjoy learning. By modelling positive behaviours for students, teachers do an outstanding job of preparing youth for the journey of life-long learning. Alberta’s Excellence in Teaching Awards Program provides us all an opportunity to give special thanks to teachers and principals who have played an extraordinary role in enhancing our learning experiences and helping us to succeed.
Alberta delivers on oil and gas competitiveness -- March 26
New laws will make communities safer -- March 19
The proposed legislation will improve protection for witnesses, restrict gang members from wearing body armour, and better compensate municipalities burdened by the costs of crime. The legislative changes give a boost to Alberta’s Safe Communities initiative.
Innovation adds to Alberta's competitive edge -- March 12
