Advanced Education (News Archive)

2005 News Releases

June 15, 2005

Access, affordability, quality focus of Advanced Education and Technology review

Minister’s Forum in the fall to share research and concepts for future directions

Edmonton... The Alberta government will conduct a comprehensive review of the province's advanced learning system this summer and fall. Called A Learning Alberta: Framing the Challenge, the review will look at all aspects of Alberta's adult learning system, including current funding; tuition and the affordability of post-secondary studies; rural education; innovative approaches to learning; and roles and responsibilities.

MLAs Cindy Ady, Ray Danyluk, and Doug Griffiths, along with 14 leading Albertans, will form a steering committee to review current research, best practices from other jurisdictions, and input from Albertans. A Minister's Forum will then be held in the fall where participants from across the province will review the steering committee's work and help set a vision and new ideas for the system.

"We are putting the advanced learning system under the microscope. We've assembled a committee of some of the brightest minds in the province who are passionate about learning, and in the coming months the committee will want to hear from all interested parties on their ideas for the system," said Advanced Education and Technology Minister Dave Hancock, announcing the review at the Mennonite Center for Newcomers in Edmonton.

The Forum will take place Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, with representatives from all stakeholder groups in attendance.

"The Forum will be a great opportunity to bring all groups together, including faculty, student groups, literacy programs, Aboriginal groups, community learning centers, and many others," said Hancock. "Becoming a world leader in education is a collaborative process. This review will ensure that collaboration takes place so that a common vision is developed and practical ideas are generated on how to achieve that vision. We have a responsibility to ensure that the system is headed in the right direction for the 21st century."

Discussion documents are available online at: www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca for Albertans to review, and comments can be e-mailed to the steering committee at: alearning.alberta@gov.ab.ca

Backgrounder

Steering Committee

The purpose of the Steering Committee is to create a vision that will carry adult learning in Alberta into the 21st century.

Objectives include:

  • Demonstrating Alberta's commitment to establishing a learning community.
  • Communicating the future vision of Alberta's community-centred learning system.
  • Establishing a policy framework for the Advanced Education and Technology system that will, among other things, address the challenges of under-represented populations wanting to access learning opportunities.

Outcomes include:
That Alberta's Advanced Education and Technology system:

  • Has a strategic vision and supporting policy outcomes that set the direction for an accessible, affordable and quality learning community.
  • Is innovative and flexible to balance the diverse needs of learners, the economy and society.
  • Is an international leader.

Committee Membership:

MLAs
  Cindy Ady, MLA for Calgary-Shaw, serves as Chair of the Calgary Caucus and is the Southern Alberta Cabinet Liaison.

Ray Danyluk, MLA for Lac La Biche-St. Paul, is the chair of the Northern Alberta Development Council and a member of the Standing Policy Committee on Agriculture and Municipal Affairs.

Doug Griffiths, MLA for Wainwright, serves as a member of the Agenda and Priorities Committee.
 

Co-Chairs
  Mr. Russell Carr (co-chair) - Works with Carr Leiren and Associates and has done extensive policy analysis work with various governments.

Mr. Phil Gougeon (co-chair) - Assistant Deputy Minister of Adult Learning for Advanced Education and Technology. His division is responsible for Alberta's publicly funded adult learning system, private institutions, student assistance and community program initiatives.
 

Members
  Mr. Randy Boissonnault - Past Chair of the Centre for Family Literacy and a Consulting Principal of Conroy Ross Partners Ltd.

Mrs. Shirley Dul - Assistant Deputy Minister of Apprenticeship and Industry Training for Advanced Education and Technology.

Mr. Elmer Ghostkeeper - A member of the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement of Alberta and President of Ghostkeeper Global Ltd., with over 30 years of holistic life care experience.

Mr. Jim Gurnett - Executive Director of Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers and previous Manager of Community Services at Bissell Centre.

Ms. Sharon Matthias - President Matthias Inc: Designing the Future and Transition Director of Program Delivery, SEARCH Canada.

Mr. Noel McGarry - CEO of Persons with Developmental Disabilities, Southern Alberta Board, and has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for 26 years.

Mr. Eric Newell - Chancellor of the University of Alberta, former Chairman and CEO of Syncrude Canada Ltd. and founding member of Careers the Next Generation.

Dr. Frits Pannekoek - President of Athabasca University, and previous Director of Information Services for the University of Calgary.

Ms. Alexis Pepin - Past President of the University of Alberta Graduate Students Association and member of the Graduate Students Association of Canada.

Mr. Dave Tuccaro - President of Tuccaro Inc. and other leading aboriginal businesses. Dave is a resident of Fort McMurray and is actively involved in a number of activities in his community.

Mr. Dan Vandermeulen - President of Northern Lakes College and one of the founders of Alberta North.

Dr. Harvey Weingarten - President of the University of Calgary and previous Vice-President Academic and Provost at McMaster University.