Introducing Bill 74: the Advanced Education Statutes Amendment Act

Open dialogue and a wide spectrum of input are essential to our post-secondary system’s transformation.

Building that capacity and creating the platforms to make Alberta’s post-secondary more responsive to the needs of Albertans and our economy is also a critical part of my ministry’s legislative work this fall to strengthen Alberta 2030’s impact and potential.

This fall, I brought forward the Advanced Education Statutes Amendments Act, introducing a number of legislative changes to support the strategic direction of the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs initiative and recommendations of the Skills for Jobs Task Force.

One of the first steps of these amendments is establishing the new Minister’s Advisory Council on Higher Education and Skills (MACHES). This strategic council will draw input and recommendations from students, higher education and industry to help set the objectives that lead to our long-term strategic goals for the direction of Alberta’s advanced education system.

This government and our province have enjoyed tremendous relationships with industry, educational and student partners. This is another avenue for those groups to access a minister and a department dedicated to making Alberta 2030 a blueprint for success and a turning point in post-secondary in our province.

Who better to provide that direction than the stakeholders and the people working, learning and thriving within our educational system? I look forward to seeing the framework, developing the MACHES group and eventually working with their recommendations and seeing the possibilities and innovations this future group has to offer.

Additional changes under this proposed act will ensure that the language, vision and intent of Alberta 2030 is interwoven throughout the proposed refinements of the Post-Secondary Learning Act that further aligns the tenets of the Act with the goals of Alberta 2030. We also plan to introduce 3 amendments to the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act that helps strengthen the trades components of Alberta 2030, while also easing the transition from the outgoing Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act.

It is going to be a very productive autumn for my ministry and most importantly, our post-secondary system.

This important legislation, if passed, opens doors of possibility that are vital to the future of Albertans. We are very fortunate to have had all 26 publicly funded institutions contributing and endorsing this transformational plan and one of the first steps is creating the platform to make that transformation, with jobs and careers on the horizon in areas that will contribute to our bright future.

I look forward to updating you further on this upcoming legislation and the important work of Alberta 2030 in the weeks ahead.

For more information on this legislation visit: alberta.ca/modernizing-post-secondary-education.aspx

For information on Alberta 2030 visit: alberta.ca/alberta-2030-building-skills-for-jobs.aspx