The introduction of the 2011/2012 budget on Feb. 24 and a review of all 24 departments' budget estimates will be a major focus during the spring sitting of the legislature, according to Government House Leader Dave Hancock.
"The government's legislative agenda this session will be focused on the future. This means securing the fiscal advantages Albertans have worked hard for and passing a responsible budget so we can concentrate on building a better Alberta," Hancock said in a statement.
The province is expected to post a nearly $5-billion deficit this year.
While Premier Ed Stelmach said earlier this month the budget would "impact some programs," he said it would focus on health care, education, infrastructure and support for seniors.
"But there's no way we'll find enough change in the couch cushions to get us where we need to be," he said in Calgary on Feb. 3.
"If we are going to protect our way of life, we need to take bold steps now, to grow our economic pie."
The government is expected to introduce 11 new bills for debate when the legislature reconvenes on Feb. 22.
Included are the Securities Amendment Act and the Protection Against Family Violence Amendment Act.
The Alberta Land Stewardship Amendment Act aims to clarify the original intent of the legislation and to allow government to plan future developments while respecting property rights, according to the province.
Specifically, it requires government to consult with Albertans to develop regional plans and creates an appeal process for those plans.
Education Act on the radar
The government is also expected to introduce a new Education Act during the spring sitting but according to a local school board official, the act isn't likely to be voted on until later this year.
"Originally we were told that when it was first introduced, it could go quite quickly but now we've been told it will be introduced in this session but won't actually be voted on until the fall so I think that will give us a fair bit of time for response, which is very good," said Joan Trettler, St. Albert Protestant School Board chair.
Trettler said her board has numerous concerns with the 2011 Education Act proposed framework, most notably a clause that would allow the minister of education to flip the designation of separate and public school boards.
In Alberta, separate school boards have special rights not afforded public boards.
In St. Albert, the Protestant School Board has separate school board status while Greater St. Albert Regional Catholic Division (GSARD) is the public board.
"I've heard that our concern about the flipping may be addressed but I'm not sure. It wasn't official," Trettler noted.
In a letter sent to Hancock in December, the board raises several other concerns with the proposed framework, including a clause allowing for the unilateral appointment of under-represented groups to school boards.
The board is also against allowing the minister to appoint trustees to school boards without their prior approval and has concerns with legislation ensuring that all children will have all their needs met.
"Our board is aware that teachers now individualize, differentiate and personalize instruction, but legislating that each child will have all their needs met is both daunting and likely impossible," reads the letter.
Catholic school board chair Lauri-Ann Turnbull said until the act is presented, it's too soon to comment on any of the proposed amendments.
"Right now we're seeing a lot of working documents and a framework but we haven't seen anything that's finalized," Turnbull said.
She said the board will look at how changes to the act will affect both the division and schools in Morinville, Legal and St. Albert.
"Certainly when it comes out, we'll have another look at it as a board and really form some decisions," she said.
"We would always want to make sure that they work for us and of course, if they didn't, then we would have to make that known to the minister so we can work that out."
