Report From The Legislature

PROVINCE TAKES STAND AGAINST METHAMPHETAMINE

As of Dec. 15, 2005, one of the main ingredients used in the
production of crystal methamphetamine was moved under the watchful
eye of local pharmacists. Following an amendment to provincial
regulations, single-entity pseudoephedrine has been reclassified as a
Schedule 2 drug, requiring it to be placed behind the pharmacist's counter.

With the regulation change, Alberta joins British Columbia,
Saskatchewan and Manitoba in imposing greater restrictions on the
sale of precursors to the production of methamphetamine. Two of the
primary ingredients in meth are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine,
medications used to treat sinus congestion. Many ephedrine products
are already classified as Schedule 1 drugs, requiring a prescription
for access.

Several medications, most notably cold medicines, contain
pseudoephedrine as an active ingredient. These products are still
available on shelves, as they contain only limited amounts of
pseudoephedrine. The regulation change moves only single-entity
pseudoephedrine behind pharmacy counters and under the supervision of
pharmacists, as it is easier to produce meth from a single-entity source.

Alberta continues to be a leader in the fight against methamphetamine
and other drugs. In the past year, the province has opened 24 new
detox residential treatment beds for youths affected by meth and has
launched a new task force, which will coordinate government and
community-based action against meth.

The province has also increased funding to the Alberta Alcohol and
Drug Abuse Commission by 12 per cent, including $4.2 million to
establish new youth detoxification and residential treatment services.

Changes planned for 2007 municipal elections give local
decision-makers more authority. Empowerment of local decision-makers
is the focus of 30 recommendations to be implemented for the 2007
municipal elections, following an extensive review of the legislation
guiding local elections.

Government has accepted the committee's recommendations for change,
which cover such areas as special ballot procedures, voter
identification and campaign processes. The committee's
recommendations for further consultation and research on
standardizing terminology, reviewing the term of office and
alternative voting options were also accepted. This further work will
take place following the 2007 election.

The committee heard from individuals, organizations and various
elected officials and staff of municipalities and school boards. A
total of 18 open houses were held in Bonnyville, Calgary, Edmonton,
Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer.
The cost for the consultation was about $40,000.

The complete MLA report is available on the Municipal Affairs website
at: www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca or by calling 780-427-8862.

An interim report has found that during the first eight months of the
Alberta hip and knee replacement project, the new care pathway has
met its goal to ensure patients receive surgery within four months of
initial consultation.

After eight months, the highlights of the interim report on this
research include:

* decreased wait time to receive first orthopedic consult from 35
weeks to six weeks; * decreased wait time from first orthopedic
consult to surgery from 47 weeks to 4.7 weeks; * decreased length of
stay in hospital from 6.2 days to 4.3 days; and * satisfaction among
patients and physicians surveyed with care provided.

The new process includes the introduction of central assessment
clinics, where patients who may require orthopedic surgery are
examined by a team of health professionals in one visit. During the
pilot, the goal is to see patients at the clinic within 17 days of a
family physician referral. The new care path also includes more
involvement by primary care physicians to help prepare patients for
surgery and care for them following their procedure.

The province provided funding to support an additional 1,200 hip and
knee surgeries during the project. As of November 2005, 180
replacements had been completed in Calgary, 277 in Capital and 69 in
David Thompson health regions.

The project is a collaboration between the Alberta government; the
Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute; Capital, Calgary and David
Thompson health regions; the Alberta Medical Association; and the
College of Physicians and Surgeons. A formal evaluation of the
program is ongoing and the pilot will conclude in April 2006.

Further information about the Alberta hip and knee replacement
project can be found at: www.albertaboneandjoint.com