| March 15, 2003 | ||
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News from the Legislature Alana DeLong, MLA SYMPATHY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: On behalf of the constituents of Calgary Bow, I wish to express our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of the seven students who were killed on Feb. 1st as a result of an avalanche in Glacier National Park. UPDATING VLT’S IN ALBERTA:
I’d like to thank those constituents who took the time to share with me their views regarding the government updating VLT’s in Alberta. The plan to replace VLT terminals and the central operating system has been part of Alberta Gaming’s Three-year Business Plan since 2001 for a total cost of $106 million. Some of the considerations are to replace the obsolete machines and incorporate problem gambling messages. The government takes the issue of problem gambling very seriously and remains committed to financially supporting both AADAC ($4.2 million in 2002/03) and Alberta Gaming Research Institute ($1.5 million in 2002/03) initiatives. The annual revenue generated by VLT’s is $600 million. This revenue is at risk if the VLT’s are not replaces. VLT revenues go to the Alberta Lottery Fund, which supports thousands of volunteer, public and community-based initiatives across the province, including building and maintaining schools through Alberta Infrastructure ($35 million in 202/03) and to Alberta Learning ($84.1 million in 2002/03). A complete breakdown of how lottery fund revenues are spent is included in the Alberta Gaming Annual Report at www.aglc.gov.ab.ca POTENTIAL CLOSURE OF PARKDALE SCHOOL:
During recent months, I have been contacted by several parents in the Parkdale community concerning the potential closure of the Parkdale school. Accordingly, I have written to the CBE requesting that they review and consider the revitalization plan submitted by the community. I fully support the community’s recommendations that the community, Government of Alberta and the Calgary Board of Education focus on working closely to ensure that the school is adequately utilized and strategically positioned to be excellently utilized in the future.
REDUCED REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORIES:
Effective April 1, 2003, the health regions in Alberta will be reduced to 9 from 17. This move will integrate mental health services into those regions. Constituents can be assured that there will be no disruption in services. FYI, the current chairs of the boards will not change.
REDUCED CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES AUTHORITIES:
Effective April 1, 2003, Alberta Children’s Services will reduce the number of authorities throughout the province to 10 from 18. The amalgamation will align the authorities with the new Regional Health Authorities to ensure consistent planning and provision of services to local communities, as well as to improve governance and administrative management.
CHANGING PRIORITIES OF ALBERTANS: Are your priorities changing? In the early 1990’s, Albertans requested that the government reduce its debt. We are currently 9 years ahead of schedule in paying off this debt. To date, the debt is $5.3 billion. However, in high growth areas in Alberta such as Calgary, there is growing infrastructure needs that must be addressed. New communities need new schools and more cars need more transportation infrastructure. What are your priorities for government surpluses? Please sign onto my new website at www.alanadelong.com to give us your feedback.
FREE BASIC HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN IN LOW INCOME FAMILIES:
(A national child benefit reinvestment): Last September, I informed you about the income qualifying levels increased for the Alberta Child Health Benefits. Since it is tax preparation time, please check your family’s net income to determine whether your children will benefit. The program provides free basic health benefits, eyeglasses and dental exams to children in low-income families. For more information please contact 1-877-469-5437 or copies of the application may be obtained at my constituency office.
Wishing all of you a fun filled Spring Break!
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