This project will help people in Edmonton move off the street, out of shelters, and into long-term homes. Rents will be set based on the residents' means and will take other living expenses into account. Residents will also receive support to find employment, deal with addictions, or manage mental illness.

"These new schools will serve to inspire student learning and provide exciting environments for learning," said Minister of Education Dave Hancock in a news release. "Schools are the hub of thriving communities because they are meeting and gathering places for friends and neighbours. I'm pleased that we are closer to providing vibrant new learning environments in communities where students live."

Specific proposals included in this report include mechanisms for coordination of major infrastructure development, particularly public transit; creating denser communities close to transit and employment; preserving agricultural land; and designating corridors needed for future transportation and utility needs.

Minister Hancock is quoted in the Edmonton Journal about the purpose of the brand:

"(Our) economy has been attacked as of late by people who talk about dirty oil and ... who try and paint the economic backbone of our economy in a bad light," Education Minister Dave Hancock said Wednesday.

Construction will begin in April on the seven bridges that will form the interchange. The project will cost $168.8 million, part of which will be financed by the Government of Canada.

Planning work is continuing on the other southwest Anthony Henday Drive interchanges. Alberta Transportation is completing the design of the Callingwood Road and the Lessard Road interchanges. Design work on the Cameron Heights Drive interchange is expected to begin in the coming months.

For further details, you can read the Government of Alberta news release, the Edmonton Journal's coverage, or the Edmonton Sun's coverage.

One year ago today was Alberta's 27th general election. I was honoured and privileged to be returned to this Assembly for a fourth term by the constituents of Edmonton-Whitemud. It remains a privilege for me to continue to serve those constituents and all the citizens of Alberta as a member of our Premier's government.

Anniversaries are always an opportune time to reflect, and the past year has certainly provided ample food for thought. The past six months have been particularly difficult for many Albertans as events in the global energy and banking sectors have brought unexpected uncertainty into our homes and businesses. While today we are concerned about how the economy will impact our families and our neighbours, we must continue to look to the future with the certainty of better times ahead. Now more than ever is the time for faith and foresight as we form that future.

While this goal is ambitious, it is achievable. The committee's members, including Dave Hancock, recognized that "managing" homelessness through shelters and other short-term emergency services is not as cost-effective as an approach of focused intervention, housing and support services, and prevention programs. These short-term measures do not solve the problem of homelessness, but simply help manage it.