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As we conclude another productive session at the Alberta Legislature, our government remains committed to ensuring safe, healthy and prosperous communities all across the province. Recent investments in seniors' accommodations and key infrastructure projects, like the Calgary ring road, work toward achieving these goals. By making these and other capital investments, our government is helping to propel Alberta's economic recovery while improving our quality of life. |
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Manmeet's 4th Bill passed with all party support
In order to ensure that Alberta's hardworking search and rescue volunteers are protected, Manmeet Bhullar, MLA for Calgary Montrose recently sponsored Bill 6, the Emergency Management Amendment Act, 2010, which passed on March 25.
Bill 6 will provide liability protection for volunteers with Alberta's many search and rescue organizations. This legislation recognizes that these volunteers, many of whom train on their own time and at their own expense, act in good faith when engaging in search and rescue operations and deserve to be protected from frivolous legal proceedings.
Bill 6 was supported by all parties in the Alberta Legislature; an opposition MLA said "Now, this bill I am pleased to support. I think this is designed to better protect search and rescue workers and the organizations from lawsuits." These groups provide a vital service in our province and the Government of Alberta is working to ensure that they are able to continue helping Albertans in need.
Bill 6 represents the fourth bill that Manmeet has sponsored in the past two years, in addition to one motion. One of which, Bill 4, the Post-Secondary Learning Amendment Act, 2009, was an important piece of legislation which allows post-secondary institutions to apply for the title of University. As a result of this legislation both Mount Royal and Grant McEwan now proudly bare the title of University.
Passing legislation to protect and improve the lives of Albertans is one of the most important aspects of an MLA's role. Manmeet will continue to work hard for his constituents and all Albertans to ensure that we as citizens are able to continue to enjoy the benefits of living in this remarkable province.
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1st Annual Montrose Awards deadline extended to June 4th
Because I would like to provide an opportunity for as many people in the community to be nominated for the 1st Annual Montrose Awards, I will be extending the nomination deadline to June 4th. I look forward to reviewing the nominations and recognizing the dedication and hard work that these individuals have put into our community. If you have any questions regarding the awards, please contact my office at (403)248-4487. If you would like to download a nomination package, please visit my website at www.manmeet.ca. |
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Stoney Trail in Calgary drives forward
Motorists will have 25 more kilometres of ring road to drive on by the fall of 2013.
The Alberta government signed a 33-year contract with Chinook Roads Partnership to design, build, operate and partially finance Stoney Trail from 17th Avenue SE to east of Macleod Trail. The contract also includes maintenance of Deerfoot Trail from its junction with Stoney Trail SE (currently Highway 22X) to its junction with Highway 2A.
The project includes 25 kilometres of six-lane roadway, nine interchanges, one road flyover, two rail flyovers and 27 total bridge structures. In terms of scope, it's the largest single highway project in Alberta's history. The roadway's main line will be completely free-flow and have no traffic lights.
The public-private partnership (P3) contract is worth $769 million in 2010 dollars. This compares to the estimated cost of $1.8 billion using traditional delivery. The Alberta government will advance $232 million during the construction phase while the federal government is providing $100 million through the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Plan. Once the road opens to traffic, the Alberta government will make monthly payments over the remaining 30 years of the contract.
Chinook Roads Partnership will start construction in May 2010 and the road will open to traffic by the fall of 2013. Chinook's partners include affiliates of SNC-Lavalin Inc., who have been present in Alberta since the 1950s and now employ more than 1,600 people in the province, and Acciona S.A., who have been active in the P3 market in Canada since 2001 and in Alberta since 2003.
Approximately 70 per cent of the Calgary ring road will be open to traffic once Stoney Trail SE is completed.
Using Alberta's P3 model for highways allows Stoney Trail SE to be built two years sooner than through conventional delivery. Stoney Trail SE is the fourth project to use Alberta's P3 model for highways.
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. |
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Alberta introduces unique distracted driving legislation
The Alberta government has introduced some of the most comprehensive distracted driving legislation in Canada. Bill 16, the Traffic Safety (Distracted Driving) Amendment Act, 2010, proposes a ban on the use of hand-held cell phones and activities like texting, reading, writing, personal grooming, and puts restrictions on using other electronic devices while driving.
The Bill proposes a fine of $172 with no demerit points. Drivers engaged in any of the identified activities can be charged under this amendment. A distracted driver could face additional charges if they commit other violations such as running a red light or making an improper lane change. Bill 16 will also complement the current driving without due care and attention law-a serious offence with a fine of $402 and six demerit points-by giving law enforcement agencies more flexibility in dealing with a wider range of behaviours.
Bill 16 would allow the use of hands-free phones. Also, radio communications such as CB radios would be allowed for commercial purposes and search and rescue services. Drivers could use hand-held devices to contact emergency services and this legislation would not affect the official duties of emergency service personnel including enforcement, fire and medical services.
The proposed legislation is expected to be debated in the legislature this fall. This will give the public and traffic safety stakeholders an opportunity to view Bill 16 and provide comments and feedback. For more information, please visit www.transportation.alberta.ca. |
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Seniors benefit from more than 1,000 continuing care spaces
More than 1,000 new and upgraded spaces are being added to Alberta's continuing care system to address the needs of an aging population. New construction or renovations involving 13 facilities in 11 Alberta communities will be completed or well underway within the next two years.
These new and updated continuing care spaces will also create additional capacity in Alberta's hospitals and emergency departments by transitioning seniors currently occupying acute care hospital beds into more appropriate settings that will better meet their needs.
$55 million from Albertans' investment in Capital Bonds is being used to supplement the $50-million Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI), leveraging an even greater community investment to enhance seniors' continuing care accommodations. Remaining funds from the sale of Capital Bonds will be used for future investment in seniors' accommodations.
The 13 projects support government's Continuing Care Strategy: Aging in the Right Place and span the spectrum of continuing care facilities that include supportive living, designated assisted living and long-term care spaces.
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Outdoor enthusiasts gain new trails in Fish Creek Provincial Park
A new recreation trail system at Fish Creek Provincial Park is providing increased enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts while helping the environment.
The project is a partnership among the governments of Canada and Alberta, the National Trails Coalition and the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society.
The single track trail system spans over 14 kilometres from Shannon Terrace to MacLeod Trail, and is accessible for hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The new trails, along with public education and outreach by parks staff and volunteers, are part of an ecologically sustainable solution to damage caused by undesignated trail use in the park. New signage and five new kiosks in the park display a map, park rules and mountain bike etiquette.
The federal and provincial governments each invested more than $63,000 in the new recreation trail system. The federal government, through Infrastructure Canada, the National Trails Coalition and the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society, invested in the Fish Creek project as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Located in south Calgary, Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of Canada's largest urban parks. To find out more about year-round recreation at Fish Creek Provincial Park, visit www.fish-creek.org. To learn more about the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society, visit www.friendsoffishcreek.org. |
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