I would like to thank all the constituents and organizations for inviting me to attend numerous Stampede and BBQ events this Summer. It is evident that the “spirit of community” thrives in Calgary Bow of which I am extremely proud to be a resident. These events cannot be held without the many volunteers in each community. I wish to applaud all of you for your dedication and love of your community. Best wishes for a wonderful summer.

SCHOOL BOARDS TO RECEIVE $8 MILLION MORE IN TRANSPORTATION FUNDING:
Alberta school jurisdictions will receive an additional $8 million to address the rising cost of transportation. Along with the increases provided under Budget 2006, transportation funding for the 2006-07 fiscal year will increase from $220 million to $240 million - a total increase of $20 million. This increase will provide each school board with a total transportation grant rate increase of 5.7% for the 2006-07 school year. Specific allocation amounts for each school jurisdiction will be based on eligible student passengers, as of September 30, 2006. Since the 1999-00 fiscal year, transportation funding has increased from $165 million to $240 million - an increase of $75 million, or 45%, while the number of eligible student passengers has increased by 4.3 %.

ALBERTA GRANTS $350,000 TO YOUTH JUSTICE COMMITTEES: Volunteer groups that help young people understand the consequences of their criminal behaviour on victims and the community will receive $350,000 in continued support from the government of Alberta. The grants will be distributed among 121 youth justice committees managed by 1500 volunteers throughout the province. The funding can be used for items such as supplies, volunteer training and appreciation, the coordination of committee activities, as well as crime prevention initiatives. Youth justice committees work in partnership with Alberta's justice system to provide youth aged 12 to 17 with an alternative to the formal court process. Instead of having the young person appear in court for a relatively minor first or second offence, the Youth Criminal Justice Act authorizes the committees to resolve legal conflicts through a program called extrajudicial sanctions (formerly known as the youth alternative measures program). The sanctions are determined by the committee and can include a combination of community service work, victim compensation through personal service or essay writing and meeting with victims and community members. Youth justice committees may also provide sentencing advice to youth court for young offenders who are not eligible or will not participate in the youth justice committee program. For more information on youth justice committees visit www.solgen.gov.ab.ca.

A special thanks to the constituents who have taken the time to write to me on various Alberta issues. Your thoughtful and well expressed ideas keep Alberta moving towards an even brighter future

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