ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT

The business plan for the three years commencing April 1, 2007 was prepared under my direction in accordance with the Government Accountability Act and the government's accounting policies. All of the government's policy decisions as of March 26, 2007 with material economic or fiscal implications of which I am aware have been considered in preparing the business plan.

The Ministry's priorities outlined in the business plan were developed in the context of the government's business and fiscal plans. I am committed to achieving the planned results laid out in this business plan.

Original signed by

Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology
March 30, 2007

THE MINISTRY

VISION

Alberta leads the world in inspiring and supporting lifelong learning for all its peoples, and prospers through innovation.

MISSION

Advanced Education and Technology's mission is to assist Alberta to be a learning and innovative society.

Skilled and highly qualified people are key elements in a successful economy. Providing all Albertans with affordable access to high quality learning opportunities will ensure that Albertans possess the skills to succeed in their chosen professions. Only then can Alberta fulfill its hope of being a province where the generation of ideas is met by an environment that has the means to commercialize new products and services, creating a prosperous and sustainable future for all Albertans.

PRINCIPLES

Accessibility
Anyone who wants to pursue advanced learning in Alberta should be able to do so.

Affordability
Education must be affordable if it is to be an accessible lifelong pursuit for Albertans. Diversity Alberta's advanced learning and innovation system must respect a rich diversity of communities, cultures, traditions, learner aspirations and abilities.

Collaboration and Alignment
A resilient, responsive and adaptable learning system, as well as Alberta's ability to capture value through innovation, must be built on a strong foundation of partnerships, coalitions and networks so that efforts are aligned with desired outcomes.

Global Excellence and Competitiveness
Alberta's advanced learning system's research, technology, and knowledge transfer capacities and capabilities must be world class for Alberta to achieve excellence and be globally competitive. They must meet the needs of learners, enable Alberta to attract and retain highly-qualified students and personnel, and foster company creation, growth and attraction.

Sustainability
Alberta's advanced learning system and innovation framework must focus on the sustainability of its investments to ensure the province's long-term success in a knowledgebased global economy.

LINK TO THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN

The Government of Alberta Strategic Business Plan addresses significant opportunities and challenges facing Alberta over the next three years and positions Alberta to make the most of its economic, social and natural advantages. It is a plan to strategically manage growth and plan for a sustainable and secure future. Advanced Education and Technology ensures that its goals, strategic priorities and strategies support Goal One of the Government of Alberta Strategic Business Plan, which states, "Alberta will have a prosperous economy," and Goal Two, which states, "Albertans will be well prepared for lifelong learning." The strategic priorities, goals and strategies also support government's priority to Build a Stronger Alberta.

The following summarizes the priority linkages between the Government of Alberta Strategic Business Plan and the Ministry business plan:

Government of Alberta Strategic Business Plan:

• Goal 1 - Alberta will have a prosperous economy
• Goal 2 - Albertans will be well prepared for lifelong learning

Government Priority - Build a Stronger Alberta:

• Build on initiatives to increase access, affordability and quality in post-secondary education
• Economic diversification through research and technology commercialization

SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The key to future prosperity, economic growth and healthy communities is a robust innovation-based research-intensive economy, driven by Albertans with a desire to learn and innovate throughout their lives. There is growing recognition that an affordable, accessible, high quality advanced learning system, and an innovative economy with thriving knowledge transfer and commercialization capabilities are key to facilitating and securing social prosperity, economic success, and a knowledgeable and healthy citizenry. The following opportunities and challenges are considered significant in that they could impact the Ministry's ability to implement strategies and achieve its goals:

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 2007-10

The strategic priorities described below have been identified through the ministry's review of environmental factors. These
are in addition to the important ongoing core activities of the ministry.

Access to Advanced Learning Opportunities/Enrolment Planning

People are the key to Alberta's future prosperity. The success of adult learners depends upon their ability to make smooth transitions to, within and from the advanced learning system. Enhancing these transitions, along with increasing access to learning opportunities, will help Albertans achieve success in the advanced learning system and the labour market. Key activities will be to:

• Develop a framework defining roles and mandates of the public and private not-for-profit post-secondary institutions.
  
  
• Ensure strategies are in place to meet the Government's commitment to enrolment
  planning and increase post-secondary space availability.
  
  
• Ensure access of under-represented groups to advanced learning opportunities along the learning continuum, from adult literacy and English as a Second Language programming to post-graduate studies.
  
  
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve First Nations, Métis and Inuit learner success.
  
  
• Ensure high levels of awareness among students and their parents of advanced learning opportunities.
  
  
• Focus on expanded regional and community access through the strategic application of technology, expansion of degree granting capacity within the system, clarification of
  roles relative to communities and provision of the tools necessary to allow learners to
  succeed.
  
  
• Foster an advanced learning system that recognizes and values diversity to prepare
  learners for the global workplace.

Affordability

Ensuring that Albertans have access to learning opportunities requires that those opportunities be affordable to learners and their families. Specific activities to be undertaken include:

• Create responsive policies and programs to address the increasingly diverse needs of
  learners and leverage high rates of participation among all Albertans, including
  Aboriginal learners, rural Albertans, immigrants and those who are socio-economically disadvantaged.
  
  
• Implement elements of the Affordability Framework to assure inclusion of all learners
  and to ensure that financial need is not a barrier to learning.
  
  
• Continue to work with the federal government to ensure assistance levels support the
  cost of learning and that debt levels are manageable.

Quality in the Advanced Learning System/Access to the Future Fund

Maintaining the quality of advanced learning is a priority for Albertans. The quality of the
advanced learning system underpins the ability of the system to meet the needs of learners,
society and the economy. Specific activities will be to:

• Continue to stimulate private sector donations as well as support innovation and
  excellence within the advanced learning system through the Access to the Future Fund.
  
  
• Continue to pursue the achievement of national and international standards of
  excellence, and be actively involved in cross-ministry, inter-provincial and international collaboration that will lead to increased standards of performance.
  
  
• Collaborate and cooperate, including community collaboration, to achieve a world-class advanced learning system and maximize the benefits to learners and society. Priorities for such collaboration will include literacy, Aboriginal education, system capacity and high standards of excellence in the delivery of degree program opportunities.
  
  
• Work towards a seamless advanced learning system so that Alberta learners move easily through a broad array of learning opportunities in a lifelong journey of learning. In a seamless advanced learning system, the entire spectrum of learning providers is
  collaborative and allows transitions throughout schools, community organizations,
  learning providers, employers and post-secondary institutions.

The ministry will focus on developing learning communities. A learner-centered society will
seek to enable Albertans to acquire foundational skills for lifelong learning, and will equip
communities to meet learner needs. Specific initiatives include the development of:

• A community-based education strategic framework.
  
  
• Policy options and programs to enhance adult literacy and support Aboriginal education.

Alberta's economic strength depends on a knowledgeable citizenry and a highly skilled
workforce. This requires a learning system that gives learners the opportunities and tools to
succeed and excel. Advanced Education and Technology will continue to co-lead the
Government of Alberta's comprehensive labour strategy, Building and Educating Tomorrow's Workforce. Specific priorities will be to:

• Enable the advanced learning system to meet the learning goals of Albertans.
  
  
• Inform, attract, develop and retain highly skilled workers to support a vibrant and
  growing economy.

Developing, adopting and commercializing advanced technology are priorities for the
Government of Alberta. Advanced Education and Technology will support innovation and
knowledge development within the advanced learning system, research organizations and
industry as well as provide support for centres of excellence and the transfer of research to
commercial products. Some of the key initiatives include:

• Creation of a Value-Added and Technology Commercialization Task Force that will
  recommend a strategy to increase value-added economic activity and technology
  commercialization in Alberta.
  
  
• Ensure a business environment that is conducive to attracting, creating, growing,
  sustaining and retaining globally competitive, innovative and research-intensive
  companies.
  
  
• Increased business opportunities and improved quality of life through the application of new technologies to environmental, health care and educational challenges.
  
  
• Development, attraction and retention of highly skilled and qualified personnel to
  support a knowledge-based, research-intensive and value-added economy utilizing
  effective research organizations/industry interfaces.
  
  
• Build and sustain the research capacity of Alberta's innovation system through
  infrastructure programs, targeted program funding, attraction of other funding and the
  development of collaborative partnerships.
  
  
• Improvements in the capacity and capabilities of firms and institutions to engage in
  research and development activities in the strategic priority areas of energy, life sciences, information and communications technology and nanotechnology, to build the foundation for the commercialization of technologies.

Alberta is in a highly competitive global race for outstanding research and innovations that
can improve quality of life, foster new opportunities, enhance economic growth in the province, and increase our capacity, capabilities and knowledge in scientific fields in support of future discoveries. Key initiatives under this priority include:

• Continued focus on Alberta's key research priorities in energy, life sciences, information and communications technology and nanotechnology.
  
  
• Support advanced energy research and innovation that fosters research and industry
  development.
  
  
• Support life sciences research and innovation that fosters research and industry
  development through a focus on areas in bioproducts and biorefining, health, resource
  management, and agriculture and forestry.
  
  
• Support nanotechnology research and innovation that fosters research and industry
  development in strategic areas of energy and the environment, health and medical
  technologies, and agriculture and forestry.
  
  
• Support an information and communications technology strategy that fosters research
  and innovation development in strategic areas, focusing on our core competencies and creating sustainable infrastructure and industries.
  
  
• Support the water research strategy, focused on safe drinking water, efficient water use and healthy watersheds.

CORE BUSINESSES, GOALS, STRATEGIES & PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Advanced Education and Technology has identified two core businesses, "A Learning Alberta" and "Innovation," that describe the ongoing key responsibilities of the Ministry. Under these core businesses are goals, with specific outcomes, that describe the end results the Ministry wants to achieve in fulfilling its mission. Advanced Education and Technology has identified strategies for 2007-10 that support the Ministry's goals and the government's business plan. Performance measures indicate the degree of success the Ministry has in achieving its goals.

Core Business One: A Learning Alberta

Advanced Education and Technology strives to provide increased access to high quality advanced learning opportunities for all adult Albertans. It does this through policy, programming and funding support to post-secondary institutions and by working with industry to facilitate the development of training and certification standards in the apprenticeship and industry training system. It also strives to ensure that learner needs are met by seeking ways to make the system more learner-centred, accessible and affordable. The following have been identified as Goal 1 outcomes:

• All Albertans, including Aboriginal and other under-represented groups, have opportunities to participate in the advanced learning system.
  
  
• Financial need is not a barrier to participating in the advanced learning system, and financial assistance is available to students to support a seamless system.
  
  
• Excellence is rewarded through scholarships and awards.
  
  
• Learners have information available to make informed decisions.
  
  
• Technology is effectively leveraged to support access and innovation in the advanced learning system.

1.1 - Implement the accessibility, affordability and quality requirements in the Access to the Future Act.

1.2 - Develop innovative approaches to increase participation of Aboriginal, immigrant and other underrepresented groups in learning opportunities.

1.3 - Begin implementation of the Affordability Framework to ensure that financial need is not a barrier to participation in advanced learning opportunities.

1.4 - Target scholarships, bursaries and grants to increase participation by under-represented Albertans.

1.5 - Work with the federal government to develop a strategic response to the cessation of the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation.

1.6 - Develop a coordinated framework on leveraging the use of technology and enhance learner access and entrance into the advanced learning system through the use of technology, innovation and collaboration with post-secondary institutions.

1.7 - Develop innovative approaches to improve participation and achievement in apprenticeship and industry training in response to industry needs.

1.8 - Enhance parents' and learners' knowledge and awareness of Alberta's advanced learning system and financial support options through a collaborative raising-awareness and mentorship campaign, and through other effective marketing efforts.

1.9 - Promote science and technology awareness within Alberta, including encouraging youth to enter careers in science and technology.

1.10 - Ensure scholarship programs are maximizing recognition of the achievement of excellence that occurs throughout the learning process.

1.11 - Increase enrolment capacity in the post-secondary system to meet learner and labour market demand.

1.12 - Develop a framework that defines roles and mandates of the public and private not-for-profit postsecondary institutions.

1.13 - Produce an annual report projecting learner demand (regional and program forecasts).

By supporting vibrant and sustainable learning communities, Advanced Education and Technology supports learners from a variety of communities who aspire to participate in high quality, accessible and affordable advanced learning opportunities. This support enhances the opportunities for Albertans to develop and apply the knowledge and skills that will secure Alberta's ability to maximize its economic and human potential now and into the future. Advanced Education and Technology also continues to work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to enhance quality learning opportunities for Albertans. The following have been identified as Goal 2 outcomes:

• A broad array of learning opportunities is available within local communities.
  
  
• Employers, communities, learning providers and government establish effective partnerships.
  
  
• Albertans have the skills and aptitudes needed to participate in the economy and their communities.

2.1 - Provide opportunities in local communities for adults including Aboriginal, immigrant, youth, and other under-represented groups to access literacy, English as a Second Language and lifelong learning.

2.2 - Redesign the community-based adult learning delivery system to ensure community programs are addressing literacy, English as a Second Language and other learning needs of adults.

2.3 - Work with Employment, Immigration and Industry to implement the Building and Educating Tomorrow's Workforce strategy.

2.4 - Encourage increased industry participation and investment in the apprenticeship and industry training system in collaboration with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board, employers and other stakeholders.

2.5 - Expand access for Aboriginal Albertans by building partnerships and capacity with providers of Aboriginal adult learning opportunities.

Alberta will know that it has a quality advanced learning system when it is seen as a leader in advanced learning and its learning system is globally recognized for its excellence. Alberta will also know it has a quality advanced learning system when it is seen as a destination of choice for international students, faculty and researchers. Ensuring that prior learning, skills and experience are recognized and that credentials are transportable into, within and out of Alberta is important to allow this kind of global movement of learners to take place. It is also important to allow Alberta learners to move easily through a broad array of learning opportunities in a lifelong journey of learning. The following have been identified as Goal 3 outcomes:

• Albertans are achieving advanced learning credentials.
  
  
• Albertans are participating in international learning experiences.
  
  
• Alberta is globally recognized as a destination of choice for international students, faculty and researchers.
  
  
• Credentials, prior learning, skills and experience are valued and recognized.

3.1 - Enhance the infrastructure of Alberta's public post-secondary system to facilitate delivery of high-quality advanced learning opportunities throughout the province.

3.2 - Strengthen Alberta's leadership in cooperative pan-Canadian initiatives through: the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada; Canadian apprenticeship councils; and other national forums.

3.3 - Implement the international education action plan to facilitate the internationalization of Alberta's advanced learning system and enhance opportunities for Alberta students to engage in international education experiences.

3.4 - Work with institutions, employers and professional associations to encourage the recognition of credentials, competencies, prior learning, and work experience of current and prospective Albertans.

3.5 - Through the Campus Alberta Quality Council, work with other quality assurance agencies, postsecondary institutions and other stakeholders to enhance the recognition of Alberta's degree programs and graduates.

Core Business Two: Innovation

Strong research capacity and capability at Alberta universities, other research agencies, colleges and technical institutes is a critical building block supporting innovation. The Government of Alberta's commitment to scientific excellence will nurture, support and celebrate creativity, discovery and outstanding research across its diversity. The focus on Alberta's key research areas - energy, life sciences, information and communications technology and nanotechnology - will ensure that critical mass and capacity is achieved. Investments in these priorities are guided by strategies developed by the ASRA (Alberta Science and Research Authority) Research Institutes. Through infrastructure programs and targeted program funding, Alberta's investments attract research funding from a range of sources, resulting in unique partnerships focused on building and sustaining the research capacity of Alberta's innovation system. This goal reflects the vital importance of developing, attracting and retaining high quality people who possess the scientific, technical and entrepreneurial skills needed in an innovative, knowledge-based, research-intensive economy. The following have been identified as Goal 4 outcomes:

• World-class post secondary institutions and research organizations that are recognized globally for academic and research performance.
  
  
• Focused areas of research excellence where Alberta has a competitive advantage.
  
  
• A highly skilled and qualified workforce that supports research and innovation.
  
  
• A collaborative, networked and multidisciplinary research system that spurs innovation.

4.1 - Strengthen Alberta's strategic scientific innovation capacity in key areas by investing in leading-edge research infrastructure and programs to develop, attract and retain highly qualified scientific personnel at Alberta's public research organizations.

4.2 - Work through programs such as the Alberta Science and Research Investments Program and the Small Equipment Grants Program, and work with the ASRA (Alberta Science and Research Authority) research institutes including iCORE Inc., Alberta Ingenuity, the Alberta Research Council and the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research to align efforts and investments towards strategic research priorities.

4.3 - Develop a framework to support the emergence of centres of excellence and ensure alignment of investments with institutional priorities and capacity.

4.4 - Support advanced energy research and innovation in six core areas: bitumen upgrading, clean carbon/coal, improved recovery, renewable energy, CO2 management and water management.

4.5 - Support the implementation of the life sciences strategy focusing on bioproducts, health and resource management innovations.

4.6 - Support the implementation of the Alberta Nanotechnology Strategy and the creation of nanoAlberta as the key organization to drive Alberta's nanotechnology agenda.

4.7 - Implement the information and communications technology strategy and support an environment that fosters research and industry development in strategic areas: building a "Digital Alberta"; focusing on core competencies that support integrated resource management; enhancing research capacity in information and communications technology; and creating a sustainable infrastructure.

Innovation, excellence and competitiveness are the cornerstones of a vibrant economy and are the foundations for prosperity and the maximization of the human, social and economic potential of Alberta. Strategic investments in research and development result in innovative ideas, products and processes that, when commercialized successfully for the global market place, have the potential to yield significant economic and social benefits for the province.

This goal reflects the commitment to help Alberta become a place of choice for commercialization in the key areas of energy, life sciences, information and communications technology and nanotechnology. This requires Alberta to be a progressive province that encourages company formation and growth, offers a supportive and competitive tax, fiscal and regulatory environment, and effectively utilizes industry-university interfaces and other support services. In such an environment, ideas are more likely to be developed and brought to market in Alberta, supporting applied research and development, strengthening the commercialization system and encouraging innovation. The following have been identified as Goal 5 outcomes:

• Grow, attract and retain successful companies in Alberta's strategic priority sectors, through increased application and commercialization of research.
  
  
• Develop, attract and retain skilled and highly qualified people.
  
  
• Increased business research and development.
  
  
• Applied research and product development in our colleges and technical institutes that addresses local company needs.
  
  
• Growth in Alberta's locally managed venture capital industry.
  
  
• Increase implementation of innovative initiatives to enhance Government of Alberta service delivery and facilitate the application of new knowledge.
  
  
• Development of partnerships between communities, industry and institutions for technology creation and transfer.

5.1 - Work with partners to support the implementation of strategies to accelerate innovation in Alberta through investments in strategic priority areas.

5.2 - Work with post-secondary institutions, research foundations, industry associations and other areas of government to enhance the competitiveness of Alberta's business environment with respect to encouraging technology commercialization and adoption.

5.3 - Work with partners to foster business opportunities, attract corporate investments, and encourage seed and venture funding.

5.4 - Develop, attract, and retain skilled and highly qualified people in Alberta.

5.5 - Encourage and support innovative activities within the Government of Alberta.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE SUPPORTING OUR BUSINESS PLAN

Advanced Education and Technology has two core businesses: "A Learning Alberta" and "Innovation."

The core business of A Learning Alberta features two program divisions: Adult Learning and Apprenticeship and Industry Training. These program divisions provide learning services and standards for the advanced learning system, and provide a framework for achieving results and allocating resources. These divisions work closely with advanced learning system stakeholders and provincial ministry partners to ensure program continuity and smooth transitions for learners.

Adult Learning
The Adult Learning Division works with adult learners and the public and private post-secondary institutions to support learners, provide learning opportunities and enhance the advanced learning system. Specifically, the Division: funds advanced learning providers; provides student financial assistance to Albertans; coordinates and approves programs of study at public institutions; licenses and approves programs offered by private providers; and funds, supports and provides community adult learning opportunities.

Apprenticeship and Industry Training
The Apprenticeship and Industry Training Division works with industry, employer and employee organizations, technical training providers, government and ministry divisions to support the development, maintenance, and delivery of designated trade and occupation programs. Specifically, the Division: provides planning, coordination, and policy support to the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board and its network of industry committees; facilitates industry's development of training and certification standards; counsels apprentices and employers; provides funding for approved programs; promotes participation and certifies individuals in designated trades and occupations; and monitors the workplace for compliance with the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act and regulations.

The core business of innovation focuses on implementing the province's innovation agenda. Ministry efforts are focused on increasing commercialization and adoption of research thereby encouraging industry growth; encouraging and supporting innovation within the Government of Alberta; building the capability and capacity of the innovation system; and building research and innovation excellence in the strategic priority areas of energy, information and communications technology, nanotechnology and life sciences. The two divisions of the Innovation core business are Research and Technology Commercialization.

Research
The Research Division works with the Alberta Science and Research Authority and its affiliated research institutes for Life
Sciences, Energy, Information and Communications Technology, Agriculture and Forestry to coordinate, support and promote research, development and innovation in the strategic priority sectors of energy, life sciences (e.g., agriculture, forestry, health, water), information and communications technology and nanotechnology. The University Research and Strategic Investments Branch administers the Alberta Science and Research Investments Program, facilitating alignment with the Research Institutes' initiatives where appropriate. The branch also administers the government's Innovation Program.

Technology Commercialization
The Technology Commercialization Division supports the creation and establishment of new technology companies in key emerging industries by focusing on four areas of activity: technology development services; business development services; access to capital; and international partnerships and investment attraction. The Division also provides the department with
information management and technology services.

Policy and Planning
The Policy and Planning Division ensures the Ministry and its activities and programs are well planned and accountable for performance. System issues are defined and understood through comprehensive environmental scanning, analysis and
information collection processes. Policy options are identified and information, policies and planning directions are communicated to help the Ministry achieve its goals. The Division also provides department-wide legislative services.

Communications
Communications provides timely, strategic communications support and advice (planning, consulting and technical guidance) to the Minister and the department on key issues, policies and initiatives. Communications works closely with other provincial departments and other levels of government, media, stakeholders, educational institutions and others to inform Albertans about the importance of advanced learning and innovation.

Finance and Administration
Finance and Administration provides strategic advice and services to the Ministry in areas such as financial planning, reporting and operations. The goal of Finance and Administration is to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of financial management, accountability and administration functions within the Ministry.

Human Resources
Human Resources provides consultation and support, and advises the department on all activities related to the management
of its human resources such as: policy and planning; staffing; performance management; job classification and organization
design; employee relations; staff development; occupational health and safety; wellness; and pay and benefits.

ADVISORY BOARDS, COUNCILS AND AUTHORITIES

Access Advisory Council
The Access Advisory Council provides strategic advice and recommendations to the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology regarding the objectives, operation and reporting of the Access to the Future Fund. The Council consists of nine public members, including a chair, who are appointed by the Minister.

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board
The Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board works with industry to establish the standards and requirements for training and certification in programs under the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act. The Board makes recommendations to the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology about the needs of Alberta's labour market for skilled and trained workers and the designation of trades and occupations. The Board establishes or recognizes trade and occupation-specific industry committees and appoints members to these committees, and promotes participation in careers, training, and certification in trades and occupations. The Board consists of 13 members, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, who are knowledgeable about training in trades and occupations and the needs of the Alberta labour market. Employers and employees are represented in equal numbers. Eight of the members represent employers and employees in designated trades and four represent employers and employees in other industries.

Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer
The Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer is a 15-member Council, with representation from the public, students, the
universities, public colleges and technical institutions, private colleges and Alberta Education. As an independent body, which reports annually to the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, it is responsible for developing policies, guidelines and procedures designed to facilitate transfer agreements among post-secondary institutions. The framework for these admissions and transfer agreements is contained in the Council's principles, policies and procedures, published in the Alberta Transfer Guide.

Campus Alberta Quality Council
In spring 2004, the Post-secondary Learning Act was proclaimed into law, which provides for the establishment of the Campus Alberta Quality Council. The Campus Alberta Quality Council is an 11-member Council that provides advice to the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology with respect to the quality of all proposed degree programs at both public and private institutions. It is also responsible for monitoring the programs once approved to ensure that the Council's conditions and quality standards continue to be met.

Students Finance Board
The Students Finance Board is an 11-member Board appointed by the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. The members of the Board serve three-year terms, and may serve no more than two terms. The Board provides advice to the Minister on matters pertaining to student financial assistance, including scholarships under the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Act.

Alberta Science and Research Authority
Alberta Science and Research Authority is a provincial corporation comprising members of Alberta's academic, business and research communities, appointed by government. The authority's mission is to enhance the contribution of science and research to the sustainable prosperity and quality of life of all Albertans. In order to fulfill this mission, the authority functions as the senior science and research advisory body to the Government of Alberta. The authority includes:

• Alberta Life Sciences Institute
• Alberta Agricultural Research Institute
• Alberta Forestry Research Institute
• Alberta Energy Research Institute
• Alberta Information and Communications Technology Institute

  Alberta Life Sciences Institute
  Alberta Life Sciences Institute is an unincorporated board comprising representatives from industry, academia and
  government. It provides strategic direction, sets priorities for research and monitors performance on the expansion of the province's bio-economy.
  
  Alberta Agricultural Research Institute
  Alberta Agricultural Research Institute is an unincorporated board comprising representatives from industry, academia and government. It provides strategic direction in agricultural production and value-added products research and development
  and coordinates investment in agricultural research and development for the province.
  
  Alberta Forestry Research Institute
  Alberta Forestry Research Institute is an unincorporated board comprising representatives from industry, academia and government. It provides strategic direction for, and encourages and supports private and public investment in the economic, environmental, ecological and community sustainability of Alberta's forestry sector.
  
  Alberta Energy Research Institute
  Alberta Energy Research Institute is an unincorporated board comprising representatives from industry, academia and
  government. It provides strategic direction to position Alberta for the future in energy development and invests in research
  and technology to enhance sustainable development of the province's abundant energy resources.
  
  Alberta Information and Communications Technology Institute
  Alberta Information and Communications Technology Institute is an unincorporated board comprising representatives from industry, academia and government that provides strategic advice and policy recommendations to government, and sets
  priorities for research. It will expand and update the province's existing information and communications technology
  research and innovation strategy and provide direction for public investment in research and development activities
  throughout the province.

ENTITIES INCLUDING FUNDS

Access to the Future Fund
The Access to the Future Fund supports innovation and excellence within the advanced learning system in order to enhance and expand accessible, affordable and high quality learning opportunities. The Fund receives income from an endowment held within the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. Established in 2005, the endowment is targeted to reach $3 billion at full implementation.

Alberta Research Council Inc.
Alberta Research Council Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation owned by the Government of Alberta, through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Technology. A board of directors that includes representatives from the business and research communities in Alberta governs the council. The council delivers innovative science and technology solutions to meet the priorities of industry and government in Alberta and beyond. Integrated multi-disciplinary teams help customers and partners take technologies from the laboratory to the field, strengthening their competitiveness and sustainability. The council accelerates the development and commercialization of products, processes and services in the energy, life sciences, agriculture, environment, forestry and manufacturing sectors.

iCORE Inc. (Informatics Circle of Research Excellence)
iCORE Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation owned by the Government of Alberta through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Technology. A board of directors that includes representatives from the business and research communities in Alberta governs the corporation. iCORE Inc. is part of the strategy to develop the innovation-based economy of the province by attracting world-class information and communications technology researchers and graduate students to Alberta. iCORE Inc. invests in people - the highest calibre research scientists capable of working on fundamental and applied problems in informatics. Access to research expertise and high quality students provides Alberta's traditional and emerging industry sectors with the knowledge and human resources needed to compete in the global economy.

Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research
Established by the Government of Alberta in 1980, the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research supports biomedical and health research at Alberta universities, affiliated institutions, and other medical and technology-related institutions. The foundation is an independent body at arms-length from, but accountable to, the government, reporting through the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology.

The foundation currently provides funding for over 600 researchers and researchers-in-training. The foundation's commitment is to fund health research based on international standards of excellence carried out by new and established investigators and researchers-in-training. Total funding awarded since 1980 is in excess of $850 million.

Alberta Ingenuity (Alberta Heritage Foundation for Science and Engineering Research)
Alberta Ingenuity is the trade name of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Science and Engineering Research and was established in 2000. It supports a balanced, long-term program of science and engineering research based in Alberta to nurture the discovery of new knowledge and encourage its application to benefit Albertans. Alberta Ingenuity is an independent body at arms-length from, but accountable to, the government, reporting through the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology.

EXPENSE BY CORE BUSINESS

MINISTRY STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

CONSOLIDATED NET OPERATING RESULT