Legislative Assembly of Alberta 100th Anniversary:
Let's get ready to celebrate! The 100th anniversary of the Assembly takes place in March 2006 and plans are underway to mark its centennial. I would be delighted to speak to any group in the constituency about "100 Years of Democracy." If interested, please contact my constituency office to make arrangements.

2005 Construction Season Wraps Up For 2005, Bringing Albertans New Schools, Healthcare Centres And Post-Secondary Buildings: Albertans are reaping the benefits of a busy 2005 construction season. In total, 29 new and improved schools, healthcare facilities and post-secondary projects were completed and 137 other major projects on public facilities are underway. During 2005, 18 major school projects were completed and opened - including 14 new schools - at a cost of $120 million. Work was also completed on seven healthcare facilities, worth $52 million, and two post-secondary institution projects, to which government committed $10 million. Work continues as even more facilities will open across Alberta to meet the needs of a growing and successful province. In addition, 46 more projects are under construction that include 22 new schools and major school renovation projects, at a cost of $173 million; 11 major post-secondary projects, with a government investment of $361 million; and 13 healthcare projects, worth $1.1 billion. The 91 projects being designed and tendered include: 47 new schools and major school renovation projects, at a cost of $389 million; 36 major post-secondary projects, with a government investment of $287 million; and 8 healthcare projects, worth $1.4 billion. Other major government-owned construction projects include the Edmonton Level III Biocontainment Lab, the Leduc Agrivalue Business Incubator Centre, and the Calgary Courts facility.

Alberta Hip And Knee Replacement Project Reduces Wait Times: An interim report finds that during the first eight months of the Alberta Hip and Knee Replacement Project, the new care pathway has met its goal to ensure patients receive surgery within four months of initial consultation. After eight months, the highlights of the interim report on this research include: decreased wait time to receive first orthopaedic consult from 35 weeks to six weeks; decreased wait time from first orthopaedic consult to surgery from 47 weeks to 4.7 weeks; and decreased length of stay in hospital from 6.2 days to 4.3 days. A formal evaluation of the program is ongoing and the pilot will conclude in April 2006.

Committee Recommends Steps To Combat Mortgage Fraud: A committee formed in 2005 to combat the growing problem of mortgage fraud in Alberta delivered its final recommendations to government. The Government of Alberta is reviewing the recommendations and anticipates introducing any necessary legislative changes this Spring.

A special thanks to the constituents who have taken the time to write to me on various Alberta issues. Your thoughtful and well expressed ideas keep Alberta moving towards an even brighter future

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