Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Alberta 21e 1re Discours du trône 12 juin 1986 W. Helen Hunley Lieutenant-gouverneur Alberta Progressive Conservative Party Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly: I have the honour to welcome you to the First Session of the 21st Legislature of the province of Alberta. Priorities My government's legislative and budgetary policy for this session of the Legislative Assembly will include all the priorities and programs set out at the opening of the Fourth Session of the 20th Legislature on April 3, 1986. My government will move quickly to fulfill commitments in agriculture, energy, employment initiatives, senior citizen programs, and other areas of importance to Albertans. These priorities have recently been strongly supported by the citizens of Alberta. My government is sensitive to the responsibilities contained in its new mandate and will work closely together with Albertans during the years ahead. Challenges will be met, opportunities will be seized, and the great potential of this wonderful province will be realized. My government shares the concerns of Albertans as we face difficult times together. Our basic industries have been hit by national and international economic circumstances, and as a result, the opportunities for advancement and prosperity are, for a time, more limited than before. My government also shares the basic optimism of Albertans who have achieved so much by commitment to hard work and individual initiative. Unemployment has a direct effect upon many of our people, bringing hardship and anxiety to individuals and families. The challenge for all of us now is to continue to use our basic strengths to progress in spite of adversity. My government proposes a balanced approach which will advance rights and equality; maintain excellent support programs for our citizens in need; respond with sensitivity to concerns of individuals, families, and volunteer groups; and continue to broaden our economic base at the same time as assisting our key agricultural, energy, and small business sectors. Agriculture The Alberta farm credit stability program, announced on April 3, 1986, will provide $2 billion in fixed rate financing with up to $200,000 per farm family unit. Loan application forms are now being printed and will be ready for processing at participating financial institutions very soon. The program will be as broad as possible in its scope, based on repayment ability and available security. With this new financing, farmers and ranchers in Alberta will have both the stability of fixed interest rates and among the lowest input costs in North America. My government has established a changed, more efficient organization of the departments of government. Agriculture, which is my government's number one priority, is an important part of these changes. The new Associate Minister of Agriculture will be responsible for the Alberta Hail and Crop Insurance Corporation, the Surface Rights Board, the weather modification advisory committee and will be responsible for the review of the role and mandate of the Alberta Agricultural Development Corporation. Farmers will be fully consulted in respect to changes to be made in the corporation and in hail and crop insurance programs. The hail and crop insurance review will be the most comprehensive of its kind since the programs were introduced in the 1960s. My government will provide a range of options for producers in insurance protection from damage caused by weather and other hazards affecting crops. Recommendations are anticipated during 1986. My government is changing the funding formula for drainage and erosion control projects undertaken under the Alberta water resources grant program. The increased funding, providing 86 percent provincial support, will improve rural water management and will increase our agricultural land base. Senior Citizens The senior citizens' home improvement program extension will take effect July 1, 1986, to December 31, 1989. This extension will provide benefits to seniors with total annual incomes under $23,000 who have not yet received assistance through the existing seniors' home improvement program. Affordable senior citizen housing remains a priority of my government. Over 500 new units are scheduled for construction this year. Jobs For Albertans My government recognizes the increasing need for job creation and will continue its commitment to employment support and training initiatives now under way, including youth programs. In addition, other training strategies will be developed to promote increased participation by women in training and development opportunities. My government recognizes the special employment needs of women and will develop choices for women through the provision of information, counselling, and workshops. My government will propose legislation to the Assembly to change the name of the Manpower department to the Department of Career Development and Employment, reflecting new initiatives and priorities in the important areas of training and employment. Diversification of Alberta's economic base remains a priority of my government. New economic opportunities and new industries are encouraged. The magnesium plant to be built in southern Alberta and the chemi-thermo-mechanical Whitecourt pulp mill are both world-scale investments. The pulp mill will be the largest of its type anywhere. Using a mixture of Alberta woods, producing products which are new to the Alberta manufacturing scene, some 90 percent of the plant's production is estimated to be for export. Work on the magnesium plant is scheduled to begin late this year. Both projects are scheduled for start-up in 1988. Our economic base is broadening year by year. Sulphur and forest products are now important elements of our resource base. The petrochemical, electronics, and metal fabricating industries have emerged as strong components of our manufacturing sector. A highly developed service industry involving tourism, high technology, and engineering adds more economic strength. These newer initiatives will provide important opportunities and new jobs for Albertans. The departments of Forestry, Lands and Wildlife; Tourism; and Technology, Research and Telecommunications, established earlier this year, are all actively involved with the private sector in stimulation of job-creating activity in Alberta's economy. A further important step in my government's program to stimulate job-creating activity is the Alberta small business term assistance plan. Small business accounts for over 70 percent of new jobs created, and the new plan will provide much greater stability to the small business community for those businesses having majority ownership by Alberta residents and deriving at least 50 percent of income from active business sources. The $750 million program will provide eligible small businesses with a fixed interest rate of 9 percent for term financing up to $150,000 over a period of 10 years. Loan application forms for the program, which will significantly assist small business growth and development in Alberta, will be ready for processing through recognized financial institutions at the earliest possible date this summer. The small business equity corporations program and the Alberta stock savings plan are further important initiatives to improve the viability of small business and to encourage equity capital investments in this province. Small business is a major force in the development and growth of export markets. Many small Alberta manufacturing firms are now exporting products to other Canadian provinces and to other countries. Assistance is provided to exporters through the Alberta loan guarantee program and the export services support program. With loan guarantees and improving productivity and technology, Alberta businesses, working with government, will improve their competitiveness in export sales worldwide. More jobs will also be created by my government's five-year program to extend universal private line service to all rural telephone subscribers. Under the program, 100,000 party line customers will have access to private lines. This program, at a cost of about $500 million, will involve the upgrading of approximately 300 telephone exchanges throughout Alberta with digital equipment. This will not only allow for the connection to new private line service for present party line customers; it will permit improved services for those living in towns and villages. My government will ensure that Alberta's goals and objectives with respect to trade liberalization are effectively addressed in the pending Canada/United States and multilateral trade negotiations. Energy My government is committed to the long-term strength of our energy industry and to support its short- and medium-term economic viability during this present difficult period of uncertainty in international crude oil pricing. In spite of pricing uncertainties in oil and gas markets, the longer term prospects for our energy sector remain strongly positive. Albertans have established the reserves and the productive capacity in petroleum and natural gas, and my government, working closely with industry, has developed programs aimed at bolstering investor confidence and exploration activity through a period of price and market uncertainty. New shared industry/government programs should result in more than $500 million of short-term stimulation to the vital drilling, well service, and geophysical industries. These programs will materially assist in creating activity and supporting employment through the summer and fall months. The development drilling assistance program is designed to encourage drilling activities and includes a well completion component. Approximately 40 percent of drilling costs, up to a maximum of $200,000 per well by way of grants or transferable credits against royalties, will be available up to a maximum under the program of $100 million. The drilling component will be paid when drilling has been completed on the well, and the well completion component will be paid when the well is completed and is capable of commencing production. The well servicing assistance program will help maintain employment in the well service sector. The program will provide 50 percent reimbursement by way of cash grants, up to certain limits, for contract labour costs incurred on or before September 30, 1986 for the maintenance and service of eligible wells, pipelines, and batteries. The geophysical assistance program will provide a portion of the cost of field expenses incurred on or before December 31, 1986, for reflection seismic work on Crown lands and on lands not more than 1.7 kilometres from Crown lands. Oil sands and heavy oil developments are vital, not only for Canada's long-term energy supply but today in Alberta because of the capacity of these projects to provide employment in engineering and in the construction trades. Under a federal/provincial/industry funding arrangement, engineering work is proceeding for the proposed Husky upgrader near Lloydminster. My government has also reached a funding agreement with the owners of the Syncrude project to allow continuation of the basic engineering and planning for the major proposed expansion of that project. Preparatory work for the expansion is estimated to cost $85 million. It will take some two and a half years to complete and will allow the planning for the expansion to continue on the original schedule. By acting now in this way, it is also an investment in the long term by providing for the continued growth of expertise in oil sands development in Alberta. Suncor is also being helped by an adjustment to royalties on the production from its oil sands plant at Fort McMurray. This is in recognition of the financial difficulties the company is experiencing as a result of low oil prices and will help to retain Suncor as a viable employer within the Alberta economy. Commitment to Alberta Women As soon as the necessary legislation has come into force, appointments to fill all positions on the Advisory Council on Women's Issues will proceed. A balance of views from across the province will be assured because of the large number of nominations received from interested Albertans. A governmentwide plan of action to provide a framework and direction for enhancing women's equality will be developed. The strategy will focus on employment, education, participation in public life, and on social services and health. My government will also be participating in two federal/ provincial/territorial working groups. One will focus on the needs and concerns of native women and the other on the particular issues affecting immigrant and visible minority women. My government is committed to equality for women and will actively promote the full and equal participation of Alberta women in the life of the province. The November 1986 First Ministers' Conference will have as a major priority developing methods to improve the representation of women in training and retraining programs. Public Lands The grazing lease conversion policy, introduced several months ago, is consistent with my government's high priority for agriculture. The policy allows leaseholders to use arable land for more productive agricultural purposes. Leased lands which are suitable for cultivation may be converted at market value, provided they are not environmentally sensitive. Agricultural lands in the green area will not be sold unless the integrated resource plans identify agricultural use as a priority. This will ensure that environmentally sensitive lands are not being encroached upon. Further approvals of conversions in the southern and central administrative regions will be frozen until full public input has been received and any expressed concerns adequately reviewed. In this way the policy will be sensitive to Albertans' needs, effective, well understood and broadly supported. My government also will expand the highly successful Use Respect program. This is a program involving 4H clubs visiting farming and ranching communities to encourage owners to provide reasonable access to their private and leased lands. It is hoped that over 25,000 farm and ranch homes will be visited between June and October of this year. Health Care My government has developed and is committed to the further improvement of one of the best health care systems anywhere in the world. To serve Albertans even better, the University of Alberta's Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre has now been designated as western Canada's first heart and heart/lung transplant centre. The University of Alberta hospitals undertook a successful heart and heart/lung transplant pilot program in 1985. The three cases in the pilot program represented a first for Alberta and western Canada. The concept of the Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre is for Albertans to have a world-class teaching, research, and treatment centre. The implementation of the heart and heart/lung program is a fulfillment of this concept, particularly in the areas of comprehensive cardiology and cardiovascular surgery. Community and Social Programs My government's commitment to a broad range of social programs to assist Albertans who have personal needs is emphasized by the expanded home care program announced in April this year. Close to 25,000 Albertans benefit from this program annually. Funding will increase by 18 percent, and this increase will allow more Albertans to receive health care and homemaking services in their homes. Living independently in the familiar surroundings of one's home contributes to a sense of self-worth and good health. Home care programs provide a range of services in the home, including nursing rehabilitation therapy, personal care, homemaking, home help, Meals on Wheels, and friendly visiting. In addition to senior citizens, the program serves persons who are terminally ill, those discharged early from hospital, and persons under 65 who are chronically ill or disabled. Funding for women's shelters will be increased by 40 percent to a total of $3.5 million. These funds, to be provided to women's shelter organizations, in addition to the valuable volunteer support that many communities provide, will ensure that resources are available to respond to the concern of family violence. Food banks in Edmonton and Calgary are co-operating with my government in a current assessment and review of the scope and future role of food banks. By such consultation a new, careful definition of the respective roles of government social services and volunteer agencies which serve in this way will be possible. The new Department of Community and Occupational Health will have a preventive health focus with responsibility for community, occupational, and mental health in addition to the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission and the Workers' Compensation Board. Affordable Housing Alberta is the first province to sign the new federal/ provincial global funding agreement for low-income housing. Under the agreement the federal government will pay 70 percent and the province 30 percent of the subsidy costs for future low-income housing projects. Over 700 units are planned in the current fiscal year. Help for Municipalities My government is responding positively to recommendations made by the municipal grant structures review committee. By increasing unconditional grants on a yearly per capita basis over the next eight years, Alberta's 364 municipalities will receive some $500 million in additional provincial funding. The opportunity for municipal governments to create employment at the same time as proceeding with needed local projects will benefit many Albertans. A full review of labour legislation will be undertaken by my government, and necessary amendments will be proposed to assure that the laws of the province, for the present and for the future, will be responsive to the needs and aspirations of employers and employees. Legislation will be introduced to implement the Alberta stock savings plan and to amend the Municipal Taxation Act, and new proposals will be made in respect to local authorities elections, employment pensions, the Women's Secretariat, mental health, and to implement the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Members of the Legislative Assembly: In due course you will be presented with the budget estimates. You will be asked to grant the necessary funds for the operating services and expenditures authorized by the Legislature and to endorse a program of capital financing for the government 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 understanding of the public interests of all people of Alberta. I pray for your wisdom and strength in your deliberations. Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Alberta 20e 4e Discours du trône 3 avril 1986 W. Helen Hunley Lieutenant-gouverneur Alberta Progressive Conservative Party I have the honour to welcome you to the Fourth Session of the 20th Legislature of the province of Alberta. As we gather today to open this session of our Legislature, we do so looking forward to the bright promise of an Alberta spring and summer. However, in preparing for the work of this session, my government recognizes that important challenges face you as elected representatives. Our provincial economy began to recover in 1984 and continued strongly through 1985. Despite problems in agriculture and building construction, the prospect of lowering inflation and a continuing decline in interest rates promised an even stronger growth in 1986. Now instability in world oil prices has temporarily clouded our economic forecasts and threatens to weaken our strong energy sector. This setback, while frustrating to all of us, can and will be effectively met. Albertans have faced adversity before and have a proven record of being able to handle problems by working together. At a time when our citizens are dealing with the uncertainties of the present, my government and our people know that agriculture and energy are basic to our province. My government is committed to the health of these industries. My government will help in every way possible and will match the financial strength of the province with the knowledge and determination of our people to forge ahead past today's short-term problems towards Alberta's promising potential. PRIORITIES: Agriculture, Jobs, Senior Citizens Agriculture In 1905 Alberta was founded upon the agriculture industry and the family farm. Today agriculture remains the foundation of our province and is my government's number one priority. My government's commitment to agriculture has not been matched by any other province. Because of recent problems, quick action has resulted in over three-quarters of a billion dollars in special assistance over two years. However, more must be done while our problems remain. Policies will be developed to help provide stability and income for our farmers and ranchers. A Dependable Safety Net Our farm families must be confident that if they plan well, there is a limit to their downside risk. A strong safety net will be developed based on the twin supports of a meat stabilization plan and a totally overhauled, effective crop insurance program. Reduced Input Costs My government will continue to work with farmers to reduce farm input costs in several significant ways. The costs of crop insurance, fuel, fertilizer, and money have been or will be reduced. Generous incentives will be provided to assist our producers in using stabilization and insurance programs. Fertilizer costs will continue to be shielded. The new 63.6 cents per gallon farm fuel benefit will reduce this vital input cost dramatically and is unmatched anywhere. $2 Billion of Long-term Credit As a result of responsible fiscal planning in the past, my government has two unique strengths: the Heritage Savings Trust Fund and the best credit rating in Canada. These special strengths will be used to help Alberta farm families now. A $2 billion Alberta farm credit stability program will assist our agricultural producers. This large source of long-term, fixed-rate financing will provide funds to farmers for land, buildings, basic herd, and the restructuring and consolidating of existing farm debt up to $200,000 per farm family unit. There will be a maximum fixed rate of 9 percent interest for 20 years to provide stability and remove the input cost uncertainty that has frustrated our farmers. My government will pass through to farmers our ability to borrow at the lowest rates possible and also make an investment, by the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, in Alberta agriculture. The program will be delivered through banks, Treasury Branches, and credit unions. With this new financing, farmers and ranchers in Alberta will clearly have both the stability of fixed interest rates and among the lowest input costs in North America. Agriculture in Alberta will continue to grow into an even stronger industry, offering jobs to Albertans and being competitive in both domestic and export markets. Farmers to Help with Agricultural Development Corporation Overhaul My government will undertake a thorough review, with input by our farmers, of the role and mandate of the Alberta Agricultural Development Corporation. Present corporation services that are not covered by the new farm credit stability program will continue to be provided for the duration of the review. Jobs for Albertans My government will spare no effort to stimulate jobs for Albertans. Our new initiatives to strengthen agriculture will aid employment in our agriculture industry. Stabilized oil and gas prices will help employment in our energy industry, and every possible option will be considered to assist our energy industry to remain healthy and maintain jobs while pricing problems last. In addition, we will continue our commitment to programs that attack unemployment through training and retraining opportunities and direct job creation. For the two budget years ending in March 1986, funding totalled $273 million for the creation of more than 98,000 jobs and training opportunities. My government will continue: -- the priority employment program, -- the summer temporary employment program, -- the Alberta environment employment program, -- the Alberta youth employment program, -- the Alberta wage subsidy program, -- the Alberta training program, and -- private vocational school support. A new municipal job-creation program will be presented to help our municipalities strengthen their services and facilities and create employment. My government recognizes the tremendous potential for jobs in Alberta's small business sector. New initiatives will be provided to increase employment through help for small business. The small business equity corporations program has helped Alberta small businesses with equity financing. Over 380 new equity corporations have been registered, resulting in approximately $200 million being available for investment in both urban and rural areas. Broadening Alberta's economic base will increase jobs for Albertans. The importance of forestry, tourism, high technology, and research has been recognized by the creation of new departments to emphasize our job potential in these sectors. Alberta will strive to be the leader in Canada in these important areas. The Alberta stock savings plan will create a source of new equity capital for Alberta businesses and will help expand employment opportunities. Water management, irrigation, and erosion control programs will be funded to create construction jobs throughout the province. A large, extensive capital works program and road construction program will be detailed in the budget. Job-creating major energy projects with long-term benefits to Alberta and Canada will be strongly supported. New Thrust for Forestry More job opportunities will be provided by investments in Alberta's forest sector. Greater use of hardwood resources and expansion of our pulp and paper industry will be emphasized by encouraging new major projects and research initiatives. Assistance will be provided to modernize existing sawmill and panel-board plants. New technologies, transportation improvements, and marketing assistance will be available to help small-scale forestry producers. The new Department of Forestry will also continue its high priority on the proper planning and management of our lands, fish, and wildlife resources. The contribution of these important natural resources to the provincial economy is very significant, and their future must be protected to benefit all our citizens. Greater Emphasis on Tourism The recent establishment of a new Department of Tourism shows my government's determination to develop Alberta as one of the most favoured holiday destinations in North America. A strong, expanding tourism industry will be a major employer of Albertans and requires my government to be an active supporting partner of the private sector and to work together with Alberta business to assure better services, better facilities to serve visitors, and to provide much more awareness internationally of Alberta's unique attractions and beauty. Our tourism industry must become more competitive. This can be accomplished through the promotion and development of high-potential national and international markets and by working together with the private sector in securing business meetings and conventions for the province. The industry will also benefit through significantly improving education and formal training programs which develop careers and jobs for Albertans in the tourism industry. Our harmonious and healthy society is a very important asset in attracting visitors to Alberta. My government recognizes this strength and the important contributions of volunteers. My government will also assist ethnocultural centres to reduce their property taxes. Commitment to Technology and Research The establishment of a new Department of Technology, Research and Telecommunications shows my government's determination that Alberta become the leading province in Canada for the development of a healthy, diverse economy which emphasizes high-technology jobs. The new department will serve as a focal point for leadership and to develop new initiatives which will provide financial and program assistance in support of technology development, applied research, and commercial application of high technology in Alberta. My government will continue to support research and high-technology initiatives in laser development, advanced electronics, microchip design and fabrication, biotechnology, software development, communications, and the use of supercomputers. Energy Two years ago the Alberta economy began to recover from the wasteful and destructive effects of the former federal government's national energy program. Job-creating investment, severely discouraged by federal government policies of the early 1980s, began to flow once again into our energy sector. Petroleum lease and licence bonus payments increased significantly in 1984, leading to an increase in both exploration and development activity in 1984 and 1985, a year in which our energy industry strengthened markedly. In spite of pricing uncertainties in marketing our oil, the energy industry today is in a better position than it would have been without the federal and provincial policy changes made in 1985. The western energy accord, the end of the former federal national energy program, and a sound, market-oriented approach to energy development will help to maintain strength in this very important industry. Legislative amendments necessary to implement the western energy accord will be recommended to the Assembly. Government Committed to Health of Energy Industry Nineteen eighty-six is a year of concern over unstable world energy pricing, but the long-term prospects for our energy sector are positive. We have the resources and the production capacity in conventional and synthetic oil and in natural gas. My government's policy will be to work with industry to maintain confidence and to keep our basic strengths viable in the energy sector through this period of adjustment. Although it is difficult to develop the necessary detail for the incentive package while energy prices have not yet stabilized, my government is determined to provide an energy industry incentive program during the spring sitting of the Assembly. My government will strongly support major energy projects now and in the future. The long-term needs of Alberta and Canada for fully adequate oil supplies will be served by continued development of conventional oil resources, by major energy projects in the Alberta oil sands, and in the upgrading of heavy oil. Leadership in Trade This year Alberta will host the 27th annual premiers' conference in Edmonton from August 11 to 14. The Premier of Alberta will assume the role of chairman of the premiers in their dealings with the federal government and since January has been co-ordinating the interprovincial position on full provincial participation in the upcoming bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations. My government recognizes the need for Alberta's agriculture industry to make significant gains in trade negotiations with the United States and in Canada's participation in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade negotiations. These negotiations are important since large agricultural subsidies paid to producers by other countries have seriously eroded the market prices of Alberta farm products. This year my government will begin to implement the $40 million northern development agreement, cost shared with the federal government. New programs will provide financial incentives for economic development and job creation in northern Alberta. Largest Job Effort in History All of these initiatives by my government -- needed agricultural assistance, keeping our energy industry viable, support of major resource projects, employment programs, strengthening our economic base through forestry, tourism, small business, technology, and trade leadership -- are commitments to help Albertans gain employment and prosper. Taken together, these initiatives comprise the largest job stimulation effort in Alberta's history. Senior Citizen Programs Improved My government has always considered as a top priority programs that give support and recognition to the citizens who built this province. Senior citizens in Alberta enjoy the broadest range and highest quality of services in the country. Our Alberta assured income plan provides the highest level of income payments of any province in Canada. Our seniors are able to remain in their homes with the assistance of home improvement grants, property tax and home heating rebates, and rental grants. Alberta's network of self-contained units, lodges, and other accommodation facilities are unparalleled in the nation. Our province is unique in the country by including dependants in extended health benefits and Blue Cross coverage for those over 65. My government believes our senior citizens should have clear and straightforward access to the many programs provided for them in Alberta. In the future the Senior Citizens Bureau will be managed under the attention of a Member of the Legislative Assembly. Through this direct responsibility of an elected person for the chairmanship of the bureau, my government will assure full and active consultation with senior citizens' groups and that the bureau is always sensitive and responsive to the needs of our senior citizens. The highly successful seniors home improvement program will be extended to January 31, 1989, assisting thousands of Alberta seniors to maintain or improve their homes at the same time as creating jobs in our construction industry. The program will continue to provide effective support to seniors and help them to remain in their homes and communities. More Care for Elderly Many seniors and others rely on the excellent home care services provided through local health authorities. These services include nursing, rehabilitation, homemaker, palliative care, and volunteer services, which enable seniors to stay in their own homes. The program will be supplemented significantly. Details of this extra support will appear in the budget estimates. One major thrust in Alberta's construction program this year will be the provision of 600 new places for auxiliary hospital, nursing home, and lodge residents in communities throughout Alberta. This expanded construction program will fill a need for seniors and others who require extended care. Alberta Helps Less Fortunate Our people are known for their humanity and for helping others. Wherever in the world disaster strikes, sympathizers, workers, and donors will be found among Albertans. My government supports Alberta's own Agency for International Development. Funds raised by caring Albertans are supplemented by government, and in 1985 our people responded to the famine in Ethiopia, the Mexican earthquake, and the Colombian volcano eruption. Equally important are caring programs at home for our own citizens. During the Steve Fonyo Journey for Lives, Albertans, matched dollar for dollar by my government, raised more funds than any other province. My government is committed to continuing excellence in providing health and medical care for all parts of the province. One of the challenges of the future will be to achieve more in the areas of prevention of illness and injury. Building on established programs, such as accident prevention, immunization awareness, enhancing the development of children with disabilities, as well as prevention and treatment programs for alcohol and drug abuse, my government will recommend further programs to encourage healthy life-styles. Following the principles of the Child Welfare Act, my government will work with native communities to transfer to them an increasing responsibility for welfare of native children. Indian bands and non profit organizations within native communities will be involved. A new Mental Health Act will be introduced. Emphasis on Basics in Education Education continues to be a high priority of my government. Subject to the approval of the Assembly, funds will be made available to begin implementation of the new secondary education policy announced last year. In particular, greater emphasis will be placed upon the mastery of basic concepts, skills, and attitudes. As a result of discussions with native parents, communities, and associations across Alberta, new directions have been set for improving the education of native children. The first of a series of learning resource materials about native people has been published, and other similar projects will be completed over the next year. Necessary funds will be provided in the budget to support the initiatives of this new policy for the education of native children. Quality in Education Much has been done to develop a new School Act, and a comprehensive framework for the new legislation will soon be published. The response to the initial discussion paper, Partners in Education, was extensive. Many Albertans took the opportunity to provide advice on this important matter. Two response centres will be established, one in Edmonton and one in Calgary. These innovative centres will include model classes, diagnostic services for children with special needs, support for teachers and parents, a telephone and computerized network to provide assistance to classroom teachers and parents, development of teaching aids, as well as developmental research in the education of these special children. My government's recognition of the financial pressure on our education system will be reflected by a significant increase in funding. This level, detailed in the budget, will exceed inflation and provide financial flexibility to our school boards. These activities and my government's strong commitment to quality in education will ensure that our children will continue to receive an excellent education. New $80 Million Postsecondary Endowment Fund A new advanced education endowment and incentive fund will be established, providing significant opportunities through grants to public postsecondary institutions: universities, the Banff Centre, public colleges, technical institutes, the Alberta vocational centres, and hospital-based schools of nursing. The grant program will match donations to public postsecondary institutions from individuals, private business and industry, private and community organizations, foundations, and in some cases municipalities. The fund is being established to replace the 1980s Advanced Education Endowment Fund, initiated in May 1980, to match private-sector donations to postsecondary institutions for a 10-year period. The overwhelming response of individuals, businesses, industry, organizations, foundations, and community groups to this program has enabled the government of Alberta to match $80 million in a record five years. The new fund will allow the private sector to continue to share in the expansion and enrichment of the learning experiences available to postsecondary students in Alberta. Commitment to Alberta Women A new Women's Secretariat Act will be recommended to the Assembly. In promoting the full and equal participation of Alberta women in the life of the province, the Women's Secretariat will identify and analyze government policies and programs to determine their impact on women. As part of Alberta's commitment arising from the November 1985 First Ministers' Conference, a priority area of attention this year will be a strategy to improve the representation of women in training and retraining programs. Women's Council Established In reaffirming my government's commitment to equality of women, the Alberta advisory council on women's issues will be established to advise and report to government and to increase public awareness of issues of concern to women. In order to assure a balance of views from across the province, nominations for membership in the council will be sought from the public at large. Improved Pensions Following detailed consultation as a result of Bill 79, introduced last year, a new Employment Pensions Plan Act will be recommended to the Assembly. It will assure that private-sector employment pensions which are registered by employers under this pension legislation, will be available to surviving spouses. It will assure that qualified, regular part-time employees will be eligible to participate in employment pension plans, and it will improve the portability of pensions and increase the number of employees eligible for pension plan coverage. New Children's Hospital The Northern Alberta Children's hospital will be built in Edmonton. A board of trustees has been appointed. They have the responsibility of developing programs and plans for the new hospital, for getting it built, and for operating it. This exciting project will further expand the present wide range of hospital services available to Albertans. 100 New Rural Recreation and Tourism Areas The municipal rural recreation areas program has received enthusiastic support across the province. Projects use local labour and volunteers to develop recreation areas while community groups also provide essential support. Because of the proven potential to attract more tourists to regional resources and the opportunity to employ local workers on a seasonal basis, a new program for municipal recreation and tourism areas will be provided over the next four years. Capital grants for this program will bc made available from the capital projects division of the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund to develop 100 recreation and tourism sites throughout Alberta. Annual grants to defray operating costs will be provided over 25 years. Extended Telephone Service My government will provide that the extended flat rate calling program be extended from 34 miles to 40 miles. In addition, some special problems will be eliminated so that over 98 percent of Alberta customers will have access to these services, the highest coverage of any telephone company in Canada. Fewer Conditions on Municipal Grants Major new steps will be taken to build on our very effective provincial/municipal partnership in Alberta. Two years ago a grant structures review committee was appointed, representing the major municipal associations. The committee reviewed each program under which government funds arc transferred to municipalities. In December 1985 the committee reported 87 recommendations designed to reduce the administrative burden and the impact of conditions in these programs on local priorities. The recommendations are now under review and will lead to fewer conditions on grants to municipalities. New Municipal Government Act My government will propose a major review of municipal legislation leading to a new Municipal Government Act to set out the framework for the operation of local government for the 1990s and into the 21st century. In November 1985 a committee composed of the presidents of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties presented their report, In Harmony: the Public Interest and the Private Interests of Alberta Municipal Councillors. Legislation will be proposed to implement the recommendations. These will clarify the guidelines for the conduct of members of municipal councils and ensure that people do not become disadvantaged by virtue of their election to a municipal council. Olympic Legacy Excitement is growing for the Olympics and tor the important legacy of winter sport and recreation facilities that will remain after the games. Excellent progress is being made on all projects that arc a part of Alberta's commitment to hosting the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Facilities at Nakiska and Canmore are on schedule. They will be ready for the 1986-87 season and will be the site of pre-Olympic events. The very successful 1985 youth conference held in conjunction with International Youth Year involved over 1,500 young people. My government will propose a second major youth conference this year. Safety for Workers The safety of workers in the workplace will be continued as a high priority. My government will provide 50 percent funding for construction of a new training facility for the Alberta petroleum and gas drilling industry. The private sector, through the Petroleum Industry Training Service, will operate the $6.5 million training centre to be built near Edmonton. Construction will commence as soon as possible, and the centre should be operational in late 1986. It is estimated that more than 1,000 drilling and servicing crew members will receive training at the school cache year, ensuring for Alberta and Canada an unparalleled level of safety and expertise in the oil patch. The centre initially will be developed to satisfy three basic areas of training: well control, sour gas, and pre employment. In addition, the centre will be designed to allow for expansion into other relevant areas in the industry, such as production operations and fire fighting. It is expected that the centre will achieve national and international stature and will attract people not only from Alberta and Canada but from other parts of the world. My government is working with industry and labour and with other governments across Canada to achieve early implementation of a nationwide workplace hazardous materials information system. The Workers' Compensation Board will assist in funding safety associations in specific industry sectors to provide technical expertise and educational programs to improve safety in the workplace. A Safe Society My government has taken a number of initiatives designed to assist in the prevention and detection of crime. New approaches to crime prevention on a local basis are encouraged by funding in the form of innovative policing grants to municipal police agencies and RCMP detachments. A grant of $500,000 each has been made to the Calgary and Edmonton police forces to purchase automated fingerprint identification systems. Once fully implemented, these systems will allow fingerprint searches or matches to be done electronically, resulting in the rapid identification of criminals. The services of the automated fingerprint identification systems will be made available to all police agencies throughout the province. My government has recognized impaired driving as a major social problem which is of increasing concern to the citizens of the province. There is a continued commitment to the Alberta Cheek Stop program. As a part of the government's overall attack on impaired driving, a new prosecution policy now seeks greater penalties for all offenders convicted of a second or subsequent impaired driving or related driving offence within a period of two years from the date of the first conviction. Protection for Children My government recognizes growing public concern over the safety of children. As part of the government's missing children program, funding is being committed for a child safety campaign which will provide both children and parents with advice on how to deal with concerns of child abduction and child safety. Legislation will be proposed to implement the Hague convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction. Working Together We will listen for and seek out the views of people throughout the province in the coming months. New ideas and knowledge will be welcomed as the people of Alberta work together with their government to build our province. My government believes that individual initiative and personal freedom are preferable to legislation and regulation. Alberta is a wonderful place of beauty, strength, hope, and promise. Together our great potential will be fulfilled. Members of the Legislative Assembly: In due course you will be presented with the budget estimates. You will be asked to grant the necessary funds for the operating services and expenditures authorized by the Legislature and to endorse a program of capital financing for the government 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 understanding of the public interests of all people of Alberta. I pray for your wisdom and strength in your deliberations.