Stampede Success: I would like to extend my thanks to all of the constituents and organizations for inviting me to their various and numerous Stampede events this summer. It is an honour to be part of such a strong community of people who are so willing to help out and run these events. The Bowness parade was a great success and was met with much enthusiasm. Later that weekend I was delighted to see so many of you at my annual Stampede BBQ. It was a great event and would not have been possible without the many volunteers from this community. Thank you all for your participation and hard work on these events. All the best wishes for a wonderful summer.

Spring Session: Alberta MLAs wrapped up a busy and productive Spring sitting at the Legislature, passing 50 pieces of legislation. Laws were put in place to protect military reservist jobs while reservists are on active duty with the Canadian Forces, guarantee funding for carbon capture and storage projects, create a lobbyist registry to improve transparency, and improve protection for persons in care. The government also changed its seniors’ drug coverage policy to address affordability concerns raised by seniors.
The legislative agenda was highlighted by the provincial budget, which Finance Minister Iris Evans revealed April 7. Due to the global recession and a sharp drop in worldwide energy prices, it was a deficit budget; however, the government was able to maintain and increase spending in critical areas such as health care, infrastructure and education. Thanks to our savings and debt-free status, Albertans will continue receiving the same high level of services and the economy will continue moving despite the economic downturn. For the next three years, the Alberta government will follow a four-point plan for economic recovery, which calls for keeping an eye on spending, using savings to protect programs and services for Albertans while keeping taxes low, continuing to invest in infrastructure and promoting the province on the world stage. The Legislature will reconvene for the fall sitting on Oct. 26.

Preventing Violence in our Communities: Congratulations to Pathways Community Services Association who received $75,000.00 from the Alberta Bullying Prevention Community Incentive Fund which is administered through Alberta Children and Youth Services to fund work on their Family Violence and Bullying Project. As part of this project Pathways is involved in an exciting collaboration with the Families Matter Society, Metis Calgary Family Services, BowWest Community Support Services and Sabatini Earth Technologies Ltd. Through this collaboration these groups have developed a training program and protocol on domestic violence for front-line workers. They also plan to develop training programs that deal with bullying, as well as making research and workshops available to the broader community. If you would like to learn more about Alberta’s Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Initiative please visit, http://www.child.alberta.ca/home/833.cfm.

Simon House Receives Funding: I am delighted to report that the Simon House Residence Society recently received $11,375.00 through the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit Program. The funds will be used for building maintenance; equipment purchases, program development and supplies and utility costs which will help to continue the work of Simon House in the community. I would like to thank Doug Jamieson and Todd Callewaert for their efforts in making this application and wish them continued success. If you would like to learn more about the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit Program please visit, http://www.culture.alberta.ca/

Have a Safe and Relaxing Summer

A special thanks all my constituents who have taken the time to call, write and meet with me over the past several years. Your many well thought out comments and advice has been of immeasurable value to our Government and to all the people of Alberta. As always , my staff and I are available to answer any questions and/or concerns that you may have.

Public Consultations

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

See Alana's past Newsletters

As the MLA for Calgary Bow, I am always available to assist constituents. Should you have any questions or comments, I can be reached at:

Consituency Office (Calgary):   Edmonton: Toll-Free:

(403) 216-5400 (780) 415-9459 310-0000