Cabinet Ministers issued mandate letters

A message from Premier Ed Stelmach

In keeping with my commitment for an open and accountable government, I've issued mandate letters to each Cabinet team member outlining priorities and tasks to be accomplished over the next one to four years.   

The letters direct Ministers to work together on initiatives to achieve government’s five priorities:

• ensure Alberta’s energy resources are developed in an environmentally sustainable way;
• increase access to quality health care and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care service delivery;
• promote strong and vibrant communities and reduce crime so Albertans feel safe;
• enhance value-added activity, increase innovation, and build a skilled work force to improve the long-run sustainability of Alberta’s economy; and
• provide the roads, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing economy and population.

In addition to working collaboratively on these priorities, each Minister will work on their own ministry business plan and accomplish specific tasks outlined in the mandate letters.

Working together with Albertans, we are building our province’s future.  Alberta’s century is upon us, and we have every reason to look ahead with pride, optimism and confidence.

Read more about how the mandates fit with government's priorities

Alberta issues first oil sands reclamation certificate

In March, the Alberta government issued its first oil sands reclamation certificate to Syncrude Canada Ltd. for the 104-hectare parcel of land known as Gateway Hill approximately 35 kilometres north of Fort McMurray. The site was used for placement of overburden material removed during oil sands mining. By the early 1980s, the area was no longer needed and Syncrude began to replace topsoil and plant trees and shrubs.

 

Under Alberta’s strict reclamation standards, companies must remediate and reclaim Alberta’s land so it can be productive again. The standard requires the land be able to support a range of activities similar to its use before oil sands development.

Learn more about reclamation

Ten-digit dialling coming soon!

There are so many new telephone hook-ups in the province, that a new area code is needed.  New arrival 587 will join 780 and 403 in the Alberta family of area codes September 8,  with a transition period starting June 23. The new area code will co-exist with the current codes, and cover the same geographic areas. 

Starting September 8, you will need to dial 10 digits, including the area code, for both local and long distance calls. If you dial a seven-digit number between June 23 and September 8, you will hear a recorded message reminding you to dial the area code.

Your current phone numbers will not change. Only new phone numbers will get the new area code. Emergency or information calls such as 911 and 411 will not be affected. Albertans can continue to use the seven-digit toll-free government access number 310-0000.

Learn how to prepare for the new area code

Alberta’s minimum wage increased to $8.40 per hour

As of April 1, Alberta’s minimum wage has increased from $8 to $8.40 per hour, ensuring it keeps pace with other salary increases in Alberta. 

With the increase, Alberta’s minimum wage remains the highest in Canada after taxes.  Even before taxes, Alberta will have the third highest minimum wage among provinces, behind only Ontario ($8.75) and Manitoba ($8.50).

More information on Alberta's minimum wage