Results for: Alberta Government

The Alberta government is facing demands to halt the admission of complex mental health patients into long-term care facilities until the potential risks have been thoroughly evaluated. Concerns have been raised by seniors’ advocates, who allege that mixing patients with vastly different needs at the Carewest Colonel Belcher facility in Calgary has resulted in violent incidents. The board chair of the Friends of Colonel Belcher Society, Charles Hamel, has stated that the facility can no longer be recommended due to the unsafe conditions.

Thousands of Fort McMurray residents were forced to flee their homes due to an out-of-control wildfire, prompting the provincial government to explore an alternative roadway out of the community. Currently, Highways 63 and 881 are the only routes leading south, causing significant congestion during evacuations. Premier Danielle Smith announced plans to consult on Highway 686, which would connect the Peace Region to Fort McMurray. This proposal aligns with recommendations made after the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, which emphasized improving communication and making FireSmart investments.

Just days after the Alberta government announced its intention to allow political parties at the municipal level in Edmonton and Calgary, Transparent and Active Partnerships Edmonton (TAPYeg) has declared its formation and will field candidates in the next election. While some oppose Bill 20, citing concerns about provincial interference and party-line voting, TAPYeg President Jeffrey Hansen-Carlson believes political parties can enhance democracy and improve efficiency in local government. Despite surveys indicating that a majority of Albertans oppose municipal political parties, TAPYeg is optimistic and expects other parties to emerge across the political spectrum. Municipal elections in Edmonton and Calgary will take place in 2025.

The Integrated Travel & Research Development (ITRD) has expressed strong support for the Alberta government’s recently announced railway development master plan. The plan aligns with ITRD’s mission of promoting responsible rail practices that benefit all Albertans. ITRD Director of Research & Development, Vern Raincock, stated that the ‘Rail for All’ plan demonstrates the government’s commitment to sustainable transportation and its potential to unlock economic opportunities and improve accessibility for underserved communities.

The Alberta government has confirmed that it will be discontinuing its funding for low-income transit passes in Edmonton and Calgary. This decision has drawn widespread criticism from mayors and advocacy groups, who argue that the program is essential for low-income residents to access basic necessities and participate in the economy. The government has defended its decision, saying that transit is a municipal responsibility and that it is investing in other programs to support low-income Albertans.

The Alberta government is making changes to utility fees charged by municipalities to lower electricity bills, particularly in Calgary. The Utilities Affordability Statutes Amendment Act will require Calgary to modify its method for calculating local access fees on Enmax utility bills. The issue stems from the alleged misuse of the province’s default electricity price to calculate these fees, resulting in higher costs for Calgary residents. The new legislation prevents the use of variable market rates in calculating local access fees, bringing uniformity across the province.