News from the Legislature
Alana DeLong, MLA

Adoption Record Legislation Changes
As mentioned in my last newsletter, access to Alberta's adoption records will change on November 1, 2004, when the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act comes into force. For all adoptions granted prior to January 1, 2005, adult adoptees and birth parents will be able to access identifying information about each other. Adult adoptees and birth parents who want to keep their information confidential can do so by filing a veto with Alberta's Post Adoption Registry. More information about these changes can be accessed online at www.gov.ab.ca/adoptionrecords, or by calling 310-4455 toll-free in Alberta. Outside Alberta, call toll-free at 1-866-825-4455.

Adoption Records

Access to Alberta's adoption records will change on November 1, 2004, when the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act comes into force. For all adoptions granted prior to January 1, 2005, adult adoptees and birth parents will be able to access identifying information about each other. Adult adoptees and birth parents who want to keep their information confidential can do so by filing a veto with Alberta's Post Adoption Registry. By filing a veto, individuals can ensure that their identifying information remains confidential. Beginning November 1, adult adoptees and birth parents will have the ability to obtain identifying information about each other contained in their adoption records. If a veto is in place, the information will not be released. Adoptees who are turning 18 have six months from their 18th birthday to file a veto preventing the release of their identifying information. Birth parents will not be given information about a biological child until six months after the adoptee's 18th birthday, to allow the adoptee time to file a veto. For adoptions that occur in Alberta after January 1, 2005, identifying information cannot be protected by a veto, however contact preferences may be filed. Preferences are not legally binding. Veto forms, applications for release of information and more information can be accessed online at www.gov.ab.ca/adoptionrecords, or by calling 310-4455 toll-free in Alberta. Outside Alberta, call toll-free at 1-866-825-4455.

Fiscal Report
Strong fiscal performance in 2003/04 brings Alberta closer to elimination of accumulated debt
A strong fiscal performance in 2003/04 and higher than anticipated revenues mean Alberta has moved a step closer to being the first debt-free government in Canada, while maintaining its commitment to fund Albertans' priorities. Results of the 2003/04 fiscal year were released by Finance Minister Patricia Nelson in the Government of Alberta Annual Report.

Auto Insurance Rates will Drop for Virtually all Drivers
The government's "made in Alberta" solution to improve the auto insurance system received final approval June 21st, 2004, paving the way for a minimum 5% rollback on compulsory insurance coverage for more than 95% of drivers. Some of these drivers who experienced high rates for reasons other than their driving history will see savings as high as 75%. Cabinet approved the recommendations brought forward by the government's Standing Policy Committee (SPC) on Economic Development and Finance on May 27, 2004. The new system will bring about lower premiums for drivers, effective treatment and fair compensation for injured victims, and reward drivers for being responsible in their driving habits. The government's focus now is to implement the legislative framework and launch the new system on October 1, 2004. For additional information on Alberta's new automobile insurance system, please visit the government's redesigned automobile insurance web site at http://www.autoinsurance.gov.ab.ca.

Hotel Room Tax Eliminated and Government Investment In Tourism Marketing And Development Jumps 75% With New Tourism Levy
Alberta's tourism industry is about to see revolutionary changes and growth from an injection of $42.4 million for marketing and development. This 75% budget increase marks the beginning of new sustainable funding resulting from changes to the hotel room tax that will commence on April 1, 2005. The current Hotel Room Tax, a 5% surcharge on accommodation, will be eliminated as of March 31, 2005. The tax will be replaced by a Tourism Levy, at the lower rate of 4%, with all of the funds collected used for tourism marketing and development. In 2005, the $42.4 million that government invests in tourism will be an amount equivalent to the revenue collected under the Hotel Room Tax in 2003/04. In 2006, this amount is projected to be $48 million. Tourism is one of Alberta's largest industries, generating over $5 billion annually and employing over 124,000 people. It generates over $680 million in revenues for the Alberta government through direct and indirect taxation.

Enhanced Package Benefits All Seniors
Seniors in Alberta will benefit from changes made to the Alberta Seniors Benefit Program, optical and dental assistance, the elimination of health insurance premiums for seniors and assistance with education property taxes. Changes to the Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB) program for lower-income seniors mean that an additional 17,000 seniors will receive a monthly cash benefit. Single seniors with an income of $21,000 or less and couples with a combined income of $33,000 will be eligible for a monthly cash benefit. The increase in thresholds comes into effect July 1, 2004, which is the beginning of the program's new benefit year. Seniors already receiving the monthly cash benefit will receive an increase of at least $60 a year. The changes also bring homeowners up to the same maximum benefit level as others such as renters. The August cheque will include the increase for July and August. Letters informing recipients of changes to their monthly benefits will be sent in the coming weeks. New dental and optical coverage is an investment in the good health of Alberta's seniors and will take effect April 2005. The coverage will be a progressive, co-pay benefit, which means that benefits will be based on income with maximum assistance targeted to lower-income seniors. It also means that many seniors who are not currently eligible will be able to apply for the Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program for assistance with dental and optical expenses. Details of the program will be finalized and released prior to April 2005. The property tax component of the benefit package will take effect at the beginning of the 2005 municipal tax year and will bring some predictability and stability to seniors' tax bills. Details of the property tax assistance will be made available in early 2005.

Cancer Drug Coverage Expanded
Patients under the age of 60 will be covered for the cancer drug Rituximab for non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Alberta Health and Wellness has approved the Alberta Cancer Board’s decision and will allocate $1.4 million to meet the additional cost this year.

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

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