| May 2005 | ||
| MLA Legislature Report Alana DeLong, MLA Insurers File Reduced Premiums With Auto Insurance Rate Boards Premiums for compulsory auto insurance on private passenger vehicles will be coming down as many leading private passenger auto insurers, representing about 50% of the Alberta market, have filed reduced premiums, mostly ranging from 4-7% with the Auto Insurance Rate Board to take effect between April 1 and July 1, 2005. These changes will be incorporated into the formal review this summer, as the board examines the total industry experience and set premiums for the coming year. The premium freeze remains in place until October 2005, meaning increases will not be considered during the coming review. Invite Your Friends and Relatives to Alberta Albertans can send a special invitation from Premier Ralph Klein to encourage their families and friends to visit Alberta and participate in our Centennial celebrations. The people whose names are submitted will receive a personalized letter from the Premier, as well as a two-for-one admission pass to Alberta historic sites, interpretive centres and museums. There is no cost to participate in the program. Telus is presenting a contest as part of the program. All names submitted by June 29, 2005 will be entered for a chance to win airfare and accommodation for up to four people to attend Alberta Centennial events being held this September. For more information on this initiative please visit www.albertacentennial.ca. Centennial Medal Will Recognize Extraordinary Contributions By Albertans A one-time commemorative Centennial Medal will recognize the extraordinary contributions of about 8,000 Alberta men, women and youth during the province's centennial year. The medal would be awarded to any Canadian citizen who has resided in Alberta and has made a significant contribution to the province. The medals would be awarded at presentations throughout the centennial year. For more information, please visit www.albertacentennial.ca Special Certificates To Be Issued To Honour Alberta's Centennial Births And Marriages All Albertans born or married in 2005 will receive a special commemorative birth or marriage certificate. Images of the certificates are available at www.gov.ab.ca/gs under "What's New." More Supports Help Families Invest In Children's Futures Alberta Works will increase the time low-income parents have at home with young children, make it easier for youth to finish high school and help families save for their children's education. A parent receiving income support will have one year instead of the current six months to stay home with a child before being required to seek or accept employment. The requirement to be out of school for one year before receiving training benefits to complete high school is waived. Training benefits will continue to be provided to 16-19 year olds in exceptional circumstances. A one-time, $100 benefit will be available for Albertans receiving income support to help offset the costs of setting up a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to participate in Alberta's Centennial Education Savings program. The benefit will help cover costs such as the fee for obtaining a birth certificate and the initial deposit required to open an RESP account. An additional change is also being made to better address domestic violence. The $1,000 allowance to set up a new household for a person fleeing a violent spouse will now be extended to anyone eligible for income support and who needs help to leave an abusive situation. Alberta Works is an integrated approach to help people find, train for and keep jobs. For more information about Alberta Works, please visit www.gov.ab.ca/hre/albertaworks or call 1-866-644-5135 (or 644-5135 in Edmonton). Throne Speech In March, Lieutenant Governor Norman L. Kwong gave his first speech to the Legislature. For a copy of the speech, please visit www.gov.ab.ca or feel free to call my constituency office at 216-5400. 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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