Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
by CK May is the month of flowers not just in the Philippines but also here in Calgary. A lot of my neighbors have done their spring cleaning and unfortunately I cannot cope up with them. I remember that during this time of the year my husband, Hank gets busier day by day. He takes care [...]
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Report From the Legislature (Nov. 4)

Targeted immunization of children, pregnant women to begin later this week

Due to the unexpected national shortage of the H1N1 vaccine, Alberta Health Services and Alberta Health and Wellness announced plans to begin targeted immunization of Albertans at high risk.
Starting on Nov. 5, Alberta Health Services (AHS) will begin targeting children aged six months to under five years as of Nov. 1. Proof of age (Health Care card, birth certificate or other valid identification) must be provided.

On Nov. 6, AHS will expand the program to include pregnant women.

At this time, the vaccine will not be available to other Albertans. When more vaccine becomes available from the manufacturer, the targeted immunization program will be further expanded to include people under 65 with chronic health conditions. Details will be announced as more information becomes available on the vaccine supply.

All Albertans who want to be immunized will have that opportunity when increased supply of the vaccine arrives from the manufacturer.

To ensure vaccine can be provided to high risk groups, no exceptions can be allowed. This is a provincewide roll-out. Everyone is asked to go the AHS website for detailed information on clinic times and locations. One new clinic will be added in both Calgary (Stampede Grandstand) and Edmonton (Commonwealth Stadium); each of which will open on Nov. 5. This will bring the total number of clinics in each city to six.

For the most current information on the targeted vaccination campaign, including dates, clinic locations and groups being vaccinated, go to: www.albertahealthservices.ca

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.5 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
Zwozdesky advocates for Aboriginal issues at meeting of ministers and national Aboriginal leaders

Gene Zwozdesky, Minister of Alberta Aboriginal Relations joined Aboriginal affairs ministers and Aboriginal leaders from across Canada at a meeting in Toronto where they outlined priority areas to work on together to improve conditions for all Aboriginal peoples.

Hosted by Ontario, the October 29 meeting focused on a broad range of issues facing First Nation, Metis and Inuit people in Canada. Ministers and leaders confirmed that establishing an Aboriginal Affairs Working Group is critical to improving socio-economic conditions for all Aboriginal peoples. They chose two priority areas to be dealt with through the working group’s new process – education and skills training; and economic development. With respect to education, ministers and leaders agreed to work with ministers of education on specific priority areas identified through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, in addition to agreements already in place.

The creation of the Working Group fulfills a direction from all premiers arising from discussions last summer in Regina with the five national Aboriginal organization leaders. The Working Group reiterated the premiers’ call for a First Ministers’ Meeting on Aboriginal issues, and committed to report its recommendation to them just before the next council of the Federation meeting in August 2010. Aboriginal ministers and leaders at the Toronto meeting agreed to meet again in spring 2010.

Aboriginal economic development was also the focus of Gathering for Success, a historic three-day international symposium on Aboriginal economic development hosted by the Alberta government and Treaty 7 Management Corporation last June in Banff. Aboriginal leaders and other Aboriginal affairs ministers and officials from across Canada attended the conference and their discussions were an important catalyst for the October 29 meeting.

Proposed legislative changes support use of community treatment orders

Providing support and clarity around the use of community treatment orders is the focus of Bill 59 the Mental Health Amendment Act 2009, which was introduced in the Legislature on Nov. 2.

Community treatment orders, which will be issued by two physicians (one of whom is a psychiatrist), will enable individuals to maintain their mental health treatment in the community. These orders will reduce the need for hospitalization and help to keep more hospital beds available for individuals who need a greater level of care.

The Mental Health Amendment Act 2009 clarifies:

The role of psychiatrists in issuing and overseeing community treatment orders;
The criteria that will be considered by Mental Health Review Panels when reviewing community treatment orders; and
The Mental Health Patient Advocate’s legal authority to access records and information for investigations involving community treatment orders.

Those sections of the Mental Health Amendment Act 2007 that provide for the introduction and implementation of community treatment orders will be proclaimed in early 2010. All other sections of the Mental Health Amendment Act 2007 were proclaimed on Sept. 30, 2009.

The Alberta government has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. An important part of The Way Forward is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care and education to help build safe and vibrant communities. For more information on the plan visit Alberta.ca

The Alberta government has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. An important part of The Way Forward is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care, education and safe and vibrant communities. For more information on the plan visit Alberta.ca.

Tri-Region to host the 2012 Alberta Winter Games

In 2012, Alberta’s best young athletes will gather in the Tri-Region west of Edmonton for the 19th Alberta Winter Games. The City of Spruce Grove, the Town of Stony Plain and Parkland County will jointly host Alberta’s largest multi-sport competition.

“Over the last four decades, the Alberta Games have served as a springboard for athletes’ future success in sport and in life,” said Cindy Ady, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation. “Not only do we get to cheer on the next generation of emerging Alberta athletes, but this year we will also celebrate the tremendous spirit and diversity of the Tri-Region communities.”

Athletes ranging in age from 11 to 17 will compete in traditional winter sports, as well as in various indoor sports such as volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics and wrestling. The number of participants is similar to an Olympic Winter Games, with more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials taking part in the event.

“Hosting the Alberta Winter Games will display the spirit and enthusiasm of the Tri-Region community,” said Bill Persley, Chair, Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation. “With their previous success in hosting the 1995 Alberta Summer Games and other major events, I am very confident that this will be a great experience for the communities involved and the athletes competing in 2012.”

The Tri-Region will benefit from an estimated economic impact of $3 million by hosting the games.

The Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation operates the Alberta Games on behalf of the Alberta government and works closely with the host community to prepare for the event. The foundation will provide and operating grant of $300,000 and a legacy grant of $50,000 for the 2012 Alberta Winter Games.

The Alberta Winter Games take place every two years. The next games take place in the Lakeland Region from February 4 -7, 2010 in Bonnyville and Cold Lake. The Alberta Summer Games take place July 19-25, 2010 in the Peace Region. For more information, visit www.albertagames.com.

As the MLA for Edmonton Mill Woods, I am always available to assist constituents. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the H1N1 vaccine, Aboriginal issues, community treatment orders, the Alberta Winter Games, or any other matter, I can be reached in my constituency office at (#218, 4128A – 97 Street) at (780) 414-1000, or in my Legislative office at (780) 422-9299. I can also be reached through e-mail at [email protected]

Report From the Legislature (Nov. 4)

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