A Pledge

The government's plan for Alberta's future reflects the values of Albertans themselves - values of community and family, hard work and caring for others, creativity, confidence and innovation, and excellence in all endeavours. These are the values that have guided Albertans throughout the province's history, and they are the values that will continue to guide this government.

These values will shape Alberta's future, beginning with a "Future Summit" being held this fall, where Albertans will help chart a course for the province's debt-free future.The summit will give all Albertans a voice in crafting the vision that will carry this province forward into the future.

The government will ask the Alberta Economic Development Authority to work with the Ministers of Economic Development, Finance and Revenue to plan and facilitate this event.

The Community Development Minister will also be part of the leadership team, in recognition of the fact that the opportunities created by freedom from debt are not only about simple economics. Rather, they are about quality of life. They are about the kind of province we want to live in, and the kind of province we want for our children and grandchildren.

It is to our children and grandchildren that the government pledges to honour the trust that has been placed in it by Albertans. It will stay the course of debt reduction, fiscal accountability and continued tax reform.

It vows to build an Alberta that provides opportunities for all citizens to share in the province's prosperity and optimism - opportunities that will become limitless once the province becomes free of debt. This goal - once only a tiny pinpoint of light far in the distance - is now firmly in view thanks to the sacrifice and hard work of all Albertans.

It promises to maintain a strong economy and stable agricultural communities, foster science and research, keep our environment clean, support excellent health and education systems that meet all Albertans' needs, and help build caring, safe, strong communities.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, and God bless you all.

God bless Alberta.
God bless Canada.
God save the Queen.