2005 News Releases
November 24, 2005Legislation improves flexibility in advanced learning system
Edmonton... More flexibility for colleges in Alberta to develop alternate academic decision-making structures and clearer regulations that specify what designated trades exist in Alberta are the focus of two sets of legislative amendments introduced Nov. 24 by Advanced Education and Technology Minister Dave Hancock.
Bill 55, the Post-Secondary Learning Amendment Act, will provide the regulation-making authority to develop new Academic Council models in public colleges and technical institutes in Alberta.
"These changes are all about establishing the ground work for a more responsive and flexible system," explained Hancock. "Some colleges are now offering degrees or moving towards doing so, and these legislative changes provide the government with the authority to create regulations that will define how new academic decision models can be developed. But before we proceed with the regulations there will be more consultation with all institutions involved. This is just the first step in enhancing our seamless and well coordinated advanced learning system."
"If these amendments pass we will undertake a full consultation with colleges and technical institutes on what the regulations will look like and how best to implement these changes. The focus of our implementation will be on institutions that are moving towards having the majority of their programs offered to students as bachelor degrees."
Bill 57, the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Amendment Act, proposes minor amendments, including a change that gives Cabinet the ability to specify what designated trades already exist in Alberta.
