Legislative Assembly of Alberta The 31st Legislature

First Session Cooper, Hon. Nathan M., Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills (UC), Speaker

Pitt, Angela D., Airdrie-East (UC), Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees van Dijken, Glenn, Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock (UC), Deputy Chair of Committees

Al-Guneid, Nagwan, Calgary-Glenmore (NDP) Amery, Hon. Mickey K., ECA, KC, Calgary-Cross (UC),

Deputy Government House Leader Arcand-Paul, Brooks, Edmonton-West Henday (NDP) Armstrong-Homeniuk, Hon. Jackie, ECA,

Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville (UC) Batten, Diana M.B., Calgary-Acadia (NDP) Boitchenko, Andrew, Drayton Valley-Devon (UC) Boparai, Parmeet Singh, Calgary-Falconridge (NDP) Bouchard, Eric, Calgary-Lougheed (UC) Brar, Gurinder, Calgary-North East (NDP) Calahoo Stonehouse, Jodi, Edmonton-Rutherford (NDP) Ceci, Hon. Joe, ECA, Calgary-Buffalo (NDP) Chapman, Amanda, Calgary-Beddington (NDP) Cyr, Scott J., Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul (UC) Dach, Lorne, Edmonton-McClung (NDP) de Jonge, Chantelle, Chestermere-Strathmore (UC) Deol, Jasvir, Edmonton-Meadows (NDP) Dreeshen, Hon. Devin, ECA, Innisfail-Sylvan Lake (UC) Dyck, Nolan B., Grande Prairie (UC) Eggen, Hon. David, ECA, Edmonton-North West (NDP),

Official Opposition Whip Ellingson, Court, Calgary-Foothills (NDP) Ellis, Hon. Mike, ECA, Calgary-West (UC),

Deputy Premier Elmeligi, Sarah, Banff-Kananaskis (NDP) Eremenko, Janet, Calgary-Currie (NDP) Fir, Hon. Tanya, ECA, Calgary-Peigan (UC) Ganley, Hon. Kathleen T., ECA, Calgary-Mountain View (NDP) Getson, Shane C., Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland (UC),

Government Whip Glubish, Hon. Nate, ECA, Strathcona-Sherwood Park (UC) Goehring, Nicole, Edmonton-Castle Downs (NDP) Gray, Hon. Christina, ECA, Edmonton-Mill Woods (NDP),

Official Opposition House Leader Guthrie, Hon. Peter F., ECA, Airdrie-Cochrane (UC) Haji, Sharif, Edmonton-Decore (NDP) Hayter, Julia K.U., Calgary-Edgemont (NDP) Hoffman, Hon. Sarah, ECA, Edmonton-Glenora (NDP) Horner, Hon. Nate S., ECA, Drumheller-Stettler (UC) Hoyle, Rhiannon, Edmonton-South (NDP) Hunter, Hon. Grant R., ECA, Taber-Warner (UC) Ip, Nathan, Edmonton-South West (NDP) Irwin, Janis, Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood (NDP) Jean, Hon. Brian Michael, ECA, KC, Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche

(UC) Johnson, Jennifer, Lacombe-Ponoka (Ind) Jones, Hon. Matt, ECA, Calgary-South East (UC) Kasawski, Kyle, Sherwood Park (NDP) Kayande, Samir, Calgary-Elbow (NDP),

Official Opposition Deputy Assistant Whip LaGrange, Hon. Adriana, ECA, Red Deer-North (UC)

Loewen, Hon. Todd, ECA, Central Peace-Notley (UC) Long, Martin M., West Yellowhead (UC) Lovely, Jacqueline, Camrose (UC) Loyola, Rod, Edmonton-Ellerslie (NDP) Lunty, Brandon G., Leduc-Beaumont (UC) McDougall, Myles, Calgary-Fish Creek (UC) McIver, Hon. Ric, ECA, Calgary-Hays (UC) Metz, Luanne, Calgary-Varsity (NDP) Nally, Hon. Dale, ECA, Morinville-St. Albert (UC) Neudorf, Hon. Nathan T., ECA, Lethbridge-East (UC) Nicolaides, Hon. Demetrios, ECA, Calgary-Bow (UC) Nixon, Hon. Jason, ECA, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre

(UC) Notley, Hon. Rachel, ECA, Edmonton-Strathcona (NDP),

Leader of the Official Opposition Pancholi, Rakhi, Edmonton-Whitemud (NDP) Petrovic, Chelsae, Livingstone-Macleod (UC) Phillips, Hon. Shannon, ECA, Lethbridge-West (NDP) Renaud, Marie F., St. Albert (NDP) Rowswell, Garth, Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright (UC) Sabir, Hon. Irfan, ECA, Calgary-Bhullar-McCall (NDP),

Official Opposition Deputy House Leader Sawhney, Hon. Rajan, ECA, Calgary-North West (UC) Schmidt, Hon. Marlin, ECA, Edmonton-Gold Bar (NDP) Schow, Hon. Joseph R., ECA, Cardston-Siksika (UC),

Government House Leader Schulz, Hon. Rebecca, ECA, Calgary-Shaw (UC) Shepherd, David, Edmonton-City Centre (NDP) Sigurdson, Hon. Lori, ECA, Edmonton-Riverview (NDP) Sigurdson, Hon. R.J., ECA, Highwood (UC) Sinclair, Scott, Lesser Slave Lake (UC) Singh, Peter, Calgary-East (UC) Smith, Hon. Danielle, ECA, Brooks-Medicine Hat (UC),

Premier Stephan, Jason, Red Deer-South (UC) Sweet, Heather, Edmonton-Manning (NDP),

Official Opposition Assistant Whip Tejada, Lizette, Calgary-Klein (NDP) Turton, Hon. Searle, ECA, Spruce Grove-Stony Plain (UC) Wiebe, Ron, Grande Prairie-Wapiti (UC) Williams, Hon. Dan D.A., ECA, Peace River (UC),

Deputy Government House Leader Wilson, Hon. Rick D., ECA, Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin (UC) Wright, Justin, Cypress-Medicine Hat (UC) Wright, Peggy K., Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview (NDP) Yao, Tany, Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo (UC),

Deputy Government Whip Yaseen, Hon. Muhammad, ECA, Calgary-North (UC)

Party standings: United Conservative: 48 New Democrat: 38 Independent: 1

Officers and Officials of the Legislative Assembly

Shannon Dean, KC, Clerk Teri Cherkewich, Law Clerk Trafton Koenig, Senior Parliamentary

Counsel Philip Massolin, Clerk Assistant and

Director of House Services

Nancy Robert, Clerk of Journals and Committees

Janet Schwegel, Director of Parliamentary Programs

Amanda LeBlanc, Deputy Editor of Alberta Hansard

Terry Langley, Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Link, Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Gareth Scott, Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Lang Bawn, Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms

Executive Council

Danielle Smith Premier, President of Executive Council, Minister of Intergovernmental Relations

Mike Ellis Deputy Premier, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

Mickey Amery Minister of Justice Devin Dreeshen Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Tanya Fir Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Nate Glubish Minister of Technology and Innovation Pete Guthrie Minister of Infrastructure Nate Horner President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Brian Jean Minister of Energy and Minerals Matt Jones Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Adriana LaGrange Minister of Health Todd Loewen Minister of Forestry and Parks Ric McIver Minister of Municipal Affairs Dale Nally Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Nathan Neudorf Minister of Affordability and Utilities Demetrios Nicolaides Minister of Education Jason Nixon Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Rajan Sawhney Minister of Advanced Education Joseph Schow Minister of Tourism and Sport Rebecca Schulz Minister of Environment and Protected Areas R.J. Sigurdson Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Searle Turton Minister of Children and Family Services Dan Williams Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Rick Wilson Minister of Indigenous Relations Muhammad Yaseen Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism

Parliamentary Secretaries

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees Andrew Boitchenko Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous Relations Chantelle de Jonge Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities Shane Getson Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Corridor Development Grant Hunter Parliamentary Secretary for Agrifood Development Martin Long Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health Chelsae Petrovic Parliamentary Secretary for Health Workforce Engagement Scott Sinclair Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous Policing Tany Yao Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Northern Development

STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ALBERTA

Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund Chair: Mr. Yao Deputy Chair: Mr. Rowswell

Boitchenko Bouchard Brar Hunter Kasawski Kayande Wiebe

Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future Chair: Mr. Getson Deputy Chair: Mr. Loyola

Boparai Cyr de Jonge Elmeligi Hoyle Stephan Wright, J. Yao

Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee Chair: Mr. Getson Deputy Chair: Mr. Long

Arcand-Paul Ellingson Hunter Ip Lovely Rowswell Sabir Wright, J.

Select Special Ethics Commissioner and Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee Chair: Mr. Yao Deputy Chair: Mr. van Dijken

Dach Dyck Irwin Petrovic Pitt Sabir Stephan Wright, P.

Standing Committee on Families and Communities Chair: Ms Lovely Deputy Chair: Ms Goehring

Batten Boitchenko Long Lunty Metz Petrovic Singh Tejada

Standing Committee on Legislative Offices Chair: Mr. Getson Deputy Chair: Mr. van Dijken

Chapman Dyck Eremenko Hunter Long Renaud Shepherd Sinclair

Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services Chair: Mr. Cooper Deputy Chair: Mr. Getson

Eggen Gray Long Phillips Rowswell Sabir Singh Yao

Standing Committee on Private Bills Chair: Ms Pitt Deputy Chair: Mr. Stephan

Bouchard Ceci Deol Dyck Hayter Petrovic Sigurdson, L. Wright, J.

Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing Chair: Mr. Yao Deputy Chair: Ms Armstrong- Homeniuk

Arcand-Paul Ceci Cyr Dach Gray Johnson Stephan Wiebe

Standing Committee on Public Accounts Chair: Mr. Sabir Deputy Chair: Mr. Rowswell

Armstrong-Homeniuk de Jonge Haji Lovely Lunty McDougall Renaud Schmidt

Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship Chair: Mr. Rowswell Deputy Chair: Mr. Schmidt

Al-Guneid Armstrong-Homeniuk Dyck Eggen Hunter McDougall Sinclair Sweet

March 28, 2024 Alberta Hansard 907

Legislative Assembly of Alberta Title: Thursday, March 28, 2024 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2024

[The Speaker in the chair]

head: Prayers

The Speaker: Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to our King, to his government, to Members of the Legislative Assembly, and to all in positions of responsibility the guidance of Your spirit. May they never lead the province wrongly through love of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideas but, laying aside all private interest and prejudice, keep in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all. Amen. Hon. members, it being the last sitting day of the week, we will now be led in the singing of God Save the King by Ms Ashley Stevenson.

Hon. Members: God save our gracious King, Long live our noble King, God save the King! Send him victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, God save the King!

The Speaker: Please be seated.

head: Introduction of Visitors

The Speaker: Hon. members, there are a lot of people that work very hard behind the scenes so that members can do important work for the people of Alberta. Sadly, we will be saying goodbye to one of the hardest working members of the LAO team. Don Dechamplain is an officer with the Legislative Assembly security service, having served in his capacity there for the last five years. Prior to joining the LASS team, Don was a 30-year veteran of the Edmonton Police Service, where he served in a variety of roles, including with the gang unit, drug unit, auto theft TRAP team, and ALERT surveillance squad. Don personifies what it means to be an LASS officer, balancing a friendly, welcoming disposition with the toughness needed to ensure that Alberta’s Legislature remains a safe place for Albertans to visit and for members and staff to work. I was able to join his LASS colleagues earlier today to celebrate Don’s retirement, and it was obvious what a valuable member of the LASS family Don is and was. On behalf of all Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, LAO staff, and your colleagues thank you for your incredible service. We’ll miss you. I ask that all members please provide Don the warm welcome of the Assembly. [Standing ovation] Hon. members, also joining us today in the Speaker’s gallery as part of Don’s retirement celebration, I have the pleasure of introducing members of Don’s family. I’d like to introduce Don’s wife, herself an inspector with the Edmonton Police Service, Shannon Dechamplain. She’s joined by their daughters: Kayla, Sydney, Taylor, and Taylor’s fiancé, David Elliott. I ask that they would rise and receive the warm welcome of the Assembly. It’s also my pleasure to introduce some friends of mine. If you’ve been around the Legislature for long enough, you may also be their friend or at least be very well aware of them: Mr. Peter and Christina Pilarski, their sons Bartek and Jacub Pilarski, and Shirley Nieves. Please rise and receive the warm welcome of the Assembly.

head: Introduction of Guests

Member Boparai: Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce to you and through you to all members of the Assembly Santosh Dahal, a distinguished Nepalese-Canadian entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate. His many achievements include appointment as a tourism envoy of Nepal to Canada by the government of Nepal, and vice-president of the Association of Nepalis in the Americas. Now I ask Santosh to please rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of the Assembly.

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Health.

Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to introduce to you and through you to all members some special guests: Jeff Davison, the CEO of the Prostate Cancer Centre; Terry Kirkland, president of Prostate Edmonton Peer Support; Don Charnaw; Stacey Smith; and Les and Edie McElwain. They are here today to recognize the critical importance of equitable service across this province, something we can all agree on. I would ask these visitors to rise and receive the traditional warm welcome of the Assembly.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Cypress-Medicine Hat.

Mr. Wright: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to rise and introduce to you and through you Ms Maureen Purvis. Maureen and her husband, Randall, are the driving force behind No Stone Left Alone, a memorial foundation that helps honour fallen service members. Their purpose is to honour, educate, and help Albertans remember the importance of the sacrifices of our soldiers, air force men, and our naval personnel. I invite her to rise and receive the warm welcome of the House.

The Speaker: The hon. the Member for Edmonton-Glenora.

Ms Hoffman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to rise and introduce to and through you Tracey Giroux, who’s one of the hardest working volunteers I’ve ever had the honour to be on the doorsteps with. She’s certainly not afraid of snow or rain or sleet, and she’s such a great ally to have. I also see Chris Gallaway, who’s visiting with Friends of Medicare, in the gallery. Please both rise and receive the warm welcome of the Assembly.

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Education.

Mr. Nicolaides: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know the guests were introduced, but I also want to recognize Peter Pilarski, Christina Pilarski, their sons Bartek and Jacub, and Shirley Nieves. I want to thank Peter and Christina for being incredible constituents and volunteers in their community and thank Peter as well for dragging me to the top of a mountain a couple of weeks ago. Thank you for all that you do. You’re very much appreciated.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for St. Albert, followed by Calgary-Beddington.

Ms Renaud: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to introduce to you and through you Karli Drew, Daniel Ennett, Erin Novakowski, who are advocates for better home care and are accompanied by parents, friends, and partners who support them: Susan and Michel Desrochers, Jared Vercammen, Ryan LeMoine, Frederick Kroetsch, Nicholas Mitchell, and Rebecca Campbell. Would they please rise if they’re able and receive the warm welcome of the Assembly.

908 Alberta Hansard March 28, 2024

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Beddington has an introduction.

Ms Chapman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to introduce to you and through you my favourite four constituents of Calgary- Beddington, my family, my reason, my why: Jonathan, Lizzie, Oliver, Arthur. Please rise and receive the warm welcome.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood.

Member Irwin: Thank you. I rise to introduce to you and through you two of my constituents and amazing advocates, one who needs two introductions: Chris Gallaway and Alyssa Pretty from Friends of Medicare. Please join me and give them a very warm welcome.

Member Tejada: Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce to you and through you my loving partner and favourite door-knocking buddy, Todd. He is a musician and teacher in Calgary and makes the lives of young people great. Please join me in giving them the warm welcome of the Assembly.

head: Members’ Statements

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Currie has a statement to make.

Calgary Board of Education’s French Immersion Programming

Member Eremenko: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This year the Calgary board of education celebrated 50 years of French immersion programming. The very first year of students to enrol in the program were at McDougall school in downtown Calgary in 1973, and the number of children has grown exponentially since then. Clearly, when we provide options within public education, families take them, and the system for all of us becomes stronger as a result. Today nearly 10,000 students in 24 schools across the CBE are proud to learn their core subjects in French while there are another 11 schools in the Calgary Catholic school district. The CBE lists the many benefits of learning French as a young person. These include enhanced listening, learning, problem- solving skills, and a notable improvement in the facility to learn additional languages. It may even pave the way to a life in politics, something I can attest to because I am a product of the Calgary board of education’s French immersion system, and my eldest daughter is, too. I am proud to speak both of our national languages, and I’m thankful for the sense of pluralism and federalism it instilled in me. So I’d like to send a message to the children attending French immersion in Calgary-Currie, those at Westgate elementary, St. Mike’s, and Holy Name. 1:40

J’espère que vous avez passé un joyeux mois de la francophonie et que vous avez eu la chance de célébrer l’anniversaire de l’immersion français. Comme vous autres, j’ai fréquenté une école d’immersion française moi-même, dés la maternelle jusqu’à la douzième année. Je sais que ce n’est pas toujours facile de parler français, mais courage les amis. Le fait que vous apprenez le français va vous donner des opportunités d’ouvrir des portes qui vont fleurir vos futurs projets. Les possibilités d’emplois, de voyages, et d’échange culturelles sont nombreux et bénéfiques. Finalement, aux enseignants, merci pour tous vos efforts pour créer un environnement d’apprentissage plaisant, seine, et sécuritaire. Merci beaucoup and thank you.

Supports for Seniors

Mr. Wiebe: Mr. Speaker, today is a good day for Alberta and a great day for Alberta seniors. Our UCP government is delivering on its campaign promise to provide seniors a 25 per cent discount on personal registry services starting April 1, 2024. This discount on registry services will help make life more affordable for seniors in our province. It was developed in collaboration with our private registries. This will provide relief to seniors, many of whom are on a fixed income and have a difficult time making ends meet. Currently there are more than 700,000 seniors, and by 2035 there will be more than a million Albertans aged 65 and older in our province. We are committed to making seniors’ lives better. In fact, our low-income seniors receive some of the highest financial benefits in the country. Budget 2024 includes additional funding to the seniors’ lodge assistance program with an increase of 55 per cent in funding per person per day. This benefit was indexed by 4 and a quarter per cent to keep pace with inflation, and as of April 1 when Alberta seniors go to the registry office, they will get a 25 per cent discount on services like driver’s licences, registration renewals, disability placards, and driving records, just to name a few. Seniors are an important pillar of our communities, and their hard work and contribution to our society will not be ignored. Our seniors have guided us all to where we are today, and they have made a tremendous impact on the foundation of families, friendships, and touched countless lives over the years. Our government is listening and acting on the increased concerns of affordability from our seniors. By listening to Albertans, we will continue to make the changes that will make life more affordable and secure Alberta as the best place to live, grow, and age. While Trudeau makes life more expensive for everyone, the Alberta government is providing relief for our seniors. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Beddington has a statement to make.

Public Education System

Ms Chapman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Choice: it’s the UCP’s favourite dog whistle in education. But what does choice in education mean? Are we talking about choice in school systems, or do we mean choice in programming? We know that the majority of parents in Alberta choose public education for their children, and when you take a look at what kind of programs are offered in public education, it’s no wonder why. Language programs in French, Mandarin, ASL, Hebrew, Spanish, and German. Academic programs like Gate, AP, and IB. There’s a boys’ school, a girls’ school, traditional learning centres, Indigenous-focused schools, Montessori programs. You can home- school or learn online. There are options for dual credit and off- campus education. There are schools for pregnant and parenting teens. Students with diverse learning needs are welcomed here. There are programs for those who are deaf and hard of hearing. There are adapted learning programs for students with low adaptive behaviour functioning, paced learning for students with mild intellectual development disorders. There are schools to serve students with learning disabilities that specifically impact reading acquisition. There are STEM schools, science schools, sports schools, and art schools. The doors of public education: well, they welcome every single child. They accommodate that child, supporting, encouraging, and

March 28, 2024 Alberta Hansard 909

mentoring each and every child who enters that system. The success stories from Alberta’s public education system are countless. I am a proud supporter of Alberta’s public education system, and we need to work together to build, support, and strengthen it. Thank you.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Cypress-Medicine Hat is next.

Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial

Mr. Wright: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. April 1 is an important day. It marks the centennial anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. This marks a century of unparalleled service and dedication to our great nation. This milestone not only honours the rich legacy of the RCAF, but it also pays tribute to the countless men and women who have served bravely. Their professionalism, skills, and selflessness exemplify the values that have guided the Royal Canadian Air Force through its history. Whether at home or abroad, they stand ready to defend our nation’s safety, security, promoting international peace, and upholding global stability. The RCAF remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence and innovation. By having a strong vision for the future, they are preparing to grow and adapt and will continue to watch over our tomorrows. This centennial year we’ve seen them reaffirm their commitment to our country with pride, professionalism, and integrity. For us it’s a time to honour the sacrifices of those who have come before us and rededicate ourselves to the noble cause which the RCAF was founded on. To the brave servicemen and -women stationed in Cold Lake or at the helicopter squadron in Edmonton: I want to thank you. To our veterans, our service members, and their families: thank you; thank you for your sacrifice, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to duty. In honour and recognition of the men and women who have and continue to serve Canada both at home and abroad and in recognition of the positive impact the RCAF has had world-wide, I invite everyone to illuminate your residences, your places of business, your public buildings in blue to show support on April 1 for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Share your pictures on social media using #RCAF100 and #100YearsOfFlyingBlue to help honour the Royal Canadian Air Force as they attempt to break a Guinness world record. Thank you.

Support for Immigrants

Mr. Haji: Mr. Speaker, settlement and immigration in Canada is a shared responsibility between the federal and provincial governments. In 2023 Canada experienced a record high of new immigrants, with Alberta ranking as the fourth province with the highest international migration. Projections for 2024 suggest that international migration will continue to be robust, with Alberta also witnessing significant interprovincial migration. Immigrants are a key driver of growth in our labour force, and their ability to thrive directly impacts our economy. It is imperative for this government to enhance support systems, facilitate the settlement, integration, and success for the newcomers. Settlement organizations in the province continue to express that existing support systems are failing to keep pace with the growth in immigration. Settlement agencies continue to face mounting wait- lists for language assessment and support. Unemployment rates among the new immigrants are on the rise while their labour force participation rates are declining. The proportion of new immigrants in shelter spaces is on the increase, highlighting the urgency of the

situation. The lack of adequate support systems threatens the ability of newcomers to settle, contribute, and thrive in Alberta. Mr. Speaker, the current state of settlement and immigration in Alberta demands immediate action. It’s crucial to bolster support systems that enable successful integration and contributions to the society. The UCP government must allocate the much-needed funding to support settlement services. This includes expanding language assessment and support programs to clear the backlog of wait-lists. The government should implement measures to address the rising unemployment rates among newcomers. Mr. Speaker, I call on this government to take decisive actions in addressing the challenges facing new immigrants. As a province we must ensure that Alberta remains a vibrant and . . .

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Klein.

International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

Member Tejada: Today I rise belatedly to recognize the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. This day was recognized by the United Nations in honour of Monseñor Romero, an archbishop who was assassinated after giving mass in El Salvador on March 24, 1980. This day marks a dark time for the Salvadoran community but is observed with great love. In Pope Francis’s words: Romero’s ministry was distinguished by his particular attention to the most poor and marginalized. Monseñor Romero was killed after calling for a stop to the atrocities being committed by right-wing death squads, an overwhelming fear that had seized El Salvador through the ’80s and ’90s. As a Catholic kid already passionate about social justice his story made an impression on me. My parents came to Alberta before the civil war started in earnest, and the next decade was spent trying to bring more relatives here to safety. We would get phone calls from panicked family members not sure if they would make it through the week, telling stories of the human cruelty they’d witnessed on their doorsteps. I recently met a fellow Salvadoran who remarked: people who come here fleeing war aren’t just trying to start a new life; they have trauma and are trying to heal. I think often of this as I speak to folks who have chosen to make Alberta their new home and, in particular, refugees I’ve met that are fleeing war, persecution based on their identity, racism, and genocide. It’s also not lost on me that we have much work to do here in regard to truth and reconciliation, the protection of human rights, and to make our communities truly inclusive. As the first and only currently elected person in Canada of Salvadoran descent it’s important to me to recognize this day and to remember that the work of defending human rights is never easy and it is never done. [Remarks in Spanish] We want to be the voice of those who do not have a voice to speak out against the abuse of human rights. [As submitted] Thank you.

The Speaker: Hon. members, for the purposes of the official record, the hon. member did provide the translation from Spanish for all members.

1:50 head: Oral Question Period

The Speaker: The Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition has question 1.

910 Alberta Hansard March 28, 2024

Hospital Discharge Policies

Ms Notley: Mr. Speaker, the UCP claim their motel medicine scandal has nothing to do with health care. Now, while many others had similar stories, Mr. Caniff was the first person we heard of. He was receiving care in a hospital, and while being discharged from that hospital, a worker in the hospital gave him a list of continuing care options. He ended up in a roadside motel until having to return to the emergency room in the hospital and being readmitted to the hospital. To the Premier: how can she and her ministers claim that this horrible situation has nothing to do with health care?

The Speaker: The hon. the Premier has the call.

Ms Smith: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every day AHS has to make decisions to discharge patients. At our largest hospitals that’s 500 patients a day, and across the entire system it’s 1,000 patients per day. In this particular case the individual clearly thought that they were going to a long-term care facility. They weren’t; they went to a hotel. It was inadequate to serve his needs. He ended up back in hospital, and we launched an investigation. We found 27 individuals in a similar circumstance who all needed to be provided various levels of support, and every one of them is now in an appropriate facility.

Ms Notley: Well, Mr. Speaker, the minister herself admitted that many motel patients received EMS and nursing care last weekend, yet their internal investigations are not reviewing the health care implications of this scandal. They’re not dealing with the discharge policy from the hospital or the list provided in the hospital by hospital staff, both of which they’re still refusing to release publicly. Again to the Premier: why is there no independent public health care based investigation into motel medicine, and why will she not release the discharge policy and the list provided to patients?

The Speaker: The hon. the Premier has risen.

Ms Smith: Well, thank you Mr. Speaker. In point of fact, we are reviewing the discharge policy. Yesterday my ministers met and went through looking at what the different steps are. There is a step that is missing. It’s a gap that the minister has identified, that when somebody is being discharged and they don’t have a family to go home to, they don’t have a home to go home to, that’s the point where Seniors, Community and Social Services or Mental Health and Addiction need to step in in order to make sure that they find an appropriate care facility. The reason why we’re not having a Health Quality Council of Alberta investigation is that they declined. They actually said that it would be redundant since there are already three other investigations going on.

Ms Notley: Well, Mr. Speaker, none of those are about health care according to the minister. Meanwhile reinforcing silos and denying the continuum of care is what creates the cracks in the system through which people fall. Albertans deserve the right care in the right place at the right time. I’ve even heard the minister herself say this. Putting a fence around the hospital and denying that health care happens outside of it is exactly the wrong approach. Again to the Premier: why is her government refusing to do an independent public health care based review of motel medicine?

The Speaker: The hon. the Premier.

Ms Smith: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I mean, I guess I’d have to agree with the Leader of the Opposition. We have to make sure

that there aren’t silos, and we have to make sure that the patient is treated in the right place at the right time with the right carepersons. This is part of the problem that we’ve had: we’ve had anywhere up to 1,500 patients per day who need to be in alternative levels of care. That’s why we are working across ministries to identify places for them to go, whether it’s continuing care, long-term care, whether it’s mental health and addiction, whether it’s home-care supports, or whether it’s the care of a family. We are tearing down those silos, and we’re going to make sure everyone gets the right treatment.

The Speaker: The hon. Leader of the Opposition for her second set of questions.

Ms Notley: Talking about independent reviews, Mr. Speaker.

Fuel Tax Increase

Ms Notley: Yesterday the Premier spoke at a federal political rally to tell the crowd to tell NDP leadership candidates to tell me to tell Jagmeet Singh to tell the Prime Minister to spike the so-called hike at gas pumps. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order.

Ms Notley: Mr. Speaker, it just doesn’t need to be that complicated because this Premier has her very own hike she can spike. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order.

Ms Notley: To the Premier: why doesn’t she save Albertans money at the pump and axe her own $430 million fuel tax hike on April 1?

The Speaker: The hon. the Premier.

Ms Smith: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. We know that there are different types of taxes. Our fuel tax pays for roads. Even the federal 10 cents a litre tax pays for roads. What doesn’t pay for anything is what’s going to be a 17 cents a litre carbon tax that comes in on April 1 or the tax on tax that happens with the GST. The federal government has 35 cents a litre as of April 1 that is going to go into the price of gasoline and diesel. We took the fuel tax off for two entire years, saving Albertans 2 and a half billion dollars. We will remove that tax again if prices go up, and we’d ask the federal government to do the same. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order.

Ms Notley: Mr. Speaker, we know there are things about the federal tax that are far from fair, but at least it comes with an increase to the rebate. That is unlike her fuel tax hike, which does not fix roads. It goes . . . [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order.

Ms Notley: Her fuel tax hike does not go to fix roads. It goes to general revenue, from which the Premier has wasted nearly $400 million in health care boondoggles alone. To the Premier: instead of wasting money on trying to privatize health care, why not use that money to fix roads and on April 1 save Albertans $430 million by spiking her own hike?

The Speaker: The hon. the Premier.

Ms Smith: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That’s a little awkward to hear the current leader defend the carbon tax when the future leader sounds like they don’t want to have the carbon tax anymore. We have a policy in place that as soon as WTI prices go above $80,

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that’s when we take off a portion of the tax. When it goes up above $90, we’ll take the tax off completely. Albertans know that that is what we’re monitoring at the moment, that the WTI price is slightly above $80, slightly below. We made a promise that we were going to run balanced budgets, and we’re going to make sure that that promise is kept.

Ms Notley: The only promise this government has kept is actually to increase taxes by $430 million starting April 1. You know what? There is only one taxpayer, and Albertans deserve a break. We’ve been hit with the largest . . . [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. You might not like the question, but the member has the right to ask it.

Ms Notley: Albertans have been hit with the largest rental increases in the country, the slowest wage growth, the highest utility rate growth, and the highest inflation rate overall. Being forced to pay $430 million more at the pumps is the last thing they need. Again to the Premier. This is a problem she can solve herself. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order.

Ms Notley: This is a promise and a problem that the Premier can solve herself. Why won’t she spike her own $430 million tax increase on April 1?

The Speaker: The hon. the Premier.

Ms Smith: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are so many problems that they created that we now have to fix. I mean, why do we have problems with the utility rates? It’s because they rushed to phase out coal without a plan to bring on new baseload power. Our Minister of Affordability and Utilities is solving that problem. We’ve got 2,700 megawatts of natural gas coming on this year. I should say as well that when they were in power, we had 13 quarters of out-migration. Their plan was to go to B.C. to get a job. We brought in-migration, and as a result I’m pleased to report we have the highest level of housing starts ever. We’re going to be able to solve that rental housing price problem soon. [interjections] 2:00

The Speaker: Order. The hon. the Member for Calgary-Falconridge.

Life Lease Regulation

Member Boparai: Mr. Speaker, dozens of Alberta seniors and their families are owed millions of dollars by an Edmonton-area landlord. Yesterday in this Assembly the minister of service Alberta repeated his talking point that the life lease society was just a Facebook group; however, they incorporated in December and e- mailed his office to let him know. To the minister: will you admit that getting facts like this wrong deepens concerns that you do not take the life lease issue seriously?

Mr. Nally: Mr. Speaker, I do take this life lease seriously because this is unfortunate, what has happened to these seniors, and I can tell you that we did very comprehensive consultations. We met with over 170 Albertans. We even met with the NDP twice, plus we had the bill briefing a third time. But you know who was suspiciously absent from those conversations? St. Albert and Calgary- Falconridge were nowhere to be found. Why is it that when there’s heavy lifting to be done, you can’t find Calgary-Falconridge or St. Albert anywhere? What a shame.

Ms Gray: Point of order. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. A point of order is noted at 2:01.

Member Boparai: Mr. Speaker, given that my colleague from St. Albert tabled an e-mail yesterday from a senior investigator that clearly stated that there is no investigation into funds owed to life lease holders in Greg Christenson’s communities and given that all ministers ought to know what is going on in their departments, especially on sensitive issues like this, will the minister of service Alberta admit he doesn’t know what’s going on in his department and that Albertans are right to question his competency?

Mr. Nally: Mr. Speaker, I’ll be happy to tell the member what’s going on. We are bringing forward the most comprehensive life lease protections this province has ever seen. We’re bringing forward enhanced disclosure, enhanced transparency. We’re prescribing time frames for repayment and penalties up to $300,000 and two years in jail. If they have so much to say, I would have encouraged them to come to our consultations. Unfortunately, he chose not to show up.

Member Boparai: Mr. Speaker, given that Alberta seniors and their families are out $54 million from a landlord and given that they entered into these agreements believing they would provide them with housing stability but have only brought stress and given that the minister refuses to require companies to put the funds into trust, will the minister admit that Alberta seniors losing their life savings is the exact opposite of affordability?

Mr. Nally: Mr. Speaker, I’ll tell the member again what we did. We are bringing forward the most comprehensive life lease protections this province has ever seen, enhanced disclosure, enhanced transparency. We’re prescribing time frames for payment. There are even going to be penalties, up to $300,000 in fines and two years in jail. The only question I have is: why didn’t he come to the consultations?

South Edmonton Hospital Construction Project

Member Hoyle: Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent communities and families in Edmonton-South. Since the UCP has taken over, they have struggled with a lack of family doctors and the UCP’s decision to cancel the south Edmonton hospital. The Premier campaigned on building this hospital, but just as soon as Edmonton rejected the UCP, the UCP rejected south Edmonton. Why is this government punishing my constituents by cancelling the south Edmonton hospital, and what is their plan to get Edmonton-South the health care they deserve?

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Health.

Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When the south Edmonton hospital was announced, it was by the members opposite without a feasibility study, without a business plan. In fact, since I’ve come into office, I’ve come to understand that all the documentation shows that where a hospital is needed is in the north of Edmonton. So we will for sure continue to make sure that south Edmonton residents do have the resources that they need. We have lots of opportunities. In fact, we’ve allocated $88 million in funding to make sure that we have integrated health and social infrastructure . . .

Ms Gray: Point of order.

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The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-South. A point of order is noted at 2:05.

Member Hoyle: Instead of pitting people against each other, we need many hospitals. The UCP’s health care solution is telling Edmontonians to hit highway 2. This Premier thinks that the solution for Edmontonians is for people to drive through the snow to Red Deer. This Premier declared before the election that the UCP health crisis was over and now tells my constituents that the health care they deserve is a two- hour drive away. Highway health care is this Health minister’s prescription, and Albertans deserve better. Does she really think a 150-kilometre drive is better than building the hospital Edmonton has needed for decades? [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. The hon. the Minister of Health.

Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Albertans deserve better, and they’ve gotten better. They chose the UCP in the last election. We do have planning under way for a stand-alone Stollery children’s hospital as well as the redevelopment of the Royal Alexandra hospital, the WestView . . . [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. The Minister of Health.

Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We do have, as I was saying, the Royal Alexandra hospital redevelopment, the WestView hospital centre, the Strathcona community centre, and we’re continuing to explore other areas where we can ensure that Albertans’, particularly Edmontonians’, needs are being met.

Member Hoyle: When the last hospital in Edmonton opened, the Premier wasn’t even old enough to vote. We now know that Edmonton will be short 1,500 hospital beds, but the UCP’s solution is to put those hospital patients in cars and send them down the QE II to a four-hour round trip for health care. There have been 12 Conservative health ministers since the Grey Nuns opened, who watched this health crisis grow and grow. Will the Health minister reverse this senseless, cruel decision and build the hospital, or will she become the 13th Conservative health minister who failed Edmonton?

The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Health.

Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I want to point to the failures of the members opposite when they were in government. They did not actually have a feasibility study or a business plan when they announced the south Edmonton hospital. This hospital cost has ballooned to just shy of $5 billion. It would make it the largest, most expensive hospital in all of Canada and would take over a decade to build. We need to do something to provide services in the immediate future, and we are going to do it.

School Construction in Lethbridge

Ms Phillips: Mr. Speaker, the UCP budget broke its promise to Lethbridge school boards, parents, children, administrators, and support staff. They said that they would take action on school construction during the election. They patted school boards on the head and said: yeah, yeah; we’ll get to your construction request. That did not happen. The Holy Spirit board has had a St. Francis middle school modernization or a complete rebuild on the capital plan for years. Another UCP budget; no school. Why didn’t the

minister fund a new downtown Lethbridge middle school for the Catholic school board?

Mr. Nicolaides: Well, Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite should know, every year all of our school divisions submit their capital requests, and all of those projects are taken into consideration. They are evaluated and scored, and priority projects are then moved forward. We were able to move ahead with a project for the city of Lethbridge. More specifically, we were able to move forward in providing design funding to the Lethbridge school division for a modernization project that’s important for the community. We will absolutely work to ensure that all communities receive modernized and updated schools.

Ms Phillips: Well, given, Mr. Speaker, there are 11 pending projects between the public and the Catholic boards, given that I know there are UCP MLAs who have toured St. Francis and understand the dire need and given that the only funds allocated in Budget ’24 are with the modernization planning of the 110-year- old Galbraith elementary school, one school, 11 projects, why did the minister justify the neglect of Lethbridge’s needs, and why don’t we have a new St. Francis middle school? 2:10

Mr. Nicolaides: Mr. Speaker, despite rhetoric from the member opposite we’re not neglecting any component or corner of our province. Of course, there are a variety of school projects that need to proceed, both new construction projects, modernization projects. We currently have 98 projects in the pipeline that we are working forward with and developing. Those projects will advance to different stages once they’ve completed the necessary requirements, and we will continue to build schools and modernize schools in every corner of our province, including in the city of Lethbridge.

Ms Phillips: Given that this budget also did nothing to fund every child in the system let alone the educational assistants, admin assistants, custodians, and bus drivers that keep schools working and given their current wages are incredibly low – in fact, one southern Alberta educational assistant reports that she earns less now than she did 17 years ago, and a Taber admin assistant says that her kids need to work after school so her family can make ends meet – will the minister give southern Alberta school boards and other boards across the province the resources they need to improve these working conditions? Is there a specific commitment to school support staff in this budget? I didn’t see it, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Nicolaides: Well, if the member didn’t see it, I encourage the member to look harder, Mr. Speaker. In the budget we’ve included a 4.4 per cent increase this year alone to education funding. That in raw terms is a $400 million increase to Education’s operating budget. Over the next three years that investment will increase to $1.2 billion. That’s to help fund enrolment growth. In addition, that includes $44 million this year alone to support growing classroom complexity so that school divisions can hire additional EAs to support these dynamics. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. The hon. Member for Calgary-Lougheed has a question.

Federal Carbon Tax Increase

Mr. Bouchard: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In just a few days the federal government will increase the carbon tax on Canadians by 23 per cent. Let that sink in: 23 per cent more. From coast to coast

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to coast Premiers across party lines are calling for Justin Trudeau and his government to cancel the increase, but so far he and the government just aren’t listening. Our Premier is one of those who have stood up against increasing taxes further on Albertans and Canadians. To the Premier. You were invited to speak to MPs at a parliamentary committee today. Can you tell us what message you brought to Ottawa?

The Speaker: The hon. the Premier.

Ms Smith: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to the member for the question. The message I brought to Ottawa was that Canadians and Albertans are increasingly desperate because they’re facing a cost-of-living crisis not seen in decades. Families are being forced to make tough decisions just to put food on the table. Businesses are having to make sacrifices just to keep the lights on. The carbon tax is impacting Canadians disproportionately, and that needs to change. The message I brought to members of the committee is that if the federal government is going to say that affordability is a top priority, as they have been saying, then they can match the words with action and immediately cancel the carbon tax increase.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Lougheed.

Mr. Bouchard: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and to the Premier for her answer and her ongoing advocacy for what’s best for Albertans. To steal a few words from my colleague the Member for Red Deer- South, this tax increase is very, very bad. Given that the carbon tax increases the price of everything and given it also drives up inflation, which means that Albertans are facing a cost-of-living crisis not seen in decades, can the Premier tell us what Justin Trudeau’s carbon tax increase will cost Albertans and whether or not that is a reasonable demand on Albertans who are already forced to make tough decisions on spending?

The Speaker: Almost sounds like there was a significant preamble in that question. The hon. the Premier.

Ms Smith: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Despite the federal government’s claims that Canadians will benefit from rebates, the carbon tax on a net basis actually will cost Albertans more than $900 this year. To make it worse, because it keeps going up, the cost to each Albertan is going to triple in the next six years to a staggering expense of a net $2,700 by 2030. As of April 1 Albertans will pay around 35 cents in federal fuel taxes on every litre of gas, carbon tax, federal excise tax, and GST. Meanwhile the net price of natural gas as well is going up to $4.05 a gigajoule. That’s twice what the cost of gas is.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Bouchard: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given that Justin Trudeau and his government claim that the only way to reduce emissions is to tax them out of existence and given this unreasonable and punishing carbon tax increase is only the latest in their irresponsible, unrealistic, and expensive green agenda and given Alberta is making significant progress on emissions reductions without a carbon tax, can the Premier tell us how we can achieve emissions reduction without compromising jobs and prosperity?

The Speaker: The hon. the Premier.

Ms Smith: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’ve got a couple of programs, the Alberta petrochemicals incentive program as well as the Alberta carbon capture incentive program, that are going to

result in billions of dollars of investment in net-zero industry. We’ve got Air Products, net-zero hydrogen; Dow Chemical Canada, net-zero petrochemical; Inter Pipeline for ammonia; Heidelberg is nearing a decision on net-zero cement; the Pathways group, as well, is going to build a $16 billion carbon capture pipeline; Capital Power’s work with the Ontario government to establish a working group to figure out how to roll out small modular nuclear. There are lots of great things happening. We don’t need an additional tax.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program

Mr. Deol: Mr. Speaker, in the heart of Alberta’s promise as a beacon of opportunities, the experience of newcomers and of the UCP government are far removed from this ideal. Within my constituency are numerous individuals who have made the decision to immigrate to Alberta, driven by aspirations of stability and prosperity for themselves and their families, but they struggle to find the promised avenues of growth and fulfillment as the UCP’s mismanagement of the application process makes their lives more miserable and their dreams wither. Why does this government persist in failing the newcomers who have placed their trust in Alberta’s potential?

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Mr. Yaseen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the member for that question. Our government is doing our best to help our newcomers and immigrants in this province. Every time I get a question that we’re not doing enough, I can tell you that in their four-year term, they did nothing for immigrants, nothing for newcomers. I’m very happy to be part of this government that has done so much for our newcomers.

Mr. Deol: Mr. Speaker, given that yesterday the Premier and the immigration minister requested the federal government for more control to address its skilled workforce shortage, including increasing Ukrainian evacuees’ participation in the job market; given that due to this government’s incompetence, there is a huge backlog and high processing times for all AAIP streams and given that the ministry cut funding to newcomer support services that will make the bad situation worse, will the minister promise to reverse all the budget cuts to the funding and change its focus on supporting Alberta’s newcomers?

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Mr. Yaseen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am so proud of the Alberta advantage immigration program. This program is very competitive, and because of this program people continue to come to Alberta in massive numbers. Our fees are very competitive with the rest of the country. In fact, they were last revised a few years ago. All we are trying to do is cover the cost for those fees. Very happy to provide the services under AAIP to our newcomers.

Mr. Deol: Mr. Speaker, recently it has been proven once again that the government lacks transparency and is only doing lip service to address the concerns of newcomers. Given that each application will only be considered as an expression of interest going forward and given that all the applications to AAIP streams will have no standard of methods for being selected in these streams, my question to the minister is: how and why would Albertans trust this government on a fair selection process in all AAIP streams?

914 Alberta Hansard March 28, 2024

The Speaker: The hon. the minister.

Mr. Yaseen: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the member for the questions. The Alberta advantage immigration program consists of eight streams. We keep adding new pathways and streams as needed based on the requirements of our economy in this province here. Every stream has its own basic numbers, and we want to make sure that we continue to serve Albertans, but what the member opposite can do is help me to get higher allocations for this province so that we can have more newcomers here.

Home-care Services

Ms Sigurdson: The UCP have failed to support Albertans needing home care. In fact, it goes even further. This government fails to respect home-care workers who work tirelessly to support Alberta seniors. Home-care aides and personal support workers are among the poorest paid health care workers in Alberta, something that this government’s lust for privatization won’t address. Today I will table a petition signed by over 33,000 Albertans calling on this government to improve the quality of home-care services in Alberta. Will the minister listen to these concerns and act on this today? 2:20

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Health has risen.

Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We already have. The truth of the matter is that we’re supporting Albertans each and every day. Budget 2024 invests a total of nearly $860 million, which is an increase of $27 million over last year, for home care. We are investing over a billion dollars over three years to transform the continuing care system, which includes significant funding to expand home and community care services and supports. Home and community care services and supports: we’re expanding those. So, yes, we are doing what we said we were going to do.

Ms Sigurdson: Given that I was joined today by a validator named Daniel Ennett, who said, and I quote: recently when transitioning to government care, AHS evaluated my care needs at 6.6 hours per day. This is wholly inadequate for even the most basic tasks. It is impossible to function in a dignified way with only 6.6 hours of time to live his life. Given that I hope this is something that both sides of the House can agree on, will the minister agree that disabled Albertans deserve better and ensure that no Albertan ever has to experience treatment like this again?

Member LaGrange: We believe that every Albertan deserves the care and treatment that they need provided in a timely fashion. In addition to investing over a billion dollars over three years to improve the capacity and the services that we’re providing to Albertans, we are actually, as of April 1, having new regulations coming into force which allow more self-direction, more autonomy for how those dollars are spent. Mr. Speaker, I also have the ability to say that the aging with dignity bilateral agreement is coming close to fruition as well.

Ms Sigurdson: Given that Karlie Drew joined me earlier today and said, and I quote: “The care insecurity crisis demands our collective attention; nondisabled is a temporary state, and a robust home-care system is the only sustainable, ethical, and economical path forward; I can access MAID but not the care I need to survive,” to the minister: will they listen to Karlie and the countless others who

are suffering without proper care and act to ensure that they don’t feel that MAID is their only viable option?

Member LaGrange: We absolutely want to make sure that every Albertan, regardless of what their level of care needs are, that those are being met. It is the reason why we are increasing the total envelope in this area to $860 million, which is an increase of $27 million. This translates into more people, more resources, more supports for those who need it the most, Mr. Speaker. Of course we care. All of us care. Every person in this place cares about Albertans who need this care. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. The hon. Member for Lacombe-Ponoka has a question.

Road Construction in Lacombe-Ponoka

Mrs. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Highway 12 is one of our main east-west thoroughfares and sees heavy local as well as commercial traffic. Beginning at the Saskatchewan border and heading west all the way to Saskatchewan River Crossing, this highway spans the entire length of my riding. Given the critical work needed for highway 12 east of Lacombe to Clive, to the minister of transportation: can the minister inform my constituents of the proposed plan for resurfacing this important length of highway?

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.

Mr. Dreeshen: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The highlight of any elected representative’s career should be what they can do for their constituents. I’m happy to work with the Member for Lacombe-Ponoka on priority projects for her people. Actually, highway 12 is in this year’s construction plan for 15 kilometres of paving, from highway 815 to highway 50. We will continue to work with all members of this House to deliver important priority projects for all Albertans.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lacombe-Ponoka.

Mrs. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and through you to the minister. Given that highway 604 in Lacombe-Ponoka was first commissioned for grading base and full paving in 2008 for 11 kilometres, given that work was only ever partially done and remains incomplete to this day despite being a high-traffic road and critical for local and provincial traffic and given that this highway not only serves a gravel quarry, construction, intensive livestock, and other agricultural operations but also local and visitor access to lake recreation, to the minister of transportation: what can you tell the constituents of Lacombe-Ponoka about future plans for highway 604 completion and maintenance?

The Speaker: The hon. minister.

Mr. Dreeshen: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Highway 604 has been approved in this budget for design and engineering. Once the design and engineering permits have been finalized, this project will be ready to tender for construction. But let’s talk about the NDP when it comes to roads. Their old leader has an $80 billion legacy debt that’s making it hard to afford to build any new roads. Any of their new leadership candidates are talking about reducing the fuel tax to not fund any new roads, and the NDP federal leader is actually propping up Justin Trudeau for another year and a half and an environment minister who wants to build no new roads in this country. We’re not . . .

March 28, 2024 Alberta Hansard 915

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Lacombe-Ponoka.

Mrs. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and through you to the minister. Given that highway 2, otherwise known as the QE II, is by far the most used and dangerous highway in our province, seeing at its busiest portions over 170,000 vehicles a day and given the instances of high-speed collisions, particularly at intersections and exit ramps along the highway, like the 604 highway crossing, to the minister of transportation: could you explain what work is being done to ensure the QE II and its intersections remain safe and well maintained?

Mr. Dreeshen: Mr. Speaker, highway 2 is actually undertaking a planning and design study to consider upgrade options and also interchange ramp modifications and removal at all at-grade intersections. We are building the province of Alberta with 64,000 lane kilometres and nearly 5,000 bridges. Budget ’24 actually has $3.3 billion in Transportation and Economic Corridors priorities, a 42 per cent increase over a 10-year average of road and bridge funding; $900 million to municipalities across the province to help for road, bridge, transit, and water treatment programs. We are building Alberta.

School Construction in Edmonton

Member Arcand-Paul: Parents in Edmonton-West Henday are worried about their kids’ access to schools in their own neighbourhood. Overcrowded schools, long bus rides, a lack of resources. Are these ingredients for a thriving education system? The recent budget was an opportunity for this UCP government to fund schools that are so desperately needed. Instead, per-student funding in this province has sunk to the lowest in the country. Does the UCP realize what a mess they’ve made?

Mr. Nicolaides: Mr. Speaker, one of the critical things that is essential in delivering a world-class education is to have new and updated and modernized schools. When the NDP were in office, they added no new school projects to the list in 2015 and 2016. All they did was continue the work that the previous PC government put in place. That being said, in Budget ’24 we have planned to move forward with 14 new school projects for the city of Edmonton. Collectively that will add about 12,000 spaces for those families. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order.

Member Arcand-Paul: Given that Bishop David Motiuk and David Thomas King schools, both built by the NDP government, have both been over capacity for years now servicing a growing corner of Edmonton and given that the Rosenthal K to 6 school only received funding for planning in 2023 but what we really need now is shovels in the ground, my constituents are worried that this school will end up being yet another letdown from this government . . . [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. The hon. Member for Edmonton- West Henday is the only one with the call.

Member Arcand-Paul: My constituents are worried that the school will end up being yet another letdown from this government. Can this minister please assure my constituents that Rosenthal K to 6 will be built, and how long until it opens?

Mr. Nicolaides: Mr. Speaker, I’m very happy to reassure the member’s constituents that we take projects in the member’s riding very seriously, unlike the NDP who did not advance any projects

there. In Budget ’24 we have provided design funding for Edmonton public schools for a new elementary school in Rosenthal. We are absolutely committed to that project moving forward. Once the design work has been completed, that project will then be eligible to receive full construction funding in the years to come. We are moving these projects forward for the member’s constituents and all Edmontonians.

Member Arcand-Paul: Given that almost every Catholic and public school in Edmonton is over capacity and given that this shouldn’t come as news to this government since our side of the House has been raising the alarm on overcapacity for years and given that our students are our future and they deserve access to world-class public schools in their own neighborhoods, does the other side of the House agree, and when will they actually start adequately funding our school system in Edmonton, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Nicolaides: We absolutely do agree on the importance of schools and delivering a world-class education, which is why in this budget we are advancing 14 projects in the Edmonton metropolitan region that will add 12,000 additional spaces. But you know what? We would be able to build a lot more schools if the NDP didn’t rack up debt when they were in office. Currently we’re spending over $3 billion annually on debt-servicing costs alone. That can build a lot more schools. We are absolutely committed to building schools while at the same time keeping our finances in order. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. The hon. Member for Camrose is next.

2:30 St. Mary’s Hospital

Ms Lovely: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. St. Mary’s hospital is the pride of the city of Camrose. It serves thousands who live in central Alberta, many of whom are my constituents. This is a pivotal hospital as it serves a wide region which contains many aging communities. St. Mary’s features three operating rooms, but in the past it lacked the funding to run all but one of them. Recently more funds were allocated, but those funds have not yet been released by AHS. Can the Minister of Health expand on what red tape is preventing the funds from being released and how she is working to remove it?

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Health has the call.

Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and to the member. St. Mary’s health centre is an essential Covenant Health run facility that serves many rural regions. Like other Covenant sites, they have access to capital maintenance and renewal program funding through a yearly provincial prioritization process. During the last two years over $10.5 million in capital maintenance and renewal program funding has been allocated to St. Mary’s hospital, which includes critical upgrades to the operating rooms to improve patient flow, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It’s expected to be completed in 2025.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Camrose.

Ms Lovely: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the minister for the answer. Given that St. Mary’s hospital experienced flooding, which damaged 55 per cent of the building, and given that the staff continue to move forward in a very positive way, working around the restorations, and further given the age of the building and the importance of offering surgeries in rural Alberta, particularly in

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aging communities, can the minister explain how the government is aiding to get these essential hospitals in full working order?

The Speaker: The Minister of Health.

Member LaGrange: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. St. Mary’s hospital is maintained through Covenant Health’s dedicated maintenance staff, who are engaged with Alberta Health Services to ensure they can escalate preservation priorities and initiatives. AHS also visits the site and other central zone facilities to provide annual assessments and fair reviews. All preservation projects are implemented according to the priorities and funding availabilities, and flood remediation is nearly complete. In fact, the AHS technical lead has advised that it is expected to be complete by April of this year.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Ms Lovely: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the minister for the answer. Given that our government is focused on providing high-quality health care for Albertans and given that the wonderful staff at St. Mary’s hospital are improving surgery outcomes for patients by using robotic-assisted machinery, can the Minister of Health explain whether her ministry plans on expanding the use of state-of-the-art technologies to provide better orthopaedic surgeries in communities like mine and across rural Alberta?

The Speaker: The Minister of Health.

Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and to the member. Our government is committed to ensuring Albertans receive world- class health care where and when they need it. We are very supportive of new, innovative technologies, and we welcome the opportunity to add their value to our health care workforce. I am happy to say that St. Mary’s hospital is incorporating new, state-of- the-art technologies for orthopaedic surgeries, and I’m excited to look at how we can expand this use across all the zones and across the province. There are incredible things happening in Alberta in this realm, and I’m excited to share it with all Albertans.

Arts and Culture Funding

Member Ceci: Mr. Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our province’s arts scene. The Fringe Festival in Edmonton is the highlight of the city’s festival season. It brings artists together from across the globe and is the largest festival in North America. It is essential that this government does everything it can to protect this festival and provide sustaining funding so that it’s around for future generations. To the minister: what exactly is the government doing to protect Edmonton’s world- renowned International Fringe Theatre Festival?

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Arts and Culture.

Ms Fir: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I’ve previously said in this House, the Fringe Festival is a staple of Edmonton’s festival scene which brings together Albertans from around the province to celebrate the performing arts. We learned of the financial challenges the Fringe Festival is having and are pleased to hear some of the variety of options that they’re looking at to bring in more funding. They’ve reached out to me, and I have an open-door policy and will be meeting with them soon. We’ve been pleased to provide them with over $2.5 million since 2019 through the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and community grant programs.

Member Ceci: Mr. Speaker, given that yesterday was World Theatre Day, despite the fact that no one from the UCP mentioned it, and given that theatres are struggling because of the UCP’s disregard for keeping life affordable, making cut after cut, hiking costs, and pushing Albertans, including artists, into an affordability crisis, and given that this government cut the AFA over the last five years – so even with the UCP promises for their budget, to artists they will still be $13 million short – to the minister: is Alberta’s arts scene facing death by a thousand cuts, or will this government step in and provide more support?

Ms Fir: Mr. Speaker, I’m so glad the member opposite brought up theatre again. Budget 2024, if passed, will provide historic funding to Arts Commons in Calgary, with over $103 million over seven years for the transformation project. This historic investment in the arts shows our commitment to supporting the arts and cultural sectors, which will make arts accessible for all Albertans, expand our province’s economy, and bring in more tourism. This government supports the arts like no other.

Member Ceci: You’re still shorting the AFA. Given that so many of Alberta’s talented artists identify as members of the 2SLGBTQIA-plus community, some of whom sat in the gallery yesterday, and given that this government is actively pursuing policies that make them feel unsafe and unwelcome in our province and given that Alberta artists Tegan and Sara expressed profound concern about this government’s harmful antitrans policies – these policies are taking us back in time – to the minister: quote, Are You Ten Years Ago? Will she take a look at this policy, quote, and call . . .

The Speaker: The hon. the minister of arts and culture.

Ms Fir: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was pleased to watch the Junos a few days ago and see the amazing celebration of arts and music artists across our country. Our government is proud to continue to support the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. In my mandate letter to the Alberta Foundation of the Arts I prioritize that they focus on diversity, inclusion, and representing a wide variety of Alberta artists from all backgrounds. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order.

Energy Industry Liability Management

Ms Al-Guneid: Mr. Speaker, I asked the minister why the UCP is singling out renewables in the name of liabilities, why they let $260 billion in oil and gas liabilities grow. Apparently, he’s still waiting for the Liberal government to send him the $137 million meant for Indigenous communities. Sadly, though, the UCP failed to spend funding for well cleanup on Indigenous lands during COVID and must return the money. Why is the minister making excuses instead of mandating the AER to clean up these wells? [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. The hon. the Minister of Energy and Minerals.

Mr. Jean: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to let the member know, first of all, that we stand with Albertans, that we stand with Indigenous communities. When they approached my ministry and said, “Listen, we have this $135 million from the federal government that’s sitting in our bank account waiting to be spent on cleaning up their obligations” – those are federal obligations on First Nations land – “We need that money, and we need that money to get people to work,” we stood right beside them. You know what

March 28, 2024 Alberta Hansard 917

they said? They said, “Partnership,” they said, “Trust” in describing this government and this Premier. That’s a lot more than those people can ever say about anything they’ve done on the file. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order.

Ms Al-Guneid: Given that the Auditor General asked the government to address pipeline liabilities – $30 billion – and given that oil and gas liabilities are festering and the Premier and her utilities minister banned renewables in the name of liabilities and given that oil sands liabilities have roughly increased by 40 per cent and the environment minister does not have it as a priority – and the hypocrisy of this government is not lost on anyone – will the minister mandate the AER to address all liabilities? Yes or no?

Mr. Jean: Mr. Speaker, we continuously look at all issues of liability that affect the people of Alberta. That’s what’s called good management. Now, we know what their management style was: sending a letter to billionaires across the world and saying: “Come on in. Come to Alberta and – you know what? – dig and put in open- pit mines in category 2 lands.” Those are greenfield lands. That’s not going to happen under this government. We’re going to listen to Albertans, we’re going to make sure we do what’s in the best interest of Albertans, and we’re going to manage the liability file, that they neglected to do when they were in power. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. 2:40

Ms Al-Guneid: Given that the energy minister told us yesterday that everyone is happy with the Alberta Energy Regulator, given that I don’t think the minister realizes the job of the regulator is to regulate and to protect public interest, and given that rural municipalities and Indigenous communities and more have stated publicly that they are not happy with the AER, will the minister listen, learn from the distrust people have in the AER, and commit to mandating the AER to address liabilities?

Mr. Jean: Mr. Speaker, we have a great regulator. We have great Albertans working for that regulator. Let’s be clear. When they were in charge of this government, they let the AER management run a scheme against the taxpayers of Alberta, using money against taxpayers and taking that money for their own profit. They’re gone; so is the NDP. Let’s hope neither one of them ever comes back. [interjections]

The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. The hon. Member for Airdrie-East has a question.

Health Care in Airdrie

Ms Pitt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve long stood in this House advocating for the health care needs of my constituents. Albertans are moving to Airdrie in greater numbers than ever before, and our current health care facility is totally inadequate for the people who call Airdrie home. Thankfully, this government has prioritized over $8 million to renovate our current urgent-care facility. Could the Minister of Health please give us an update on these renovations?

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Health.

Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and to the member for her advocacy. Our government is committed to the Airdrie urgent care centre renovations. I’m pleased to say that this project will occur over three phases: the development of the new

community clinical services, development of the expanded urgent care centre, and development of new administration and home-care space. We will continue to work with AHS and project managers to complete the three-phase renovation project by summer of 2025 so that Airdrie can better serve its growing community.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Airdrie-East.

Ms Pitt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and to the minister for her hard work in my constituency. Given that these necessary renovations to our urgent care centre have started back up and given that this centre will need further investment and expansion to meet population growth pressures, can the Minister of Health please update my constituents on the proposal being put forward by One Health and Qualico Communities to meet the needs of my constituents?

Member LaGrange: Mr. Speaker, Alberta Health has approved a grant agreement with One Health Associate Medical Airdrie Incorporated to develop their business case of a co-located primary and urgent care services model in Airdrie. One Health will work with contracted resource providers provided by the province to support any necessary community engagement, writing, and development of the business plan. A request for proposal to support this work is ongoing, and it is anticipated the contract will be awarded in April of this year.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Airdrie-East.

Ms Pitt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given that we’re very excited for this news but that many of my constituents are currently forced to drive into Calgary in order to visit a hospital during a serious medical emergency and further given that the people of Airdrie were promised a plan in the last budget to address a need for a stand- alone hospital, can the minister please update us on the progress so far?

The Speaker: The minister.

Member LaGrange: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government recognizes the unique challenges families in Airdrie do face when accessing health care services in their communities. We want to ensure that every Albertan can access the care where and when they need it. AHS recently submitted a major capital needs assessment for health capital projects to Alberta Health, which outlines the Airdrie community health centre redevelopment. I look forward to seeing this move forward. I just want to take this opportunity to wish everybody a happy and blessed Easter as we move forward.

The Speaker: Hon. members, that concludes the time allotted for Oral Question Period. In 30 seconds or less we will continue with the remainder of the daily Routine.

head: Introduction of Bills

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul.

Bill 206 Child and Youth Advocate (Parent and Guardian Advisor) Amendment Act, 2024

Mr. Cyr: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m proud today to request leave to introduce Bill 206, Child and Youth Advocate (Parent and Guardian Advisor) Amendment Act, 2024. This bill will establish a parent and guardian adviser within the office of the Child and Youth Advocate to provide parents and

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guardians invaluable support, relevant information and guidance, and a compassionate outlet for addressing concerns related to their children’s well-being. It would also mandate an annual report on the systemic issues affecting parents and guardians regarding their children, revealing key insights on the challenges they face. It is, Mr. Speaker, an honour to have a second chance to put forward a private member’s bill. I look forward to discussing this bill further with my colleagues on both sides of the House, and I hope to work closely with the other side to obtain unanimous support, like I did with my first bill. Thank you.

[Motion carried; Bill 206 read a first time]

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Cypress-Medicine Hat.

Bill Pr. 2 Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta Amendment Act, 2024

Mr. Wright: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise to request leave to introduce a bill being Bill Pr. 2, Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta Amendment Act, 2024. Thank you.

[Motion carried; Bill Pr. 2 read a first time]

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Mill Woods on behalf of the Member for Edmonton-Rutherford to move first reading of Pr. 3.

Bill Pr. 3 Providence Renewal Centre Amendment Act, 2024

Ms Gray: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I rise to request leave on behalf of the Member for Edmonton-Rutherford to introduce a bill being Bill Pr. 3, Providence Renewal Centre Amendment Act, 2024. Thank you.

[Motion carried; Bill Pr. 3 read a first time]

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Livingstone-Macleod.

Bill Pr. 4 Rosebud School of the Arts Amendment Act, 2024

Mrs. Petrovic: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise to request leave to introduce a bill being Bill Pr. 4, Rosebud School of the Arts Amendment Act, 2024. Thank you.

[Motion carried; Bill Pr. 4 read a first time]

head: Tabling Returns and Reports

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Falconridge has a tabling.

Member Boparai: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table five copies of an e-mail which has been sent by Alberta Life Lease Protection Society to the minister to show them that they have registered their society.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood.

Member Irwin: Thank you. I’d like to table five copies of an article entitled False Equivalencies Are Hurting the Housing Conversation,

published today in the Calgary Herald and written by the Member for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood. That’s me. 2:50

The Speaker: Are there others? The hon. Member for Edmonton- Riverview.

Ms Sigurdson: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to table the requisite copies of a petition gathered by Friends of Medicare of approximately 33,000 Albertans calling on the government to improve the quality and availability of home-care services in this province.

The Speaker: Are there others? The hon. Member for Edmonton- McClung.

Mr. Dach: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to table the five requisite copies today of an article in Lakeland Today, which I referenced, whereby the Cold Lake mayor speaks out about highway 28 funding concerns and the fact that it has been in obvious need of upgrades for well over a decade.

The Speaker: The hon. Member for St. Albert is rising.

Ms Renaud: Thanks, Mr. Speaker. I have two tablings. The first is an e-mail of March 28 to the minister of service Alberta from Dr. Giordano-Coltart about the failure of Bill 12 to help those who lost their life savings. My second is an e-mail actually from October 23, again, that explains that life leases in question are not being investigated, as was explained in this House earlier this week.

The Speaker: Hon. members, prior to going to points of order, I’d just like to make a very brief statement as a reminder that my office sent out an e-mail yesterday. I’m sure it was read by all, but I wanted to remind everyone that this next week being a constituency week, the Assembly will proudly host a group of future parliamentarians who are participating in the Girl Guides Alberta Girls’ Parliament. As part of their visit to the Legislature they’ll be entering into the Chamber, sitting at your desks. They will hear a presentation from the Clerk. While your desks will be locked and your personal items remain safe, I ask that you please do your best to clear the tops of your desks of any bills, notes, or otherwise that you would prefer to not be there. I appreciate your co-operation and your support to the Legislative Assembly staff in this regard. That brings us to points of order. At 2:01 the Official Opposition House Leader rose on a point of order.

Point of Order Insulting Language

Ms Gray: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Yes. At 2:01 I rose on a point of order against the minister of service Alberta under Standing Order 23(h), (i), and (j):

(h) makes allegations against another Member; (i) imputes false or unavowed motives to another Member; (j) uses abusive or insulting language of a nature likely to

create disorder. In the back and forth between the minister of service Alberta and his critic at one point – and I do not have the benefit of the Blues, but I believe I have recorded his language accurately – the minister said: when there’s heavy lifting to be done, you can’t find St. Albert or Falconridge anywhere. Mr. Speaker, along with 23(h), (i), and (j) I would draw your attention to House of Commons Procedure and Practice, chapter 13, rules of order and decorum, page 623, unparliamentary

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language, where it begins with: “the proceedings of the House are based on a long-standing tradition of respect for the integrity of all Members.” It goes on to say, “personal attacks, insults and obscenities are not in order.” Earlier, on page 619, it also states: “remarks which question a Member’s integrity, honesty or character are not in order. A Member will be requested to withdraw offensive remarks, allegations, or accusations of impropriety.” The language that “when there’s heavy lifting to be done, you can’t find St. Albert or Falconridge anywhere,” can only be considered an insult, unparliamentary, and should be beneath a minister of this Crown. Now, we got to this language, Mr. Speaker, because when asked why he’s brought forward inadequate legislation, the minister has taken to repeatedly suggesting that because the critic didn’t attend a meeting that the minister didn’t invite him to, the minister couldn’t possibly have gotten the legislation right. It’s a terrible argument, but it’s his right to make it. I do agree that the bill would have been better had he engaged and listened to the NDP critic or even the people impacted by the contents of the bill. He continues to make this argument. It isn’t unparliamentary for him to state that the critic wasn’t at a particular meeting that he wasn’t invited to, but to suggest that when there’s heavy lifting to be done, you can’t find the two members that the minister of service Alberta tends to repeatedly insult is unparliamentary. He should apologize and withdraw. I would suggest the minister also use a different tactic in the debate on this matter, but I certainly do not control that. I just hope that he will remain parliamentary in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: The hon. the Government House Leader.

Mr. Schow: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m having a bit of déjà vu. I think we had this conversation recently. In my argument against this point of order I will reference some of the comments that you, the chair, made with regard to the point of order. But I will, first, address the idea that insults, obscenities, or questioning a member’s integrity were brought up here. Questioning a member’s integrity would be to suggest that the hon. minister of service Alberta came into this Chamber and said that the member from one constituency is a cheater or a liar. That would, of course, Mr. Speaker, be out of line. Nothing to that point was said. If you added an expletive before that, that would be an obscenity. Nothing to that point was said. I believe that while the members opposite may not like the fact that the minister was suggesting that members were or were not present at public consultations – they may feel it’s insulting; it might hurt their feelings – I don’t think it was necessarily an insult that rises to the level of a point of order. If I may reference, Mr. Speaker, your own comments with regard to a point of order that was raised on this similar topic not too long ago. You did say:

I am . . . sympathetic to the Opposition House Leader’s position when the hon. minister of service Alberta said, “That member would know all this if he showed up for work.” It becomes difficult to determine whether or not work was a public meeting or was a meeting held here [in] the Assembly,

which would, of course, raise to the level of a point of order. Now, without the benefit of the official Blues but an unofficial record of my own, shall we say, I believe the minister said something to the effect of, “But you know who was suspiciously absent from those conversations?” when referencing the 170 Albertans that the minister did consult on this bill. He also met with the NDP. Back to the quote: “But you know who was suspiciously absent from those conversations? [The Member for] St. Albert and [the Member for] . . . Falconridge were nowhere to be found.”

Further on: why is it that any heavy lifting to be done, you can’t find Falconridge or St. Albert anywhere? That is, of course, Mr. Speaker, a comment about what he may or may not be hearing about their performance in their own constituencies when it comes to consulting on this matter. In conclusion of my arguments, I do believe that this is not a point of order; it is a matter of debate. Your comments, Mr. Speaker, were taken into consideration, I believe, by the minister of service Alberta when referencing this idea that it was in the Chamber or not. I believe it was very clear that nothing was said about the member’s presence in this Chamber. That would be a point of order. Thank you.

The Speaker: Are there other submissions? I am prepared to rule. While I don’t believe the largest submission from the Opposition House Leader was with respect to the ruling on the presence or the absence of a member, I think it is quite clear what the hon. minister of service Alberta was referring to with respect to the presence or absence of the conversations. I’m not convinced that that was the argument that the hon. Official Opposition House Leader was making. I agree that it isn’t a point of order with respect to those remarks. Having said that, the substantive portion of the point of order was whether or not the allegations and the statements made by the minister of service Alberta were unparliamentary with respect to his comments about, “But you know who was suspiciously absent from those conversations? St. Albert and Calgary-Falconridge were nowhere to be found. Why is it that when there’s heavy lifting to be done, you can’t find Calgary-Falconridge or St. Albert anywhere?” which is from the benefit of the Blues, of which, of course, I have. Hon. members, I would provide caution that when we make significantly more personal statements with respect to allegations, it is often when – order, order – decorum deteriorates inside the Chamber. With that in mind, members of the Official Opposition also make statements with respect to members of the government, particularly about, “Why don’t they care?” “The minister doesn’t care,” which I think are sort of along the same lines of the allegation made today. Those are rarely a point of order. As such, I’ll provide a caution to the minister of service Alberta with respect to this. This has been the point of some contention over the past two days, and I’m sure that there are more effective, more parliamentary ways to make his point. But for now this is not a point of order. I consider the matter dealt with and concluded. 3:00

The hon. the Official Opposition House Leader rose at 2:05 and raised another point of order.

Point of Order Insulting Language

Ms Gray: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. At 2:05 the Member for Edmonton-South was asking a question about the south Edmonton hospital. Often we do hear heckling in this Chamber. I do not often call points of order when it comes to heckling. However, under 23(h), (i), and (j), specifically (j), “uses abusive or insulting language of a nature . . . to create disorder” – I will not re- enter them into the record, but this does directly tie to chapter 13, page 619, and chapter 13, page 623, which I referenced in the previous point of order – the Minister of Municipal Affairs, as he often does when the Member for Edmonton-South is speaking, which I have noticed is a bit of a pattern, in this case felt compelled that he must heckle, yell at her in quite a raised voice twice: they punished themselves when they elected you. A very direct insult

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intended towards an individual member that I think does rise to a point of order. Yelling at another member in such a direct way while they’re in the middle of asking a question and falling down to the point of disrespect and insult at this point: I would hope it would be ruled a point of order in this case, as it has been against the Official Opposition, and we apologize and withdraw when it does. I hope that this is ruled as a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

The Speaker: The Government House Leader.

Mr. Schow: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are two points to this point of order that I will address. The first one would be that the Minister of . . . Service Alberta, you said?

Ms Gray: No. Municipal Affairs.

Mr. Schow: I apologize. Municipal Affairs. . . . Municipal Affairs was directly heckling and often heckles an individual member, the one from Edmonton-South. Mr. Speaker, I think it is a well-known fact that one of the longest standing members of this Chamber heckles everyone. In fact, sometimes he even heckles me. It’s a good time. But I would say that there’s no personal vendetta against the Member for Edmonton-South from the Minister of Municipal Affairs. With regard to the alleged comments that were made, I did not hear them. I do believe that if those comments specifically were said to the Member for Edmonton-South, they would be a point of order, and I would ask the hon. member to withdraw and apologize. However, I did not hear them. I cannot comment on them. I take the Opposition House Leader for what she’s saying; I would never suggest that she’s not being truthful with the Chamber. But I didn’t hear it; therefore, I can’t comment further.

The Speaker: Are there others? Hon. members, I am prepared to rule. I do agree with the Official Opposition House Leader that if he said those things, they would be unparliamentary. Unfortunately, some members of the Assembly took a very robust and vocal position today inside the Chamber, so it was difficult for the Speaker to hear on a number of occasions. In this case as well I have the benefit of the Blues, in which there is no record of those statements being made. I cannot rule on statements I did not hear or there is no reliable record of, and in this case that is the case, so it is not a point of order. However, the hon. Minister of Municipal Affairs knows what he said. If he said it, he should apologize and withdraw, and we’ll leave that to his devices to do so. I consider this matter dealt with and concluded. We are at Ordres du jour.

head: Orders of the Day head: Government Bills and Orders Third Reading

Bill 15 Appropriation (Supplementary Supply) Act, 2024

The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Finance and the President of Treasury Board.

Mr. Horner: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my privilege to rise today and move third reading of Bill 15, the Appropriation (Supplementary Supply) Act, 2024.

Bill 15 will provide authority for government to pay from the general revenue fund for additional costs that are not already covered or otherwise provided for during the current fiscal year. It includes $412.7 million in expense, $4.5 million in capital investment, and $304.1 million in financial transactions. The funding in Bill 15 will cover costs that reflect the government’s commitment to strengthen and refocus our health care system to ensure students are supported in classrooms and to keep our communities and families safe.

[The Deputy Speaker in the chair]

I ask again that the hon. members support this bill and help the government move forward with funding Albertans’ priorities. Thank you. I now move to adjourn debate.

[Motion to adjourn debate carried]

Bill 14 Appropriation Act, 2024

The Deputy Speaker: The hon. Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

Mr. Horner: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise to move third reading of Bill 14, the Appropriation Act, 2024. Last month I tabled Budget 2024: A Responsible Plan for a Growing Province. With this budget we’re investing even more to refocus our health care system and deliver better care, we’re building more schools so our children and grandchildren continue to get the best education for years to come, we’re focusing even more on job creation and investment attraction so Alberta maintains its position as Canada’s economic engine, we are continuing to improve safety and security in our communities while responding to the needs of vulnerable populations, and we are saving for tomorrow and paying down the provincial debt so future generations are not on the hook for costly expenses. The funding amounts in Bill 14 will ensure the province has the resources to address Albertans’ needs and maintain Alberta’s competitiveness so we can pave the way for more prosperity. Budget 2024’s historic health investment of $26.2 billion will refocus our health care system while ensuring Albertans have the care they need. We’re working to ensure every Albertan has access to a primary care provider; reduce emergency department, surgery, and EMS wait times; provide fair, consistent, and timely access to continuing care services; and provide every Albertan struggling with addiction and/or mental health challenges with compassionate support. Budget 2024 continues investments into our classrooms. We’re committed to welcoming more students and building more classrooms with $1.2 billion to address enrolment growth and $2.1 billion to build and modernize new schools where we see the biggest pressures. This means that 43 priority projects will create 35,000 new and modernized spaces. Families, seniors, and vulnerable Albertans will have more help with $5.3 billion to improve the supports that make a difference. This includes fully funding AISH, the Alberta seniors’ benefit, and income support programs with $2.9 billion. An increase to the Alberta child and family benefit will help lower income families with payments up to $3,641, a 9.6 per cent increase. All Albertans deserve to feel secure in their communities. Budget 2024 invests in keeping our communities protected from natural threats like wildfire and drought. It also increases capacity in the

March 28, 2024 Alberta Hansard 921

province’s court system, invests in crime prevention and more recovery-oriented supports for at-risk Albertans. Budget 2024 maintains Alberta’s competitive advantage so businesses and industry continue to create jobs, innovate, and thrive. A strong labour force keeps our economy moving. We remain committed to attracting skilled professionals and enabling entrepreneurs. Initiatives like the Alberta Is Calling attraction bonus and the film and television tax credit are investments that will benefit Alberta’s economic future. Municipalities shape our communities and contribute to our economic prosperity. It’s why an additional $60 million through the new local growth and sustainability grant program will advance infrastructure projects where there have been increased pressures. Projects will boost the community and benefit our overall economy. Budget 2024 secures Alberta’s future by staying true to responsible fiscal management. It makes targeted investments to support Albertans today and tomorrow. It maintains our commitment to our fiscal framework. We have a balanced budget with sustainable spending decisions. We will continue to stick to this fiscal plan so we can create more opportunities for Albertans to get ahead. Madam Speaker, Budget 2024, a responsible plan: it’s a budget for today and tomorrow. I ask that all members of this House support this bill so we can support Albertans today and make sure they are supported in the future. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker: Are there others that wish to join the debate? The hon. member for Edmonton-South West.

Mr. Ip: Thank you, Madam Speaker. It’s a pleasure to rise today to speak to Bill 14, the Appropriation Act, 2024. As I mentioned in bill debate yesterday, Alberta is at a crossroads where the decisions we make in this Assembly will affect Albertans for generations, and if we make the right decisions now, in 2024, I’m confident that Alberta stands to be the inclusive, prosperous province I know it is and can be and will remain a destination of opportunity for newcomers. However, I must say that the Appropriation Act, Bill 14 specifically, but also this budget simply do not reflect these priorities. 3:10

Frankly, budgets are about priorities. The government must make the choices that will enable Alberta to adapt to the ever-changing global economy. In this specific act this means proper investments in public education, in health care, in infrastructure and economic diversification. I don’t see that. It simply is inadequate to meet the challenges that Albertans face. Instead, I see a budget full of broken promises. This budget is not built on the foundation that will deal with the major issues that are facing Alberta. As I mentioned yesterday, Albertans face serious challenges today and will continue to face them for years to come, yet this budget falls short in helping both current and future generations of Albertans. As I’ve mentioned many times in this House, we are facing the worst affordability crisis in a generation, with inflation at its worst since the 1980s. Many of my constituents have spoken to me about their utility bills, as I’m sure many of my colleagues in this House have heard as well from their constituents. So many of them are wondering how they can afford to pay next month’s utility bills and put food on the table. Meanwhile Alberta’s unemployment rate is creeping higher and higher with real GDP per capita stagnating, and in a double whammy the government isn’t keeping up in providing much-needed public services and investment in infrastructure. Let me just say that the government is being short sighted by not investing properly in the health care infrastructure that we need, in

the schools that we need, in the community infrastructure and funding to municipalities that we need. Ultimately, what will end up happening is that it will end up costing Albertans more. It might look like fiscal prudence currently, but ultimately these delayed costs will end up costing all of us more. Instead, the government isn’t delivering any plan to fix the chaotic mess in our health care system or the crushing pressures in our schools. Madam Speaker, it also misses many opportunities to set Alberta up for the future and for changes to global economic conditions. It fails. This budget fails to make the right investments in productivity, and it fails to make the right investments in economic diversification. Let me just take a moment to focus specifically on affordability, because I think the Appropriation Act also fails in this regard. The government needs to keep more money in Albertans’ pockets at a time when families need help the most. Yet not only did the Premier replace her promised tax credit with a suite of new ways to make life more expensive; there also just aren’t enough supports. Let me reiterate what this government is doing, just some of the suites, some of the new ways, this government has introduced, has actually implemented to make Albertans’ lives more expensive. They’re increasing fees to buy a home. This government is also taxing owners of electric vehicles. They’re increasing tuition fees for university and college students. They’re increasing hospital parking fees, of all things, and making it harder to find affordable child care. There is nothing in this budget to help Albertans afford day-to-day life, and what there is is simply not enough. Instead, what this budget and what this specific act do is make life more difficult for Albertans. Let me also focus on schools and health care. The government’s priorities for the economy are also out of touch with families and the struggles they face now, as I mentioned. But let me just talk a little bit about schools. For years the public and Catholic school boards as well as francophone and other school divisions have told this government that new schools were needed yesterday. While, as the Member for Edmonton-South West, I’m certainly happy to see that there is a new high school announced for full construction, it simply is not enough. It should have been announced in previous budgets. Many schools in my riding are at over 100 per cent utilization, and this Appropriation Act, this bill simply does not address the need in my riding and, frankly, across the province in many, many growing ridings and new neighborhoods. I just want to point out specifically that the Edmonton public school board’s utilization rate for schools across the city will creep up closer and closer to nearly 100 per cent in just a few years. By 2033 Edmonton public schools, as an example, will actually be projected to welcome 176,000 students. That’s an incredible increase from 122,000 students currently. That pace of growth will only hasten. As I’ve mentioned to some of my colleagues before, school divisions are struggling. It is not unreasonable for Albertans and for parents to expect that their children will have a desk to sit at in school, that they will have the necessary supports to succeed, that they will have the necessary attention from teachers and educational assistants. But when you have a class of 37 children, for example, the quality of instruction, quality of education is going to suffer no matter how good a teacher is. That’s the reality that we’re seeing in a lot of these schools. I’m very concerned, Madam Speaker, that with this budget, it doesn’t do enough to ensure that students who need individual attention the most – those that require specialized supports, students with special needs, or English language learners – will receive the necessary additional supports that they require. There is always a cost.

922 Alberta Hansard March 28, 2024

Much of this is preventable, and as long as the government is willing to make the investments and fund classroom spaces and staffing, we can ensure that children will not fall behind. But in this bill, it falls short. Classrooms will continue to be short-staffed and remain incredibly overcrowded. There are currently 28,000 additional students entering our schools every single year across the province, and with the announcements that we’ve seen so far in terms of new schools that we’re building, it simply isn’t enough. Instead, this government has taken Alberta from being one of the top provinces when it comes to per-student funding to, in fact, the worst. There is nothing in this bill that changes that. The weighted moving average continues to underfund new and growing divisions. It continues to inadequately provide for the complexities in the classrooms. I can’t help but think of the many families that I serve in Edmonton-South West who are also sending their kids on very, very long bus rides because there aren’t schools nearby. So while this government lauds itself on funding schools and while the government says that there is a process, the reality is that process is a way, at times, to hide behind the inadequacies and failures of this government. What I would say and what I would say to members in this House is really think about the families and think about the students that at the end of the day aren’t receiving the adequate supports that they need to succeed. 3:20

This budget simply isn’t enough. Funding a school or two for the second-largest school division simply isn’t enough. We need, all Albertans need adequate, sustainable funding and investment in school infrastructure. Madam Speaker, as I consider the Appropriation Act and think about the budget, I have to say that I’m deeply disappointed that the government isn’t doing enough. They might laud themselves and say: we were doing something for kids who need that support; we’re building some schools. But if you consider that over the last several years there have actually been precipitous cuts to education and the funding has not been commensurate with the growth and the number of students, and if you consider that, frankly, even by increasing the budget nominally, it isn’t enough to address the growth in student population. There’s another thing I also want to address, Madam Speaker, and that is the need for family doctors. Many of my constituents have written to me about their struggles finding a family doctor, including a new mother recently who had written to me because she couldn’t find a pediatrician for her two-week old baby. That’s one example. This government is refusing to increase funding for acute care, to increase staffing in our struggling health care system. We see that in the budget, and that is impacting disproportionately the many young families who are moving to Edmonton-South West and to other new and growing neighbourhoods across our province. Madam Speaker, there is so much to be desired in this budget. I certainly hope that my colleagues across the aisle would reconsider some of the gaps. As it currently stands, I will not be able to support this bill. Thank you very much.

The Deputy Speaker: Are there others to join the debate? The hon. Member for Edmonton-City Centre.

Mr. Shepherd: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I appreciate the opportunity to speak to Bill 14 and the budget that we have in front of us from the UCP. Now, the Minister of Finance in moving this reading of the bill: he spoke of this as a responsible plan for a growing province. He talked about how it is responding to the needs of vulnerable populations.

Madam Speaker, I would respectfully disagree. Here representing the communities at the heart of our city in Edmonton, Edmonton City- Centre, we have seen the impacts of the doubling of the number of people in our city who are living without housing, and indeed, the challenges for those that are living houseless, something that we have been seeing here for years. For myself as a representative for this area, I am the representative for a number of these people who live without housing, who live on our streets, who stay in our shelter system, and I’ve seen the impacts on our communities and the challenges that this has created. Now, what we have here in this budget, which the minister calls a responsible plan for a growing province, which he says responds to the needs of vulnerable people, on page 86 of the fiscal plan we have a note that there is what they call

significant additional funding of $24.5 million . . . $70 million over the next three years, for the ongoing implementation of [their] Homelessness Task Force Action Plan. The funding will be used

it says to add hundreds of new homeless shelter spaces, as well as to support operational cost pressures at shelters throughout the province.

Now, if we take a look at that plan, Madam Speaker, the homelessness task force plan, at various points in the plan it talks about funding shelters to help facilitate access to appropriate housing options through housing-focused shelter services. Under building on successes, that action plan talks about “establishing over 1,200 units of housing with supports offered on site,” supportive housing, and it talks about that housing being successful, how it has made substantial reductions in the folks that live in that housing and their

use of emergency public services, including 58 per cent fewer days in hospital and 91 per cent fewer days in jail, compared to the year before they were housed.

But do you know what this budget does not fund, Madam Speaker? More supportive housing. It takes one piece of that action plan: invest in more shelter spaces. Now, to be clear, Madam Speaker, I am not disagreeing with investment in shelter spaces. Those are needed. Indeed, the city of Edmonton, myself, my colleagues called for years for this government to step up to the table in funding more shelter spaces. What we saw continually, winter after winter, was a pattern where this government would be late to the game, last to the table, and not bring enough. We were scrambling at the last minute for shelter spaces, the city of Edmonton having to step up, find additional spaces, fund additional spaces, fund additional services while the provincial government dragged its feet. Now, I will give them credit. This past winter we finally saw them step up. Again, we did not see those shelter spaces get opened until a couple of months into the winter season, but I will give them credit. They stepped up, and they provided the funding to get us over 1,700 shelter spaces this winter. That is progress, and that is important. That is a vital part of this, but it is not enough on its own. Over the last few years, the city of Edmonton has built 210 new units of supportive housing. That is essential because, again, this government’s own action plan states that our “access to appropriate housing options that are combined with health and social supports remains challenging.” They published that in September of 2022, Madam Speaker. But with this budget we do not see any additional investment in supportive housing here in the city of Edmonton despite the fact that we know that it is an essential part of this system. Again, the city has invested 210 new units of supportive housing over the last two years, almost exclusively funded by the city, with funding from the federal government. The UCP

March 28, 2024 Alberta Hansard 923

government repeatedly refused to partner or even just to commit to funding the wraparound services, which fall under provincial responsibility: the provision of health supports, mental health supports, social services. Year over year over year this government refused to fund that small portion, while the city of Edmonton stepped up, while the federal government stepped up to actually provide mid- and long-term solutions here in our communities. Indeed, I’ve had people that work across sectors, people in business, people that work from the city side, people that work from the social service side that said that even just bringing up the words “supportive housing” with this government’s ministers pretty much killed the conversation. But the fact is, Madam Speaker, as this government admitted themselves in their homelessness task force action plan, that it is an essential part. In this budget we have funding for more shelter spaces. We have funding for the operation of those shelter spaces. The government brags and talks about how important it is that they are providing the navigation centre here downtown to help people find housing. But we know from the minister’s own estimates that through that navigation centre we have housed a total of five people, and that is because this government is not investing in the next step, the essential step, that transitional housing, that supportive housing. That is one of my concerns with this budget, and I’ll have more to say on that at a future opportunity. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker: Are there are others to join the debate? The hon. Member for Sherwood Park.

Mr. Kasawski: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I just need to be reminded about what we’re speaking to.

The Deputy Speaker: We are on Bill 14, the Appropriation Act.

Mr. Kasawski: I was ready to talk about Bill 15, but I like Bill 14 better because I’ve got more to say about that one.

Mr. Getson: I have some notes if you want to borrow them.

Mr. Kasawski: No, I’m good. Thank you very much. Yeah. I appreciate that. 3:30

I did want to just bring back, if I could, tie in some pieces that were really important to me when we think about the Appropriation Act. What I really thought was interesting was that we had a renewable energies ban these past few months. When that happened, the government knew that they were putting handcuffs on the industry, and they knew that they drove investment away. The results with that renewable energy ban, which was extended for months, said to the world: we are not open for business here for certain types of technology. That was harming for Albertans. When I thought about what would be in the Appropriation Act, I thought this was an opportunity for the government to say: look, we needed to go look at how we’re using our land in this province; we needed to address some issues that have been brought up to us. We want to say back to the world that we are open for investment and that, in fact, here is what our renewable energy program is; here’s how we’re going to attract more investment to this province. We have heard talk about rooftop solar. We’ve heard talk about an energy efficiency program. We see nothing in the Appropriation Act that provides any incentives to entice people to work on ways we could have more renewable energy in this province for our

energy efficiency program. When you go to the industry and you say, “Look, no, we’re not going to be open for business,” a great thing to do is to basically offer incentives to bring back . . . [interjections]

The Deputy Speaker: Order. Order. If hon. members would like to have a conversation, I’d maybe ask that they leave this Chamber and do it so that I can hear the hon. Member for Sherwood Park speaking.

Mr. Kasawski: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Almost every state in North America has an energy efficiency program. We’re so caught up on betting on elections in this province that we can’t focus on our own house and what we need to do. In the previous UCP government they bet on the last presidential election with a 1 and a half billion dollar bet on a pipeline extension. Betting on elections is not a strategy that is worthy of a provincial government in Alberta. Currently we have a government that is betting on a federal election in this country and a change in the federal government. They are wailing about the carbon tax and saying: oh, my, this is so terrible. Then at the same time they’re going: we’re going to have a carbon neutral economy by 2050. In this Appropriation Act there is nothing that is connected to a carbon neutral economy in 2050. We had a renewable energy ban, and now we have this opportunity to basically provide incentives for that achievement of a carbon neutral economy, and there is nothing in the Appropriation Act. When I look to Texas, they have state incentives. When I look to Arizona, they have state incentives. Even Montana has state incentives. Every jurisdiction in North America at the provincial or state level has incentives for an energy efficiency program which would include what we call in this province microgeneration. Rooftop solar is the largest type of technology used in that. We need to bring forward something like that with this act in order to get support from this side of the House. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I’m done with what I have to say on that piece.

The Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Elbow.

Member Kayande: Thank you, Madam Speaker. This bill is bad. This bill is very bad. We have in Alberta a massive affordability crisis, as many of my colleagues have stated. The root of the affordability crisis in many respects is the fact that wages in Alberta have not kept up with inflation. This is the only province in Canada where the average ordinary working person has fallen behind inflation, the only large province in Canada where that has happened since 2019. Leaving aside inflation, nominal wage growth in this province stands at 9.5 per cent over the UCP’s term since 2019. It’s the lowest in Canada. We have the lowest wage growth in Canada in this province. What that means is that the current advantage that Albertans have of making more money than the rest of Canadians is constantly getting eroded. There will be some time in the not-too- distant future, in the coming months, when we will not be able to say anymore that we make more money than everyone else does because we won’t be. For the people of Alberta, who have lost ground, who have lost ground to inflation to the tune of 5 percentage points, a 5 per cent real wage decline since 2019, it is extremely irritating to them to hear from the members of the government that everything is fine and that it’s all in their heads and that this government is actually helping them when, in fact, it is not. What is the government doing to address this incredible suite of year after year after year of subpar wage growth in this country?

924 Alberta Hansard March 28, 2024

Nothing but broken promises. The government offered tax cuts and then rescinded them. There’s no mention in this budget, there is no money in this budget at any point in time for a key election promise that this government made in order to win the election. Housing construction fell last year. This province had fewer homes built in the last fiscal year than it did in the year before, and that is by this budget’s own numbers. This budget’s own numbers are saying that 180,000 more people will be moving to this province. Congratulations. Only 39,000 new homes are being constructed for them. [interjections]

The Deputy Speaker: Order.

Member Kayande: Not only is housing a crisis for renters and for people who have few housing options, but it means more people are going to be having their kids live in their basement for a very long time. It means that more families are going to be facing their kids- in-law moving back in and more extended families having to stay extended rather than actually provide housing solutions and market housing solutions as well as affordable housing solutions. There is nothing in this budget that solves the housing crisis. That is getting worse and worse and worse. Instead, this government is increasing land titles fees. So if you can afford to buy a house, they’re going to increase your tax to buy that house by 168 per cent, Madam Speaker. It is utterly unacceptable. For that reason, I have to oppose this budget. I feel like it does nothing to help the people of Alberta, and I urge everybody in the House to vote against it. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker: Are there others to join the debate? Seeing none, would the hon. Minister of Finance like to close the debate?

Mr. Horner: Waive.

[Motion carried; Bill 14 read a third time]

Bill 15 Appropriation (Supplementary Supply) Act, 2024

(continued)

The Deputy Speaker: The hon. Minister of Finance or anyone wishing to join the debate? Seeing none, would the minister like to close the debate?

Mr. Horner: Waive.

[Motion carried; Bill 15 read a third time]

The Deputy Speaker: The hon. Government House Leader. 3:40

Mr. Schow: Well, Thank you, Madam Speaker. What a fantastic three weeks of work we’ve had in a row, but the time has come now as we prepare to get ready for Easter – I’m not sure why they’re heckling the adjournment speech. That’s odd. In any event, I do appreciate the work of all members of this Chamber over the past three weeks. I wish you all a very happy Easter as you spend time with your friends and family and your constituents. At this time I move that we adjourn the Assembly until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8.

The Deputy Speaker: The House stands adjourned until April 8. Happy Easter.

[Motion carried; the Assembly adjourned at 3:41 p.m. to Monday, April 8, at 1:30 p.m.]

_________________________________________________________Bill Status Report for the 31th Legislature - 1st Session (2023-2024)

Activity to Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Bill sponsor's name is in brackets following the Bill title. If it is a money Bill, ($) will appear between the title and the sponsor's name. Numbers following each Reading refer to Hansard pages where the text of debates is found; dates for each Reading are in brackets following the page numbers. Bills numbered 1 to 200 are Government Bills. Bills numbered 201 or higher are Private Members' Public Bills. Bills numbered with a "Pr" prefix are Private Bills.

* An asterisk beside a Bill number indicates an amendment was passed to that Bill; the Committee line shows the precise date of the amendment.

The date a Bill comes into force is indicated in square brackets after the date of Royal Assent. If a Bill comes into force "on proclamation," "with exceptions," or "on various dates," please contact Legislative Counsel, Alberta Justice, for details at 780.427.2217. The chapter number assigned to the Bill is entered immediately following the date the Bill comes into force. SA indicates Statutes of Alberta; this is followed by the year in which it is included in the statutes, and its chapter number. Please note, Private Bills are not assigned chapter number until the conclusion of the Fall Sittings.

Bill 1 — Alberta Taxpayer Protection Amendment Act, 2023 (Smith) First Reading — 10 (Oct. 30, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 57-58 (Nov. 1, 2023 aft.), 96-97 (Nov. 2, 2023 aft., passed) Committee of the Whole — 145-47 (Nov. 7, 2023 aft., passed) Third Reading — 147-54 (Nov. 7, 2023 aft., passed on division) Royal Assent — (Dec. 7, 2023 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on December 7, 2023; SA 2023 c6 ]

Bill 2 — Alberta Pension Protection Act (Horner) First Reading — 89-90 (Nov. 2, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 154-55 (Nov. 7, 2023 aft.), 274-85 (Nov. 21, 2023 aft.), 336-43 (Nov. 23, 2023 aft.), 394-400 (Nov. 28, 2023 aft.), 424-30 (Nov. 29, 2023 aft., passed)

Committee of the Whole — 522-30 (Dec. 5, 2023 aft.), 552-59 (Dec. 6, 2023 eve., passed) Third Reading — 565 (Dec. 6, 2023 eve.), 583-90 (Dec. 6, 2023 eve., passed on division) Royal Assent — (Dec. 7, 2023 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on December 7, 2023; SA 2023 cA-29.5 ]

Bill 3 — Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Amendment Act, 2023 (Williams) First Reading — 22 (Oct. 31, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 90-93 (Nov. 2, 2023 aft.), 180-87 (Nov. 8, 2023 aft.), 272-73 (Nov. 21, 2023 aft., passed) Committee of the Whole — 307-09 (Nov. 22, 2023 aft., passed) Third Reading — 334-36 (Nov. 23, 2023 aft., passed) Royal Assent — (Dec. 7, 2023 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on December 7, 2023; SA 2023 c10 ]

Bill 4 — Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2023 ($) (Horner) First Reading — 55 (Nov. 1, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 159-63 (Nov. 7, 2023 aft.), 155-56 (Nov. 7, 2023 aft.), 187-90 (Nov. 8, 2023 aft., passed) Committee of the Whole — 309-13 (Nov. 22, 2023 aft., passed) Third Reading — 336 (Nov. 23, 2023 aft., passed) Royal Assent — (Dec. 7, 2023 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on various dates; SA 2023 c13 ]

Bill 5* — Public Sector Employers Amendment Act, 2023 (Horner) First Reading — 55-56 (Nov. 1, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 156-57 (Nov. 7, 2023 aft.), 190-97 (Nov. 8, 2023 aft.), 265-72 (Nov. 21, 2023 aft.), 403-09 (Nov. 28, 2023 aft.), 430-35 (Nov. 29, 2023 aft., passed)

Committee of the Whole — 456 (Nov. 30, 2023 aft., passed), 519-22 (Dec. 5, 2023 aft., recommitted), 559-62, 563-64 (Dec. 6, 2023 eve., passed with amendments on division)

Third Reading — 515 (Dec. 5, 2023 aft., recommitted to Committee of the Whole), 564-55 (Dec. 6, 2023 eve.), 575-83 (Dec. 6, 2023 eve., passed on division)

Royal Assent — (Dec. 7, 2023 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on Proclamation; SA 2023 c12 ]

Bill 6 — Public Health Amendment Act, 2023 (Amery) First Reading — 90 (Nov. 2, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 157-58 (Nov. 7, 2023 aft.), 313-20 (Nov. 22, 2023 aft.), 435-38 (Nov. 29, 2023 aft., passed) Committee of the Whole — 456-62 (Nov. 30, 2023 aft., passed) Third Reading — 462 (Nov. 30, 2023 aft., passed) Royal Assent — (Dec. 7, 2023 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on December 7, 2023; SA 2023 c11 ]

Bill 7 — Engineering and Geoscience Professions Amendment Act, 2023 (Sawhney) First Reading — 111 (Nov. 6, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 158-59 (Nov. 7, 2023 aft.), 273-74 (Nov. 21, 2023 aft., passed) Committee of the Whole — 400-03 (Nov. 28, 2023 aft.), 423-24 (Nov. 29, 2023 aft., passed) Third Reading — 514-15 (Dec. 5, 2023 aft., passed) Royal Assent — (Dec. 7, 2023 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on December 7, 2023; SA 2023 c7 ]

Bill 8 — Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2023 (Amery) First Reading — 209 (Nov. 9, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 299-307 (Nov. 22, 2023 aft.), 438-41 (Nov. 29, 2023 aft., passed) Committee of the Whole — 515-18 (Dec. 5, 2023 aft.), 546-52 (Dec. 6, 2023 eve., passed) Third Reading — 564 (Dec. 6, 2023 eve.), 569-75 (Dec. 6, 2023 eve., passed on division) Royal Assent — (Dec. 7, 2023 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on various dates; SA 2023 c8 ]

Bill 9 — Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2023 (Schow) First Reading — 478 (Dec. 4, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 513-14 (Dec. 5, 2023 aft., passed) Committee of the Whole — 546 (Dec. 6, 2023 eve.., passed) Third Reading — 590-92 (Dec. 7, 2023 eve., passed) Royal Assent — (Dec. 7, 2023 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on December 7, 2023; SA 2023 c9 ]

Bill 10 — Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 ($) (Horner) First Reading — 673 (Mar. 12, 2024 aft., passed) Second Reading — 705-16 (Mar. 14, 2024 aft.), 868-73 (Mar. 26, 2024 aft.), 904-05 (Mar. 27, 2024 aft.), 899-901 (Mar. 27, 2024 aft., adjourned)

Bill 11 — Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 (Ellis) First Reading — 685 (Mar. 13, 2024 aft., passed)

Bill 12 — Consumer Protection (Life Leases) Amendment Act, 2024 (Nally) First Reading — 727 (Mar. 18, 2024 aft., passed)

Bill 13 — Real Property Governance Act (Guthrie) First Reading — 779 (Mar. 21, 2024 aft., passed)

Bill 14 — Appropriation Act, 2024 ($) (Horner) First Reading — 791 (Mar. 21, 2024 aft., passed) Second Reading — 855-63 (Mar. 26, 2024 aft., passed) Committee of the Whole — 887-93 (Mar. 27, 2024 aft., adjourned), (Mar. 27, 2024 aft., passed) Third Reading — 920-24 (Mar. 28, 2024 aft., passed) Royal Assent — (Mar. 28, 2024 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on March 28, 2024; SA 2024 c1 ]

Bill 15 — Appropriation (Supplementary Supply) Act, 2024 ($) (Horner) First Reading — 841 (Mar. 25, 2024 eve., passed) Second Reading — 863-68 (Mar. 26, 2024 aft., passed) Committee of the Whole — 893-99 (Mar. 27, 2024 aft., adjourned), 901-04 (Mar. 27, 2024 aft., passed) Third Reading — 924 (Mar. 28, 2024 aft, passed), 920 (Mar. 28, 2024 aft.) Royal Assent — (Mar. 28, 2024 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on March 28, 2024; SA 2024 c2 ]

Bill 201 — Alberta Health Care Insurance (Access Fees) Amendment Act, 2023 (Brar) First Reading — 90 (Nov. 2, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 114-25 (Nov. 6, 2023 aft.), 234-37 (Nov. 20, 2023 aft., reasoned amendment agreed to on division; not proceeded with)

Bill 202 — Education (Class Size and Composition) Amendment Act, 2023 (Chapman) First Reading — 209 (Nov. 9, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 237-46 (Nov. 20, 2023 aft.), 358-64 (Nov. 27, 2023 aft., defeated on division; not proceeded with)

Bill 203 — Foreign Credential Advisory Committee Act (Dyck) First Reading — 111 (Nov. 6, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 364-70 (Nov. 27, 2023 aft.), 479-86 (Dec. 4, 2023 aft., passed) Committee of the Whole — 730-43 (Mar. 18, 2024 aft., passed) Third Reading — 805-12 (Mar. 25, 2024 aft., passed on division) Royal Assent — (Mar. 28, 2024 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on June 28, 2024; SA 2024 cF-16.5 ]

Bill 204 — Municipal Government (National Urban Parks) Amendment Act, 2023 (Lunty) First Reading — 332 (Nov. 23, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 486-92 (Dec. 4, 2023 aft.), 649-58 (Mar. 11, 2024 aft., passed on division) Committee of the Whole — 812-17 (Mar. 25, 2024 aft., adjourned)

Bill 205 — Housing Statutes (Housing Security) Amendment Act, 2023 (Irwin) First Reading — 510 (Dec. 5, 2023 aft., passed) Second Reading — 658-62 (Mar. 11, 2024 aft., adjourned)

Bill 206 — Child and Youth Advocate (Parent and Guardian Advisor) Amendment Act, 2024 (Cyr) First Reading — 917-18 (Mar. 28, 2024 aft., passed)

Bill Pr1 — St. Joseph’s College Amendment Act, 2023 (Sigurdson, L) First Reading — 289 (Nov. 22, 2023 aft., passed; referred to the Standing Committee on Private Bills), 421 (Nov. 29, 2023 aft., reported to Assembly; proceeded with)

Second Reading — 455 (Nov. 30, 2023 aft., passed) Committee of the Whole — 515 (Dec. 5, 2023 aft., passed) Third Reading — 530 (Dec. 5, 2023 aft., passed) Royal Assent — (Dec. 7, 2023 outside of House sitting) [Comes into force on December 7, 2023; SA 2023 c14 ]

Bill Pr2 — Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta Amendment Act, 2024 (Justin Wright) First Reading — 918 (Mar. 28, 2024 aft., passed; referred to the Standing Committee on Private Bills)

Bill Pr3 — Providence Renewal Centre Amendment Act, 2024 (Calahoo Stonehouse) First Reading — 918 (Mar. 28, 2024 aft., passed; referred to the Standing Committee on Private Bills)

Bill Pr4 — Rosebud School of the Arts Amendment Act, 2024 (Petrovic) First Reading — 918 (Mar. 28, 2024 aft., passed; referred to the Standing Committee on Private Bills)

Table of Contents

Prayers ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 907

Introduction of Visitors .............................................................................................................................................................................. 907

Introduction of Guests ................................................................................................................................................................................ 907

Members’ Statements Calgary Board of Education’s French Immersion Programming ........................................................................................................... 908 Supports for Seniors .............................................................................................................................................................................. 908 Public Education System ....................................................................................................................................................................... 908 Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial ................................................................................................................................................... 909 Support for Immigrants ......................................................................................................................................................................... 909 International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims .................. 909

Oral Question Period Hospital Discharge Policies ................................................................................................................................................................... 910 Fuel Tax Increase .................................................................................................................................................................................. 910 Life Lease Regulation ............................................................................................................................................................................ 911 South Edmonton Hospital Construction Project .................................................................................................................................... 911 School Construction in Lethbridge ........................................................................................................................................................ 912 Federal Carbon Tax Increase ................................................................................................................................................................. 912 Alberta Advantage Immigration Program ............................................................................................................................................. 913 Home-care Services ............................................................................................................................................................................... 914 Road Construction in Lacombe-Ponoka ................................................................................................................................................ 914 School Construction in Edmonton ......................................................................................................................................................... 915 St. Mary’s Hospital ................................................................................................................................................................................ 915 Arts and Culture Funding ...................................................................................................................................................................... 916 Energy Industry Liability Management ................................................................................................................................................. 916 Health Care in Airdrie ........................................................................................................................................................................... 917

Introduction of Bills Bill 206 Child and Youth Advocate (Parent and Guardian Advisor) Amendment Act, 2024 ............................................................. 917 Bill Pr. 2 Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta Amendment Act, 2024 ................................................ 918 Bill Pr. 3 Providence Renewal Centre Amendment Act, 2024 ............................................................................................................. 918 Bill Pr. 4 Rosebud School of the Arts Amendment Act, 2024 .............................................................................................................. 918

Tabling Returns and Reports ...................................................................................................................................................................... 918

Orders of the Day ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 920

Government Bills and Orders Third Reading

Bill 15 Appropriation (Supplementary Supply) Act, 2024 ................................................................................................... 920, 924 Bill 14 Appropriation Act, 2024 ................................................................................................................................................... 920

Alberta Hansard is available online at www.assembly.ab.ca For inquiries contact: Editor Alberta Hansard 3rd Floor, 9820 – 107 St EDMONTON, AB T5K 1E7 Telephone: 780.427.1875 E-mail: AlbertaHansard@assembly.ab.ca Published under the Authority of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta ISSN 0383-3623