Dr. Ted Morton - Defender of Alberta's Environment?

Well, Nation - another May Long Week-end has come. Before too much longer (if it hasn't already), the insanity will begin with grad bush parties, drink-and-quad benders, impromptu monster truck rallies and small villages of "random campers" springing up that look like a post-apocalyptic nightmare. Think "Mad Max", but with more mullets.

We saw last Victoria Day Week-end the absolute havoc that was visited upon the Willow Creek area. The area Reeve even invited the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development, the Honourable Ted Morton, to tour the devastation via helicopter. Scant weeks later, Morton's department came down on the shenanigans in the area, HARD, with new regulations, stepped-up enforcement, and a designated trails system to stop Quads, 4X4's and dirt-bikes from ripping through sensitive areas and to protect the watershed.

The message? Behave, or you'll lose access.

And so now we head into another May Long week-end, and the focus shifts an hour North, to McLean Creek (about 10 km from the hamlet of Bragg Creek). With access to Waiparous limited by road work, McLean - always a popular spot for quadders, partiers and random camping - is bracing for a week-end filled with mud-bogging, parties... and Fish & Wildlife Officers.

Yes, Nation, it's not just the quadders who are focusing on McLean Creek, and other backcountry areas this week-end... it's Ted and his guys.

The man who would be Premier has instead been handed the Sustainable Resource portfolio, and by all accounts has made it his personal mission to run the tightest ship possible - no cost over-runs, no shenanigans, and no nonsense. Moreso than his tenure as a PoliSci professor and tall forehead of the "Calgary School" of political thought, Morton knows he is being judged for his next leadership bid by the job he does on this portfolio.

And so as the responsible random campers and quadders - most of them disgusted with the kind of crap they see on long week-ends - nervously eye the newspapers looking for access restrictions, liquor bans, and other crack-downs that would limit their enjoyment this long week-end, they have to ask themselves whom is REALLY causing these restrictions? Is it Ted Morton? Or is it these guys?

It's no secret that Morton and I disagree on just about everything, including the colour of the sky. But if he's going to put a stop to this kind of garbage, then for this week-end only, I can forget that he's THAT Ted Morton - the one who wants to preserve this area so his friends at Spray Lakes Sawmills can log it.

The stuff you're seeing in these videos is happening in Calgary's water supply. Most of the creeks and streams in the McLean area run into Fish Creek or the Elbow River. And you'll notice that most of the chaos isn't being caused by quads at all, but by big 4X4 jeeps and trucks.

If temporary restrictions and crack-downs DON'T happen, or they don't WORK, the next logical step is a complete shut-down of the areas to off-road access and random camping - in which case the responsible users are denied access, permanently, to pay for the sins of the idiots.

What can you do, to help keep access open for the responsible users? Follow these simple rules...

1. Don't be an idiot.


2. If you see someone being an idiot, report them to a Fish & Wildlife Officer


3. If you can't find a Fish & Wildlife Officer, try to get the offender's plate number, or (even better!) a photo or video with their plate in it.


4. If you see a mess, clean it up - even if it isn't yours.

Following the above rules will help ensure that Ted's guys stay off your back, and your favourite forest recreation areas stay open. But if the idiots take hold and wreck their alcohol-and-testosterone-fueled havoc on the backcountry, don't be surprised to wake up Tuesday and find out your quad is now as useful as the Alberta NDP's election readiness fund.

It's not ALL bad news, though... some users are not only responsible when they ride, they're responsible by coming in afterwards to clean up after the idiots.

Just to address a couple points brought up in the above clip:

@ 1:20 - No, it's NOT a park. Provincial Parks don't allow any off-road vehicle use whatsoever. McLean Creek is an Off-Highway Vehicle Forestry Land-Use Zone.

@ 2:20 - Gooseberry campground is under the jurisdiction of Alberta Parks, and also contains a staffed Parks Visitor Centre open 7 days a week. McLean Creek OHVFLUZ is under the jurisdiction of Sustainable Resource Development (Ted's guys)- 2 different ministries, with different staff, covering different areas.

One last point, and this one's purely from an educational perspective.

• Sustainable Resource Development is responsible for Fish, Wildlife & Forestry on public, non-parkland, and fighting Forest Fires throughout the province. Their officers are either "Forest Officers (or Guardians)", or "Fish & Wildlife Officers".


• Alberta Parks is responsible for public safety, resource management, wildlife and enforcement in Provincial Parks and Provincial Recreation Areas (like actual, government-built campgrounds, or picnic spots like Elbow Falls). Their officers are called "Conservation Officers".


• Parks Canada is responsible for everything within, well, National Parks. Their officers are called "Park Wardens".

Alberta has no "rangers", and hasn't for years. But if you're being an idiot this week-end, no matter whether you're stopped by a Park Warden, Conservation Officer, a Fish & Wildlife Officer or a Forest Officer, rest assured you're in trouble.


Take care of yourselves if you're going out this week-end, Nation. I'll talk to you on Monday.

- E.S.

A Memo To The Alberta Liberals

To my friends in the Alberta Liberal Party:

It's been a while since we spoke. At first, I was just avoiding you because of the glazed-over look in your eyes after the butt-kicking of monumental proportions that the interested voters of Alberta gave to your party in early March. I know, it's hard to get over rejection... but it gets easier the more it happens (take it from me - I know). That being the case, I'd think that, having been rejected in the last 23 consecutive elections, you'd be used to it by now. Only the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Washington Generals are better at losing.

Indeed, before we get off the topic of rejection, I wanted to take this time to express my condolences to you on the fact that even your own MLA's are rejecting you... I mean, the Tories have certainly had their share of maverick MLA's and candidates, but to have a sitting MLA holding public discussions about forming a new party, while still sitting in your caucus? THAT has to hurt... even if I'm not privy to the morale level in the Liberal caucus meetings (we saw more people at my last poker game) or your internal polling, Swann certainly is - so don't tell me I'm imagining it, or making it up.

What I'm writing to you about today is your alleged "subversive" nature. I heard about it while reading Hansard, and just felt compelled to offer my two cents.

See, the thing here is, the Premier and Mr. MacDonald actually agree on the role of the Opposition. What I find unnecessary, on BOTH sides, is the sniping that's going on, ON THE RECORD, between these 2 political parties - and then we wonder why Albertans have given up on politics.

Exhibit A: Mr. MacDonald

"... You may not like it, but it’s a function of democracy, and it’s worked quite well..."

First of all, Hugh... did the Premier say "I don't like the fact that we have an opposition"? I read the Hansard, and I didn't SEE him say that... so you're putting words in his mouth, which sucks and is juvenile. Don't be juvenile - the people of Alberta pay you to Oppose in a respectful manner worthy of your office, and worthy of my tax dollars, so don't act like a twit.

"... I’m surprised that some of your Public Affairs Bureau money wouldn’t be under this title because so much of it is going to be used for the greenwashing program."

Secondly, I read the budget also, and didn't see reference to the "Alberta Greenwashing Program"... is this something that only elected MLA's got a memo on? Or are you deliberately mis-representing the government's position or actions by offering up your SUBJECTIVE, partisan view as factual and objective? Are you, in fact, using taxpayer dollars (your salary) to re-brand the government's efforts for your own partisan means - EXACTLY what you're accusing them of doing? Or did the money that you were paid while thinking up this question come the "pay-Hugh-MacDonald-to-act-like-a-twit fund" of the Liberal Party?

What, no such fund?

Sucks when people make stuff up in order to make an attacking statement under the guise of a "respectful budgetary inquiry", huh?

"...Where will this $40 million go? Will it go into another propaganda campaign?"

Lastly, Hugh... regarding "propaganda campaigns". One man's propaganda is another man's truth. I don't suppose you decried the "No Plan" campaign during the election as "propaganda", did you? How about the millions spent trying to make Kevin Taft look like something other than an out-of-touch elitist? That was money spent of "disseminating the truth", right? Hypocrisy is beneath the public service, Hugh, and it should be beneath you... if you're going to make a career of throwing rocks at other people's glass houses, you should probably avoid living in one yourself.

Exhibit B: Premier Ed Stelmach

"The role of opposition in a democratic government is very important, but it’s not to be subversive. There’s a big difference..."

I agree, Mr. Premier. I disagree that they're being subversive, though... or, at least no more subversive than Jon Stewart... they're making fun, or being petty for the sake of appearing to be a viable opposition. One's childish but occasionally entertaining... the other one's just sad. But neither is all that "subversive" - they're not telling Albertans to avoid filing their taxes. My advice? You're going to be the Premier for 4 more years, probably 8 or longer... develop thicker skin.

"... Once again, you hear comments made that are not just critical of government, but they lead to innuendo."

Not to overstate my last point - but ALL partisan criticism of government leads to innuendo. It has, sadly, replaced real debate as the weapon of choice, on both sides of the aisle. Hell, even *I* use it - but at least I'm aware of my own hypocrisy on the issue. It's not going to change until politics changes, so get used to it... the opposition is ALWAYS going to suggest that you're evil, hate children and ducks, and in the pocket of the oil companies who of course loved you so much after the Royalty Review... just as those on the government side will ALWAYS suggest the Liberals are bitter elitists with secret plans to destroy Alberta's economy and give the oil to the federal Liberals to fund their next federal campaign. That's the political reality we live in - get used to it.

"... I am very proud of my province. I share the pride of every member in this Assembly. If they don’t have that same pride, well, that’s up to them, but I do, and so do my colleagues."

Speaking of innuendo... there we go.

So, my Liberal friends, I think it's important that you understand that I share your frustration with Tory hypocrisy, and dirty partisan games. What it is critically important you understand is that if you're going to, as the Opposition, hold the Tories to a standard above those things, you must first hold YOURSELVES to that higher standard as well... the only real currency in the political sphere is credibility. Either the voters believe you'll do what you say, or they don't. You'll know which one is true about 3 hours after the polls close.

What you're doing right now? NOT helping your case. At all.

It's hypocritical. It's childish. It reeks of bitterness and churlishness. And Albertans can see right through it.

Pick a new leader, pick a new strategy, and move on. Because you're not GAINING votes for 2012 doing what you're doing right now, you're LOSING them.





Now, to reply to the comments I'm about to get:

• 1. Yes, I'm aware I called on the Liberals to stop being childish, in the same post that I said Hugh MacDonald was acting like a twit. The difference here is two-fold: Firstly, the taxpayers of Alberta aren't paying me to write this. Secondly, I'm not asking for people to vote for me (yet), and then acting like a petulant child.

• 2. I know full well that the PC's have access to more funds with which to research the opposition, come up with slick memos and commercials, etc. Some of that is through government expense - and the voters chose to put the PC's in a position to access those funds. 4 years from now, we'll see if the voters approved of their use. The rest of it is through private donations, which the Tories rake in more than anyone else - and if you expect them to stop accepting donations to level the playing field, I want to know what you're smoking.

• 3. I agree whole-heartedly that we need to hold politicians on ALL sides to a higher standard of conduct, in public, during elections, and in the House. If that means holding ourselves, as bloggers, to a higher standard first and waiting for the politicians to take the hint, then I'm willing - provided I'm not the only one to do so.

Nation, this just goes to further illustrate the divisive nature of partisan politics, and why the party system itself is fundamentally at odds with the basic concept of democracy... in the pursuit of power, the parties polarize the electorate and forsake what is RIGHT for what is politically expedient. How, then, can we EVER expect good governance, when all sides are focused mostly on seizing and retaining power through partisan games and promising us what we WANT rather than providing us with the leadership that we NEED?

Happy Mother's Day, Indeed

Nation, you first read about the story of young Trevor Pare here. A follow-up came here, by which point the mainstream media were kind enough to pick up the story as well. Lastly, an update came a few days later when the Minister of Health for Alberta, the Honourable Ron Liepert, stopped by the Pare home - unannounced, and without fanfare - to visit with and reassure the family, Trevor and his devoted mom Linda that he was personally "on the case".

Today, on Mother's Day, Linda received word (that she passed on to me) from Ron Liepert that Alberta Blue Cross would be covering Trevor's Myozyme treatments in the future, ensuring that Trevor gets to live a full and active life and, someday, gets to incur my wrath as the General Manager of my beloved Oilers.

Bravo to everyone involved in this story. From the Honourable Ron Liepert, to his staff, to the good people at Alberta Blue Cross... You are all very deserving of praise, and on this day, I can say with absolutely certainly that ALL of you have or had mothers who would be very proud of you.

BRAVO!

Happy Mother's Day, to Linda and to moms (and single dads) everywhere.

Green Around The Gills...

Nation, I've made no bones about the fact that I am a dyed-in-the-wool, small-g "green". I'm a believer that sustainability is no longer an option in our public policy, but rather is an urgent necessity. After all...

"We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children".

Why, then, has a political creature like The Enlightened Savage, long a "true believer" in the most central of Green Party tenets, never voted for a Green Party candidate, at any level, in his life? For this answer, we have to look at the Greens themselves...

The Green Party as we know it in Canada bases its policies on the "Six Principles" agreed to in the "Global Greens Charter" of 2001. These principles are: Ecological Wisdom; Social Justice; Participatory Democracy; Nonviolence; Sustainability; Respect for Diversity.

The Green movement was born in the early 1980's, and candidates first officially ran for the Greens here in 1983. Currently led by Elizabeth May, the party has polled as high as the mid-teens at times, federally. The Alberta wing of the party, led by George Read, recently received around 4.6% of the votes cast in Alberta's 2008 General Election.

Greens have been elected all over Europe, in Australia, and in New Zealand - but never in Canada, on either a federal or provincial level. Why? Is it that Canadians don't care about the environment? Are we bad people?

Far from it... the problem lies not with the voters, but rather with the Green Party of Canada itself.

There are 2 types of people who get active and want to get their face on-camera come election time: Politicians, and Activists. Now, while the end goal of these two types of people are in fact pretty similar (namely - changing policy), the means by which they hope to achieve them are in fact quite different.

A Politician will run for a nomination, build a platform that s/he feels the voters will support which addresses society's needs, and make speeches to win support. They'll put themselves out there for public criticism, take punches, throw punches, and (in most cases) do whatever it takes to make sure they get elected, so they can go forward with their policies and bring forward the changes they feel are in the best interests of society.

An Activist, on the other hand, will identify a need that society has, and then print leaflets, start a webpage, and make speeches. They'll call radio call-in shows, start a blog, and go on the offensive against the "Powers That Be" which they feel are causing the need. If attacked or rebutted, they'll scream about repression and the unfairness of it all - after all, they're not politicians, and should be above reproach. It's the ISSUE that matters. They'll push elected officials for their issue to be resolved, and will keep pushing until it is.

Here's the problem... a Politician who behaves like an Activist won't be taken seriously, and an Activist who tries to run for office as a Politician won't be elected.

Voters are many things... however, contrary to the beliefs of the leader of the Alberta Liberals, "stupid" isn't one of those things. The voters of Alberta, and of Canada (including THIS voter), routinely say they respect and sympathize with the Green cause, but then go and vote for someone else. WHY?

Quite simply, it's because we don't see the Greens as a political party. We see them as a group of Activists. And it's their own fault.

If the Greens were broadcasting, far and wide to everyone who would listen, a solid and comprehensive platform dealing with many of the day-to-day issues that vex Canadians, we'd listen. If they made an announcement immediately after every government announcement, critiquing (or lauding) the government's action, and (where appropriate) presenting their own policies as alternatives, we'd take an interest. If they presented us with a slate, full or not, of eminently qualified and electable candidates, we'd consider voting for them.

But they do NONE of these things. They're seen, rightly or wrongly, as a single-issue party - an image, by the way, that they do nothing to combat. They're deathly silent on all issues except the environment. And they'll run almost ANYONE who wants to be a candidate, provided they're in Liz May's "good books" (otherwise, she'll personally show up to make sure they don't win the nomination - allegedly). The party runs a full slate at election time - but that slate is mostly full of students, retirees, and dyed-in-the-wool hippie activists. And the party is asking us as Canadians to elect this motley crew as Members of Parliament, representing us to the world. When former leader Jim Harris put the Politicians in charge of the party's political machinery, trying to get an electoral break-through, he faced a revolt from the Activist-heavy left wing of the party.

Even Ms. May herself contributes to this perception of the Greens as a group of Activists pretending to be a party of Politicians, by running not on Vancouver Island, or in the mainland riding of West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country (which includes the town of Whistler, which elected a Green as Mayor) or in the riding of Wild Rose (the retiring Myron Thompson's riding, which includes Banff) - all places where she could likely win a seat, and actually make a difference for the country and for her party, but instead in Central Nova - where she'll more than likely get destroyed by Peter "I wish The Enlightened Savage remembered how to spell my last name" MacKay.

She's not running to get herself elected, she's running to get attention for her cause, knowing she's going to lose. That's not a Politician's thinking, it's an Activist's. A Politician will tell you the important thing isn't to "fight the good fight", it's to WIN. A speech made about your issue in the House of Commons is a victory. A speech made on CPAC when they profile your riding for a half hour on a slow Tuesday afternoon,
mid-campaign? That's just filler.

The mind-blowing thing about this whole situation is that not only are the Greens AWARE of the public's perception of them as unelectable, they're apparently PROUD of it - they're allegedly purging the party of Politicians, instead opting for "true believers" (Activists). They're quite literally killing their hopes of EVER getting someone elected, because the very people who can help make that happen - strategic thinkers and unsavoury "Politician" types - are being kicked out of the party. So they'll continue to be denied a podium at the Leaders' Debate, because they're perpetually unable to elect any MP's. Which will further prod the Activists to cry about the grand conspiracy, which will further alienate voters disinclined to vote for whiners or conspiracy theorists... it's a vicious circle, and one of the party's own making. At this point, there's very little difference in public perception between the Green Party of Canada - a political party that hopes, one would think, to be elected to govern - and Greenpeace, an activist organization hoping to influence governments, but with no interest whatsoever of being elected to anything.

At this point, both organizations have the same chance of being elected to govern Canada.

None.

Other Green Parties, in other countries, have seen the necessity of involving the Politicians. Further, they're not just "involved", but they often run the party. A successful and electable Green political party needs a brain (the Politicians), and it needs a heart (the Activists). The Green Party of Canada is, at this time, the Scarecrow - it has a heart, but is desperately in need of a brain. And they're purging all the brains from their midst - great move.

At the end of the day, when Canadians are casting a ballot, they need to feel confident that they're contributing to the solution for what ails us. They need to feel confident that the party for which they're voting (or for which they THINK they're voting - a topic we've discussed here before) can take power, run the day-to-day operations of government, and fix the problems that exist. We don't think we're electing an opposition MP, we think we're electing a government MP.

Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, thinks that the Greens are ready to govern this country. That's why we all like what they stand for, but can't in good conscience mark our "x" for them. "God, what if MY vote is the one that makes Liz May the Prime Minister? [shudder]" It's why they'll never be a successful political party in their current form.

And they have nobody to blame but themselves.





(For more on the Green Party, check out Lex Luthor at No Longer a Green in Alberta. He's a former party big-wig, and knows what's going on in Green-land much better than I.)

If It Quacks Like A Duck...

Nation, I've returned from my exile to the Land of the Lotus Eaters, and found myself incredibly disturbed not only by a recent turn of events, but also by the small-l liberal response to it.

Frequent readers of this blog (are there any other kinds?) will know that I self-identify as a "red tory" - I favour fiscal conservatism, whilst being to the left socially. A more appropriate label, however, might be "christmas tree tory" - a fiscal conservative who is red on social issues and whose primary value is green. The environment is my biggest single issue - and while having never voted Green in my life (a topic for another post, coming very soon), I am a big believer in the overwhelming need for our leaders and citizens to embrace the issue of sustainability. As in, right now.

Imagine my dismay, then, upon my return to read that 500 ducks had died after landing in a Syncrude tailing pond filled with toxic waste.

Absolutely inexcusable.

The province requires that sound deterrents be used to keep fowl away from ponds such as this one - and with great success. In this particular case, the devices had not yet been deployed, and the province is already taking steps to lay charges against Syncrude which may result in a fine of up to $1 Million.

That's $2000 per duck. You don't even pay that for duck in Paris.

Now, as I said above - this is absolutely inexcusable. I will grant that this is the first time in the 30 years of oilsands development that something like this has happened. Further, I'll admit that freak accidents sometimes occur despite the best safety precautions being taken. But that isn't what happened here... the best safety precautions were NOT taken, and as a result 500 ducks landed in a pool of toxic waste, and (quite predictably) died.

Nearly as disturbing, though, has been the reaction of the political left.

You could see the smirks from miles away... instead of offering up workable solutions on how to avoid catastrophes like this in the future, the capital-L Liberals, their friends in the blogosphere and their "Big Green" lackeys have insisted on showing us pictures of dead ducks (the ducks died, we get it) and saying the only way to stop this from happening is to stop oilsands development completely, and vote Liberal.

Neither of those is going to happen, and they know it, so they lock in their expressions of smug moral superiority and fire back with a "then you're getting what you deserve". You almost get the impression they want you to believe that Ed Stelmach and Mel Knight went on a bender one night, and snuck around poisoning the ponds themselves.

"There is no correct way of doing things or seeing this issue but OUR way. Suggestions to the contrary are obviously being made by intellectually stunted, inferior people." Sounds vaguely like it belongs in the late 30's, wouldn't you say?

Also sticking in my craw about this is the suggestion, mainly in the blogosphere, that the Tories have spent $25 Million to "re-brand" the projects as "Oilsands". The argument I'm reading is that they're supposed to be called "Tarsands".

Guys, with ALL due respect - remove your heads from your rectums.

The only re-branding going on here is your continued insistence, against all evidence to the contrary, that these projects have EVER been popularly called the "Tarsands" by anyone with any public credibility prior to very recently, when you all decided that sounded dirtier, and more likely to cause public outrage. For 30 years, the undisputed public "brand" for the areas being developed today has been "The Oilsands". The first time I ever heard the projects referred to as "Tarsands" by someone I considered credible was on a CityTV debate between 2 bloggers in Edmonton during the recent provincial election - and the blogger who used the term was quite clearly doing his damnedest to "re-brand" the projects as "tarsands" for his own political reasons.

I don't want to lose sight of the main issue, here... Syncrude screwed up, and had a major impact on the environment. But this wasn't due to a LACK of government rules, it was due to their CONTRAVENING of government rules. If the Liberals, or the liberal blogosphere, has practical suggestions on what to do to avoid this in the future, then by all means fire away. But "close the tarsands" and "vote Liberal" are NOT practical solutions (because they're NOT going to happen at this stage), and every time you make them, you just further cement the public perception of you as not credible. Making good suggestions for the public good NOW rather than holding them close to your vest for the next 4 years so you can "debut" them at election time at least makes the "vote Liberal" more likely.

The oilsands are a dirty, dirty business. There's no getting around that. There are many, many tailing ponds just like the one in question, full of toxins and poisons that will kill animals, plants, and people if they're not properly contained. If it were MY call, I'd be working on alternative energy sources right NOW - because the higher petro-energy costs go up, the more likely we are to wake up tomorrow and find that Ford or Honda has mass released a fully electrical car, because nobody can afford to buy gasoline. When we finally reach that tipping point, and the value of the oil in those oilsands bottoms out, if we as a province don't have something else, ready to pick up the multi-BILLION dollar slack in terms of royalty revenue, residual economic impact and job losses, we are going to be SCREWED.

That's the whole point of sustainability - relying so totally on one resource, which poisons our environment, for our economic well-being puts us at the mercy of our own largess and the world market for that resource. Once the oil runs out - or the demand for it dries up - we'll wake up to find ourselves broke, unemployed, and living in a poisoned environment. That's right - we'll be Toronto.

We have GOT to diversify our economy, and if we decide we want to be an energy powerhouse for the 21st century like we were for the last half of the 20th, then we'd better start working on alternative sources for that energy - because in the year 2105, when this province celebrates its bicentennial, crude oil is going to be as relevant as music recorded on wax cylinders is today.

So liberals, environmentalists: I'm with you, without reservation, on these points: This sucks, it should never have happened, and we have to do something.

I'm open to CONSTRUCTIVE suggestions.

Blaming Stelmach for Syncrude's failure to follow the rules? NOT constructive.

Go West, Young Man!

Nation, I'll be out of commission for the next week or so, as work is taking me to the socialist hell-hole known as British Columbia.

Apparently, the Tories expect us to do business with these tree-hugging hippie types, so I'll do some poking around while I'm there to see what I can dig up. Watch this space for updates in about a week.

- E.S.

Alberta Budget 2008 - Reaction

Nation, I'll react as we go. For contrast's sake, my reactions will be in red (an otherwise meaningless colour in Albertan politics).

... and awaaaaaaaaaaaaay we go!


First thoughts... resource revenue going DOWN over the next few years, to the tune of $1.7B per year by 2011? That's going to be interesting, in light of all the talk about getting "our fair share" of resource revenues.

The "Total Expense" category is a bit troubling, as it shows continued increases in budgeted spending - albeit smaller increases than in previous years. Granted, we certainly need the roads, hospitals, schools etc. that this spending will bring, as we're playing "catch up" for the previous administration - but if nothing else the razor-thin projected surpluses should hammer home the need for finding more streamlined ways to deliver programs and eliminate waste. At least spending is projected to increase by less than the rate of inflation... so, that's SOMEthing for the fiscal hawks.

Let me preface this by saying, I understand the need to be conservative when projecting the cost of oil and natural gas... to budget a price of $110 for a barrel of crude is dangerous accounting when making spending promises and cutting cheques... that said, though, who the hell is the genius who thinks that the price of oil and natural gas is going to go DOWN in the next few years? More people are using it, and the quantities aren't exactly getting bigger - it's a NON-RENEWABLE category of resource. Supply and demand, kids - this stuff is going UP in price, not down.

To budget conservatively is one thing, but if anyone in the finance department truly believes that crude is going to drop by almost 40% in the next 3 years (or even by $6), they've got to take off their Maple Leafs hats and give their heads a shake.

Budget summary by Ministry

Aboriginal Relations

Aboriginal Relations’ 2008-09 program expense will be $117 million, an increase of almost $22 million or 22.6 per cent, over the 2007-08 forecast.

Funding provided through the First Nations Development Fund will increase from $56 million in 2007-08 to $78 million in 2008-09. This funding will be used to support the economic, social and community development of First Nation communities.

Hopefully, with some oversight...

Budget 2008 includes $18 million over three years to implement initiatives which will contribute to more effective governance, enhanced accountability and long term sustainability for the Métis Settlements.

Hard as hell to do I know, but what about the Métis and First Nations people who live off-reserve? It seems backwards that one of the only ways to get assistance is to quit your minimum-wage job in the city and move back to the reserve...

Advanced Education and Technology

Advanced Education and Technology’s 2008-09 program expense will be $3.4 billion, an increase of $178 million, or 5.5 per cent, over the 2007-08 forecast.

Program expense in 2008-09 includes $2.6 billion in operating support, an increase of $240 million or 10.2 per cent from the 2007-08 forecast, and $835 million in capital grants to post-secondary institutions.

Just a quick note: it doesn't matter how much you give in capital grants to the universities and colleges to build fancy new libraries, gyms and residences: if only the rich can afford tuition, nobody's going to USE the new buildings.

In 2008-09, support for adult learning, including operating grants to post-secondary institutions, is increasing by a net total of $221 million, or 12.1 per cent, to over $2 billion. By 2010-11, this funding will increase by $563 million, or 30.8 per cent, to nearly $2.4 billion.

THAT'S what I'm talking about... University boards? Ball's in your court, now...

In 2008-09, total funding for student assistance and student debt is $188 million to further government's commitment to addressing accessibility and ensuring that Alberta is one of the most affordable provinces in Canada to obtain a post-secondary education.

The elimination of outstanding student debt is good, but where's the retroactivity? There are people still carrying $10,000 debt loads from 15 years ago that they can't get out from under, with the cost of living so high. Where's their relief?

The 2008-11 Capital Plan provides almost $1.5 billion to support post-secondary capital projects.

Over the next three years, a total of almost $498 million will be provided for innovation, research, and technology commercialization initiatives which will focus on areas of strategic importance for Alberta. This includes $229 million for research and innovation initiatives in priority areas, $169 million for technology commercialization, and a $100 million contribution to the Alberta Enterprise Corporation.

Alberta continues to be a world leader in the development of new technologies, medicines and the like due in large part to this kind of spending. These don't just benefit mankind in a general way, but Alberta in particular - great minds are drawn to places that help great minds to flourish. Good to see it continued.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Agriculture and Rural Development program expense will return to just over $1 billion in 2008-09 and each of the next three years, a 2008-09 increase of $146 million (16.9 per cent) over the 2007-08 forecast. The increase reflects a return to normal levels of spending and activity in Agriculture Financial Services Corporation's insurance and financial support programs after a particularly stable and prosperous 2007 growing season.

... and (as a descendant of farmers, with relatives still in the business) thank heaven for that.

The 2008-09 budget supports a wide variety of programs and services to enable growth of a globally competitive and sustainable agriculture industry. Support includes transitioning to the new Growing Forward agreement, which includes the redesigned AgriStability, AgriInsurance, AgriRecovery and AgriInvest programs to provide effective production and risk management tools. Alberta continues to work with the federal government and other provinces on Growing Forward to develop a package of programs for Alberta farmers and the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Much of the Ministry’s focus on Growing Forward will be aligning its objectives, programs and supports with Alberta’s strategies and development plans for economic, environmental and resource sustainability. The new institute for Agriculture, Forestry and the Environment will be an important focus for Agriculture and Rural Development. Chaired by former MLA Dr. Ken Nicol, the institute will identify and facilitate the adoption of environmentally sound practices and products in the agriculture and forestry sectors.

Good politics, and Nicol's a good man for the job. If he thinks he's going to be telling Morton what to do on the Forestry file, though, he's got another thing coming.

Children and Youth Services

Children and Youth Services’ 2008-09 program expense will be $1.1 billion, a $120 million or 12.2 per cent increase from the comparable 2007-08 forecast. By 2010-11, total program expense will be $1.16 billion a $180 million or 18.4 per cent increase over three years.

Funding for child care will be $197 million in 2008-09, and $633 million over three years. This includes $242 million over three years to support the creation of 14,000 new child care spaces by 2011. This also includes $10 million in new funding in 2008-09 to implement a provincial Out-of-School Care program for children 6-12 years old. As well, the Ministry will expand provincial subsidies for low and middle-income families to include children up to age 12. A capital grant of $2 million has been earmarked to increase child care spaces in Fort McMurray.

$242 Million to create 14,000 spaces in the private system, and $10 Million to create an entirely new system for 6-12 year olds? I suspect that might cost a bit more than the budgeted $10 Million. Good to see Fort Mac getting some attention - if you think costs are out of control in Calgary or Edmonton, you don't know Mac.

Child Intervention and Foster Care Support funding will increase by $20.5 million, or 4 per cent to $536 million. The Ministry will continue to address demand pressures, inflation, and the declining availability of foster homes. This funding will also allow for continued implementation of the new Casework Practice Model, which focuses on assessment, collaboration, permanency for children and continuing to work positively with First Nations and Métis communities.

Funding for the Family Support for Children with Disabilities program will be $107 million in 2008-09, to address increased demand and build rural capacity. This program provides support to families so children with disabilities have an opportunity to develop to their potential.

Funding for Family and Community Support Services, a cost-sharing partnership between the provincial government, municipalities and Métis Settlements, will increase by $3.5 million to approximately $75 million to support locally-driven preventive social services and programs.

The Ministry will continue to co-ordinate the 10-year cross-ministry strategy aimed at decreasing the impact of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, a leading cause of birth defects and lifelong disabilities. Expected outcomes of the strategy include improved diagnosis and assessment capacity and better co-ordination of services. Funding in the Ministry of Child and

Youth Services will rise to $18 million, an 89 per cent increase. Participating ministries will allocate an additional $4.5 million towards this initiative in 2008-09.

Surely giving every bartender and liquor store clerk in the province a baseball bat to whack expectant mothers upside the head when ordering alcohol can't be THAT expensive? It's 2008, people, let's catch up to the science: Smoking or drinking when you're pregnant HURTS THE BABY. More than "the stress of quitting" (still waiting for an M.D. to sign off on the tired old "my doctor said that quitting would hurt the baby more than staying off the wagon" excuse). The sooner we as a society stop tolerating the reckless endangerment of these kids in the name of the mother's "freedom of choice", the sooner those millions can be spent somewhere else.

As a participant in the Crime Reduction and Safe Communities initiative, the Ministry has allocated $2.8 million in 2008-09 for Aboriginal and ethno-cultural family violence prevention programming, expansion of mentoring opportunities as part of the Youth in Transition program and programs to aid parents/families of at-risk children through Parent Link Centers.

Social services agencies contracted by Children and Youth Services will receive an additional $11 million in 2008-09 to respond to staff recruitment and retention challenges.

Every bit counts - when a trained therapist can make more in retail than in their field, we as a society might gain a great Banana Republic clerk, but we lose a lot more.

Culture and Community Spirit

Culture and Community Spirit 2008-09 program expense will be $553 million, a $98 million or 21.4 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast.

The Ministry’s operating expense is $281 million, a $42 million or 17 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. 2008-09 operating spending increases include:
- $20 million for the initial year of the Community Spirit Donation Program, designed to encourage more individual donations to non-profit organizations and registered Alberta charities;
- $12 million, primarily in funding for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, to implement the government’s new cultural policy – “The Spirit of Alberta”;
- $7 million for the Horse Racing and Breeding Renewal program, and
Ouch... knew it was coming, but ouch. The opposition (as it is) will enjoy asking about this while tabling petitions from the homeless...
- $3 million for bingo associations.

The Ministry’s capital expense in 2008-09 is $272 million, a $56 million or 26 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. Capital spending includes:
$40 million to support a bid to locate the National Portrait Gallery in Alberta;
For $40 million, you can finance half of a major motion picture about the NPG being in Alberta...
$40 million to support expansion of the TELUS World of Science facility in Calgary;
$140 million for the final year of the Major Community Facilities Program, which helps construct, maintain, and upgrade community facilities across Alberta;
We still need rinks like nobody's business... it's not just a community issue, it contributes to healthy living.
$38.5 million for the ongoing Community Facility Enhancement Program;
$6 million for capital grants to Major Fairs and Exhibitions; and
$5.9 million for capital maintenance and renewal at various historic sites and museums.

Education

For the 2008-09 fiscal year, program spending on the Early Childhood Services to Grade 12 education system, including support for school capital projects, will be over $5.8 billion.

This includes $5.2 billion in operating support to school boards and other educational programs and services, a $217 million or 4.3 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. Within this budget:
- Operational grants to school boards will increase by 4.53 per cent in September 2008.
Will this cover the increase in staffing costs under the new CBAs?
- Plant operations and maintenance support for school facilities will be $436 million, an increase of $19 million or 4.7 per cent.
In Calgary alone, 2 high schools have either caught fire due to ancient wiring or had to cancel classes with leaking roofs - this item is going to be an issue going forward.
- The budget for the Small Class Size Initiative will be $212 million, an increase of 9 per cent. This will ensure that students continue to benefit from small class sizes and maintain student access to the 2,707 new teachers hired across the province under this successful initiative.
- $77 million is provided for the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement, and
- $47 million for Student Health Services.

Over $1.6 billion in capital support will be provided over the next three years, including $624 million in 2008‑09. This will provide:
- $1.1 billion for new schools and upgrading projects, and
- $511 million for capital maintenance and renewal.

Employment and Immigration

Employment and Immigration’s 2008-09 program expense will be $920 million, a $77 million or 9.1 per-cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast.

Alberta’s Immigration Strategy continues to be implemented as part of Alberta’s Comprehensive Labour Strategy: Building and Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce. Funding for immigration will increase by $15 million, or 24 per cent, to $80 million in 2008-09. This will support expanding the number of nominees under the Provincial Nominee Program to 3,000 in 2008-09 and to 5,000 in 2010-11, improving international marketing and credentials recognition, enhancing settlement services and adding spaces to the English as an Additional Language and Bridging programs.

Credentials Recognition and EAL programs are linked by market reality: While many Albertans would gladly go to an India-trained physician who speaks impeccable English, many more would avoid going to such a doctor if they spoke heavily-accented and imperfect English (not to mention that in that job particularly, understanding your client is of paramount importance).

Over $149 million in 2008-09, and nearly $450 million over three years will be provided for employment and training programs. This spending includes initiatives under a new Canada-Alberta Labour Market Agreement, expected to be signed shortly. Under the Agreement, the federal government will provide the Province with $315 million over six years, beginning in 2008-09, which will complement and add to the current Labour Market Development Agreement for Employment Insurance clients. The new agreement is intended to support those who do not qualify for funding under the Employment Insurance program and to encourage employers to provide more training for workers.

Funding for Income Supports will increase to $307 million in 2008-09 to provide benefits to clients who are considered not able to work, temporarily unable to work, and learners. As well, $96 million in health benefits will be provided for income support clients and low-income Albertans.

Energy

Energy’s 2008-09 program expense will be $403 million, a $91-million or 29.2 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. By 2010-11, total program expense will be $448 million, a $137 million or 44.1 per cent increase over three years.

Funding increases in 2008-09 include the following:
- Energy Resources Conservation Board - increases by $29 million, or 18.7 per cent, to $184 million in 2008-09. This funding will be used to promote regulatory compliance and address pressures related to the development of new and unconventional energy resources, including the oil sands.
- Alberta Utilities Commission – funding doubles to $32 million in 2008-09, funded entirely by industry levy. This funding will be used to promote regulatory compliance of natural gas, water and electric utilities and to increase the level of consumer protection.
- New Royalty Framework - $6 million in new funding will be directed towards implementation of Alberta’s New Royalty Framework in 2008-09. This funding will be used for new information technology requirements, and development of new procedures for determining and collecting royalties. Funding for implementation of the Framework increases to $10 million in 2009-10 and $15 million in 2010-11.
To create a $15 Million program out of thin air to collect Royalties, they'd darned sure better do it, or the voters will NOT be pleased.

Environment

Excluding a one-time payment made in 2007-08, Environment’s 2008-09 program expense will more than double this year, from $183 million in 2007-08 to $403 million in 2008-09 (a $220 million or 120 per cent increase) Over the next three years, program spending for the Ministry of Environment will exceed $1 billion.
A clear commitment to "Greening Our Growth", a major plank in the PC platform during the election. The trick is going to be in producing measurable, appreciable results for that money.
The Ministry’s budget includes $155 million in 2008-09 (totaling $328 million over the next three years) for initiatives through the Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund. This spending will support strategic projects or transformative technology aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the province.

Environment’s program expense also includes $52 million per year associated with the federal government’s Canada Eco-Trust for Clean Air and Climate Change and $30 million per year to support initiatives under the province’s updated Climate Change Strategy.

Initiatives supporting implementation of the Water for Life strategy continue in Budget 2008, with $300 million in capital and $63 million in operating funding provided over the next three years. This includes $16 million over the next three years in new funding to further the province’s knowledge and management of groundwater to sustain reliable, good quality supplies for communities, our ecosystems and our economy.
Watershed protection is going to be HUGE going forward - and this is going to include some of the recreationalists' prime playgrounds along the Eastern Slopes.

Executive Council

Executive Council’s 2008-09 budget is $30 million, a $6.4 million or 27.1 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. The increase provides for the new Premier’s Council for Economic Strategy and a new initiative to strengthen the Alberta brand at home, across Canada and abroad.

Strengthening the Alberta brand is going to fall to the Ministry of Truth, under Tom Olsen. Not sure what they've got up their sleeve, but I'm sure the LeftySphere will be all over it. :)

Finance and Enterprise

Finance’s 2008-09 program expense will be more than one billion, a $137 million or 15.8 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. By 2010-11, total program expense will be $1.1 billion, a $224 million or 25.9 per cent increase over three years.

Major increases in the Ministry’s 2008-09 budget include:
- $43 million for costs associated with the agreement for the government to take-over responsibility for the teachers’ $2.2 billion pre-1992 unfunded pension liability and the teachers’ annual liability payments.
- $18 million for the Alberta Capital Finance Authority (ACFA) for anticipated increases in loan activity of local authorities.
As in, they'll be borrowing money hand-over-fist funding P3's to get their infrastructure caught up?
- $15 million related to new federal funding under the Community Development Trust. Finance and Enterprise’s share of this funding ($79 million over three years) will be used for investments aimed at strengthening communities reliant on Alberta’s agriculture and forestry sectors, and for research and innovation investments aimed at developing new and value-added opportunities.
- $7 million for the Alberta Securities Commission for improved investor awareness programs and improved electronic security. These costs will be fully recovered from the investment industry.
- $7 million for the Alberta Pensions Administration to cover costs related to the growth in pension plan memberships. These costs are fully recovered from the various pension plan clients.

Other Ministry operating expense increases include the department’s share of the start-up costs for the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo).

Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness’ 2008-09 program expense budget will be over $13.2 billion, a $1.1 billion or 9.1 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. By 2010-11, total program expense will be $14.3 billion, a $2.2 billion or 17.8 per cent increase over three years.
Once again - this is a critical file, and it's good to see it getting the spending priority it deserves. But Ron Liepert is going to have to go into the Health Regions with a chainsaw and start cutting the dead weight out of the system. With the amount we're spending, it's simply preposterous that wait times are what they are. For this kind of cash, we should have a system to rival Sweden's.
Operating grants to health authorities will increase by 8 per cent in 2008-09, to over $7.1 billion, with all health authorities receiving a minimum increase of 6 per cent. The health authorities are facing increased pressures from population growth and aging, and drug, technology and labour costs.

In 2008-09, $2.5 billion is budgeted for physician services. Negotiations are underway for a new financial agreement between the government, the Alberta Medical Association and the regional health authorities. Support is also increasing for innovative service-delivery initiatives, such as alternative payment mechanisms.
Ummm... "alternative payment mechanisms"? This is going to HAVE to be explained in more detail, before Brian Mason has an anuerism...
$749 million is being provided for supplementary health benefits, an increase of 2.7 per cent, largely due to higher costs of drug benefits.

$1.4 billion is being provided for a variety of other health services ranging from public health laboratories, vaccination programs and tissue and blood services, to air ambulance and allied health services. Notable 2008-09 increases are:
- $29 million will be spent on health initiatives to address the recommendations in the Crime Reduction and Safe Communities Task Force Report, including more mental health and residential treatment beds.

$31 million in new funding to improve wait times for cancer radiation therapy, as part of the agreement with the federal government.
- $311 million in areas such as blood services, payments to medical residents, base funding for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, and a provision for workforce issues.

The 2008-11 Capital Plan provides $3.3 billion over the next three years:
- $2.63 billion for health facilities, (this includes $33 million budgeted in the Infrastructure Ministry to construct additional government-owned addiction treatment facilities);
- $343 million for capital maintenance and renewal;
- $244 million for health information systems; and
- $120 million for vaccines.
Good to see investment in infrastructure. The South Calgary Hospital will finally open soon... as someone looking to start a family in South Calgary soon(ish), this is very good news. Especially considering my fiancee's propensity for tripping over things. However, this will not mean Calgary's needs are met - it will just mean they're closer to being met. There is still a ways to go, in communities all across Alberta - this is a good first step, however.

Housing and Urban Affairs

Housing and Urban Affairs’ 2008-09 program expense will be $574 million, an increase of $66 million or 13 per cent from the 2007-08 forecast.

Over the next three years, $877 million will be provided in affordable housing capital grants, as the government moves toward the goal of developing more than 11,000 affordable housing units over five years.
Five years from now we won't NEED 11,000 affordable units - we'll need double that. We need units, and we need them yesterday.
The Ministry budget for 2008-09 includes approximately $309 million for affordable housing capital grants, $44 million for the Homeless and Eviction Prevention Fund, and $58 million for the Rent Supplement Program.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure’s 2008-09 program expense, excluding funding for natural gas rebates, will be $638 million, a $104 million or 19.5 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. The Ministry’s capital investment budget will be almost $470 million in 2008-09, an increase of $292 million or approximately 164 per cent over the 2007-08 Forecast.

Portions of the Capital Investment will help fund some major projects including:
- First phase of construction on the new Edmonton Remand Centre,
- Phase two of construction at the Calgary Courts Centre (parkade)

Funding for natural gas rebates in 2008-09 is budgeted at $325.3 million, a $13.8 million or 4.1 per cent decrease from the 2007-08 Forecast.
Let's hear it for global warming! :)

International and Intergovernmental Relations

The Ministry’s 2008-09 program expense will be $29.2 million, a $1.2 million or 4.4 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. The Ministry will provide increased support to investment and immigrant attraction initiatives in concert with other ministries through its international offices and other program resources.
Hey, here's a good way to get immigrants to move to Alberta - how about you find a way to muzzle ignorant animals like the Aryan Guard?

Justice

Justice’s 2008-09 program expense will be $522.6 million, a $134.5 million or 34.7 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast.

In response to the Crime Reduction and Safe Communities task force report Keeping Communities Safe, Justice’s budget increases $108 million in 2008-09, including initiatives to provide Crown Prosecutor input at bail hearings, measures to allow for the seizure of illegally obtained property, and development of a model for mental health courts. A portion of the funding in Justice has not yet been allocated to specific initiatives. A Safe Communities Secretariat has been established in Justice to finalize the government’s response to the report and oversee implementation of the various initiatives. Overall, $468 million in operating and $33 million in capital investment will be provided over the next three years in response to the report.
This shouldn't be as hard as some people are making it... more cops, tougher sentences on the one hand, and outreach programs to help the poor and addicted on the other. Of course, it's easier typed than done... but when your budget sees a 35% increase, people want concrete results.
Other budget increases in the Ministry include $8.5 million to increase availability of legal aid, and other increases for various other programs, including steps to improve regularity of payments and to offer administrative recalculation of eligible Child Support payments in the Maintenance Enforcement Program

Municipal Affairs

The Ministry’s 2008-09 program expense will be $691 million, a $171 million or 32.9 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. The 2007-08 forecast of $520 million includes $49 million for flood disaster assistance. By 2010-11, total program expense will be almost $1.6 billion, reflecting the government commitment to provide $1.4 billion under the Municipal Sustainability Initiative in 2010-11.
Also known as the "there's only one taxpayer, and his city taxes shouldn't go up double digits every year to keep basic services running while the provincial government records surpluses of $6 Billion PLUS". This is one of the bigger differences between the Klein and Stelmach regimes - Klein practiced the politics of "the province has money, so we're doing all right", while Stelmach - whose origins, like Klein's, are at the municpal level - clearly feels that "the province has money, but the cities are broke, so we need to be doing better".
Significant increases in 2008-09 include:
- $200 million for the Municipal Sustainability Initiative;
- $5 million for the Alberta Emergency Management Agency; and
- $3 million to support operations of the new Capital Region Board, which will begin developing a plan focusing on key infrastructure issues for the capital region.

Seniors and Community Supports

Seniors and Community Supports’ 2008-09 program expense will be over $1.9 billion, a $172 million or 9.9 per cent increase over the 2007-08 forecast.

Funding for the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program is increasing by $64 million, or 10.7 per cent, to $666 million in 2008-09. This additional funding will provide for the increase in the monthly living allowance to $1,088 effective January 1, 2008 and for anticipated growth in caseload and costs per case.
An improvement worthy of praise. However: $1,088 per month won't even cover RENT in Calgary, forget about a transit pass and food.
Support to the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Boards will be $571 million in 2008-09, an increase of $30 million, or 5.6 per cent. This will support agency staff retention pressures and caseload growth.

Funding for seniors programs including the Alberta Seniors Benefit, dental and optical assistance, lodge assistance, special needs assistance, and school property tax assistance will total over $438 million in 2008-09, an increase of $46 million or 11.6 per cent. The Alberta Aids to Daily Living program budget is $98 million in 2008-09.

Funding for the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative will be almost $78 million in 2008-09, and for Rural Affordable Supportive Living funding will be $2 million. Combined, these two programs will enable the construction of 800 additional units.

The Lodge Renovations and Repairs budget is $16 million which will provide assistance to renovate and repair approximately 300 units.

Service Alberta

Service Alberta’s 2008-09 program expense will be $295 million, a $6.7 million or 2.3 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. By 2010-11, total program expense will be $303.3 million, a $15 million or 5.2 per cent increase over three years.

The increase is tied to the rising costs associated with providing continuous services within a prosperous economy experiencing high demands for infrastructure and a growing population.
Makes sense - I don't envy the folks at Service Alberta. When that phone call comes through, it could be about anything from a dead pet on the road to a forest fire to information about a hiking trail - and they HAVE to know where to send the caller.

Solicitor General and Public Security

The Ministry’s 2008-09 program expense will be $582.8 million, a $64.5 million or 12.4 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. Included in the Ministry 2008-09 budget is $16 million in new funding in response to the Crime Reduction and Safe Communities report. By 2010-11, total program expense will be $620.4 million, a $102.1 million or 19.7 per cent increase over three years.

Major increases in 2008-09 include:
- $28.7 million, or 11.9 per cent, for policing programs. This includes $8.5 million from the federal government under the new Police Officer Recruitment Fund.
Not enough, but a start.
- $17.7 million, or 9.8 per cent, for Correctional Services. This increase allows for the hiring of 30 additional probation officers, more Correctional Peace Officers, and enhanced staff training.
- $12.2 million, or 24.7 per cent, for the Sheriffs Branch. This will provide for 65 new sheriffs, including 30 for court and perimeter security, 21 for traffic safety and 14 for the implementation of the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods program.
Alberta's highways are a safety nightmare - especially on long week-ends. We need more for traffic sheriffs. 21 is, again, a good start.
- $5.9 million in other program areas, including $4 million for victims of crime programs.

Sustainable Resource Development

Sustainable Resource Development’s 2008-09 program expense will be $374.5 million, a $121 million or 24 per cent reduction from the 2007-08 forecast, mainly due to the $192 million in disaster-related funding provided in 2007-08 for fighting wildfires and mountain pine beetles. The Ministry’s 2008‑09 program expense includes $50 million to be provided from the Sustainability Fund to address the mountain pine beetle infestation.
For more on the very involved issue of the MPB, and its effects, check out Ken Chapman's archive.
Implementation of a new Land-use Framework is expected to begin in 2008-09, with $7 million in 2008-09 and a total of $42 million provided over three years. The framework will address competing uses of land and provide a sustainable approach that balances economic, environmental and social concerns. $4.2 million annually will also be provided to continue an initiative with government, industry, academics and other organizations to provide independent and scientifically rigorous biodiversity information.
That would be the Integrated Land-Use Framework that we were promised at the start of the year, right?

Tourism, Parks and Recreation

The Ministry’s 2008-09 total program expense is $248 million, a $1.7 million increase from the 2007-08 forecast.

The Ministry’s operating expense is $160 million, a $16.5 million or 11.5 per cent increase from the 2007-08 forecast. 2008-09 operating spending increases include:
- $10 million for tourism marketing and development;
- $2.6 million for parks operations;
- $1.5 million to implement the High Performance Assistance Athlete Program which will supplement the assistance provided by the federal government for high performance athletes. Over three years, $4.5 million will be provided for this program, and
- $2.4 million net increase in various other programs.
Did we really have such a hard time atracting visitors last year that we have to pour $10 Million more into it? I'd rather see some of that money going into AISH or, keeping it within the ministry, building/maintaining campgrounds or even installing some firepits and supplying firewood in a few more of our provincial parks.
The Ministry’s capital expense is $88 million, a $14.8 million or 14.4 per cent decrease from the 2007-08 forecast. In 2007-08, $50 million of one-time capital grants were provided for major recreation and sport facilities in Edmonton and Calgary. Capital spending highlights in 2008-09 include:
- $50 million to support the development of the Capital Region River Valley Park, stretching from Devon to Fort Saskatchewan.
- $20 million to the Calgary Olympic Development Association for the Centre of Sport Excellence. In total, the government has committed $69 million to this initiative, with $40 million provided in 2007-08 and another $9 million to be provided in 2009-10.

The Ministry’s 2008-09 capital investment budget is $36 million. The majority of this capital investment will go towards maintaining and improving infrastructure and maintenance in Alberta’s network of 500 parks and protected areas.
There we go. While some Calgary-area parks, like Fish Creek, have seen much recent improvement as result of repairing damage from the 2005 flooding, many other parks and recreation areas are in a serious state of disrepair - parts of Kananaskis Country spring to mind.

Transportation

The Ministry’s 2008-09 program expense will be $2.2 billion, an increase of $136 million or 6.6 per cent from the 2007-08 forecast. The increase includes $60 million for highway preservation and maintenance, and nearly $47 million for the Federal Public Transit Trust. In addition, capital investment of $1.94 billion is planned for 2008-09, an increase of $450 million or 30.2 per cent from the 2007-08 forecast.
Again, a huge step towards addressing the needs left behind by the previous regime.
A portion of the additional Capital Investment will help fund some major projects including:
- Continued planning and construction of the ring roads in Edmonton and Calgary;
Oh for the love of god, just BUILD the bloody thing already - by the time Calgary's South-West ring road is complete, my great grandchildren will be driving.
- Continued development of the North-South Trade Corridor, including freeway status upgrades between Calgary and Edmonton;
- Increased rehabilitation work on highways throughout the province;
- Widening of several highways across the province, including portions of Highways 2A, 9, 28, and 54;
- Continued twinning of Highway 63 between Highway 55 and Fort McMurray;
- Ongoing expansion and preservation work on other highways that are part of the Northeast Alberta Transportation Corridor;
- Beginning construction of Highway 63 interchanges at Confederation Way and Thickwood Boulevard in Fort McMurray, and
- Construction of the new Athabasca River Bridge on Highway 63 and the Franklin Tunnel in Fort McMurray.
All of these projects are of critical importance. Prioritizing them will be a challenge, however, as trying to build them all at once will inflate the cost of labour and materials.

Treasury Board

The 2008-09 program expense for the Ministry of Treasury Board is $68.4 million, an increase of $25.9 million from the 2007-08 forecast. The 2008-09 budget includes over $15 million for capital planning, an amount made available to other ministries to support planning and preliminary design for capital projects. This funding was budgeted in the former Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation in 2007-08.

The 2008-09 program expense includes approximately $6 million for the Alternative Capital Financing office to explore alternative financing options for capital projects, including Public-Private Partnerships (P3s).
Also known as "debt".

In all, a very solid budget (with the exception of the money for horse-racing, that is). There are a lot of 2-and-3 year commitments, which I think give us a pretty good idea of the Alberta that Ed wants us to live in when next we go to the polls.

Notable, but not suprising, is the decision that maybe we CAN afford to completely forego Health Care Premiums by January 2009. A nice "thank-you note" from the PC's for their massive electoral majority, that just happens to be good policy as well. It may not help the lowest income-earners (who were already subsidized), but it will sure as heck help us middle income-earners (turns out I haven't made my first million dollars blogging yet).

There are things to criticize, and nits to be picked - I'm sure I only scratched the surface on a few issues that daveberta and CalgaryGrit will be inclined to go ballistic over - but in all, a budget that I for one can live with.

And, as members of E.S. Nation, I'm telling you all: You can live with it, too. ;)

- E.S.

The Problem With The Calgary Flames

I wrote this post this morning. It looks like an appropriate time to post it, with the Flames behind 5-2 going into the third. Hell, even if they come back to win tonight, it's appropriate.

Consistency. It's the key to winning hockey games. Consistently play from shift to shift, period to period, game to game. It's the one thing you have to have to win - and it's the one thing the Calgary Flames have lacked all season.

They'll play a garbage first period, but a brilliant 2nd and 3rd. They'll play fantastic hockey on Saturday, and then crap the bed on Monday. Fans and players are at a loss to explain it. In fact, there's only one person who NEEDS to be able to explain it: The man who gets paid to make sure they have it - Mike Keenan.

Mike has no idea how to explain it. Which is unfortunate - since it's his job.

All season long, Keenan has been at a loss to explain the lack of consistency. He's been quoted saying things like:
"I can't explain it."
"I don't know why."
"It's hard to explain."
"We're at a loss."

Well, Mike, here's the thing: You were hired to be the Flames coach on the heels of a first-round exit during last year's playoffs. You were brought it to coach a team that had played brilliant hockey at home, but couldn't play well on the road. In short, they were lacking in consistency. So they brought you in, as the third coach in 3 years. To bring some consistency, put them over the top, and take them to the Stanley Cup.

I don't think you're going to do it.

Kiprusoff is one of the best, if not THE best, goalies on the planet Earth. Dion Phaneuf, as I write this, has just been nominated as a finalist for the Norris Trophy - in his third year in the NHL. Jarome Iginla is the best all-around hockey player in the world. Regehr, Langkow, Huselius, Tanguay - these are all top line (or at the very least top 6) talents on every team in the NHL. The Flames are an incredible team on paper.

If they aren't an incredible team on the ice, then the blame falls on one man. The coach.

Mike Keenan is the problem with the Calgary Flames. And until they find someone who can "explain the problem", and FIX it, this phenomenally talented team will ALWAYS be hit-and-miss. But while they should be competing for Stanley Cups, they'll be clawing to get into the playoffs, and then clawing to advance.

And that's a shame.

Even to this Oilers fan.

Alberta Government releases Budget 2008

Document found here.

Reaction later tonight.

- E.S.

Another One Bites The Dust...

Nation, the word is out - AlbertaTory is hanging up his spurs.

Not that anyone should be surprised by this... AT is just another name added to the list of Albertan political bloggers who have disappeared off the radar screen after the emergence of the Next Big Thing - yours truly.

Indeed, the PoliBlogging juggernaut that is The Enlightened Savage can be traced back to its roots by following the trail of dead and broken sites left in its wake. Consider...

• October, 2007 - Larry Johnsrude, rendered obsolete by the Enlightened Savage, pulls up the stakes on his blog and goes to work for the Alberta Liberal Caucus.



• January, 2008 - CalgaryGrit, after checking under his bed each night for the new blogging monster in South-East Calgary, decides to move out to Toronto. Blog remains active, but come on... it's in TORONTO.



• February, 2008 - An independent candidate in Calgary Egmont who shall remain nameless, after routinely having new orifices ripped for him by The Enlightened Savage, fills the "Democracy Denied" section of his campaign website with... nothingness. Which made the site as substantive as his chance of winning the election.



• April, 2008 - AlbertaTory, after being drunk under the table by The Enlightened Savage, gives up blogging and goes to work for the Government of Alberta.

A pattern clearly emerges... and so, we see the inevitability of The Enlightened Savage taking his place on the mountaintop as Lord of All Alberta Political Bloggers.

Now, I set my sites on that Ken Chapman fella... heads up, Chapman - I'm coming for ya, kid. ;)

On a serious note, good luck to AT in the new position. I'm sure it's not the last we'll hear from you - while I understand you won't be in a position to publicly post or comment on what you see here and elsewhere, I know you'll make your presence felt nevertheless. Your "on the record" voice will be missed. I believe I owe you a poker game when next you're in town...

- E.S.

Serving 2 Masters...

"No man can serve two masters..."

In the context of a political discussion, that quote is most often used (particularly by yours truly) to illustrate the natural conflict that ensues from the application of the party system within a representative democracy. In effect, the argument goes like this: "Joe Schmoe and the rest of the people in his caucus have to vote for [blank], because the [blank] lobby group donated huge bucks to their campaign - thus disenfranchising the voters in Schmoe's riding, who overwhelmingly oppose [blank]."

This, however, is not the discussion we're having today. At least, not directly.

Today, we're discussing the difference between the Conservative Party of Canada and the Government of Canada. Or, these days, the lack thereof.

A couple of recent points have come up that have the Tories twisted into knots.

RCMP aid Elections Canada in execution of warrant for Tory headquarters
Rob Anders is a mouthy ignoramus... STILL.

Issue 1: The "raid" of Tory headquarters, and subsequent "leak" from Elections Canada. The suggestion being made by Tory spokespeople, both on and off the record, is that the people at Elections Canada have an anti-Tory bias (or a pro-Liberal bias, depending on your perspective), and are actually trying to sabotage the party's electoral fortunes. Initially, the same suggestion was being made of the RCMP, until it was made clear that they were compelled to help execute the warrant, and didn't "take it upon themselves to show up".

Issue 2: The Embarrassment from Calgary West and his big, fat mouth. Anders stated, in multiple interviews, that China was the 'worst human rights abuser in the world'. A not uncommon opinion, in this part of the world. I happen to agree - or, if not the WORST, at least in the top 5. What IS uncommon, though, is for a sitting member of the GOVERNMENT CAUCUS to fire shots at a foreign power in the media. Remember how incensed the Tories were when the shoe was on the other foot?

Now, neither of these issues is a particularly new creature, in public or private, to the Tories. They have long decried the perceived "institutional bias" against their party by the likes of the CBC (agreed), the print media, the public sector, old people, young people, and reality-at-large. Likewise, they have traditionally been the party of "call it like you see it", where remarks like those by Anders are embraced as bold, and feted as the antithesis of the careful, professional politician's approach.

Here's where we run into a problem... when the Tories were in opposition, these were minor character traits. They were the annoying little nuances that might make you less likely to vote for them, but nobody outside of Canada paid them any mind whatsoever.

The Tories aren't in opposition anymore - they're in government.

The party, and its elected Members of Parliament, are the official representatives of the Government of Canada and its people. This is the party that, as the holder of the largest number of seats in a de facto majority (127 of 212 voting members), appoints ambassadors, judges, and other people who agree with it philosophically.

When something goes on within this party, it's going on WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT. And when that happens, other nations DO take notice.

Someone accuses an opposition party of wrongdoing? There's a search warrant executed? The party accuses Elections Canada of bias? A week later, one of their members shoots off his mouth about a foreign country? Hardly even a blip on the international radar. The Canadian ambassador in the People's Republic of China holds his dinner party, and the discussions are about art or music.

Someone accuses the governing party of wrongdoing? There's a search warrant executed? The party accuses Elections Canada of bias? A week later, one of their members shoots off his mouth about a foreign country? The international community wavers between contempt and ribald laughter. The Canadian ambassador in the People's Republic of China holds his dinner party, and the guests want to know what the hell his government is trying to pull.

THERE'S the difference. And the Tories need to wake up and realize it... what happens to their party isn't just internal anymore... it reflects of ALL of us, because it is reported as shenanigans involving the GOVERNMENT of Canada - which represents us ALL.

And while they're at it, they should consider this: Canadians are, on the whole, pretty forgiving of idiotic moves by opposition politicians. They're almost expected - after all, the little guy needs to get noticed. They are NOT, however, forgiving to the same degree when it comes to parties in power, who should know better. Ask Paul Martin and Kim Campbell.

Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy...

Well, Nation, back to the grind... slowly...

Calgary-area politicos are agag with the possibility that Dave Taylor, the heir apparent to the leadership of the Alberta Liberals, may in fact be considering a change of address, to the other side of the aisle.

Taylor, the freshly-minted second-term MLA for Calgary Currie, is said to want nothing to do with the leadership of the dysfunctional unit, and instead may want to agitate on behalf of his Currie constituents from the government benches. Dave won Currie by a fairly comfortable margin last month over star Tory candidate Arthur Kent (despite the obvious election-fixing of the riding's dreadful, terrible, horribly biased returning officer who was clearly put in place to steal the riding for the Tories and did so... whoops. Guess it wasn't that big a deal after all...)

Now, I've got to admit I have a bit of a soft spot for Taylor. Despite his politics, I always found him to be a straight-shooter. I liked him on the radio, and called his show often. I think the constraints of being held politically accountable for everything he says are starting to chafe... and one could certainly be forgiven for assuming that Tories are rarely held to account in Alberta. Taylor has seen, through 2 elections now, what the problems are within the Alberta Liberals. If, in his estimation, they're not fixable, then certainly nobody could fault him for wanting to leave. Although... the hardcore Liberal party volunteers who just spent thousands of man-hours getting him elected might disagree. Likewise, the Tory volunteers and donors in Currie who spent thousands of hours - and dollars - trying to unseat him might find the fact that he was suddenly their party's representative hard to swallow.

In fairness... Dave got into the political game because he saw a Premier (Ralph Klein) who had lost interest, and lost (in Dave's estimation) the royal jelly to govern the province. He came onto the scene declaring war on the Tories of Ralph Klein, Lyle Oberg, Stock Day (retired), and Rod Love.

However, here we are 4 scant years later... Ralph is gone, Lyle is gone, few remember Stock was ever here, and Rod Love has gone so far as to shave off his trademark moustache. These are not the PC's that Dave went to war against.

Now, certainly there will still be some stark philosophical differences between the "average PC" and Dave Taylor... so let's take a look at some of Dave's better "on the record" moments in the past while...

"To the Premier. No more rhetoric; no more saying you’re doing a job, because you’re not. What are you going to do right now to fix the housing problems in Fort McMurray so children don’t have to trade sex for shelter?" - Nov. 19, 2007

"Ed Stelmach has been looking at the kinds of report cards that we all get as parents when we have kids in the primary grades. You really have to read through the gobbledygook to try and figure out how your kid's doing. And you have to do that same thing here, too." - Dec. 12, 2007

"I don't think (the 2007 Elbow by-election result was) a message to the Tory caucus to wake up. It's a message that we've had it with you." - June 14, 2007

Now, I know I mentioned previously that Taylor originally went to war against the Klein Tories - which the current crop of PC MLA's certainly are NOT. It's worth noting, though, that every single one of the above quotes was made AFTER Ed Stelmach had taken over as Premier... so, if Taylor does indeed cross over, he's going to have a bit of a time trying to distance himself from those comments in proving that he has converted on the road to Damascus...

I'll give the last word to Dave himself, though... this was in the debate over Bill 208. I bring it up not only because it's a position that I steadfastly agree with, but because it shows that, at his core, Taylor isn't all that different from MANY Tory supporters or MLA's - a pragmatist who thinks the government should leave people alone whenever possible. In that light... Dave wouldn't be such a bad fit.

"While I will defend to my death the right of a minister or a rabbi or a priest or any other man or woman of the cloth to refuse to marry Adam and Steve or Liz and Joan because it goes against his or her religious beliefs or the beliefs of his or her faith community, I will not support the right of what I see as essentially a government employee (secular marriage commissioners) to duck out of doing their job, doing the job that their employer tells them to do, because they don’t happen to agree with that part of it.

That’s not in the employment contract the way I see it. It’s not in the employment contract for anybody. If you work for a company that asks you to do something that you have a problem with, as long as it’s not something that they’re asking you to do that is blatantly illegal or unethical, but you’ve just got a problem with it because of your own belief system, then, you know, to quote so many free enterprisers: find another job." - May 1, 2006

Let's see if Dave decides to find himself another job.