Seven Policy Ideas Alberta’s Next Premier Should Consider
06-Jul-2011Edmonton/Calgary- The next Premier will already be one step ahead with a collection of articles written by policy experts sharing their ideas and recommendations to improve public policy and decision making for Alberta. These seven policy experts are affiliated with three of Alberta’s premier research institutes.
With Premier Ed Stelmach’s resignation in January followed by Dr. Swann’s departure as Liberal leader shortly thereafter, Alberta’s citizens will be hearing how a new generation of leaders will manage problems the province faces. There is little doubt that the successful candidates will be facing enormous challenges as Alberta girds itself for another economic boom fueled by a huge investment boom in north-eastern Alberta.
Becoming Alberta’s Next Premier- Policy Ideas for Leadership Candidates is a compilation of policy ideas released by the Institute for Public Economics, the Western Centre for Economic Research at the University of Alberta and the Canada West Foundation covering a broad spectrum of public discourse with the purpose to help steer Alberta’s next Premier in the right direction.
What the policy experts are saying:
“It’s time to learn from the vision and leadership of Peter Lougheed by once again setting aside a large share of natural resource revenues in a Heritage Fund—an Alberta Wealth Fund.” Ted Chambers
“Alberta’s next Premier inherits an improving economy and likely a return to surplus budgets, allowing room for strategic social investments to be made. There would be no better investment than a concerted attack on poverty in this province.” John Kolkman
“Every child has a right to good health and to breathe clean air. By enacting legislation in Alberta to prohibit smoking in vehicles carrying children under the age of 18, the province’s next Premier would be protecting more children from the dangers of second-hand tobacco smoke.” Dan Holinda
“It is important to monitor and manage our healthcare resources and to spend carefully and effectively; however, the next Premier should be cautioned against making hasty decisions in the health delivery arena. Productivity growth must be considered as an essential element in determining whether the economy can support rising health costs.” Mel McMillan
“It is our role as Albertans and Canadians to show moral, ethical and fiscal leadership as stewards of the world’s largest oil reservoir. The next Premier should consider diverting one-third of oil royalties from the oilsands to pay for and build a sustainable future for our world.” Satya Das
“Alberta has a lot at stake with or without the existence of a Canadian energy strategy. Being a lead player in such a strategy, however, is a good idea because it provides an opportunity to proactively shape national policy and ensure that Alberta’s expertise is utilized.” Robert Roach
“While Alberta’s economy has experienced pretty stable and often very strong growth since the early 1990s, prudent risk management by the new Premier suggests that the policy mandate and ownership options around Alberta Treasury Branches should be reviewed.” Bob Ascah
With this collection of articles, the next Premier will already be briefed on some of the key issues of most importance to Albertans, ensuring that the province continues to improve and prosper.
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For a copy of Becoming Alberta’s Next Premier – Policy Ideas for Leadership Candidates, visit the Institute of Public Economics, Western Center for Economic Research or Canada West Foundation.
For questions or to arrange an interview, please contact
Bob Ascah
Director, Institute for Public Economics
rascah@ualberta.ca
780-975-9645
Jason Brisbois
Director, Western centre for Economic Research
Jason.brisbois@ualberta.ca
780-492-4104
Canada West Foundation Communications
Grace Kucey, Communication & Media Manager
Rachael Strathern, Communication Assistant
communication@cwf.ca
403-700-9535