Legislative reports: Alberta.

The Fifth Session of the 24th Legislature commenced and ended on February 12, 2001. The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Lois Hole, read the Speech that afternoon which focused on the visions for the future of Alberta's economy, agriculture, energy, healthcare, education and communities. Upon returning to the Chamber after escorting the Lieutenant Governor to her office, Premier Ralph Klein announced that he had sought the dissolution of the 24th Legislature and that a provincial general election would be held on March 12, 2001. At the dissolution, the standings in the Assembly were: 64 - Progressive Conservatives 15 - Liberals 2 - New Democrats 1 - Independent and 1 - vacant seat. Following the March 12th election the standings in the Legislative Assembly are: 74 - Progressive Conservatives, 7 - Liberals, 2 - New Democrats.

The Progressive Conservative party won 61 per cent of the popular vote and gained 10 seats in the Legislative Assembly. The election marked the ninth consecutive victory for the Progressive Conservative Party and its third under Premier Klein.

The leader of the Alberta Liberal Party, Nancy MacBeth, was defeated in the riding of Edmonton McClung by Progressive Conservative candidate Mark Norris. Mrs. MacBeth resigned as party leader on March 15th. The interim party leader, and Leader of the Official Opposition in the Assembly, is Dr. Ken Nicol, MLA Lethbridge-West. Dr. Nicol was first elected in the provincial general election of 1993.

New Cabinet

Premier Klein announced the Cabinet on March 15, 2001. Six new Ministerial Portfolios were created in the areas of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Revenue, Seniors, Solicitor General, Sustainable Resource Development and Transportation. The number of cabinet members increased from 20 to 24, including the Premier. Two Associate Minister positions were eliminated.

Returning Cabinet Members with different portfolios include: Pearl Calahasen is Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development; Mike Cardinal is Minister of Sustainable Resource Development; Halvar Johnson is Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations; Ty Lund is Minister of Infrastructure; Shirley McClellan is Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development; Patricia Nelson is Minister of Finance; Murray Smith is Minister of Energy; Ed Stelmach, is Minister of Transportation; Lorne Taylor is Minister of Environment; Stan Woloshyn is Minister of Seniors; and...