Planning for the future and improving Alberta's competitiveness

A message from Premier Ed Stelmach

With the global economic downturn, Alberta's fiscal situation has changed considerably over the past year. To shield Albertans, we will not be looking at tax increases. Our focus is on growing Alberta’s economy. Only a strong, growing economy can generate the revenues that will help return fiscal balance and sustain the core services Albertans rely on.

Our four-point economic plan outlines the steps we’ll take:

• controlling spending;
• drawing from the Sustainability Fund to protect programs that Albertans value most;
• continuing to invest in public infrastructure necessary to support our long-term growth; and
• promoting Alberta as a great place to invest - and work to reduce the costs of doing business in Alberta.

One example of our plan in action is to encourage bitumen upgrading capacity in our province. By taking bitumen royalty in-kind, the province can strategically use its bitumen to selectively stimulate value-added activities such as upgrading, refining and petrochemical development, which in turn create economic activity and jobs.

We're also looking at ways to improve competitiveness. This includes seeing if we can streamline government process and eliminate red tape.

While our past actions have positioned Alberta well, it is the steps that we take in the near term that will allow Alberta to continue to prosper in the long term. We need to be responsive to the rapidly changing world around us. A strong and competitive Alberta benefits all Albertans.

Emissions from oil sands comparable to other crude oils

Two independent studies have found direct emissions from producing, transporting and refining oil sands crude are in the same range as those of the other crudes refined in the United States.

The Life-Cycle Analysis of North American and Imported Crude Oils is based on two independent studies. This is the first comparison of domestic, imported and oil sands crude processed in U.S. refineries. The studies found that direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the oil sands are generally about 10 per cent higher than direct emissions from other crudes in the U.S. If cogeneration is taken into consideration, oil sands crudes would be similar to conventional crudes in terms of GHG emissions.

Learn more about the studies

Albertans eligible for free seasonal influenza vaccine

This fall, the Alberta government will offer a seasonal influenza vaccine free of charge to all Albertans six months and older. Immunization can be obtained through public health clinics and some physician offices and pharmacists beginning in October.

Clinic dates and locations are currently in the planning stage and Alberta Health Services will be announcing details in September.

Separate from the seasonal influenza vaccine, the province is also working on its plan to immunize Albertans against the H1N1 influenza virus sometime this fall. Details on that immunization program will be announced when available.

More information on the program

The world is coming to Calgary

As the biggest international event of its kind in the world, the WorldSkills Competition hosts more than 900 skilled young people age 17 to 22 from skills, trades and technologies programs in 51 member regions/countries. These aspiring individuals come together to compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in more than 45 skill categories ranging from bricklaying to web design.

After having success at Alberta’s Provincial Skills Canada Competition and the Canadian Skills Competition eight Albertans are part of Team Canada WorldSkills Calgary 2009: Daniel Reid (Cochrane), Devon DeBoer (Calgary), Craig Spady (Red Deer), Steven Dingwall (Calgary), Tiffany Vandermey (Calgary), Daniel Green (Drumheller), Matthew Chadder (Millarville) and Brad Chyz (Calgary). A total of 38 Canadians have been on an exciting Skills Canada journey for over a year and make up Team Canada.

Read more about WorldSkills