| Feb 2009 | ||
| MLA Legislature Report Alana DeLong, MLA
53 Pieces Of Legislation Passed During 2008 Session: Highlights of the government's productive Fall session include improved access to health care, an environmentally sustainable method to develop our resources, and the construction of a strong economic framework to move Alberta forward during times of economic difficulty. To support the government's priority of strong communities and Alberta's Safe Communities initiative, the government announced the addition of hundreds of new police officers and probation officers over the next three years and also passed the Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Amendment Act, 2008, to allow courts to seize property, such as vehicles and weapons, that have been used to commit crimes. As well, the government created a $60-million Safe Communities Innovation Fund for innovative projects that prevent or reduce crime at a grassroots level. A renewal of the Water for Life strategy was also announced during the fall sitting, and the final report on the Land-use Framework was released. Session will reopen February 10th. Alberta Freestyle Skiing Association: It was my pleasure to present two cheques to the Alberta Freestyle Skiing Association. A Community Initiatives Program grant for $71,140. was awarded to the association to assist with costs for the Alberta Provincial Mogul Ski Team - B development team. Receiving this award aids in costs associated with CanWest Ski passes, training and coaching costs. This grant provides necessary funding for programs where high performance mogul ski athletes are associated in a Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) program leading to the National Development Team with a possibility of National Team membership. As well, a Community Facility Enhancement Program grant for $23,400. was awarded to build a multi-usage maneuverable judges stand for competitions held at COP. This structure will be used by other groups such as the Alberta Snowboarding Association and the Mountain Bike groups. Providing a permanent structure that can be maneuvered from different event locations at COP is an asset. As a result, events can be judged and conducted in an organized manner. I would like to give a special thanks to Celina Hlidek for her efforts in preparing these applications for funding. Improved Drug Coverage For Many Seniors In New Pharmaceutical Strategy For Albertans: Changes are underway for government-sponsored drug coverage programs for Albertans, especially for seniors, as part of the new Alberta Pharmaceutical Strategy. Under this plan, about 60% of all seniors will receive free drug coverage or will pay less for their prescription drugs. These changes and others will begin in the next six months. Drug coverage for seniors will be redesigned, increasing support to those in need. Low-income seniors. Single seniors with an annual income of less than $21,325. and senior families with an annual combined income of less than $42,650. will not pay for drug coverage. Other seniors will pay a deductible based on their income. Please visit http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/Pharmaceutical-Strategy-2008.pdf to find out the deductible for seniors who have an annual income greater than the above-mentioned incomes. Bill 211, Child Access Documentation Act: During the Fall session, I introduced my Private Member's Bill 211. The purpose of the bill is to establish a standard for the documentation of child access exchange in cases of separation or divorce. This documentation would serve as a device that could be relied on by the courts as third party confirmation to determine if child access orders are being followed. The goal of this legislation is to help ensure that child access orders are followed appropriately by parents following a divorce or separation. This Bill could change the habits of parents who deny access, and also encourage neglectful parents to fulfill their parental responsibilities. Further progress will be done on this through the Justice Department. New Continuing Care Strategy Will Help Albertans Remain In Their Homes And Communities: Many seniors want to remain in their homes and community as they age. A new continuing care strategy announced by the Government of Alberta will help seniors and people with disabilities to fulfill that wish. Aging in the Right Place outlines a number of initiatives that will provide these Albertans with the support they need to live at home or in the community. Aging in the Right Place calls for 7,000 long-term care beds to be replaced by 2015 and for 1,225 additional affordable living spaces. The strategy was developed in consultation with Albertans and is part of the Vision 2020 report. The complete Aging in The Right Place, Vision 2020, and Alberta Pharmaceutical Strategy are available online at http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/Continuing-Care-Strategy-2008.pdf . 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.
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