Information On Two Provincial Rebates
Energy Solutions Alberta, the energy efficiency office of Climate Change Central, announced a new rebate program for Albertans on Sept 15, 2005.

Soak Up The Savings offers $50 to Albertans who upgrade their clothes washers to a high-efficiency, ENERGY STARŪ-qualified model. Qualifying machines purchased between Sept 15 - Dec 15, 2005 are eligible for a mail-in rebate. Rebates will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents of Calgary may be eligible for an additional $50 rebate from the City of Calgary, while quantities last. Manufacturers and retailers may also supplement the rebate with point-of-purchase incentives. The program is jointly funded by the Alberta Government and Natural Resources Canada. The City of Calgary Waterworks department is offering additional funding to Calgary residents. Only one application form is required and is available from retailers or on the Energy Solutions website. For more information, visit www.energysolutionsalberta.com/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=1112

The Alberta Furnace Replacement Program is sold out, but is still accepting names on a waiting list. Approximately 1,500 Albertans reserved up to $300 each in rebate funds when they replaced their old furnace with an ENERGY STARŪ-qualified, high efficiency gas furnace or boiler. Over 1,200 Albertans have placed their names on a waiting list in the event earlier applicants do not qualify or more funds are made available. The program is funded by the Alberta Government and Natural Resources Canada. For more information call 1-800-O-Canada or visit www.energuideforhouses.gc.ca.

Education Property Tax

Senior homeowners can receive rebates for the year-to-year increases in the education portion of their property taxes through the Education Property Tax Assistance Program for Seniors. The rebate amount depends on how much the education portion of a senior' s property tax has increased over the 2004 rate. For an application form or more information, please call the Seniors Information Line at 1-800-642-3853 or visit the Alberta Seniors and Community Supports website at www.seniors.gov.ab.ca.

Prosperity Bonus

I have many enquiries regarding the prosperity bonus. Alberta has benefited from a fiscal climate that is unparalleled - the provincial debt has been eliminated, we enjoy the lowest overall tax load in the country and program spending continues to be focused on priority areas. Infrastructure spending in 2005-06 is now forecast to reach nearly $4 billion dollars. The 2005-06 surplus is currently forecast at $2.8 billion. As reported in the First Quarter Fiscal Update, this is allocated primarily to investments in Alberta's future, specifically, the Capital Account, to help pay for the cost of infrastructure projects in future years, and to the Heritage Fund and other endowments. With the current strong energy prices continuing, however, it is likely that the 2005-06 surplus will be larger than reported at first quarter. Caucus discussions this Fall focused on allocating additional surplus dollars among further investment in Alberta's Infrastructure and distributing the remainder back to Albertans. At this time, government has discussed distribution of approximately $400 to every Albertan and is currently working to find the quickest and most effective way to provide this prosperity bonus to Albertans. Many people who would prefer to see more of the surplus put into government plans may wish to donate their $400 into non-profit program and services. Specific decisions and logistics of this rebate still need to be determined. Once they are available they will be communicated to Albertans.

Public Consultations

Please visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/Index.cfm?Page=625 and provide your input to matters that affect Albertans.

See Alana's past Newsletters

As the MLA for Calgary Bow, I am always available to assist constituents. Should you have any questions or comments, I can be reached at:

Consituency Office (Calgary):   Edmonton: Toll-Free:

(403) 216-5400 (780) 415-9459 310-0000