The Way Forward.

Over the past two years, our government took unprecedented action on projects Albertans told us were important to them. From the oil sands and provincial energy strategies, to health care and Alberta’s first Cultural Policy, we’ve been working at full speed. Not only did we accomplish many things—during a period of exceptional growth and then one of global economic downturn—we kept to our plan to improve quality of life, protect the environment and create opportunity for Albertans.

At the core of this plan is a deep faith in Albertans’ community spirit and in the values we share. Alberta will be ready when growth returns. We’ll bring Alberta back to surplus in three years. Following a four-point plan, we’ll focus on a strong recovery for our economy, long-term prosperity and quality of life for Albertans.

Here are some highlights of what we’ve achieved and how we’ll move forward together.

A changing world

Since 2007, we have taken action to address Albertans’ priorities, working on our quality of life, better protecting our environment and creating opportunities.

Enhancing the quality of life for Albertans

Helped young Alberta families with the ongoing development of 14,000 new child care spaces.

Added about 300 police officers and 45 Crown prosecutors.

Supported vulnerable Albertans by working to create 11,000 affordable housing units.

Eliminated health care premiums, putting more than $1,000 back in the pocket of the average Alberta family.

Laid out the Vision 2020 plan to improve access to quality health care. Began implementation by reducing administration, reducing the cost of drugs and laying out a plan for seniors’ housing and continuing care.

Addressed growth pressures in oil sands regions, fast-tracked housing and community infrastructure.

Albertans proudly doing our part

Became the first jurisdiction in North America to have real greenhouse gas targets and legislation. Put a price on carbon emissions and collected $123 million to be invested in Alberta-based technology solutions.

Invested $2 billion in our carbon capture and storage fund—the largest global per capita climate change investment in technology.

Developed the Land-use Framework to better manage economic, environmental and social pressures on our land, air and water to ensure sustainable development.

Creating opportunities

We will continue to invest in our 20-year Capital Plan, to catch up on the need for infrastructure, build for the future, and maintain existing structures. This time the roads, schools, and hospitals will be ready for growth.

Helped our communities with municipal funding for vital services, $2.5 billion in 2008-09.

Promoted Alberta to the world—attracting business and investment.

Introduced incentives and royalty changes to stimulate activity.

Launched an aggressive program to help expand Alberta’s research and technology sector—creating the next generation economy.

Preparing for the future

In the coming year, we’ll continue to build and maintain infrastructure, improve access to health services and attract investment to our province.

Building on our strengths

We will maintain our focus on helping seniors and low-income Albertans, and supporting programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care, education and seniors’ benefits.

Through innovation and the leadership of health care professionals, Alberta will lead the way in improving access to public health care. We must raise performance and shorten waiting lists.

Oil sands development will be managed wisely and in an environmentally responsible way.

Taxes will be kept low. Alberta already has the most competitive tax rates

Investing in our future

Alberta Capital Bonds will enable Albertans to invest directly in the province’s future and help build Alberta communities.

Upgrading power transmission will support a growing population and expanding economy.

In consultation with industry, a competitiveness review will level the playing field for the oil and gas sector, making sure Alberta remains a desired place to invest and do business.

We will continue to invest in infrastructure. This will keep Albertans working and make sure we’re ready for a return to growth.

We’ll work to attract the investment that creates jobs and we’ll exert the influence on the national agenda that properly reflects our contribution as the engine of the Canadian economy.

Technologies for the future

We will continue our commitment to making a dramatic reduction in greenhouse emissions by continuing to develop Carbon Capture and Storage technology.

Institutions like the new Mount Royal and Grant MacEwan universities will play a key role in developing Alberta’s greatest natural resource—our people.

We will continue to strengthen education and workforce training—investing in the skills Alberta will need to compete in the 21st century.

Together we’ll build a stronger Alberta.