| Mar 2005 | ||
| MLA Legislature Report Alana DeLong, MLA Environmental Fee On New Electronics Begins February 1st: Beginning Feb. 1ST electronics retailers will collect an environmental fee when new televisions or computers are purchased in Alberta. The fee will cover the cost of collection, transportation and recycling of electronic materials, public information and awareness programs, and electronics recycling-related research. The fee is part of Alberta's new electronics recycling program, the first of its kind in Canada. In 2004, an estimated 190,000 televisions and 90,000 desktop computers - which contain hazardous materials such as lead and mercury - were discarded from Alberta households. During consultations done in December 2003, Albertans said they would support paying a fee as long as it directly funded the collection and recycling of electronics. This fee is paid by new electronics consumers, not taxpayers, and the money will be used for the electronics recycling program. Please visit www.albertarecycling.ca to locate a collection site near you or call the Alberta Recycling Management Authority at 1-888-999-8762. Investment Income From The Heritage Fund Continues To Benefit Albertans: : The Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund contributed almost half a billion dollars to Alberta's General Revenue Fund (GRF) in the first six months of the fiscal year. The Fund's net income for the six months ending September 30, 2004 amounted to $498 million. The government's key policy to achieve long-term sustainable performance for the Heritage Fund is to maintain a diversified portfolio, a long-term focus and an exceptional investment management team. Albertans can be assured that the Heritage Fund is strong and it has played a major role in the province becoming debt free. In its 28 year history, more than $26 billion has been allocated to Albertans' fiscal priorities such as debt repayment, health care, education and infrastructure. Her Majesty's Visit: Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh have officially accepted an invitation to join Alberta in celebrating its Centennial. The Royal Visit to Alberta will take place sometime between May 17 and May 25, 2005. The couple will also visit Saskatchewan, which is also celebrating its centennial next year. This will be the Queen's first visit to Alberta since 1990 and her fifth since becoming Queen in 1952. Details of activities in Alberta for the Royal Couple will be announced at a later date. Please visit www.albertacentennial.ca for more information on the various events, programs and projects taking place in Alberta during 2005. 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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