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| Our government continues to strengthen our communities by supporting innovation, encouraging efficient energy use, building seniors' accommodations and creating business opportunities for Albertans. This e-newsletter highlights some of the Government of Alberta's most recent initiatives and demonstrates how we are keeping a close eye on spending, investing in the programs and services Albertans value the most and enhancing our province's economic competitiveness. For more information on the government's plan for a stronger Alberta, visit The Way Forward. |
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Innovation adds to Alberta's competitive edge
High-tech innovations in Northern Alberta have moved one step closer to market with support from the Alberta government. Getting inventive projects into the marketplace not only creates opportunities for Albertans, but also makes the province an attractive place to invest.
Innovation vouchers totaling up to $320,000 were awarded to 16 companies based in Cherry Point, Clairmont, Fairview, Grande Prairie, Grovedale, High Prairie, Valleyview and Wembley to assist them in getting the specialized expertise and services they need to move their ideas to the marketplace.
Innovation vouchers totaling up to $110,000 were also awarded to three companies based in Amisk, Cardogan and Fort Kent.
The Alberta Innovation Voucher Pilot Program assists small businesses and entrepreneurs at the pre-commercial stage, which is often the most difficult stage for new businesses. Vouchers can be put towards up to 75 per cent of the cost of specialized services from an approved, non-profit service provider such as labs, fabrication centres or intellectual property managers. Businesses can receive only one $10,000 voucher and one $50,000 voucher over the life of their business.
Across the province, 204 vouchers worth almost $6 million were awarded to companies in 33 communities. In April 2009, 179 vouchers totaling more than $5 million were awarded in the first round of the program to companies from 24 communities across Alberta.
Launched in November 2008, the program, which is the first of its kind in Canada, was developed as part of Alberta's Action Plan: Bringing Technology to Market. For more information about the Innovation Voucher Pilot Program and a list of all voucher recipients, visit www.technology.gov.ab.ca. |
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Alberta Gives Green for Going Green
Thousands of Albertans have made their homes more energy efficient since the Alberta government announced the Energy Efficiency Rebate Program in April, 2009. More than 38,000 Albertans have received $9.3 million in rebates, helping to avoid over 330,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. That's the equivalent of removing 63,000 vehicles off the roads.
In Alberta's rural constituencies, 18,000 homeowners have received cheques totalling $3.5 million. To learn about the results in our constituency, click here.
The program provides consumer rebates for:
- energy evaluations for homeowners to assess the current energy efficiency of their home and to measure its efficiency after improvements are made;
- efficient home heating systems, hot water heating systems, clothes washers and insulation upgrades; and
- new homes achieving a high level of energy efficiency.
Delivering on commitments laid out in its 2008 Climate Change Strategy, the Government of Alberta invested $36 million over three years to help Albertans reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Many of the rebates are tied to the federal ecoENERGY Retrofit Program, enabling consumers to recoup costs from both programs. The program is administered by Climate Change Central, a non-profit organization empowering Albertans to take action on climate change.
Rebates are available on purchases retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009. To apply for a rebate, visit www.ClimateChangeCentral.com or phone 1-888-537-7202. |
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Alberta Capital Bonds raise $74.5 million for seniors' facilities
Sales of Alberta Capital Bonds raised $74.5 million for the construction of seniors' accommodations in the province.
The $74.5 million raised through the bonds will help fund government's commitment of $100 million to build accommodations for seniors, including long-term care and supportive living facilities.
Alberta Capital Bonds offered a competitive rate of return of 3.3 per cent per year for five years, providing a secure investment for Albertans backed by the province's triple-A credit rating-the highest credit rating among Canadian provinces.
More than 4,600 Albertans and Alberta businesses and organizations purchased the bonds, which were available only to Albertans from Feb. 16 to March 1. |
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Rural programs help Albertans connect and diversify
Two Government of Alberta programs continue to help rural communities create business opportunities and access high-speed broadband services.
An additional 27 projects have been approved for over $5.9 million in funding through the Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program and Rural Connections: Community Broadband Infrastructure Pilot Program. Both are three-year programs, now in their second year.
The $15-million Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program aims to increase the ability of rural communities and regions to address economic, environmental and social challenges by creating diverse economic opportunities. To date, $7.3 million has been approved for 33 projects that help rural communities adapt to changing economic circumstances. Project examples include the following:
- a $500,000 grant will assist a business incubator in the Fort McKay First Nations area that accelerates entrepreneurial development; and
- the Town of Peace River will receive $135,000 to assist the Municipal District (MD) of Peace River, the MD of Northern Lights, Northern Sunrise County, the Town of Peace River and the Town of Grimshaw to complete a Regional Airport Business Plan.
Under the $9-million Rural Connections: Community Broadband Infrastructure Pilot Program, priority is given to community-led broadband infrastructure projects where rural Albertans have limited or no access to broadband connectivity. To date, over $6.2 million has been approved for 20 projects to increase internet access in rural Alberta. Project examples include the following:
- two rural gas co-ops (Gull Lake-Deer Creek, Northern Lights) will receive $500,000 each to help deploy a wireless broadband network to provide coverage to non-serviced areas of the province; and
- two Metis Settlements (Buffalo Lake, Elizabeth) will receive $500,000 each to help deploy a wireless broadband network to non-serviced areas of the Buffalo Lake and Elizabeth Metis Settlements.
For descriptions of all the approved projects or more information on either program visit www.rural.alberta.ca or call 780-427-2409. |
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