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| Our government continues to plan for future growth, encourage efficient energy use and further enhance the safety of Albertans and their communities. This newsletter highlights some of the Government of Alberta's most recent initiatives and demonstrates how we are keeping a close eye on spending, investing in the programs and services Albertans value the most and continuing to strengthen our communities. For more information on the government's plan for a stronger Alberta, visit The Way Forward. |
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Alberta Gives Green for Going Green
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 Calgary, over 20,000 homeowners have received cheques totaling $4 million. To learn about the results in our constituency, click here.
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 Jan. 1, 2009. To apply for a rebate, visit www.ClimateChangeCentral.com or phone 1-888-537-7202. |
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Province adds 112 homes for the homeless in Edmonton and Calgary
The Mustard Seed Society will receive $12-million from the Alberta government to build 112 housing units for the homeless in Calgary and Edmonton. This is part of the provincial strategy to end homelessness in one decade.
On the one-year anniversary of A Plan for Alberta - Ending Homelessness in 10 Years, the province has met or exceeded many of its first-year benchmark goals. Shelter usage is down in all major cities, more than 900 homes for the homeless are in the works, and more than 1,300 formerly homeless people have been permanently housed and are receiving the supports needed to help them become independent.
The plan adopts a Housing First approach, whereby permanent and safe housing is provided along with support services. This model increases the likelihood that the individual will reach independence and is a practical and cost-effective way to coordinate and maximize resources.
During the past year, our government committed $100-million to develop housing specifically for homeless individuals and families. A target of adding 700 units in communities across the province was established under Alberta's 2009/10 housing for the homeless Request for Proposal (RFP) grant program. A total of 933 units were supported due to reduced construction costs across the province.
All of Alberta's seven major municipalities now have local multi-year plans to end homelessness, which harmonize with Alberta's Plan. The province is also working with community organizations in these cities to collect reliable information and data on homelessness.
Budget 2010 provides an additional $100 million for RPFs to develop housing for the homeless, and $42 million funding for supports and services. For more information on Alberta's plan to end homelessness, please visit http://www.housing.alberta.ca/ho_index.cfm. |
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New laws will make communities safer
The Alberta government has introduced legislative changes that will help reduce crime, particularly in the area of gang-related activity.
Bill 10 - Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Amendment Act
Bill 10 is about providing compensation for the victims of crime and making the cost of crime in Alberta too high for those who profit from illegal activity. Amendments being proposed to broaden the scope of Alberta's Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Act include:
- expanding the range of victims who can recover the costs of crime, to include municipalities, institutions, those who fund emergency service providers and others harmed by criminal activity;
- allowing for the seizure of property for the sole purpose of suppressing crime, such as modified street racers or grow operation houses damaged beyond repair;
- increasing the availability of grants to social agencies such as at-risk youth programs, drug awareness projects or domestic violence shelters; and
- allowing costs to be awarded against the Crown when restrained property is ordered returned to its owner.
Bill 11 - Witness Security Act
The Witness Security Act will complement the current federal witness protection program by establishing a provincial program tailored to the particular needs of Alberta's justice system. This legislation will allow the Crown and local police agencies to provide short-term security for witnesses who feel apprehensive about testifying in court.
Bill 12 - Body Armour Control Act
The proposed legislation will allow police to seize body armour from individuals who do not have a permit for its legitimate use. Police officers, ambulance attendants, registered security guards and others who require body armour to do their jobs will be exempt. The goal is to restrict the ability of violent criminals and known gang members to possess protective armour, while ensuring that law abiding Albertans have access to this equipment for occupational or personal safety reasons.
The proposed legislation will improve protection for witnesses, restrict gang members from wearing body armor, and better compensate municipalities burdened by the costs of crime. The legislative changes give a boost to Alberta's Safe Communities initiative.
Safe Communities is a collaboration of nine government ministries working together to reduce crime through prevention, treatment and enforcement. Since its creation, Alberta has implemented a number of anti-crime laws and regulations, including:
- the Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Act;
- the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act (SCAN);
- the Gunshot and Stab Wound Mandatory Disclosure Act (takes effect on April 1, 2010);
- regulations within the Traffic Safety Act to prohibit the use of illegally modified vehicles; and
- amendments to the Gaming and Liquor Act to allow police to remove suspected gang members from bars without an offence having been committed.
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Alberta Capital Bonds raise $74.5 million for seniors' facilities
The sale of Alberta Capital Bonds raised $74.5 million for the construction of seniors' accommodations in the province. The funds raised through the bonds will help fund our government's commitment of $100 million to build these accommodations which will include long-term care and supportive living facilities.
Alberta Capital Bonds offered a competitive rate of return of 3.3 per cent per year for five years, providing a secure investment for Albertans backed by the province's triple-A credit rating-the highest credit rating among Canadian provinces.
More than 4,600 Albertans and Alberta businesses and organizations purchased the bonds, which were available only to Albertans from Feb. 16 to March 1.
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. For more information, visit http://www.premier.alberta.ca/plansinitiatives/thewayforward/index.cfm. |
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