| November 15, 2003 | ||
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News from the Legislature Alana DeLong, MLA Gas Rebate Program: When the regulation implementing the legislation was passed in 2001, it required that a review be scheduled for the summer of 2003. In response to Albertans, the Government of Alberta has completed a review of a number of options for improving the Natural Gas Rebate Program. It is easy to understand and provides assistance in the winter from November to March, when natural gas consumption and prices are traditionally higher. The revised rebate program is in effect for a three year term ending March 31, 2006. Gas rebates may be provided to consumers when the monthly price of gas on bills reaches $5.50 per gigajoule (GJ). Consumers will receive a rebate of $1.50 per GJ on their monthly bill if two of the three major utility companies serving the province are charging between $5.51 and $7.50 per GJ on customer bills. If the price is greater than $7.50 up to $9.00 per GJ, the rebate will rise to $2.50 per GJ; if the price is greater than $9.00 up to $12.00 per GJ, the rebate will be $3.25 per GJ; and in the unlikely event that the price per GJ exceeds $12.00, Albertans will be rebated $3.25, plus costs over $12.00. Rebates will be automatically applied directly to consumer bills. The rebate program will be financed through the Sustainability Fund and is estimated to cost the Government of Alberta approximately $50 million for each month rebates are paid. The creation of the Sustainability Fund allows for greater flexibility to access funding for rebates. There has been some comment by constituents regarding those whose consumption is more than others and those who do not take active measures to conserve their consumption. I appreciate that some of us are more responsible than others and would encourage all of you to continue thinking about energy conservation. Think of it this way - the less natural gas you use, the less you pay! For more information about the program, please call Service Alberta toll free at 310-4455 and/or check the Government of Alberta website at www.gov.ab.ca. As always, please feel free to contact me about this or any other issue, at 216-5400. Alberta's Official Song Contest Begins: I welcome all constituents to submit their original composition for consideration as Alberta's official song in salute to our Centennial in 2005. This is a wonderful way to renew our commitment to our province and our fellow Albertans. I would encourages all Albertans to explore this opportunity, to reflect on what Alberta means to them, and to put that into words and music. The winning song will be unveiled for Alberta's centennial in 2005. The winning composer(s) will receive a cash prize of $2,005.00 and will also see the song professionally recorded, as well as arranged for a variety of musical and vocal ensembles. The winner(s) will be announced in late Spring of 2004. Submissions will be accepted until 4:30 pm on December 19, 2003. For application forms, call toll free 1-888-257-2005 or visit www.gov.ab.ca/Alberta2005. Alberta Learning: According to recently released testing results; the percentage of Alberta students meeting provincial standards continues to improve. These results follow national and international results, which show Alberta students are among the top in Canada and the world. Overall, achievement test writers had their highest results ever, based on the average of all subjects in Grades 3, 6 & 9. In addition, the number of students meeting the standard of excellence has increased significantly over the past five years. Diploma exam results also remained relatively high. Students writing diploma exams met or exceeded provincial expectations on more exams than ever before. The number of students achieving the acceptable standard and the standard of excellence increased in English 30, Social Studies 30, Social Studies 33, Science 30 and Chemistry 30. In addition, student results improved at the acceptable standard in Pure Math 30. These are tremendous results, and speak to the hard work of Alberta students, the dedication of Alberta teachers, and the support and commitment of parents. Teachers and schools use the results to identify opportunities for improvement and they develop action plans to increase student understanding in specific areas of the curriculum. For more information about these results, or to learn more about Alberta’s testing program, visit Alberta Learning’s website at www.learning.gov.ab.ca. Third Annual Christmas Open House December 19th I look forward to seeing you. Light food and refreshments will be served.
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