News from the Legislature
Alana DeLong, MLA

This Summer I had the opportunity to attend several community events in the constituency. As always, I am so impressed and encouraged with the energy of volunteers for making these events happen and by the strong show of support by constituents. It is always a pleasure meeting with so many of you.

New Safety Rules Keep Alberta Workplaces Safer

The Government of Alberta has adopted a new Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code to ensure that workplace safety rules keep pace with with changes on Alberta worksites. The Minister of Human Resources and Employment believes that the government has a responsibility to support our partners in industry and to assist them in keeping workplaces safe. Some constituents have expressed concern that these changes may add costs to employers. For more information, please visit http://www3.gov.ab.ca/hre/whs/law/index.asp and/or call the Workplace Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-866-415-8690 to provide your comments to these changes.

Adoption Records

Access to Alberta's adoption records will change on November 1, 2004, when the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act comes into force. For all adoptions granted prior to January 1, 2005, adult adoptees and birth parents will be able to access identifying information about each other. Adult adoptees and birth parents who want to keep their information confidential can do so by filing a veto with Alberta's Post Adoption Registry. By filing a veto, individuals can ensure that their identifying information remains confidential. Beginning November 1, adult adoptees and birth parents will have the ability to obtain identifying information about each other contained in their adoption records. If a veto is in place, the information will not be released. Adoptees who are turning 18 have six months from their 18th birthday to file a veto preventing the release of their identifying information. Birth parents will not be given information about a biological child until six months after the adoptee's 18th birthday, to allow the adoptee time to file a veto. For adoptions that occur in Alberta after January 1, 2005, identifying information cannot be protected by a veto, however contact preferences may be filed. Preferences are not legally binding. Veto forms, applications for release of information and more information can be accessed online at www.gov.ab.ca/adoptionrecords, or by calling 310-4455 toll-free in Alberta. Outside Alberta, call toll-free at 1-866-825-4455.

New Auto Insurance System Unveiled

In September, the government will be implementing a new automobile insurance system that will deliver fair premiums for drivers, effective treatment and fair compensation for injured victims and encourage drivers to be responsible for their own driving habits. These sweeping reforms are truly a 'made-in-Alberta' solution. Albertans told the government that changes had to be made to the insurance system and therefore a system has been developed that provides drivers with access to fair, affordable insurance that includes the private sector to ensure Albertans benefit from a competitive market. Some highlights include:

Premiums: Good drivers will get a minimum 5% reduction in their automobile insurance rates. Inexperienced drivers and those with recent at-fault claims will pay rates capped by a new grid. The grid rates for inexperienced motorists are significantly lower than current market rates for inexperienced drivers, more than 75% lower in some cases. The government mandated minimum 5% reduction will apply to the approximately 80% of drivers who pay premiums lower than those on the grid. The reforms will save Alberta drivers approximately $200 million annually and $300 million by September 2005. The current freeze will continue through the summer of 2005, and those with good driving records will benefit b y a 5% premium reduction in September 2004. Policyholders who pay monthly will see their premiums reduced from the September date forward and policyholders who paid up front will receive refunds. By mid 2005, drivers whose circumstances haven't changed will have seen no increase in their premiums from October 2003 and all will see reductions of at least 5%. Occasional drivers will see lower premiums and they will pay a maximum of 25% of the grid rate. The Fair Practices Regulation will continue to prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, gender or marital status and Bill 53 established an 'all comers rule'. This rule ensures that an insurance company must provide insurance to anyone who applies, or it must find another company that will write the policy. Insurance companies will use plain language to explain the rating criteria used to set rates for specific customers. Another recommendation being made by SPC would allow SGI in Saskatchewan and ICBC in British Columbia to sell auto insurance in Alberta.

Diagnostic and Treatment Process: A world class treatment process has also been developed that is designed to get injured victims the right treatments quickly. Medical evidence shows prompt diagnosis and treatment of minor injuries is crucial to a full recovery. When practitioners apply treatment protocols such as these correctly, about 90% of injured people recover within 12 weeks. The other 10% may require further treatment, in which case the cap would not affect them. New reforms also increase benefits for medical and rehabilitation compensation from $10,000 to $50,000. Accident victims will also be compensated for such economic losses as lost wages.

Minor Injuries: All people injured in vehicle accidents will continue to have full access to the courts. The automobile insurance reforms puts a limit of $4,000 that applies only to a pain and suffering award for a designated minor injury - that is pain and suffering due to a strain, sprain or minor whiplash

Auto Insurance Rate Board: After the transitional first year under the new system, a newly established Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB) will regulate rates.

Dispute Resolution: Once the new insurance system is in place, it will also feature a process to effectively and efficiently handle customer complaints and concerns.

Cancer Drug Coverage Expanded

Patients under the age of 60 will be covered for the cancer drug Rituximab for non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Alberta Health and Wellness has approved the Alberta Cancer Board’s decision and will allocate $1.4 million to meet the additional cost this year.

Foreign Trained Professionals In Calgary Can Restart Their Careers:

Trades People, Accountants, Information technology-telecommunication specialists, engineers, electricians and other professionals trained in another country can now receive focused employment coaching so they can get the help they need to find employment in Alberta. The Alberta government will contribute $840,000 over the next two years to Bow Valley College for the Directions for Immigrants in Trades and Professional Careers centre. The program will help ensure that skilled immigrants can restart their careers in their field of training, and can help address Calgary's growing worker shortage. For more information about Directions for Immigrants in Trades and Professional Careers is available at www.ditpc.ca .

Public Consultations

Please visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/Index.cfm?Page=625 and provide your input to matters that affect Albertans.

Wishing you a restful and safe Summer.