ALANA'S RETROSPECTIVE OF 2007

As we all settle into the New Year, I am reminded that this is also the appropriate season to take stock of the past year as we also make resolutions for the future ahead. As I look back on the previous twelve months I know that it has been about as full a year as I can remember

The 26th Legislature, 3rd Session started Wednesday, March 7, 2007 and officially ended on the evening of December 4, 2007. During this time I sponsored Government Bill 38, Government Organization Amendment Act, 2007. Prior to this Bill, all interprovincial trade agreements did not yet have an enforceable dispute resolution process which I saw as a major shortcoming. The Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) Bill 38 now allows a TIMLA dispute resolution panel to file penalties with Alberta courts. This signals the commitment of the governments of Alberta and B.C. to eliminate needless obstacles to trade and investment opportunities between us. This Bill came into force on December 7, 2007.

As an MLA I am afforded many opportunities to speak out about topics that are of great concern to my constituents. During this session I was able to stand on the floor of the Legislature and address the following issues:

• Alberta's new Royalties Framework
• Health care access and the removal of the home care funding cap
• Municipal sustainability
• Homelessness and the status of the winter emergency shelters in our province
• Community based initiatives aimed at crime prevention and The Crime Reduction and Safe Communities Task Force final report
• The effects of waste water discharge from Strathmore community into the Bow River
• The quality of the fishery in the Bow River

With 100 new Albertans coming to Calgary each day over the past several years, there is no doubt a great demand on the province for new and improved roads, schools, hospitals, community facilities and other services and programs. My job will continue to be very exciting as I try my best to improve government programs and services to meet these needs.

A special thanks to all my constituents who have taken the time to call, write and meet with me over the past several years. Your many well thought out comments and advice has been of immeasurable value to our Government and to all the people of Alberta. As always, my staff and I are available to answer any questions and/or concerns that you may have.

Public Consultations

Please visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/Index.cfm?Page=625 and provide your input to matters that affect Albertans.

See Alana's past Newsletters

As the MLA for Calgary Bow, I am always available to assist constituents. Should you have any questions or comments, I can be reached at:

Consituency Office (Calgary):   Edmonton: Toll-Free:

(403) 216-5400 (780) 415-9459 310-0000