Introduction

Fellow Albertans, welcome to the Third Session of the Twenty-sixth Alberta Legislature.

I am honoured once again to deliver the Speech from the Throne.

As we continue our journey into Alberta’s second century, Albertans have much to be proud of, and much to look forward to…

Our current prosperity is the result of foresight by Albertans whose values we honour — values such as fiscal vigilance, community spirit and self reliance.

It is a result of a strong respect for the environment, and an appreciation for life-long learning.

It is because of these shared values, and through the hard work of Albertans, that this province is looked to as a leader in Canada and across the globe.

Alberta is fortunate. But Albertans have made good use of the resources that nature has bestowed upon our province. And they have made wise choices…

Including the bold and often difficult decisions made during the past decade.

Many of those decisions were made with a thoughtful eye on the future.

Fellow Albertans, that future is now.

Now, more than ever, the government must work with Albertans to ensure the good fortune we enjoy today is not squandered. We must respect and build on the work and the sacrifices that were made in the past.

We must plan ahead to ensure the prosperity this province enjoys today is secured for our children and grandchildren.

This means making the right choices so that Alberta’s economic growth remains sustainable, and that the world-class quality of life Albertans enjoy includes a clean and healthy environment.