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October 27, 2005

Edmonton... More than 250 Albertans will gather on November 1 and 2 at the A Learning Alberta Minister's Forum to help shape the future of the advanced learning landscape in Alberta. Participants from across the province will help create a new vision and framework that will guide future policy directions for advanced education to meet the challenges of the 21^st century. The forum will feature internationally-renowned speaker James Burke, as well as delegates representing the broad spectrum of the advanced learning system who will bring their unique perspectives to the dialogue.

"This forum is about charting a new course for advanced learning to ensure there is a place for every person who is motivated and inspired to advance their education," said Advanced Education Minister Dave Hancock. "We've heard a lot of thought-provoking ideas throughout the consultation process. This forum will bring those ideas together and give us a solid framework to decide which ones make sense for Alberta."

The A Learning Alberta: Framing the Challenge consultation has heard from more than 300 stakeholders through written submissions, meetings and regional forums. In addition, more than 2,000 Albertans completed an online survey. As well, MLAs and various organizations hosted discussion sessions throughout the province and are providing that input to government. The input gathered throughout the consultation will be used to guide discussion at the forum, which will be held at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton. The consultation is led by a steering committee, including Government MLAs Cindy Ady, Ray Danyluk and Doug Griffiths, as well as 14 other Albertans.

Keynote speaker James Burke is a best-selling author and host of television's Connections series. In 2002, Burke established the James Burke Institute for Innovation in Education, which researches, develops and encourages innovative uses of educational technology. "The time and the technology are right for a radical rethink of what we mean by education and who gets it," said Burke. "Bold, creative thinking and parallel actions are what is necessary for any community to become a truly knowledge-based society."

"We are not going to be the best in the world by taking the easy route," said Hancock. "We need to be daring and aggressive in coming up with ways to make Alberta's advanced learning system more accessible, more affordable and of the highest quality."

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Attachments: The forum agenda is attached.
Editor's note: Media are invited to attend the forum. A registration form is available by calling
(780) 422-5400.

Media enquiries may be directed to:
Michael Shields, Advanced Education Communications, (780) 422-5400

Backgrounder

Forum agenda (subject to change without notice)

More than 250 advanced learning stakeholders have been invited to attend the A Learning Alberta Minister's Forum, including representatives from:

Hailed by the Washington Post as "one of the most intriguing minds in the Western world," James Burke takes audiences on a creative journey through the history of science, technology and social changes.

With a unique and entertaining perspective on how people and institutions change, Burke has been a popular speaker for such companies as IBM, NASA, Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, Cisco and countless universities and museums.

For more information and photos of Burke, visit http://www.roycecarlton.com/speakers/burke.html. Media have permission to download information from this website.

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Media enquiries may be directed to:
Michael Shields, Advanced Education Communications, (780) 422-5400