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  • AAMDC Contact Newsletter - December 10

    10 Dec 2014 4:30 PM | Christine Heggart (Administrator)

    Check out the latest CONTACT for information regarding Transport Canada's review of the Canada Transportation Act (CTA).


  • Jack Dunsmore receives 2014 Peer Recognition Award

    20 Nov 2014 4:00 PM | Christine Heggart (Administrator)

    At AMSA's Fall Convention, Jack Dunsmore from the MD of Taber received the 2014 Peer Recognition Award.  Jack has been an AMSA member for 20 years. 

     


    Congratulations Jack!

    Each year at the fall convention, AMSA recognizes one member for their long standing commitment not only to AMSA, but to the enhancement of the field of municipal public works.

    We are now excepting nominations for the 2015 AMSA Peer Recognition Award.  If you know of a worthy AMSA member that you'd like to nominate for this award, please click here to send an email to the Executive Director.  Be sure to include a brief summary describing the members experience and why they should be selected.

    Nominations will be accepted until March 1, 2015. 

    Each year at the fall convention, AMSA recognizes one member for their long standing commitment not only to AMSA, but to the enhancement of the field of municipal public works.

    We are now excepting nominations for the 2015 AMSA Peer Recognition Award.  If you know of a worthy AMSA member that you'd like to nominate for this award, please click here to send an email to the Executive Director.  Be sure to include a brief summary describing the members experience and why they should be selected.

    Nominations will be accepted until March 1, 2015. 

    Each year at the fall convention, AMSA recognizes one member for their long standing commitment not only to AMSA, but to the enhancement of the field of municipal public works.

    We are now excepting nominations for the 2015 AMSA Peer Recognition Award.  If you know of a worthy AMSA member that you'd like to nominate for this award, please click here to send an email to the Executive Director.  Be sure to include a brief summary describing the members experience and why they should be selected.

    Nominations will be accepted until March 1, 2015. 

  • Provincial News Release: New West Premiers and industry work together to support growth

    06 Nov 2014 4:00 PM | Christine Heggart (Administrator)

    New West Premiers and industry work together to support growth

    New West Partnership (NWP) Premiers Brad Wall (Saskatchewan), Christy Clark (British Columbia) and Jim Prentice (Alberta) met with industry leaders today to explore ways to improve the long-term efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness of western Canada’s transportation system.

    “We had a really good, constructive discussion. The difficulty we had last winter in moving our products to market was a wake-up call. The current transportation system has served us well but is nearing its limit. What we heard today was a commitment from transporters and everyone who depends on the supply chain to work together and build capacity for long-term growth.”

    - Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan

    Participants agreed on the following vision for the New West transportation infrastructure system:

    An integrated and collaborative system and supply chain that stays apace with demand growth, can pivot to stay ahead of shifts in demand, prioritizes safety and environmental protection and has the right options to move goods efficiently and cost-effectively.

    “We heard loud and clear from the participants that we must continue to work with private sector, government and First Nations partners to ensure we have the infrastructure to support the unprecedented growth and greater trade in the Asia-Pacific region.”

    - Jim Prentice, Premier of Alberta

    Premiers stressed the need for a renewed partnership with the Government of Canada. Premiers called for a federal contribution of $1- to 1.5 billion to support and enhance essential port and transportation infrastructure.

    A restructured Pacific Gateway Alliance (PGA) with Ministerial representation will begin work immediately on a cost-sharing partnership with the federal government and the private sector. This includes high-volume marine ports, integrated high-quality highway, rail and pipeline systems to maximize Canada’s export capacity. Expanding and diversifying our trade relationship and improving our trade infrastructure will create jobs and strengthen Canada’s overall competitiveness.

    Premiers agree that world-class environmental and safety standards must be a key component of future infrastructure planning and development.

    Premiers stressed the importance of the engagement and involvement of Aboriginal Peoples. Aboriginal participation and collaboration will be essential to the success this initiative.

    A joint submission by the NWP will identify key projects that will increase international trade in all provinces, address bottlenecks, improve safety, and reduce impacts on local communities across the West.

    Enhancements will include:
    •Greater port access and capacity, including necessary road and rail improvements in the north and south of British Columbia. Projects would include the removal of level crossings that impede traffic and improvements to Highway 1 and 16.
    •Twinning major highways and building perimeter roads in Saskatchewan to increase the flow of goods to key markets.
    •Widening major highways in Alberta, bridge improvements and twinning of major arteries to support east-west trade.


    “Our competitors will not wait – Canada must move quickly if we want to capture the full benefit of the opportunities in front of us. Canada must create a world class supply chain, coordinated across all modes of transportation. With exports and inbound container traffic expected to double in the next 10 years, ensuring Canada has the best infrastructure system in the world is bigger than any one of us and continuing the dialogue that began today will be essential.”

    - Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia

    Premiers noted that the Canada Transportation Act (CTA) review presents a good opportunity to review Canada’s regulations and policies to ensure they support international trade and competitiveness. Premiers agreed that using the CTA review to expand monitoring systems, information-sharing, and cooperation amongst stakeholders would improve the efficiency with which goods and services move across the transportation network. Premiers and industry leaders agree that information sharing and coordination is essential to ensuring the entire network can accommodate current and projected volumes of products.

    At the summit, participants agreed on the importance of pursuing the following actions:
    •Developing a protocol to handle peak demand in the system
    •Investigating incentives to increase surge capacity and supply chain innovation
    •Encouraging meaningful service level agreements
    •Developing a long term plan for infrastructure to meet a doubling of demand
    •Adopting truly common trucking regulations
    •Ensuring regulatory approvals are timely to support improvements to the transportation corridors
    •Ensuring strong federal government spill response capacity
    •Supporting recruitment and training of key occupations in the transportation sector
    •Benchmarking the performance of our transportation system
    •Ensuring environmental and regulatory issues are addressed among the three provinces.

    The Pacific Gateway Alliance will lead this work and report back to Premiers in six months.

    Created in 2010, the NWP brought Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia into an unprecedented and historic partnership that established Canada’s largest open, efficient and stable market. With a combined population of more than nine million and a combined GDP of nearly $550 billion, the NWP is an economic powerhouse that continues to grow, strengthening the economy, unleashing the creativity of innovators and expanding its presence around the world.

  • AAMDC Contact Newsletter for October 15

    16 Oct 2014 7:00 AM | Christine Heggart (Administrator)
    The current issue of the AAMDC Contact  includes link to a new report - Canadian Infrastructure Report Card.  Click here to read this week's Contact. 


  • AAMDC Contact Newsletter for October 8

    09 Oct 2014 7:06 AM | Christine Heggart (Administrator)

    The current issue of the AAMDC Contact notes the National Energy Board (NEB) is looking for input on proposed changes to Pipeline Crossing Regulations.  Click here to read this week's Contact. 

  • LAPP & Bill 9 - pension reform off the table

    18 Sep 2014 12:05 PM | Christine Heggart (Administrator)

    Alberta Legislature prorogued, returns November 17:   Prorogation brings to an end all business and legislation on the Order Paper before the Legislative Assembly. This includes the Public Sector Pension Plans Amendment Act (Bill 9) and the Employment Pension (Private Sector) Plans Amendment Act (Bill 10). Bills 9 and 10 will not be reintroduced under the Prentice government.

    Government of Alberta News Release - September 18, 2014

    The first sitting of the Legislature under Premier Jim Prentice’s leadership will begin with a Speech from the Throne on November 17.

    Today, notice was given to the Speaker that the current session of the Alberta Legislature will be prorogued and the government wishes to begin the third session of the 28th Legislature on November 17. The fall sitting will start later but will last the same number of days as previously scheduled.

    “A new Premier brings a new vision and direction for Alberta. We will start the fall sitting of the Legislature with a Speech from the Throne to outline the Prentice Government’s agenda to address the priorities of Albertans. Premier Prentice has told Albertans that members of Cabinet who are not currently MLAs will seek seats in by-elections so they can represent Albertans and the government in the Legislature – he will make good on that promise and details regarding the by-elections will be available soon.”

    Diana McQueen, Government House Leader

    Prorogation brings to an end all business and legislation on the Order Paper before the Legislative Assembly. This includes the Public Sector Pension Plans Amendment Act (Bill 9) and the Employment Pension (Private Sector) Plans Amendment Act (Bill 10). Bills 9 and 10 will not be reintroduced under the Prentice government.


  • AAMDC Contact Newsletter for September 17

    18 Sep 2014 7:00 AM | Christine Heggart (Administrator)
    The current issue of the AAMDC Contact newsletter features Floodway Development Regulation Consultation information as well as ARHCA's Transportation Infrastructure Deficit White Paper.  Click here to read this week's Contact. 

  • Premier Prentice and New Cabinet Sworn in Today

    15 Sep 2014 4:17 PM | Christine Heggart (Administrator)

    New leadership, new voices, and a new way of doing things

    Alberta’s 16th Premier, The Honourable Jim Prentice, Q.C., P.C. and his Cabinet were sworn-in at Government House in Edmonton on September 15. 

    The Prentice Cabinet is smaller, more efficient; more focused and better able to defend the interests of the people of Alberta. Premier Prentice and Cabinet will meet for the first time immediately after the swearing-in. 

    “As of this moment, Alberta is under new management. This is a new government with new leadership, new voices and a new way of doing things. Today and in the days and weeks to come we will take strong and decisive action to bring real and tangible change to the way in which Alberta is governed,” stated Premier Jim Prentice.

    The new Cabinet has 16 Ministers and three Associate Ministers, in addition to the Premier, down from the 19 Ministers and 10 Associate Ministers that were sworn-in on December 6, 2013.

    The leadership team for Alberta's new government balances experience and fresh ideas. The Prentice Government is moving quickly to change and better serve the people of Alberta and their future by:

    • Assembling a Cabinet team with strong new voices to move Alberta forward.
    • Introducing tough new rules to put an end to entitlements and repair the bond of trust between the people and those who represent them. This will include the introduction of the Accountability Act in the fall session.
    • Bringing new leadership and significant reform to the civil service.
    • Bringing a new approach to how we operate within Canada and around the globe.
    • Bringing a new focus to the priorities of Albertans, especially as it relates to key public services.

    The Premier and members of Cabinet who are not sitting MLAs will seek seats in by-elections. The Fall session will begin with a Speech from the Throne after the legislature is prorogued, and the Premier will introduce his property rights legislation as Bill 1, followed by the Accountability Act.

    Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor, His Honour, Colonel (Retired) the Honourable Donald S. Ethell, administered the oaths of office. Premier Prentice was joined by representatives from First Nations, as well as several faith-based communities from across Alberta.  

    The following tables list the new Cabinet in order of precedence:

    Minister/Associate Minister

    Ministry, Responsible for

    Jim Prentice

    Premier, President of Executive Council, Chair of Agenda and Priorities

    International and Intergovernmental Relations

    Aboriginal Relations

    Robin Campbell

    Finance, President of Treasury Board

    Stephen Mandel

    Health

    Diana McQueen

    Municipal Affairs, Government House Leader

    Frank Oberle

    Energy, Deputy Government House Leader

    Gordon Dirks

    Education

    Manmeet Bhullar

    Infrastructure

    Verlyn Olson

    Agriculture and Rural Development

    Heather Klimchuk

    Human Services

    Kyle Fawcett

    Environment and Sustainable Resource Development

    Jonathan Denis

    Justice and Solicitor General, Deputy Government House Leader

    Jeff Johnson

    Seniors

    Don Scott

    Innovation and Advanced Education, Deputy Government House Leader

    Maureen Kubinec

    Culture and Tourism

    Wayne Drysdale

    Transportation

    Stephen Khan

    Service Alberta

    Ric McIver

    Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour

    Teresa Woo-Paw

    Associate Minister of Asia Pacific Relations (Reporting to the Premier)

    Naresh Bhardwaj

    Associate Minister of Persons with Disabilities

    (Reporting to the Minister of Human Services)

    David Dorward

    Associate Minister of Aboriginal Relations (Reporting to the Premier)

    In addition to the members appointed to Cabinet today, Premier Prentice named the following individuals to their roles and responsibilities:

    Government Whip and Caucus Chair (non-Cabinet position):

    • George VanderBurg

    Legislative Secretaries (non-Cabinet positions):

    • Sohail Quadri, Legislative Secretary to the Premier (Reporting to the Premier)
    • Pearl Calahasen, Legislative Secretary, First Nations Education and Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour (Reporting to the Premier and the Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour)
    • Rick Fraser, Legislative Secretary, Ambulance Services (Reporting to the Minister of Health)
    • Cal Dallas, Legislative Secretary, Intergovernmental Relations (Reporting to the Premier)

    Senior Advisor (non-Cabinet position):

    • Doug Horner, Senior Advisor to the Premier on Internal Trade and Federal and Provincial Relations

    Department Changes

    The Department of Seniors has been created to provide dedicated political and departmental leadership to supporting those Albertans who built this province. Minister Johnson and his department will focus their efforts on visiting and consulting seniors across Alberta. Responsibilities include:

    • Ensuring Alberta has a strong and effective elder abuse strategy in place that focuses on awareness and prevention. 
    • Collaborating with Health and Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions to develop and implement initiatives to raise the awareness of Albertans of effective proactive approaches to brain health and prevention of cognitive decline.
    • Addressing the fire code and safety issues surrounding existing seniors accommodation in Alberta.
    • Leading the renewal and renovation of the ASLI program to increase the number of units under development, including new partnerships with Alberta's faith communities.

    Continuing to improve Alberta's quality of life is one of the top five priorities for the Prentice Government. Recognizing the many areas of interconnectivity, functions from the former Tourism, Parks and Recreation ministry will be integrated into other ministries. The tourism function will become part of the new department of Culture and Tourism, and parks and recreation will become part of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. Working together, these new teams will collaborate on strategic approaches to supporting the high level of quality of life Albertans enjoy.

    Government Committee Membership

    Treasury Board

    • Robin Campbell - Chair
    • Kyle Fawcett - Vice-Chair
    • Diana McQueen
    • Frank Oberle
    • Gordon Dirks
    • Manmeet Bhullar
    • Jeff Johnson
    • Stephen Khan
    • Ric McIver
    • Pearl Calahasen
    • Cal Dallas
    • Everett McDonald
    • Richard Starke

    Agenda and Priorities

    • Jim Prentice - Chair
    • Robin Campbell - Vice-Chair
    • Stephen Mandel
    • Diana McQueen
    • Frank Oberle
    • Gordon Dirks
    • Manmeet Bhullar 
    • Verlyn Olson
    • Heather Klimchuk
    • Kyle Fawcett
    • Jonathan Denis

    Operations Committee

    • Stephen Mandel - Chair
    • Diana McQueen - Vice-Chair
    • Robin Campbell
    • Frank Oberle
    • Manmeet Bhullar
    • Jonathan Denis
    • Jeff Johnson
    • Ric McIver
    • George VanderBurg
    • Linda Johnson
    • Jason Luan
    • Everett McDonald
       

    Note: Online version corrected Sept 15 at 3:15pm. Parks and recreation will become part of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.


  • Jim Prentice announced 5-person transition team

    11 Sep 2014 7:44 AM | Christine Heggart (Administrator)
    Click here for link to CTV or CBC news clips.

    Jim Prentice announces transition team members

    CBC News Posted: Sep 07, 2014 3:07 PM MT Last Updated: Sep 07, 2014 3:50 PM MT

    Jim Prentice addresses the crowd on Saturday after he was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative party by a decisive margin.

    Jim Prentice addresses the crowd on Saturday after he was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative party by a decisive margin. (Michelle Bellefontaine/CBC News )


    Premier designate Jim Prentice has called in one of Edmonton’s former mayors to help as the newly-elected leader of Alberta’s Progressive Conservative Party works to form his government.

    Stephen Mandel is one of five individuals named by Prentice as members of his “transition team.”

    The other named members are Tim Hearn, the Hon. Robin Campbell, Sarah Raiss and Robert Seidel.

    “This is a group of talented, principled, and well respected Albertans who will assist in the transition to a new Progressive Conservative government, and I am honoured to have them on my team,” said Prentice in a statement on Sunday.

    “Under my leadership we will restore the bond of trust betweenAlbertans and their elected officials, and return to sound conservative fiscal principles.”

    Prentice won the PC leadership Saturday evening in a landslide first ballot election held in Edmonton.

    Who’s who

    Robin Campbell

    (CBC)

    Robin Campbell is the current MLA for West Yellowhead, and also the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. He has a background in labour relations, acting as a president for the United Mine Workers of America prior to entering politics. He lives in Jasper.

     

    Tim Hearn

    (Hearn & Associates)

    Tim Hearn is the former chairman and CEO of Imperial Oil Limited. In the past, he has also sat on boards for the Calgary Homeless Foundation and the new Public Policy School. He is the current chairman of Hearn & Associates, and serves on the board of directors for the Royal Bank of Canada. He lives in Calgary.

     

    Stephen Mandel

    (CBC)

    Stephen Mandel served as Edmonton’s mayor from 2004 through to 2013, where he spearheaded massive infrastructure upgrades including expanding the city’s LRT system and supporting the construction of the new downtown arena and Blatchford development. He lives in Edmonton.

     

    Sarah Raiss

    (Women on Board)

    Sarah Raiss sits on the Board of Directors of Loblaw Companies, Canadian Oil Sands, Vermilion Energy, the Alberta Electric System Operator Board and National Board of the Institute of Corporate Directors. In the past, she has worked for TransCanada Corporation and also served as the president of the Calgary Petroleum Club. She lives in Calgary.

     

    Robert Seidel

    (Davis LLP)

    Robert Seidel is a partner at Davis LLP where his law expertise is in real estate, energy, environment and natural resources, forestry, commercial lending and project finance. He is a member of the Law Society of Alberta and serves on the City of Edmonton’s Investment Committee. Seidel is also Alberta’s honourary consul for the Kingdom of Denmark. He currently lives in Edmonton.



  • LAPP & Bill 9 - Update from LAPP Board

    02 Sep 2014 12:06 PM | Christine Heggart (Administrator)

    On August 15, 2014 the LAPP Board provided a written submission to the Legislative Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future. A copy of the presentation, in response to Bill 9, is available here. 

    The standing committee was asked in May by the Hon. Doug Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance to review pension reform Bills 9 & 10, which passed second reading in the legislature in April. The committee heard presentations from experts and stakeholders of four Alberta Public sector plans, including from LAPP's Board and those presentations are available on the standing committee website.

    As part of its review, the standing committee also held public hearings in seven Alberta communities and the transcripts of those presentations are also available on the committee's website. In addition to the presentations and the public hearings, the committee called for written submissions from anyone interested, by August 15, 2014, and will spend the next few weeks reviewing all the feedback in preparation for reporting back to the Legislature in the fall session, as requested by the Minister.

    More information on the government's proposal to reform public sector pensions can be found on the Alberta Treasury Board and Finance website, as well as more information on Bills 9 & 10.

    The LAPP Board will continue to update you on any developments with respect to pension reform as they occur.

    For more information or if you have any questions related to this submission please contact us at the Executive offices of LAPP


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