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Advancing competitiveness Stelmach’s priority

Advancing western priorities and strengthening cooperation on energy, environment and the economy was Premier Ed Stelmach’s focus at this week’s Western Premiers’ Conference in Vancouver.

During the conference, Stelmach emphasized the importance of sound fiscal planning in support of the long-term economic growth and led a discussion on issues important to Western Canada’s economic recovery such as immigration. Premier Stelmach also discussed the issue of Senate elections, seeking to share perspectives with western jurisdictions.

Canada-U.S. relations were also an important topic at the conference. The premiers met via teleconference with Canadian and U.S. ambassadors to discuss federal priorities in the two countries and the impacts on the provinces and territories. In addition, the premiers examined common interests on a number of issues, including North American climate change strategy, trade and agricultural concerns.

Also attending the conference were premiers from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut.

Regulatory efficiencies improve Alberta’s oil and gas competitiveness

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 reports that ongoing savings in time and cost for both industry and government are being achieved while protecting public safety, conserving resources and ensuring industry complies with Alberta’s strict environmental standards.

Alberta’s regulatory agencies have reduced time delays and related costs and improved clarity and navigability of rules and regulations. Substantial annual financial savings that can be re-invested in the Alberta economy by industry are estimated at between $80 and $170 million. Progress to date includes:

•pilot work towards a system of coordinated compliance inspections;

•successful streamlining of assessment submissions required prior to oil sands developments;

•simplification of sub-surface well spacing requirements;

•improved access to information and regulations;

•clarification and simplification of regulatory publications;

•elimination of obsolete and expired regulatory publications; and

•harmonizing regulations with other provinces.

As part of a comprehensive review, key issues and barriers have been identified and a stakeholder engagement process has begun. Recommendations for a renewed regulatory and policy assurance system will be delivered by the end of 2010.

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. The report is available at www.energy.alberta.ca.

Province moves forward on inclusive education system

To improve outcomes for students with special education needs, the Alberta government will begin to implement its response to 12 recommendations contained in the Setting the Direction Framework. This includes providing improved learning and teaching resources, more professional development for teachers and educational assistants, and developing a regional service delivery model to support all students.

The framework identifies three key strategic priority areas - curriculum, capacity and collaboration - and recommends a vision of an inclusive education system that re-positions special education within the broader education system. An inclusive education system provides a values-based approach to accepting collective responsibility and achieving accountability for all students, including those with special and diverse needs.

The Government of Alberta will support stakeholders and service providers as Setting the Direction is implemented over the next few years. A provincial advisory committee, made up of stakeholder and government representatives, will advise government in its ongoing work to facilitate a smooth transition to an inclusive education system.

More information on the framework and next steps can be found on the website www.settingthedirection.alberta.ca.

As the MLA for Drumheller-Stettler, I am always available to assist constituents. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of my constituency offices at Stettler 403.742.4284; Hanna 403.854.4333; Drumheller 403.823.8181; or in Edmonton at 780-427-2137. Also, please subscribe to my e-newsletter at http://hayden.mypcmla.ca/