Alberta.

• Position: Legislative Reports

On March 1, 2005, the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta met to elect presiding officers for the 26th Legislature. Ken Kowalski was acclaimed for the second time as Speaker of the Alberta Legislative Assembly in what is his third term as Speaker. Mr. Kowalski has been a Member of the Assembly for 26 years, having first been elected for what is now the constituency of Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock in a 1979 by-election. Richard Marz, (P.C. Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills) was elected Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees. Mr. Marz was first elected to the Alberta Legislature in 1997. Shiraz Shariff, (P.C. Calgary-McCall) was re-elected Deputy Chair of Committees. Mr. Shariff, who has held this position since 2001, was first elected in a 1995 by-election. Alberta elects its presiding officers by secret ballot.

On March 2, 2005, Lieutenant Governor Norman L. Kwong delivered the Speech from the Throne. The Speech highlighted visions for Alberta's future in its centennial year. The Speech, entitled "The Next Alberta" outlined the government's initiatives in areas such as health, education and the economy. The Speech also detailed projects and programs established to commemorate Alberta's centennial and paid tribute to the Late, Dr. Lois E. Hole, former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. Other highlights include:

* the establishment of a $3-billion endowment fund from surplus revenues to pay for apprenticeship certification and training programs, scholarship and fellowship programs, a digital library and other initiatives within the post-secondary learning system;

* the commitment on behalf of the government to develop a "Third Way" for health care;

* increased funding for AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) clients;

* an increase in Alberta's minimum wage to $7 per hour;

* the development of a provincial water conservation plan; and

* enhanced civilian oversight of police services.

As House Leaders were unable to agree on the rotation of questions during Oral Question Period, Speaker Kowalski ruled in a March 8th statement that a similar rotation from the previous Legislature would apply for three out of four days. (Under the new rotation, the Official Opposition would be entitled to two more questions and the New Democrat Opposition one after the 14th and subsequent questions). On the fourth day, the rotation would be altered to provide the Alberta Alliance Member with the fifth question. Speaker Kowalski also noted that...