Investment for the Access to the Future Fund Grows to $750 million:
An additional $500m is being invested from this year's surplus towards the Access to the Future Fund, as part of the government's commitment to save today's non-renewal resource revenues for future Albertans. The endowment will now have $750 million in 2005/06, which will provide millions more dollars in the years ahead to launch new and innovative post-secondary initiatives. The Access to the Future Fund was introduced in Bill 1 this Spring. A total of $1.3 billion has now been committed this year for endowment funds, including $250m more for the Heritage Scholarship Fund, $200m more for the Heritage Medical Research Fund, and $750 million in investment towards the Access to the Future Fund. More than 75% of surplus dollars are being spent in priority areas and saved in endowment funds. More information on the fund is available at: www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/news/2005/March/nr-Bill1.asp

Government On Track With Learning Commission Recommendations:

Significant progress has been made in addressing Alberta's Commission on Learning report by adding $551.1m in new dollars that support the 87 accepted recommendations. This investment includes government's decision to accelerate the timeline to reduce jurisdiction class size averages and reach the Commission's class size guidelines two years earlier than recommended. School boards, teachers and other stakeholders also play a significant role in implementing the Commission's recommendations. Alberta Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky hopes to respond to the three recommendations (2, 3, 81) that remain under review by the end of this fiscal year. The Minister has been meeting with all of the province's 62 school boards. The Minister will also host receptions for teachers and school parent council representatives in a number of locations following the school board sessions. A report detailing government's action on Alberta's Commission on Learning recommendations is available at www.education.gov.ab.ca.

Albertans urged to nominate community leaders to Alberta Order of Excellence:

The Alberta Order of Excellence Council is now accepting public nominations for membership in 2006. Up to 10 outstanding Albertans will be selected to receive the province's highest honour. Please think about the people in our community who stand behind the many successes we enjoy as a province and to put their names forward so that all Albertans can thank them for their service. Albertans will have until February 15, 2006 to submit a nomination. The formal investiture ceremony will take place in October 2006. Information about the Order is available at www.lieutenantgovernor.ab.ca/aoe.

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