Alberta.

• Author: Orydzuk, Micheline
• Position: Legislative procedures

On April 4, 2006, Premier Ralph Klein announced that he would be retiring in September 2006. The Premier stated he would remain in office until his successor is chosen which is anticipated to occur sometime in November 2006. The Premier's announcement occurred following a Progressive Conservative convention at which time the Premier received an approval rating of 55.4 per cent.

To date, the following individuals have announced their intentions to seek leadership of the Progressive Conservative party: former Ministers Ed Stelmach (PC, Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville), Dave Hancock (PC, Edmonton-Whitemud), Lyle Oberg (Ind, Strathmore-Brooks), and Private Member Ted Morton (PC, Foothills-Rocky View). Former Provincial Treasurer Jim Dinning, who left politics in 1997 and former Cabinet Minister Mark Norris, who was defeated in 2004 have also announced their intentions to run. There is speculation that Preston Manning may announce his candidacy.

One candidate, Dr. Oberg, was removed from Cabinet and suspended from the Progressive Conservative caucus for six months following remarks made to his constituency association. Dr. Oberg reportedly told members of the association that he would not be asking them to support Premier Klein at the March 31, 2006 leadership review. He now sits as an independent in the Assembly.

Spring Sitting of the Twenty-Sixth Legislature

On February 22, 2006, Lieutenant Governor Norman L. Kwong delivered the Speech from the Throne. The Speech outlined the Government's pledge to reduce the incidence of cancer and mortality from cancer by improving cancer prevention, screening and research initiatives. It also outlined the government's plans in areas such as health, education and the environment. Other highlights include:

* the exploration of new uses for coal and clean coal technology;

* new legislation to protect children exposed to drug manufacturing and trafficking in their homes;

* new standards for seniors' lodges, supportive living and long-term care facilities;

* changes to legislation to protect people from family violence.

During the Spring Sitting, the Assembly approved supplementary estimates totalling $1,354,485,000 for 12 departments. This amount included a $1,000,000,000 payment to the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. The Assembly also approved interim estimates totalling $6,384,900,000.

At the time of writing, 15 Government Bills and 1 Private Members' Public Bill had been passed by the Assembly.

Government Bills

Some Bills before the Assembly include:

* Bill 1, Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Act, creates and expands cancer screening and detection programs; creates a virtual cancer institute to coordinate research in the province; and promotes the coordination of public, private, provincial, national and international cancer research and screening programs.

* Bill 4, Daylight Saving Time Amendment Act, 2006, extends Daylight Saving Time in Alberta in accordance with legislation...