Made-in-Alberta products will soon be easier to shop for.
The Government of Alberta is introducing a voluntary labeling program. The program will allow local producers to identify their products with a label celebrating they’re made in the province.
“This new voluntary label celebrates the safe, high-quality agricultural and food products that Alberta is known for here and around the globe. It will help consumers more easily identify Alberta products so they know their hard-earned dollars will stay in our province and support other Alberta families,” said Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Nate Horner.
The Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA) was selected as the program administrator through a competitive process. They were awarded a $5-million agreement to deliver the program until May 31, 2027.
Producers and processors interested in using the label on their products can get more information and apply though the Made in Alberta website.
AFPA Chair Eric Haak says the association is honoured by the government’s commitment to local food and beverage.
“This program helps consumers and producers work together to easily identify the amazing products that are made right here in Alberta. By choosing a local product, you are not only helping the business but the community as a whole,” Haak said.
“Our members are proud of what they grow, produce and process are excited to increase their local coverage in our province.”
One of the first products to have the new label is Red House Salsa. Owner Mary Burch says she’s excited to be part of the launch.
“I am so proud of my province, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of my valued friends, family and business connections all within my Alberta community,” she said.
“I look forward to presenting my product with the Made in Alberta label and showcasing the hard work I have put into my business as an Albertan, as well as letting others know that when they support my business – they are supporting their province as well.”
The website will help Albertans find locally made products in the future. Albertans are encouraged to watch for the label on more products soon.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Adoption in Alberta is becoming more affordable with an additional $4 million in funding per year.
Budget 2023 outlines an increase in subsidies, tax breaks and benefits over the next three years to make adoption less arduous for families.
“If a child can find a loving and stable home sooner – that’s good news for everyone, and most importantly, for the child,” said Mickey Amery, minister of children’s services in a release. “That is why we want to help reduce adoption expenses, so that more children can find their forever families.”
The number of approved adoptive families for children in government care has dropped by more than half. There are typically about 100 approved families at any given time, but there are only about 30 currently. A total of 27 children and youth are waiting to be matched with a loving, permanent home. Most of these children are over seven years old, have special needs, or are part of a sibling group.
The funding comes under the Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2023. If passed, the $4-million package will cover the cost of dental, vision and other supplemental health benefits for children adopted in the province. This applies to all adoptions, regardless of where a child was adopted. Alberta will become the first and only province to do this.
This support would go into effect this fall.
The provincial adoption expenses tax credit would also be increased by $4,000. The $18,210 amount matches the federal tax credit, and can be claimed retroactively to Jan. 1. The credit will be available to Albertans when they file their 2023 taxes in 2024.
“Adoption shouldn’t create a financial burden for parents starting or growing their families. These new measures will make it easier for a child who needs a home to become part of a family,” said President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Travis Toews.
About 5,000 adopted children in Alberta who have already found their forever family and future adopted children will be eligible for these benefits.
If the legislation passes, the cost of private adoption through licensed adoption agencies in Alberta will be subsidized by $6,000 for families that earn less than $180,000. The subsidy would help reduce the cost of adoption by 40 to 50 per cent.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s population grew in the fourth quarter of 2022-2023.
More than 4.6 million people live in the province. According to Statistics Canada, just over 160,000 new people made Alberta their home last year. Between Oct, 1 and Dec. 31, 2022, the population grew by 45,864, or one per cent – the highest in the country. This includes 29,680 international migrants and 11,534 interprovincial migrants.
Alberta’s government attributes this largely to affordability in the province.
“Alberta’s allure is not hard to see,” said Minister of Finance Travis Toews in a statement.
“Our lower cost of living, affordable housing, abundant jobs, higher earnings and lower taxes are attracting newcomers from all over the country and abroad. Combined with our commitment to fiscal responsibility, job creation and investment attraction, we know that Alberta will remain the economic engine of Canada.”
Alberta’s population growth is also being attributed by a campaign to attract skilled workers to the province. Two-thirds of the net interprovincial migration occurred after the campaign launch in August.
“Alberta is calling – and many are answering the call. Our province continues to welcome people to experience the Renewed Alberta Advantage – being part of a highly skilled workforce with an affordable, exceptional lifestyle,” said Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development.
“Thanks to Alberta’s growing population, employers are making progress towards filling vacant full-time positions as workers migrate to Alberta to find good-paying jobs with higher wages than the rest of the country.”
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Ramadan Mubarak! To all Muslims in Red Deer-North and beyond celebrating, may this holy month bring an abundance of blessings and fill you with joy, hope and love.
For those unfamiliar, did you know Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims worldwide? It officially begins this evening – Wednesday, March 22, and will continue until the evening of April 20th.
For those unfamiliar, did you know Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims worldwide? It officially begins this evening – Wednesday, March 22, and will continue until the evening of April 20th.
During this time, Muslims are called on to abstain from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset. This is to remember those who are less fortunate and practice gratitude.
As always, Red Deer-North constituents with questions or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Statistics Canada’s inflation data from February 2022-Febraury 2023 shows Alberta’s inflation rate is at 3.6 per cent – a rate that comes in significantly lower than the national rate of 5.2 per cent.
Economist Trevor Tombe says: “Policy measures that lower energy prices (esp. utilities and gas) are a key reason” for Alberta’s lower rate.
Alberta's inflation again comes in far lower than the rest of Canada. 3.6% compared to 5.2% nationally.
Policy measures that lower energy prices (esp. utilities and gas) are a key reason. pic.twitter.com/fcep9inPkQ
This includes a number of broad-based affordability measures like the Electricity Rebate and Fuel Tax Relief. The collection of the provincial fuel tax was suspended, and Albertans are receiving up to $500 in electricity rebates.
Under the $2.8 billion Affordability Action Plan, an estimated $900 per household is also being provided.
Other targeted measures include the $600 Affordability Payments for families, seniors, and vulnerable Albertans, and re-indexing AISH and the Alberta Seniors Benefit. Support to food banks and other community groups, as well as more funding for low-income transit pass programs are also aimed at making life more affordable.
Alberta inflation statistics:
The annual growth in the headline Consumer Price Index fell to 3.6% (y/y) in February, down from 5.0% (y/y) in January. The deceleration in the annual growth also reflects base year effects, whereby prices saw a significant monthly increase in February 2022 (+1.1% m/m).
Electricity prices were unchanged in February relative to January. With lower prices and the rebate program, electricity prices were at the lowest level in five years (since December 2017).
Gasoline prices declined 2.4% in February and were significantly lower than a year ago (-13.3% y/y).
Natural gas prices dropped 17.2% in the month. Overall, energy prices were significantly (-20.8% y/y) lower than a year ago.
Food prices continue to increase. Food prices increased 0.3% in February. With price increases in 18 of the last 19 months, food inflation remained elevated at 9.7 y/y% in February, down slightly from the 40-year high reached in November.
Core inflation (all items except food and energy) eased. Inflation excluding energy and food edged down 0.7 percentage points to 4.8% y/y. However, the decline was less than the decline in the headline rate, and core inflation exceeded headline inflation for the second consecutive month.
Services inflation came down. Lower prices for childcare and housekeeping services (following the federal-provincial agreement for childcare) offset the impact of soaring interest rates as both mortgage interest cost and homeowners’ replacement cost continued to experience high annual growth.
Nationally, consumer inflation eased from 5.9% y/y in January to 5.2% in February. Lower prices for childcare and housekeeping services, inter-city transportation, fresh or frozen chicken, and natural gas offset higher prices for kitchen utensils, telephone services, women’s clothing, and mortgage interest cost.
Alberta’s inflation rate remained below the national average for the eighth month in a row, and since the onset of affordability measures, Alberta’s inflation rate has been below the national average for 10 of the 11 months.
Alberta’s slower inflation rate in February is partly due to affordability measures and other local factors. For example, the annual increase in rent (+1.7% y/y) has been muted in Alberta versus other provinces.
Alberta’s government is committed to keeping Alberta affordable and will continue to support Albertans in the weeks and months to come.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
