Alberta legislature reconvenes for brief session

Provincial politicians return to Alberta's legislature Thursdayfor a short session todebate a number of spending increases.

The government plans to bring forward a single bill for debate that includes more than $1 billion in additional spending on health, education and building projects to keep pace with Alberta's growing population.

However, opposition parties have their own agendas for the brief sitting.

The Liberals say they plan to call for emergency debates on the rapid growth of Fort McMurray and staffing levels at provincial hospitals.

The NDP says it will press for the creation of a new ministry to deal with housing issues and demand a review of Alberta's resource royalty programs.

This will be Premier Ralph Klein's last official session even though his legislature colleagues have already paid tribute to his career.

The tribute was held at the end of the spring session when it was thought there would not be another sitting before Klein's upcoming retirement.

Thenew session was originally scheduled to begin next week, but at the premier'srequest it was moved up so he could keep a commitment to host contest winners at his fishing lodge. He also cancelled a planned government trip to Asia.

The session is expected to wrap up next week.