| August 2005 | ||
| MLA Legislature Report Alana DeLong, MLA Review Of Public Affairs Bureau Will Ensure Government Is Communicating Effectively With Albertans Calgary West MLA, Ron Liepert, will lead a committee to review the mandate, resources, services and governance model of the Alberta Public Affairs Bureau. The Government of Alberta wants to make sure that Albertans are getting the information they need. There are many very dedicated people working hard on behalf of Albertans in the Public Affairs Bureau. The Premier has asked the Committee to submit their report at the annual September Caucus Planning Session. New Project Gives Children A Voice In Custody Disputes Children exposed to domestic violence will no longer be spectators in their own custody and access hearings, thanks to the Speaking for Themselves project. Speaking for Themselves enhances the way our justice system responds to family violence. This program will help children caught in the crossfire of high conflict custody disputes involving family violence, and finally give these children a voice. The program provides children with the legal and emotional support they need to make sure their interests and concerns are heard. Flood Disaster Program The Alberta government has announced that it will expand the $55 million disaster recovery program to compensate Albertans for uninsurable damages to essential items caused by the recent severe weather. Please call 1-888-671-1111 for claim registration or more information. Scholarships In 2004-05, more than $40.5 million in scholarships was awarded to high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students and apprentices. More information about these and other scholarships available though Alberta Scholarship Programs is available online at www.alis.gov.ab.ca. Chiropractic and Podiatry Services Effective July 1, Albertans with secondary insurance will be able to use it upfront to help pay for chiropractic or podiatry fees, rather than pay those fees themselves. Regulation changes will allow secondary insurance to cover the patient's portion of chiropractic or podiatry fees beginning with the first service instead of waiting until the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan annual benefit is exhausted. Chiropractic and podiatry are not required services under the Canada Health Act. Chiropractors and podiatrists charge a fee for each patient service. Alberta's insurance plan pays a fixed amount for some services and the patient pays any difference. Patients are responsible for the full cost of any services not covered by Alberta's plan. Alberta's insurance plan provides an annual benefit of $200 for chiropractic services and $250 for podiatry services. Province Seeks Public Input On Dependent Adult And Personal Directive Legislation Albertans were invited to provide input into a review of two pieces of legislation that deal with what happens when Albertans are unable to make decisions for themselves, the Personal Directives Act and the Dependent Adults Act. The Personal Directives Act governs what happens when Albertans are unable to make personal decisions for themselves. The Dependent Adults Act governs what happens when Albertans are no longer able to make personal and financial decisions for themselves, whether through short-term illness or long-term disability. Both acts are administered by Alberta Seniors and Community Supports. Following the review, amendments to the legislation will be drafted and introduced in the provincial legislature.
Public Consultations Please visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/Index.cfm?Page=625
and provide your input to matters that affect Albertans.
|