• To assist in ‘finding new and innovative ways to turn Alberta’s raw resources into manufactured products for export markets,’ the government ‘will unveil a strategy to develop a diversified and competitive manufacturing, tourism and business services sector for the province.’
  
  
• In 2004, the government ‘will expand on the work already taking place through the Alberta Energy Innovation Strategy to ensure Alberta continues to lead the way in energy innovation and research.’
  
  
• ‘The government will also encourage innovation in the way Alberta’s resources are developed through its water strategy for the province. This spring, a Provincial Water Council will be established to help manage this resource for future generations of Albertans.’
  
  
• ‘To encourage Alberta’s expertise in Information and Communications Technology, or ICT, the government will create an ICT Institute to guide research and innovation in this emerging sector.’
  
  
• ‘Work will also continue this year in the area of research and technology commercialization, which focuses on providing opportunities for Alberta-grown innovative products and services to be developed.’
  
  
• ‘The Life Sciences sector is another area where Albertans are showing their innovation – and where their research and development are showing even greater promise. The government will assist in this area with the creation of a Life Sciences Institute to coordinate research taking place across the province in areas such as agriculture, environment, forestry, health, bioenergy and water research.’
  
  
• ‘Cooperative research will be further considered with a new Prion Research Program, with an initial focus on BSE. This past year, Albertans have found themselves at the centre of debate over this disease, and the province will also be at the centre of work to find solutions.’
  
  

The government understands that building a culture of innovation goes well beyond supporting technical research and scientific development. That is why this government is also committed to building a future where Albertans can continue leading in learning.

• ‘This year, the government’s commitment to lifelong learning in Alberta will be further strengthened with the introduction of a bill to establish the new Alberta Centennial Education Savings Plan. Under the plan, beginning in 2005, every child born in Alberta will receive a five-hundred dollar contribution toward an established Registered Education Savings Plan. This program will provide a foundation for children born in Alberta’s centennial year, and those born in the years following, to plan for and pursue whatever post-secondary education opportunities they choose.’
  
  
• ‘This year, increased funding for learning will work in combination with a new funding framework to give school boards increased flexibility to meet the unique needs and circumstances of each Alberta community. Under the new framework, government will not dictate to school boards how to allocate the dollars they receive, leaving it to each board to address priority areas and account to parents in each community on their decisions and outcomes.’
  
  
• ‘These investments come on top of other improvements to the basic learning system in response to recommendations from Alberta’s Commission on Learning. Some of those improvements are already underway, including implementing new guidelines to ensure class sizes are manageable.’
  
  
• ‘Work has also begun to create a new school wellness program that recognizes a strong mind is nurtured by a healthy body. That includes phasing in a mandatory program of daily physical activity for all students. The change will help set all young Albertans on a path toward lifelong health and fitness.’
  
  
• ‘While the Alberta Learning Commission has generated increased awareness and debate over the Kindergarten to Grade 12 system, the province’s post-secondary education system is of equal importance to Alberta’s future.
  
  Post-secondary education and lifelong learning experiences are important and they should be accessible to all Albertans. These experiences offer much more than simply a path to a new career or a better job. They also offer one way for Albertans to achieve their dreams and realize their full potential. Nothing could be more important.’
  
  ‘This year, new funding for post-secondary learning will include an increase in base operating grants for all post-secondary institutions, as well as additional dollars for new spaces in high-demand programs. That initial investment will come with a commitment to create a total of two thousand new spaces over the next four years.’
  
  
• ‘Access to lifelong learning opportunities will also increase this year with the implementation of the new Post-Secondary Learning Act. The legislation gives more post-secondary institutions in the province the opportunity to offer degree-granting programs. Each student’s ability to access a quality education will be further enhanced through the creation of the Campus Alberta Quality Council. The Council will review all new degree program proposals to ensure each program is of the highest possible quality.’
  
  
• ‘As well, government will strengthen and enhance apprenticeship programs. While Alberta leads the country in apprenticeship training, the province’s economic growth continues to create a shortage of skilled workers in many key economic sectors.’
  
  
• ‘In addition to helping Albertans get the training they need to find and keep jobs, the Alberta government will also work with the federal government to attract highly skilled immigrants to the Alberta workforce. These initiatives will help employers find the skilled workers they need in this growing economy.’
  
  

• While the Alberta government is committed to working with the other provinces and the federal government on areas of mutual concern, it will also continue to use opportunities such as the newly established Council of the Federation to ensure that Alberta’s unique needs and perspectives are heard and respected. Alberta will also pursue other avenues, as required, to represent the interests of Albertans.
  
  

• ‘The approach of Alberta’s one-hundredth birthday will also be marked by continued investment in the Centennial Capital Plan announced last year. Year Two of this infrastructure plan will see continued investment in new health facilities, schools, post-secondary institutions, government facilities and centennial projects. As well, in the upcoming budget, the Capital Plan will be extended out another year to keep infrastructure work rolling into 2007.’