Dr. Swann: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Public Accounts Committee is one of the most important ways taxpayers have to gain a public accounting of how their hard-earned money is being spent. 

Given the public outcry over the recent decision to introduce veto power over the chair of Public Accounts, we have heard that your government is reconsidering this change. To the Premier: can the Premier confirm that this change will be reversed at the earliest possible opportunity?

Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, the Public Accounts Committee is a committee of the Legislature. It does not report to the Premier or to government. It reports to this Legislature. It is within the committee to make any recommendations or changes that they see fit with respect to the operation of the Public Accounts Committee.

Dr. Swann: Well, then, given that the Premier’s own House leader said that this action was taken to slap the wrist of the chair of Public Accounts, will the Premier reverse that decision?

Mr. Stelmach: Once again, Mr. Speaker, the committee itself sets its rules and guidelines, and any change that they may want to make to the operation of that committee is within the purview of the committee.

The Speaker: The hon. leader.

Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, then, I would like to ask the Premier, would he say yes or no? Was he involved in that decision?

Mr. Stelmach: If it’s in the purview of the committee, I won’t be involved because I’m not a member of the committee.

The Speaker: Second Official Opposition main question. The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition.

Water Allocation

Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m hearing from across Alberta that this province needs a plan to help Albertans with water shortages now and into the future. I’m concerned that this government will continue with its fire, ready, aim philosophy, simply reacting to crisis instead of planning for it. If I were Premier, I would have implemented a proper water management framework, including accurate measurements, conservation, and storage in case of emergency, with human consumption the first priority. To the Premier: given that this is shaping up to be one of the worst droughts in years, how will this government’s reaction be different than it has been in the past?

Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is right: we are heading into one of the driest years on record, perhaps. Perhaps. To those in the agriculture industry, obviously, a concern. We haven’t lost a crop as yet in April ever in my memory, but we have to be careful as we proceed. There are some issues with respect to pasture for cattle. I would submit that every Albertan has a responsibility to conserve water. It’s not only good for the environment but in the end it’s also good for their pocketbook.

The Speaker: The hon. leader.

Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given that Alberta is facing a drought now, how can the Premier continue to dither implementing a new water use strategy?

Mr. Renner: Well, Mr. Speaker, the government has been very open and sincere in our commitment to bring forward a water allocation policy that not only respects the historical water rights that individuals have but that provides for adequate opportunities for increased population and economic development. We remain committed to bring that plan forward this year.

Dr. Swann: Well, again, I’d like to put this question to the Premier because the province is looking for leadership, Mr. Speaker. The continuing drought will mean more people competing for less water. How can the Premier continue to defend an antiquated first in time, first in right principle that removes power from Albertans to control the use of their own water? To the Premier.

Mr. Renner: Mr. Speaker, first in time, first in right is a longstanding tradition in law in this province. As I indicated, the issue that we need to deal with is: how do we allow for increased population, increased pressures on water supply and still respect the longstanding traditional rights of licence holders? That is the essence of the water allocation review which is upcoming.

Alberta Hansard, April 20, 2010

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