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Details from the Throne Speech

Steps to boost competitiveness, improve health care detailed in Throne Speech

Legislative agenda to focus on economy, passing the budget to keep Alberta on "road to recovery"
Edmonton...Plans to bolster Alberta’s competitiveness in the global economy and improve health care were the highlights of the Speech from the Throne, delivered by Lieutenant Governor Norman L. Kwong on February 4.

“Our government understands that competitiveness is about managing our spending and ensuring that regulation is effective and practical,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “But it’s also about protecting our environment, and maintaining the services and quality of life Albertans deserve.”
Bill 1 of the legislative session, the Alberta Competitiveness Act, brings together several initiatives to make Alberta the most competitive jurisdiction in North America, including maintaining and growing export markets, fostering value-added opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food industry, and ensuring that the energy sector remains vibrant and able to attract investment.
On health, the government committed to act on the recommendations of the Minister’s Advisory Committee and provide stable five-year funding to Alberta Health Services.

Other highlights of the throne speech include government’s plans to:

• bolster the front lines of Alberta police forces with 100 new officers;
• launch a new vision for education;
• keep using the Sustainability Fund to protect municipalities, social programs, educational institutions and the health care system;
• continue to invest in research and technology solutions to environmental challenges posed by oil sands development, including the eventual elimination of tailings ponds; and
• seek fair treatment for Albertans under universal federal programs.

The government’s legislative agenda this session will be focused on the economy and passing the budget so Alberta can continue on the road to recovery, said Government House Leader Dave Hancock.

“After the spring sitting concludes, MLAs will be engaging with their constituents throughout the spring and summer on key issues such as health and education,” Hancock said.

Improving Health Care

• Act on the recommendations of the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Health to make the publicly funded health system more patient-focused.
• Create a new Alberta Health Act.
• Engage Albertans in the on-going evolution of the health system.
• Provide stable, five-year funding to Alberta Health Services.
• Focus on better performance in key areas such as wait times and access.
• Seek input from, and be accountable to, Albertans on whether the health system is performing to their expectations.

Alberta’s Fiscal Advantage

• Use our carefully planned fiscal advantages, including low taxes and the nearly $25 billion that was saved and invested during good times, to position Alberta for a strong recovery.
• Keep using the Sustainability Fund to protect municipalities, social programs, educational institutions and the health care system.
• Continue to strengthen infrastructure in all regions of the province.
• Introduce Alberta Capital Bonds with proceeds directed to building seniors’ accommodations.
• Carefully manage government spending, with a focus on key priorities such as health, education and supports for vulnerable Albertans.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Health+...116/story.html
http://alberta.ca/home/NewsFrame.cfm...34775D966.html