Meeting the challenge of tough times: Alberta's economic plan

Message from Premier Ed Stelmach

Our province and our country continue to face the challenges caused by a serious economic downturn in the global economy. As a government, our focus is squarely aimed at helping sustain Alberta during these difficult times and position our province for a strong recovery.

We can be sure that Albertans will continue to look to the future with confidence in our ability to find opportunity in these difficult times, and position our province to make the most of the inevitable return to economic growth.

That combination of realism and confidence – and maintaining our commitment to the future - will form the basis of your government’s economic plan for supporting a strong and sustained recovery.

To do this, we have a three-year economic plan to help Alberta weather these difficult times. It's a plan that draws on the many strengths our province enjoys. It builds on the ingenuity of our business community, and relies on the hard work and innovation of Albertans themselves.

Read more about the three-year economic plan

Speech from the Throne highlights

Plans to help Alberta meet the challenge of tough times and lay the foundation for future growth were detailed in the Speech from the Throne, delivered by Lieutenant Governor Norman L. Kwong, on February 10.

Highlights of the throne speech also include government’s plans to:

• release and implement a comprehensive plan that will responsibly manage the economic, environmental, social and infrastructure impacts and opportunities of oil sands development;
• introduce the Carbon Capture and Storage Implementation Act to a establish a $2-billion investment in carbon capture and storage;
• work with Albertans to create a long-term vision for K-12 education;
• enhance rural health care through the integration of ambulance and emergency medical services with other parts of the provincial health system; and
• introduce a legislative package to disrupt and dismantle organized crime activity.

Bill 1 of the legislative session was also introduced. The Employment Standards Amendment Act will provide job-protected leave to reservists.

The full text of the Speech from the Throne is available online at www.alberta.ca.

Province outlines plan for Alberta's oil sands

The Government of Alberta has released a comprehensive 20-year strategic plan for Alberta’s oil sands that aims to reduce the environmental footprint, optimize economic growth, and increase the quality of life in Alberta’s oil sands regions.

Responsible Actions: A Plan for Alberta’s Oil Sands outlines long-term strategies and immediate actions that address economic, social and environmental challenges and opportunities in the oil sands regions. The plan showcases current efforts such as carbon capture and storage, and strengthens the approach for land reclamation, cumulative effects management and environmental conservation. The strategy is closely aligned with provincial and regional initiatives such as the Provincial Energy Strategy and the Land-use Framework.

Learn more about the plan

RCMP and Alberta sheriffs launch new traffic project

RCMP and Alberta sheriffs are collaborating on a new traffic project that will help them determine how they can best ensure ongoing safety on Alberta’s highways.

The pilots, which will take place on highways near Whitecourt, Airdrie, Wetaskiwin and Olds, test four models for the delivery of traffic service and will help determine the most effective way to enforce traffic safety on Alberta’s highways.

Find out how the projects will take shape