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Fellow resident,
As our paths have crossed in our community in the last couple of years, I am forwarding you a provincial update as your MLA. If you are not interested in receiving my electronic newsletter, I understand and am not offended. You can unsubscribe by clicking on the unsubscribe icon at the end of the document. If you unsubscribe and still receive my e-newsletter, please contact my office at 403-640-1363 or calgary.egmont@assembly.ab.ca so we can remove you from the list.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Denis, MLA
Calgary-Egmont
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Our government continues to plan for future growth, encourage efficient energy use and further enhance the safety of Albertans and their communities. This 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 continuing to strengthen our communities. For more information on the government's plan for a stronger Alberta, visit The Way Forward.
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 Calgary, over 20,000 homeowners have received cheques totaling $4 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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Province adds 112 homes for the homeless in Edmonton and Calgary
Recently, I announced that Mustard Seed Society will receive $12-million from the Alberta government to build 112 housing units for the homeless in Calgary and Edmonton. This is part of the provincial strategy to end homelessness.
On the one-year anniversary of A Plan for Alberta - Ending Homelessness in 10 Years, the province has met or exceeded many of its first-year benchmark goals. Shelter usage is down in all major cities, more than 900 homes for the homeless are in the works, and more than 1,300 formerly homeless people have been permanently housed and are receiving the supports needed to help them become independent.
As Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, I believe in being compassionate to those who are in need as well as to the taxpayer. This program is in the best interests of both those in need and taxpayers: a chronically homeless individual living on the streets costs over three times that it costs to place the same person in affordable housing.
For more information on Alberta's plan to end homelessness, please visit http://www.housing.alberta.ca/ho_index.cfm. |
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New laws will make communities safer
The Alberta government has introduced legislative changes that will help reduce crime, particularly in the area of gang-related activity. These legislative changes give a boost to Alberta's Safe Communities initiative. For more information on Alberta's Safe Communities initiative visit http://justice.alberta.ca/programs_services/safe/Pages/sci.aspx .
Bill 10 - Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Amendment Act
Bill 10 is about providing compensation for the victims of crime and making the cost of crime in Alberta too high for those who profit from illegal activity. Amendments being proposed to broaden the scope of Alberta's Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Act include:
- expanding the range of victims who can recover the costs of crime, to include municipalities, institutions, those who fund emergency service providers and others harmed by criminal activity;
- allowing for the seizure of property for the sole purpose of suppressing crime, such as modified street racers or grow operation houses damaged beyond repair;
- increasing the availability of grants to social agencies such as at-risk youth programs, drug awareness projects or domestic violence shelters; and
- allowing costs to be awarded against the Crown when restrained property is ordered returned to its owner.
Bill 11 - Witness Security Act
The Witness Security Act will complement the current federal witness protection program by establishing a provincial program tailored to the particular needs of Alberta's justice system. This legislation will allow the Crown and local police agencies to provide short-term security for witnesses who feel apprehensive about testifying in court.
Bill 12 - Body Armour Control Act
The proposed legislation will allow police to seize body armour from individuals who do not have a permit for its legitimate use. Police officers, ambulance attendants, registered security guards and others who require body armour to do their jobs will be exempt. The goal is to restrict the ability of violent criminals and known gang members to possess protective armour, while ensuring that law abiding Albertans have access to this equipment for occupational or personal safety reasons.
The proposed legislation will improve protection for witnesses, restrict gang members from wearing body armor, and better compensate municipalities burdened by the costs of crime. The legislative changes give a boost to Alberta’s Safe Communities initiative.
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Alberta Capital Bonds raise $74.5 million for seniors' facilities
The sale of Alberta Capital Bonds raised $74.5 million for the construction of seniors' accommodations in the province. The funds raised through the bonds will help fund our government's commitment of $100 million to build these accommodations which will include long-term care and supportive living facilities.
The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity. For more information, visit http://www.premier.alberta.ca/plansinitiatives/thewayforward/index.cfm. |
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