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Legislature Update - July 2010

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

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Richard's Update from the Legislature, May 2010

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 MST

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AHS leader meets with Didsbury staff

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 MST

Tamara Cunningham, Didsbury Review

Alberta Health Services' top executive turned out to Didsbury last week to hear the concerns of nearly 60 physicians, nurses and volunteers.

It was the most recent stop for Alberta Health Services CEO Stephen Duckett, who is meeting employees across the province to discuss results of a recent survey.

The survey, sent out last January to gauge employee satisfaction, showed only 41 per cent of respondents were proud to work for Alberta Health Services, while 29 per cent felt optimistic about the future of the organization. Trust was also low among employees, with 38 per cent expressing distrust and low confidence.

Duckett wrote in a blog posting, he suspects satisfaction was low because the survey was conducted between January and February, before the government boosted the health service's operating budget to $9 million.

'I think that's partly to do with the timing, as the survey was done before we had our budget certainty, when staff were unsure of how we would meet the budget targets (a position I was in, too), and there was uncertainty and rumours about layoffs,' he wrote.

During his visit to Didsbury last Friday, Duckett said he also believes the results were poor because 'some of the decisions made in the last 12 months have been very unpopular.'

Tough questions will likely head his way during his tour of the province this month - but his reception in this community was 'very positive.'

'People had a few concerns … but mostly about the decisions we've made to tighten up on recruiting. They say it can take anywhere from three to four months to fill a position.'

The gathering in Didsbury was closed to the public and employees contacted about the meeting said they didn't want to go on record for fear of being reprimanded. But according to Glen Scott, vice-president for Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, all of the meetings in the province are taking on a similar tone.

He went to a meeting with senior executives in Calgary, last week.

'AHS is saying it wants to consult with front line workers more often and bring them into the loop on decisions made … they also say they're listening to what employees have to say during these meetings,' he said.

'They are making it seem like they care even as they pay out bonuses to senior managers and make AHS employees do more with less. This is window dressing in my opinion.'

Didsbury is expected to get another visit from a top health official this month. Alberta' heath minister, Gene Zwozdesky is taking a tour of health facilities this Thursday.

Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Richard Marz has arranged for the visit and says the minister has a special announcement. He's tight-lipped about what it could be.

'Let's just say I'm cautious and optimistic that it's good news,' Marz said.

Legislature Update April 2010

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 MST

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Alberta Gives Green for Going Green

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST

Thousands of Albertans have made their homes more energy efficient since the Alberta government announced the energy efficiency rebate program in April, 2009. More than 38,000 Albertans have received $9.3 million in rebates, helping to avoid over 330,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. That's the equivalent of removing 63,000 vehicles off the roads.

In Alberta's rural constituencies, 18,000 homeowners have received cheques totaling $3.5 million.

The program provides consumer rebates for:

energy evaluations for homeowners to assess the current energy efficiency of their home and to measure its efficiency after improvements are made;
efficient home heating systems, hot water heating systems, clothes washers and insulation upgrades; and
new homes achieving a high level of energy efficiency.

'The tremendous response to the energy efficiency rebate program in just under a year speaks to the commitment of Albertans to reduce their environmental footprints,' says Environment Minister Rob Renner. 'Consumers have the power to make a positive environmental impact through their day-to-day energy decisions. Clearly, the people of our province want to do their share.'

Delivering on commitments laid out in its 2008 Climate Change Strategy, the Government of Alberta invested $36 million over three years to help Albertans reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Many of the rebates are tied to the federal ecoENERGY Retrofit Program, enabling consumers to recoup costs from both programs. The program is administered by Climate Change Central, a non-profit organization empowering Albertans to take action on climate change.

Rebates are available on purchases retroactive to January 1, 2009. To apply for a rebate, visit http://www.climatechangecentral.com/ or phone 1-888-537-7202.

Legislature Update � March 2010

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 MST

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Budget 2010 Striking the Right Balance

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 MST

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Premier Stelmach announces provincial aid to Haiti and a new cabinet team.

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 MST

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MLAs to promote Alberta to legislators in three states

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 MST

Forging new partnerships and strengthening economic ties are the focus of MLAs Kyle Fawcett and Richard Marz's missions to three American states as part of a Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) delegation.

Fawcett, who represents Calgary North Hill, will champion Alberta in Olympia, Washington from January 12-13 and in Boise, Idaho from January 14-15. Marz, who represents Olds-Didsbury- Three Hills, will promote the province to state legislators in Juneau, Alaska from January 24-26.

The PNWER delegates will have the opportunity to meet with a variety of legislators in the state capitals and observe their respective political processes in action.

'These meetings give me direct access to the key legislators in each state,' said Fawcett.

'Promoting Alberta's secure, reliable and responsible energy production to our largest energy client will help our province recover more quickly from our economic situation.'

PNWER is a regional multilateral forum that brings together legislative, government and private sector leaders from Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. The organization advances public policies that promote the economies of the region. It seeks to build stronger economic links among jurisdictions in the Pacific Northwest, facilitate trade and deal with regional issues.

The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.

Three Hills receives provincial grant to empower seniors

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

The Seniors Outreach Program Society in Three Hills is a recent recipient of a Wild Rose Foundation grant for to enhance programs for seniors. Four times a year, the provincial foundation awards up to $50,000 to non-profit organizations working to improve community safety and deliver programs for seniors and families. The Seniors Outreach Program is one of 26 non-profit organizations to share $1.1 million in this most recent installment of the Wild Rose Foundation's Quarterly Grants Program.

The Seniors Outreach Program Society will use its $34,129 grant for two years of operational costs to enhance seniors programs. The programs will focus on empowering seniors and assisting them as they improve their quality of life.

'Seniors are important members of our communities and the Seniors Outreach Program, developed by seniors for seniors, helps ensure they maintain their quality of life,' Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Richard Marz said.

'Non-profits like this one are essential for building the strong and inclusive communities we love to call home.'

The grants are administered through the Wild Rose Foundation to non-profit and voluntary sector organizations, providing valuable services to Albertans. Each recipient organization fosters or promotes volunteerism and encourages philanthropic and humanitarian acts.

Successful applicants demonstrated community support that met or exceeded the grant amount requested.

Organizations are eligible for one grant in a three-year period. To be eligible, the organizations must also be legally registered as a society, non-profit company, charity or service in Alberta for a minimum of one year, and the nature and scope of their activities must be related to health, social service or community service. The organizations' cash operating reserves can't exceed their operating expenses for the year.

Wild Rose Foundation grant submission deadlines are Jan. 1, April 1, July 1 and Oct. 1. The most recent money was awarded to successful applicants from the Oct. 1, 2008, deadline.

The Wild Rose Foundation is the Government of Alberta's principal agency responsible for promoting and supporting Alberta's non-profit and voluntary sector. For more information, visit www.wildrosefoundation.ca. To learn about Alberta's other community investment programs, working to create stronger and safer communities, visit www.culture.alberta.ca.

Olds receives provincial grant to foster student leadership

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

The Canadian Association of Student Activity Advisors in Olds is a recent recipient of a Wild Rose Foundation grant to organize a student leadership conference. Four times a year, the provincial foundation awards up to $50,000 to non-profit organizations working to improve community safety and deliver programs for seniors and families. The association is one of 26 non-profit organizations to share $1.1 million in this most recent installment of the Wild Rose Foundation's Quarterly Grants Program.

The Canadian Association of Student Activity Advisors will use its $50,000 grant to organize and develop its 2009 Student Leadership Conference in Olds. The conference promotes and fosters community volunteerism and leadership in junior high and high school students.

'By fostering leadership and volunteerism in our youth, we mentor Alberta's future leaders,' Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Richard Marz said. 'Organizations like CASAA play an essential role in developing strong and inclusive communities.'

Successful applicants demonstrated community support that met or exceeded the grant amount requested.

Wild Rose Foundation grant submission deadlines are Jan. 1, April 1, July 1 and Oct. 1. The most recent money was awarded to successful applicants from the Oct. 1, 2008, deadline.

Electricity Transmission Lines II

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Richard Marz: The Minister of Energy stated last week that the Alberta Utilities Commission is responsible for setting compensation rates for transmission lines. Many landowners tell me these rates have been significantly lower and basically not in the market. What can this government do so the AUC gets the message that their rates are totally out of sync with reality and adjusts them accordingly?

Energy Minister Mel Knight: Just for clarification, the AUC is not responsible for setting the compensation rates, but they are responsible to approve the rates. The opportunities for transmission facility operators and landowners to get together and negotiate what they feel is a fair compensation is available to every landowner or person affected by these pieces of infrastructure. Of course, if they cannot reach an agreement, there's an opportunity at the Surface Rights Board for them to seek appeal.

Mr. Marz: What other avenues are available to landowners to get fair compensation from the AUC compared to other types of installations?

Mr. Knight: I think what needs to be understood here is that there is nothing that has been taken away from landowners with respect to their ability to negotiate with the transmission facility operator, the same way that they may negotiate with other enterprises that may want to come and do something that affects their rights and surface rights on the land that they own.

Again, I must emphasize that every landowner has the ability to negotiate what he thinks is a fair settlement, and if they are not able to do that, there are avenues of appeal.

Mr. Marz: My third question is to the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. This Assembly passed a motion last fall to review surface rights compensation rates. Given that such a review may give some direction to entities such as the Surface Rights Board as well as AUC, has any consideration been given to this motion at this time?

Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton: Yes, that was Motion 512. I want to assure the Member for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills that we've not forgotten that motion, but that in discussion with stakeholders it was agreed that there are a number of procedural issues dealing with the Surface Rights Board that should be addressed first.

That's basically what we've done. My parliamentary assistant, the Member for Livingstone-Macleod (Evan Berger), introduced legislation in this session, Bill 12, that addresses those issues. Those amendments will streamline procedures and save time and money for all parties involved.

We've also introduced alternative dispute resolution and mediation, that, again, is in the interest of all parties involved, and of course we introduced the Alberta Land Stewardship Act, implementing the land-use framework. I can assure the Member for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills that one of the next steps will be to review the issue of landowner compensation. I'm looking forward to that, just as he is.

Electricity Transmission Lines

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

Richard Marz: At a publicized event last week the hon. Premier (Ed Stelmach) told the Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce that our electricity transmission system cannot meet our needs. The system that delivers electricity to every home, farm, business, and industrial site in the province is being described as aging, congested, and inefficient, and that is bringing up concerns amongst my constituents.

My question is to the Minister of Energy. Electricity is there when I need it, the lights come on when I turn them on, and I've had no reliability issues - and neither have my constituents - in recent memory. Why do we need the transmission lines, and why now?

Energy Minister Mel Knight: I think that the answer to the hon. member's question lies in the fact that the province of Alberta is indeed a growing, productive province. We have an increase in the consumption of electricity that is beyond most jurisdictions' in North America. We have an aging system that's being held together by a very dedicated group of people at AESO. The opportunity for us to build on and fortify this infrastructure for Albertans is now.

Mr. Marz: What are the risks to Albertans if we don't get transmission lines soon?

Mr. Knight: What are the risks? I don't want to in any way alarm any members of the House or alarm Albertans unduly. However, we don't have to look very far in our history to understand and see the effect of circumstances where brownouts or rotating brownouts relative to keeping the grid active have affected Albertans. Without an opportunity to continue to move forward on an initiative relative to a very critical infrastructure, those types of circumstances will very likely be repeated.

Mr. Marz: One of the biggest potential delays to a project of this magnitude, as I see it, is that of access to private land. Compensation rates to landowners for siting of transmission towers are significantly lower than those offered for other energy installations such as oil and gas wells and wind turbine towers.

Can my constituents be assured by this minister that they will be treated fairly and comparably to other types of energy and industrial installations on the issue of compensation?

Mr. Knight: This is a very, very serious concern for all Albertans and most particularly Albertans that are impacted as landowners relative to any type of infrastructure or other build-out that would take place in development. I cannot stand here and indicate to Albertans or to the member that, in fact, we could guarantee, or that I could guarantee as the minister, that people that are having infrastructure placed on their property relative to a transmission system would be compensated in an equal manner to infrastructure that may be placed there by some other private concern that is not regulated under the Alberta Utilities Commission.

Rural Hospitals

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

Richard Marz: Recent reports of several rural hospital closures in central Alberta have set off alarm bells throughout these communities. This would appear to defy all logic. For one thing, there would be no apparent capacity anywhere else for all these patients to go.

Can the Minister of Health and Wellness assure Albertans that these rumours are just that, rumours and not public policy?

Health Minister Ron Liepert: Well, I think what the member is referring to is a document that the Member for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood (Brian Mason) and a few of his friends had released and thought they had this revelation relative to rural hospitals.

But the author of the working document himself has indicated that, if they would have actually contacted him before releasing this document, he could have informed them that this was a working document with the former health region that has now been deemed not to be appropriate going forward.

I know it certainly caused a lot of unnecessary concern in residents of central Alberta, and I would just hope that going forward there would be more responsibility shown in that area.

Mr. Marz: Can the minister share at this time: what is the plan for central rural hospitals like Three Hills and Trochu and Didsbury, which has recently been put on pause, which are full to capacity most of the time? The staff are working very hard to meet the needs of their patients.

Mr. Liepert: The reasons that many of these hospitals have capacity issues are twofold, I guess.

Number one is that we need to ensure that in our acute-care facilities we are treating patients who really should be in acute-care facilities. We need to have a broader view of what our health delivery system should look like. We need to ensure that when these patients are being admitted, they are being admitted into the right facility.

But equally as important is that we have the challenge of ensuring that we have the right workforce for those particular communities. That's part of the overall review that Alberta Health Services is currently undergoing.

Mr. Marz: Well, given that the services offered in any health facility are dependent on the level of training and the skills of the individual health professionals, such as doctors and nurses, what is the minister doing to attract more of these health professionals to rural Alberta? The need is great.

Mr. Liepert: The member actually hit on something that I think we have to address: doctors and nurses. What we need to ensure in health care in this province is that all of our professionals are working to full scope of practice. We have highly qualified LPNs who are underutilized. I believe we have many other professions, like pharmacists, who are underutilized. That's the whole initiative that we'll be re-examining through our Vision 2020 document to ensure that the right professional is providing the right level of service no matter where you live in this province.

Wind Power Generation

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

Richard Marz: A number of locations in my constituency have been identified as possible sites for the siting of wind turbines for electricity generation. This has raised a number of concerns among local residents. My questions are to the Minister of Energy. Who is responsible for the siting and setback provisions of these turbines? Is it the province, or is it the local municipalities?

Energy Minister Mel Knight: Well, in fact, it's both. The siting relative to wind turbines is under the purview of the Alberta Utilities Commission, and they do follow some quite strict guidelines related to noise control around the sitings. The AUC's rules on noise control include some requirements related to turbine sitings. A facility may not produce more than 50 decibels of noise during the day at any nearby residence which is one and one-half kilometres or closer and no more than 40 decibels at night. The setbacks from these eloquent structures . . . (Mr. Knight ran out of time for his response.)

Mr. Marz: Could the minister explain what regulations are governing the setback distance from neighbouring residences and from neighbouring property lines?

Mr. Knight: The situation is that they will vary according to municipalities. There's a convention in the wind powered generation industry that suggests that any residences should be at a distance away from a turbine of at least four times the height of the structure. As an example, an 80 metre turbine structure would be required to be sited 320 metres away from the nearest residence. Some municipal bylaws support this convention, and Alberta Transportation, interestingly enough, also has a role to play. They require that turbines be at least 300 metres from the nearest road.

Mr. Marz: Has the minister's department conducted any studies as to any potential health risks? If not, have they accessed any studies done in other jurisdictions, and what are the results of those studies?

Mr. Knight: At this point in time we have limited information relative to wind turbines and their effect or possible effect on health. All types of generation, including those that are categorized as clean and renewable, have both pros and cons, and we do work in the system to be sure that none of these things are detrimental to health. The AUC takes social, environmental, and economic factors into consideration when these facilities are in fact applied for and sited.

Vision 2020: a long-term strategic plan to make healthcare sustainable

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

For the healthy, health is something that's easy to take for granted. But for the thousands upon thousands of Albertans who rely on our health care system each year, health is a vital issue. All Albertans need access to quality health care.

From time to time, as your MLA and representative in Edmonton, I am asked questions about healthcare in Alberta. Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with our frontline health workers at the Didsbury Auxillary Foundation's Annual General Meeting. But I'd like to take a few moments to discuss some health issues more generally here.

Many of you are aware there have been significant restructuring to our healthcare system in the past year. The regional health boards amalgamated into one superboard under Alberta Health Services, reducing costs and bureaucracy. Healthcare premiums were eliminated in January, saving taxpayers money.

Government also began moving forward with Vision 2020, a long-term strategic plan to make healthcare sustainable. Vision 2020 has some important goals for smaller municipalities and rural areas, including providing the right service, in the right place, at the right time, and enhancing access to high quality services in rural areas.

Alberta Health and Wellness is working closely with the Alberta Health Services staff who represent rural areas to review services and determine a more integrated care model for rural communities in Alberta. Previously proposed and approved health capital projects throughout the province, including a 60-bed long-term care facility in Didsbury, have been put on hold and are being re-evaluated in the context of the newly created Alberta Health Services.

I have received several inquiries about seniors drug coverage. The Alberta Pharmaceutical Strategy is designed to meet Albertans needs while making drug coverage programs more accessible, efficient and sustainable.

The proposed deductibles for seniors are based on income and the ability to pay. A special financial consideration process will be in place in case a senior has difficulty with deductible payments.

Under the Canada Health Act, only prescription drugs administered in a hospital must be provided without charge. But the provincial government recognizes the role drugs play in the healthcare system. The strategy's goal, therefore, is to provide assistance to lower income seniors and Albertans through sponsored drug plans.

The rapidly rising cost of prescription drugs and drug programs is a matter of serious concern throughout Canada. In Alberta today, $1.2 billion of our healthcare budget is spent on drugs. The health budget is more than $13.2 billion and consumes more than 34 per cent of total government revenue.

Meanwhile, there are currently around 376,500 seniors living in Alberta and the seniors population is expected to increase 40 per cent over the next decade, to exceed 500,000.

Expenditures in healthcare are growing faster than those of any other ministry or branch of government. With declining resource revenues and escalating healthcare budgets, clearly changes to the status quo are a must.

By asking Alberta's seniors to contribute toward their own drug costs, based on their income, the government is enabling the continued sustainability of publicly-funded programs for the Albertans of today and tomorrow.

I hope I have addressed some of your questions regarding healthcare. I am honoured to represent you in the Alberta Legislature. Should you have further questions or concerns, please contact me at through my constituency office at (403) 556-3132.

Supernet

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

Richard Marz: Rural Albertans are still patiently waiting for access to the SuperNet. I understand that this is now possible using the existing copper lines that are already in place. My question is to the Minister of Service Alberta. If the existing telephone lines can deliver this service, what is the holdup? Why are Albertans still waiting?

Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk: As you know, SuperNet was built to connect schools, hospitals, colleges, libraries, and other public institutions to high-speed Internet access, video conferencing, and other services. Now that it has been built, we're looking at ways to expand the service to all Albertans across Alberta.

It's important to remember that the SuperNet is like a highway, and the Internet service providers are the roads that connect the individuals. Some Internet service providers are using existent telephone lines to provide dial-up Internet services. As well, copper lines can have limitations.

Mr. Marz: Is there anything the government can do to accelerate this process?

Mrs. Klimchuk: The SuperNet has made high-speed Internet access available to more communities than ever, and our goal is to go beyond these communities, most definitely. We are working with our private-sector partners, Bell and Axia, as well as municipalities, the SuperNet service provider council, gas co-ops, community leaders, and other partners to develop a detailed plan that will achieve our goal. We are exploring ideas every day that will expand the SuperNet in a way that it needs to get out to all Albertans.

Mr. Marz: How does the level of service through copper lines compare to that of fibre optics?

Mrs. Klimchuk: I believe that copper, fibre, and wireless technology can all be used to connect rural Albertans to high-speed Internet. We are continuing to work with all of our partners. It's about leveraging the SuperNet and using it with all the technologies that are out there. In the meantime, the SuperNet is doing amazing things for public institutions in the province, and we're committed to making sure it moves ahead, so please stay tuned.

ATB - At work all across Alberta

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

ATB Financial is proud of the role it plays in communities across the province. As a Crown corporation solely owned by the Province of Alberta, we have a single-minded focus on Alberta and on serving Albertans' financial needs.

In the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills constituency, here are some important facts about ATB in your communities.

ATB provides financial services to about 15,000 customers in your constituency through six branches and two agencies.
The ATB branches in your constituency are in Linden, Didsbury, Olds, Trochu, Carstairs and Three Hills.
About 95 of your constituents are employed by ATB.
At the end of 2008, ATB had approximately $44 million in consumer loans, $75 million in home equity lines of credit and $20 million in mortgages held by individuals in your riding.
There were $7 million in business loans and $81 million in agriculture loans held by businesses and farmers from your constituency at the end of 2008.
ATB also held $177 million in deposits on behalf of your constituents.

On top of that, all across the province, you'll find ATB employees volunteering their time, involved with community initiatives, and supporting local programs.

Amber Alert Program

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

Richard Marz: The recent abduction of the young lady from Penhold has raised Albertans' awareness of as well as concerns with the Amber Alert program. My question is to the Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. In light of some of the perceived problems that have arisen from this case, is the minister considering any changes to the Amber Alert program to make it even better?

Solicitor General Fred Lindsay: Let me first say that we're all relieved and grateful that this incident ended with the return of the child and also the arrest of the perpetrator. Alberta's Amber Alert program has proven highly successful in helping police find abducted children because it quickly mobilizes the eyes and ears of the community. All nine Amber Alerts issued since this program started in 2002 have resulted in the safe return of the children. We have no plans to change this very effective program.

Mr. Marz: To make it better, would the minister consider allowing the RCMP to use their own discretion to trigger an Amber Alert within the first 24 hours of receiving a report of a missing person?

Mr. Lindsay: To supplement a number of other investigative procedures, the police use the Amber Alert as a tool of last resort to find missing children. The Amber Alert program is effective because police throughout Alberta apply four consistent criteria when deciding whether or not it needs to be activated.

Those criteria include whether or not there is clear evidence of an abduction; that police believe the child to be at risk of physical harm or death; that there is sufficient information to allow the public to identify the child, the abductor, and the mode of transportation; that the Amber Alert can be issued quickly enough for a reasonable expectation of success. It is critical that all police in Alberta apply the same criteria consistently for the Amber Alert program to continue being effective.

Mr. Marz: Would the minister consider implementing an Amber Alert based on the description of the victim only instead of waiting for a description of the perpetrator and their vehicle?

Mr. Lindsay: As I indicated earlier, the success of this program is based on the four criteria that I described. That being said, the police use other methods, such as in the case recently in Red Deer, where they do get on the airwaves and in the newspapers and on TV with the description of the person who's missing to ensure that we can find them as soon as possible.

Three Hills benefits from infrastructure investment

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 MST

Albertans in Three Hills will benefit from a combined federal-provincial infrastructure investment of $1.3 million through the Communities Component of the Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund. The funds will be used for a new fire hall.

'This significant federal-provincial funding will help build a state-of-the-art fire hall that will enhance public safety in the community for years to come,' said Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Richard Marz. 'The facility will be built according to the most up to date 'green' standards, and it will operate in an environmentally-friendly way for the long term.'

The new fire hall will be constructed using clean-energy technologies and materials. Building a fire hall that exceeds the energy efficiency requirements of the Model National Energy Code for Buildings or achieves LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification will save the municipality money in operational costs, while reducing its impact on the local environment.

The Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund - Communities Component is a federal-provincial program that addresses the unique infrastructure needs of both rural and urban communities of less than 100,000. The funds help those communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs and support economic growth. The governments of Alberta and Canada provide up to two-thirds of the funding for eligible project costs. Municipalities cover the remainder of project funding.

The Government of Alberta and Government of Canada have each committed $88 million to the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund. When combined with municipal contributions, the program is expected to inject at least $264 million into Alberta's municipal infrastructure over a six-year period.

The Town of Three Hills contribution to this project brings the total project investment to more than $2 million.

In Alberta, the program is implemented by Alberta Transportation and Western Economic Diversification Canada and administered by a Joint Secretariat. Projects are reviewed and approved by an Oversight Committee of representatives from the governments of Alberta and Canada, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties.

Municipalities seeking more information should contact the Joint Secretariat toll free at
1 (800) 396 0214 or bcf@gov.ab.ca.

Communities can also find information and apply for funding at the Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund - Communities Component website: www.buildingcanadafundalberta-cc.ca. The application deadline is March 15, 2009.

Participation in the Building Canada Fund is part of the Government of Alberta's $22 billion capital plan.

Didsbury benefits from infrastructure investment

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 MST

Albertans in Didsbury will benefit from a combined federal-provincial infrastructure investment of more than $4 million through the Communities Component of the Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund. The funds will be used for wastewater and local road infrastructure.

The Town of Didsbury will install a sub-surface storm water drainage system throughout an industrial park and install a storm water management facility, which will help prevent storm water flood damage and minimize the impact of flooding on the surrounding area. As well, all gravel roads in the subdivision will be paved, improving road conditions and traffic safety for local drivers.

'The significant investment in water management systems will benefit residents in the Didsbury area for many years,' said Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Richard Marz. 'Additionally, the improvements that will be made to local roads will do much to improve the quality of life in the community.'

The Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund - Communities Component is a federal-provincial program that addresses the unique infrastructure needs of both rural and urban communities of less than 100,000. The funds help those communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs and support economic growth. The governments of Alberta and Canada provide up to two-thirds of the funding for eligible project costs. Municipalities cover the remainder of project funding.

The Government of Alberta and Government of Canada have each committed $88 million to the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund. When combined with municipal contributions, the program is expected to inject at least $264 million into Alberta's municipal infrastructure over a six-year period.

Town of Didsbury's contribution to this project brings the total project investment to more than $6.4 million.

In Alberta, the program is implemented by Alberta Transportation and Western Economic Diversification Canada and administered by a Joint Secretariat. Projects are reviewed and approved by an Oversight Committee of representatives from the governments of Alberta and Canada, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties.

Municipalities seeking more information should contact the Joint Secretariat toll free at
1 (800) 396 0214 or bcf@gov.ab.ca.

Communities can also find information and apply for funding at the Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund - Communities Component website: www.buildingcanadafundalberta-cc.ca. The application deadline is March 15, 2009.

Participation in the Building Canada Fund is part of the Government of Alberta's $22 billion capital plan.

Olds benefits from infrastructure investment

oldsdidsbury.threehills@mypcmla.ca — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 MST

Albertans in Olds will benefit from a combined federal-provincial infrastructure investment of more than $2 million through the Communities Component of the Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund. The funds will be used for a library expansion.

The Olds Municipal Library expansion includes the addition of meeting, program and administrative space, as well as an expansion of the general library space. During expansion, efforts will be made to use environmentally sustainable building materials and systems. The project will result in increased space for community usage in a facility where Olds residents of all ages can come together to build a vibrant and lively community.

'This investment in municipal infrastructure will provide many benefits to the residents of Olds and the surrounding area,' said Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Richard Marz. 'In addition to expanding the library, the project will add more space for administration and a variety of community uses, and construction will be carried out in a very environmentally-friendly way.'

The Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund - Communities Component is a federal-provincial program that addresses the unique infrastructure needs of both rural and urban communities of less than 100,000. The funds help those communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs and support economic growth. The governments of Alberta and Canada provide up to two-thirds of the funding for eligible project costs. Municipalities cover the remainder of project funding.

The Government of Alberta and Government of Canada have each committed $88 million to the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund. When combined with municipal contributions, this program is expected to inject at least $264 million into Alberta's municipal infrastructure over a six-year period.

The Town of Olds' contribution to this project brings the total project investment to more than $3 million.

In Alberta, the program is implemented by Alberta Transportation and Western Economic Diversification Canada and administered by a Joint Secretariat. Projects are reviewed and approved by an Oversight Committee of representatives from the governments of Alberta and Canada, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties.

Municipalities seeking more information should contact the Joint Secretariat toll free at
1 (800) 396 0214 or bcf@gov.ab.ca. Communities can also find information and apply for funding at the Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund - Communities Component website: www.buildingcanadafundalberta-cc.ca. The application deadline is March 15, 2009.

Participation in the Building Canada Fund is part of the Government of Alberta's $22 billion capital plan.