U.S. legislators have a new perspective on the province's plan for energy development following a guided tour of the oil sands. The tour concluded the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region's (PNWER) Summer Summit yesterday.

Oregon State Representative Mike Schaufler was one of the delegates invited to tour the oil sands. 'I was impressed by the technological advancements and the sophisticated pipeline transportation system used to transport oil to the U.S.,' he said. 'I am more comfortable buying oil from Alberta, which shares similar environmental goals with the U.S., than from foreign sources.'

The Summer Summit concluded after five-and-a-half days of policy discussions in Calgary on issues affecting the Pacific North West region, including border security, disaster resilience, renewable energy, mental health and addictions, water policy, livestock health, environment and economic development.

PNWER is a public-private partnership dedicated to encouraging global economic competitiveness and preserving the world-class natural environment in the Pacific Northwest. To learn more about the organization, visit http://www.pnwer.org/.

The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.

Serving armed forces members now eligible for veterans' plates

The Alberta government is expanding eligibility requirements for veterans' licence plates to include currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

'As a retired serviceman, I know this gesture will be appreciated by the men and women in the forces,' said His Honour, Col. (Ret'd) the Honourable Donald Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. 'The plates are instantly recognizable to Albertans. When they see it, they think of the people who put themselves in the service of our country.'

The Royal Canadian Legion's Alberta-Northwest Territories Command determines eligibility for the plates. Current members of the armed forces with at least three years of service will be able to apply for veterans' plates beginning Aug. 16. They can receive the plate at no extra cost when renewing their vehicle registration.

Nearly 18,000 veterans' plates have been issued since the program began in February 2005. Previously, the plates were only available to retired members who had been honourably discharged, as well as members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or other Canadian police departments who served under NATO or the United Nations.

Albertosaurus roars to life on new collector coin

On July 21, the Royal Canadian Mint rolls out a new dinosaur collector-coin in honour of the Royal Tyrrell Museum's 25th anniversary. The coin features an animation effect that brings to life Albertosaurus, a 70-million-year-old cousin of T-Rex first discovered in Alberta.

This 50-cent brass-plated coin comes with six exciting trading cards: five showing off different dinosaurs found in Alberta and the sixth telling the story of province's famous Royal Tyrrell Museum. Developed as part of a series celebrating significant milestones for two of Canada's most popular natural history museums - the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the Canadian Museum of Nature - the Albertosaurus coin will retail for $24.95.

The coin will be available at the Museum Gift Shop and through the Royal Canadian Mint's online store at www.mint.ca/store. It is also available by direct order from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada and 1-800-268-6468 in the U.S.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum invites everyone to anniversary celebrations Sept. 17, 18, and 19 in conjunction with Alberta Arts Days, and the official Royal Tyrrell Museum birthday party on Saturday, Sept. 25.

Will you be the Royal Tyrrell Museum's 10-millionth visitor? One lucky visitor, with their family members or friends in attendance, will receive royal treatment and a Discover Alberta prize package. For more information, visit www.tyrrellmuseum.com/news/events.htm or call 403-823-7707 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access in Alberta).

Operated by Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is located six kilometres northwest of Drumheller on Highway 838 and is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

The Alberta government is expanding eligibility requirements for veterans' licence plates to include currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

'As a retired serviceman, I know this gesture will be appreciated by the men and women in the forces,' said His Honour, Col. (Ret'd) the Honourable Donald Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. 'The plates are instantly recognizable to Albertans. When they see it, they think of the people who put themselves in the service of our country.'

The Royal Canadian Legion's Alberta-Northwest Territories Command determines eligibility for the plates. Current members of the armed forces with at least three years of service will be able to apply for veterans' plates beginning Aug. 16. They can receive the plate at no extra cost when renewing their vehicle registration.

Nearly 18,000 veterans' plates have been issued since the program began in February 2005. Previously, the plates were only available to retired members who had been honourably discharged, as well as members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or other Canadian police departments who served under NATO or the United Nations.

Vehicle inspection technology wins national award

The Alberta government's use of thermal imaging technology to detect defective commercial vehicle safety equipment has earned a prestigious national award.

The Intelligent Transportation Systems Society of Canada presented its Provincial Program Award to Alberta Transportation's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Branch during a recent ceremony in Quebec. The award recognizes leadership in using technology to promote safety and/or efficiency in the transportation field.

The thermal imaging system involves a fleet of three units strategically located throughout Alberta that are equipped with colour and thermal cameras, imaging systems and software, and monitors. The equipment observes heat patterns, and the cameras display infrared radiation as visible images on the system's monitors. This allows transport officers to screen moving vehicles for dragging brakes, flat or under-inflated tires, overheated bearings, and other running-gear-related safety issues.

The system started as a pilot project in 2005. The technology has an 88 per cent accuracy rate in spotting vehicles with high-risk safety equipment issues. This allows transport officers to focus inspection and enforcement efforts more effectively and efficiently, enhancing safety on Alberta's highways.

Intelligent Imaging Systems of Edmonton provides technical support for the system and shared in the award.

Albertosaurus roars to life on new collector coin

On July 21, the Royal Canadian Mint rolls out a new dinosaur collector-coin in honour of the Royal Tyrrell Museum's 25th anniversary. The coin features an animation effect that brings to life Albertosaurus, a 70-million-year-old cousin of T-Rex first discovered in Alberta.

This 50-cent brass-plated coin comes with six exciting trading cards: five showing off different dinosaurs found in Alberta and the sixth telling the story of province's famous Royal Tyrrell Museum. Developed as part of a series celebrating significant milestones for two of Canada's most popular natural history museums - the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the Canadian Museum of Nature - the Albertosaurus coin will retail for $24.95.

The coin will be available at the Museum Gift Shop and through the Royal Canadian Mint's online store at www.mint.ca/store. It is also available by direct order from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada and 1-800-268-6468 in the U.S.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum invites everyone to anniversary celebrations Sept. 17, 18, and 19 in conjunction with Alberta Arts Days, and the official Royal Tyrrell Museum birthday party on Saturday, Sept. 25.

Will you be the Royal Tyrrell Museum's 10-millionth visitor? One lucky visitor, with their family members or friends in attendance, will receive royal treatment and a Discover Alberta prize package. For more information, visit www.tyrrellmuseum.com/news/events.htm or call 403-823-7707 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access in Alberta).

Operated by Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is located six kilometres northwest of Drumheller on Highway 838 and is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

U.S. legislators have a new perspective on the province's plan for energy development following a guided tour of the oil sands. The tour concluded the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region's (PNWER) Summer Summit yesterday.

Oregon State Representative Mike Schaufler was one of the delegates invited to tour the oil sands. 'I was impressed by the technological advancements and the sophisticated pipeline transportation system used to transport oil to the U.S.,' he said. 'I am more comfortable buying oil from Alberta, which shares similar environmental goals with the U.S., than from foreign sources.'

The Summer Summit concluded after five-and-a-half days of policy discussions in Calgary on issues affecting the Pacific North West region, including border security, disaster resilience, renewable energy, mental health and addictions, water policy, livestock health, environment and economic development.

PNWER is a public-private partnership dedicated to encouraging global economic competitiveness and preserving the world-class natural environment in the Pacific Northwest. To learn more about the organization, visit http://www.pnwer.org/.

The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.

Serving armed forces members now eligible for veterans' plates

The Alberta government is expanding eligibility requirements for veterans' licence plates to include currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

'As a retired serviceman, I know this gesture will be appreciated by the men and women in the forces,' said His Honour, Col. (Ret'd) the Honourable Donald Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. 'The plates are instantly recognizable to Albertans. When they see it, they think of the people who put themselves in the service of our country.'

The Royal Canadian Legion's Alberta-Northwest Territories Command determines eligibility for the plates. Current members of the armed forces with at least three years of service will be able to apply for veterans' plates beginning Aug. 16. They can receive the plate at no extra cost when renewing their vehicle registration.

Nearly 18,000 veterans' plates have been issued since the program began in February 2005. Previously, the plates were only available to retired members who had been honourably discharged, as well as members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or other Canadian police departments who served under NATO or the United Nations.

Albertosaurus roars to life on new collector coin

On July 21, the Royal Canadian Mint rolls out a new dinosaur collector-coin in honour of the Royal Tyrrell Museum's 25th anniversary. The coin features an animation effect that brings to life Albertosaurus, a 70-million-year-old cousin of T-Rex first discovered in Alberta.

This 50-cent brass-plated coin comes with six exciting trading cards: five showing off different dinosaurs found in Alberta and the sixth telling the story of province's famous Royal Tyrrell Museum. Developed as part of a series celebrating significant milestones for two of Canada's most popular natural history museums - the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the Canadian Museum of Nature - the Albertosaurus coin will retail for $24.95.

The coin will be available at the Museum Gift Shop and through the Royal Canadian Mint's online store at www.mint.ca/store. It is also available by direct order from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada and 1-800-268-6468 in the U.S.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum invites everyone to anniversary celebrations Sept. 17, 18, and 19 in conjunction with Alberta Arts Days, and the official Royal Tyrrell Museum birthday party on Saturday, Sept. 25.

Will you be the Royal Tyrrell Museum's 10-millionth visitor? One lucky visitor, with their family members or friends in attendance, will receive royal treatment and a Discover Alberta prize package. For more information, visit www.tyrrellmuseum.com/news/events.htm or call 403-823-7707 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access in Alberta).

Operated by Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is located six kilometres northwest of Drumheller on Highway 838 and is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

Oregon State Representative Mike Schaufler was one of the delegates invited to tour the oil sands. 'I was impressed by the technological advancements and the sophisticated pipeline transportation system used to transport oil to the U.S.,' he said. 'I am more comfortable buying oil from Alberta, which shares similar environmental goals with the U.S., than from foreign sources.'

The Summer Summit concluded after five-and-a-half days of policy discussions in Calgary on issues affecting the Pacific North West region, including border security, disaster resilience, renewable energy, mental health and addictions, water policy, livestock health, environment and economic development.

PNWER is a public-private partnership dedicated to encouraging global economic competitiveness and preserving the world-class natural environment in the Pacific Northwest. To learn more about the organization, visit http://www.pnwer.org/.

The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.

Serving armed forces members now eligible for veterans' plates

The Alberta government is expanding eligibility requirements for veterans' licence plates to include currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

'As a retired serviceman, I know this gesture will be appreciated by the men and women in the forces,' said His Honour, Col. (Ret'd) the Honourable Donald Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. 'The plates are instantly recognizable to Albertans. When they see it, they think of the people who put themselves in the service of our country.'

The Royal Canadian Legion's Alberta-Northwest Territories Command determines eligibility for the plates. Current members of the armed forces with at least three years of service will be able to apply for veterans' plates beginning Aug. 16. They can receive the plate at no extra cost when renewing their vehicle registration.

Nearly 18,000 veterans' plates have been issued since the program began in February 2005. Previously, the plates were only available to retired members who had been honourably discharged, as well as members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or other Canadian police departments who served under NATO or the United Nations.

Youth justice committees help teens get back on track

The Government of Alberta continues to support youth justice committees across the province as they work to help keep young people away from a life of crime. The committees, which will share $350,000 in provincial grants this year, provide an alternative to the formal court process for youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who come into contact with the criminal justice system.

Whether relatively new or well-established, youth justice committees provide a valuable service to youth and the courts. In 2009, the Just-Us-Girls Youth Justice Committee in Edmonton began working with pregnant teens and young mothers to help them take responsibility for their offences, while keeping mothers and children together. The committee also provides mentors, helps ensure sanctions address the unique needs of pregnant young women and teen mothers, and makes sentencing recommendations.

The Fort Chipewyan Youth Justice Committee has been providing sentencing advice to the courts for almost 20 years. It uses Aboriginal circles, Aboriginal cultural teachings, and native elders to support youth and address their needs in a culturally meaningful manner.

More than 1,500 volunteers provide approximately 144,000 volunteer hours per year while working on 126 youth justice committees in Alberta. The committees work directly with young Albertans and often include participation from their victims. For example, youths charged with relatively minor first or second offenses may be eligible for sanctions such as community service work, victim compensation through personal service or an apology to the victim. Some committees also provide sentencing advice to youth court for offenders who have been convicted of a crime.

This year's grants range from $500 to $60,000 and are available to designated youth justice committees based on factors including caseload and services provided. More information on youth justice committees is available at http://www.solgps.alberta.ca/

'A picture is worth a thousand words, but a visit is worth a thousand pictures,' said Mar. 'By engaging our American and Canadian counterparts in the oil sands experience, they gain a far better understanding of the operations in Alberta. Based on what they've seen, touched and experienced, they can then draw their own conclusions.'

The tour included stops at Shell's Albian mine and a ConocoPhillips in situ site. Highlights included the tour of the mining operation, a tailings pond and reclaimed land. Delegates were also given a demonstration of steam-assisted gravity drainage, just one of the innovations that have helped oil sands developers decrease their environmental footprint.

'I was impressed by the technological advancements,' said tour guest and Oregon State Representative Mike Schaufler.



Though the oil sands tour has ended, the work of educating the delegates' home states and provinces has only just begun.

'I'm certain that having seen and experienced the oil sands, some minds were changed and misconceptions clarified,' said Mar. 'The hope now is that what they've learned will influence their decision-making, and affect how they perceive Alberta's oil sands.'

That hope appears well founded: 'I am more comfortable buying oil from Alberta, which shares similar environmental goals with the U.S., than from foreign sources,' said Oregon's Schaufler.

U.S. guests on the tour included delegates from Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon and Alaska.

UPDATE: 35 members of the U.S. Congress have written to the State Department expressing support for the development of the Keystone XL pipeline. A number of those are representatives of districts through which the pipeline would pass. A link to the letter can be found here.

That's why I am so disappointed by a recent campaign discouraging visitors from coming to Alberta based on misinformation about our oil sands. The campaign's view of Alberta is not accurate, and it's not the view of the 1.5 million international guests who come to our province each year. Our province works hard to balance the need for responsible resource development and protection of our natural environment. We've taken positive steps towards that goal, like putting a price on carbon and enforcing strict legislation to protect our air, land and water. I encourage Albertans and visitors to learn the full story -- about our oil sands and everything else we have to offer.

Alberta's story includes 20-million acres of protected parks, five of Canada's 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and four internationally recognized wetlands. Alberta's story celebrates our beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife, western hospitality, renowned cultural festivals and great people.

This campaign targets our hard-working tourism industry during the peak of our busy summer season. More than 100,000 people make a living from Alberta's $5-billion tourism industry. These people -- along with the rest of Albertans -- know what a wonderful province this is. We are confident that people will separate fact from fiction, and draw their own conclusions about what Alberta has to offer the world.

Like all Albertans, our tourism industry is proud and resilient. We will continue to extend an open invitation to all visitors and to encourage people to experience the beauty of Alberta for themselves.

If you'd like to see the true Alberta that visitors flock to each and every day, check out Travel Alberta's photo and video galleries.

-Minister Cindy Ady
Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation

Executive Council

Advancing competitiveness Stelmach's priority as western Premiers meet

Advancing western priorities and strengthening cooperation on energy, environment and the economy was Premier Ed Stelmach's focus at the Western Premiers' Conference in Vancouver on June 15 and 16.

During the conference, Stelmach emphasized the importance of sound fiscal planning in support of the long-term economic growth as well as 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, discussing federal priorities in the two countries and the impact these priorities could have 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.

Dr. Gary McPherson leadership scholarship to benefit Alberta's next generation of leaders

Alberta post-secondary students demonstrating outstanding leadership or initiative to improve the conditions and lives of all Albertans will soon be eligible to receive a Dr. Gary McPherson leadership scholarship. Approximately 100 scholarships will be available to students across Campus Alberta starting in 2011.

The leadership scholarship is being established to commemorate Dr. Gary McPherson's lifelong dedication as a leader, advocate and role model for Albertans and Canadians.

'Dr. Gary McPherson was an inspiration for all Albertans. He overcame a permanent disability, taught hundreds of students at the University of Alberta and served as a disabled rights advocate, among his other notable achievements,' said Premier Ed Stelmach. 'Through this scholarship, our government is proud to honour his legacy and impact as one of Alberta's greatest citizens who saw ability, not disability, and who sought out opportunities to help our next generation of young leaders.'

The scholarship will award students who demonstrate strong leadership with up to $2,000 each to support their post-secondary learning. Students at each of the 26 post-secondary institutions across the province will be eligible to receive the scholarship, based on a nomination from their institution. The scholarship will be awarded annually starting in 2011.

For more information on the scholarships available in Alberta, visit http://www.alis.alberta.ca/.

Alberta's 2009-10 deficit down to $1 billion

Tight controls on spending and higher-than-expected revenue helped reduce Alberta's 2009-10 deficit to $1 billion - less than a quarter of the original estimate of $4.7 billion.

Revenue from oil and oil sands royalties, investment income and corporate income tax were all significantly higher than forecast in Budget 2009 while expense was up only slightly due mainly to assistance for disasters and emergencies. The resulting lower deficit means less will be drawn from the Sustainability Fund, which stood at $15 billion at March 31, 2010. (The Heritage Fund is not the Sustainability Fund, and will not be used to cover the deficit).

While the 2009-10 deficit is considerably smaller than expected, Alberta's revenue picture in the current fiscal year remains highly uncertain, with natural gas prices low, and oil prices, financial markets and the Canadian dollar fluctuating on a daily basis. As a result, there is no reason at this time to expect any improvement in the forecast deficit of $4.7 billion for 2010-11.

• Alberta posted a $1-billion deficit in 2009-10, $3.7 billion lower than forecast at budget;
• the reduced deficit is due to relatively flat expense and increased revenue; and
• $35.7 billion in revenue, which is $4 billion higher than forecast at budget, mainly due to higher oil sands and oil royalties, investment income and corporate income tax revenue.
For more information, or to read the full report, please visit http://www.alberta.ca/.

Energy

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.

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 http://www.energy.alberta.ca/.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Rural Alberta businesses use livestock and meat agency grant programs to explore new markets, products and technologies

The Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency has provided close to $9 million in new grants to help Alberta agri-food businesses to explore new markets, create new products and use new technologies.

Fifty-one new projects valued at close to $9 million have been approved by the agency, bringing its fiscal year total to more than $27 million for 130 projects. The livestock and meat industry has leveraged agency investments to an estimated $100 million for 2009-10.

These ALMA programs are directly supporting the business goals of agri-businesses across the province, and support the Government of Alberta's plan for a strong economic recovery. Ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity is part of The Way Forward.

The agency contributes ideas, information and investment as it works with industry partners to achieve a sustainable, profitable and internationally respected livestock and meat industry. For a full list of grants and more information, visit http://www.alma.alberta.ca/.

Building Tomorrow

Education

More Alberta students complete high school

Thanks to joint efforts between government and school jurisdictions to keep students engaged and motivated to stay in school, Alberta's high school completion rate increased in 2009. The rate rose to 71.5 per cent in 2009, from 70.8 per cent in 2008.

Under the province's High School Completion Framework, Alberta Education works with school jurisdictions to identify the barriers to graduation and develop plans that enhance existing programs and fit the needs of school communities.

Initiatives under the framework include a new Advancing Adolescent Reading research project and four new outreach programs, which help students finish school in non-traditional learning environments. For more information about the Alberta High School Completion Framework, visit www.education.alberta.ca/highschoolcompletion.

Completion results are released as part of the provincial Accountability Pillar report, which contains performance results for key areas of success in the K-12 education system. The measures include surveys of parents, students and teachers on various aspects of quality; results of provincial assessments of student learning in Grades 3, 6, 9 and 12; and key student outcomes, such as dropout rates, and post-secondary transition. This year's results show that Alberta's education system is performing well. To view results, visit http://www.education.alberta.ca/ and click on the Accountability Pillar.

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 http://www.settingthedirection.alberta.ca/ .

Transportation

GreenTRIP program ready to roll to support public transit

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.

GreenTRIP will provide one-time capital funding that will support new and expanded public transit throughout Alberta. The program will help provide Albertans with a wider range of sustainable public transit alternatives for local, regional and intermunicipal travel, making public transit more accessible. The program will help reduce the number of vehicles on Alberta roads as well greenhouse gas emissions.

The program is available to owner/operators of public transit services, which may include municipalities, regional entities, non-profit organizations, Mandeacute;tis settlements and the private sector. Submissions for GreenTRIP funding must include a business case that describes the sustainability of the project. GreenTRIP will provide only capital funding assistance for public transit infrastructure and technology, not operating funding for transit service. For additional information on GreenTRIP, go to http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/.

New report shows P3 schools deliver value for taxpayers

A new report shows that building schools through a public-private partnership (P3) provided good value for Alberta taxpayers, with the schools being built sooner and at a lower cost than through traditional methods.

A value for money assessment and project report for the 18 new schools built in Calgary and Edmonton through a P3 is now available on the Alberta Education website.

The Alberta government saved $97 million over 32 years, in today's dollars, compared to a traditional approach by using a P3 to design, build, finance and maintain the 18 new schools. This amounts to a 13 per cent savings, or an investment of $634 million instead of $731 million.

The cost savings and earlier completion were due to:

• economies of scale;
• construction efficiencies;
• building innovations;
• risks shifted from government to the contractor; and
• fixed cost contracts.

On June 1 the Government of Alberta announced that the schools were delivered to school boards in less than two years, one month sooner than contracted.

Resourceful, Responsible

Sustainable Resource Development

Alberta offers replacements for trees lost to mountain pine beetle attacks

Help is being offered to private landowners and municipalities that lose trees to mountain pine beetle attacks.

The Alberta government, in co-operation with Tree Canada and business co-sponsors, is launching the Alberta Mountain Pine Beetle ReLeaf, a program to help replace trees killed by the insects on private or municipal land.

Under the Alberta Mountain Pine Beetle ReLeaf program, urban residents, acreage owners and municipalities can apply for funding for new trees to replace those destroyed by Mountain Pine Beetles.

Residents who lose yard trees are eligible for a coupon worth $80 for a replacement tree. The program will contribute up to $3,000 worth of seedlings to replace multiple trees lost in shelterbelts and around homes on small acreages, and up to $5,000 worth of seedlings to replace trees lost on municipal property.

The program is co-sponsored by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Tree Canada and corporate sponsors TELUS and Strive Energy, who collectively contributed $100,000 to kick-start the program. Others interested in supporting this program though donations are encouraged to contact Tree Canada.

Applications forms to participate in the program are available from Tree Canada's website, at http://www.treecanada.ca/.

For more information about Alberta's fight against mountain pine beetles, please visit http://www.mpbalberta.ca/.

Agriculture and Rural Development

New legislation enhances protection of Alberta's agricultural land and natural spaces

Alberta's agricultural land and natural spaces will benefit from enhanced protection with the new Weed Control Act and regulation, which came into effect on June 16.

The new legislation replaces the old Act and consolidates regulations for a more streamlined and comprehensive approach to protecting the production and quality of Alberta land from invasive plants.

One of the most significant changes in the legislation is an expanded list of invasive plants, which increases Alberta's ability to be vigilant in keeping prohibited noxious weeds out of the province. Many of the plants added to the list are the result of an extensive study of invasive plant species in bordering provinces and states which may pose a threat to Alberta's eco-system and agriculture industry.

In addition to providing greater clarity of legislation, other changes include improvements to enforcement and appeal processes, and updates to better reflect current activity in the seed-cleaning sector and other industry developments.

For more information on the Weed Control Act and associated regulation call 780-422-1881 or visit the Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development website at http://www.agriculture.alberta.ca/. To find details online, click on the Information tab, then click on the Diseases/Insects/Pests link, and look under the heading Legislation.

Strong Communities

Executive Council

Cabinet Ministers connect with Albertans on key issues during spring tour

After logging thousands of kilometres across the province and attending hundreds of meetings and events, Alberta's Cabinet Ministers heard input directly from Albertans on the key issues facing our province.

During the tour from April 26 and June 1, groups of Ministers met with local elected officials and business and community groups in every region of the province. They also met with individual Albertans, sometimes casually over lunch or coffee in restaurants. Meetings ranged from informal one-on-one talks to structured group sessions.

Members of Cabinet toured local attractions; cultural and recreational facilities; state of the art high-tech facilities for everything from pharmaceuticals to recycling; schools and educational institutions; primary and long-term health care facilities; and agricultural and manufacturing operations.

For more information on the spring tour, including the schedule and itineraries; blogs, photos and videos visit: http://alberta.ca/home/1256.cfm.

Seniors and Community Supports

Minister announces PDD review to improve delivery of services and reduce cost of administration

The Alberta government is taking steps to improve the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program for the benefit of those assisted by the program.

The administrative review is an extension of the PDD program priorities developed last year after consultations with stakeholders. The review will help to identify efficiencies and savings in program administration that will be redirected to front-line services for PDD-funded individuals. Currently, approximately 20 per cent of the PDD program's $597 million budget is spent on administration.

The review will not look at front-line services. Instead, it will examine the internal administrative operations of the PDD program, including the provincial program branch, the PDD Community Boards and their directly operated facilities. The review will also look at administration costs of the agencies contracted by the program to provide services to individuals.

Justice and Attorney General

Alberta furthers commitment to victims of domestic violence

Three new pilot projects will strengthen government's commitment to preventing domestic violence in Alberta. The projects will focus on supporting victims and breaking the cycle of violence in high-risk families.

The community-based projects receiving funding through the Safe Communities Innovation Fund include:

• High Risk Management Initiative: $1.2 million to HomeFront to enhance safety for victims and work towards long term reduction of domestic violence rates. The project will mandate offenders to attend domestic violence counseling, addiction and mental health treatment, anger management and parenting classes to prevent future offending.
• Maskwacis Family Violence Unit: $489,000 to the Ermineskin Women's Shelter Society to create a specialized team to support at-risk families on the reserves of Hobbema and break the cycle of domestic violence. The unit will link families to appropriate services and support victims from the initial call for service through the criminal court process.
• Strengthening Families Project: Couples Treatment for Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse: $750,000 to the Calgary Counselling Centre to intervene and provide treatment to couples experiencing domestic violence where one partner has a substance abuse problem. The project brings both partners into treatment to encourage safe and healthy relationships.

The three projects are led by five Safe Communities partner ministries: Justice and Attorney General, Solicitor General and Public Security, Children and Youth Services, Health and Wellness, and Aboriginal Relations.

The Safe Communities Innovation Fund builds on the work of the Safe Communities initiative to address crime on an immediate basis, as well as over the long term. For more information please visit: http://justice.alberta.ca/programs_services/safe/Pages/safe_communities_innovation_fund.aspx

A Healthy Approach

Health and Wellness

New deal brings certainty to Alberta's health system

Alberta Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky released the following statement after the United Nurses of Alberta membership voted to ratify a new 3-year deal with Alberta Health Services:

'The acceptance of this new contract by members of the United Nurses of Alberta will bring a greater level of certainty and stability to Alberta's health care system over the next 3 years.

I would like to thank the members of the UNA and Alberta Health Services negotiating teams for the long hours spent at the bargaining table and with the mediator to come to a mutually acceptable agreement. Arriving at a fair and equitable deal within the economic realities of the day made these challenging negotiations.

With this agreement now ratified, Alberta Health and Wellness, Alberta Health Services, UNA and all other health professionals can continue the collaborative work that will help us build the best performing publicly funded health system in the country. We have made impressive strides over the last several months to improve access and reduce wait times, and we will continue to move forward to ensure Albertans receive timely, quality care.

Nurses are vital in delivering that care. Their dedication, passion and commitment to the people of Alberta is gratefully appreciated.'