Red Deer Rebels General Manager Brent Sutter is now a QEII Platinum Jubilee Medal recipient.
Red Deer-North MLA and Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange presented Sutter with the award during a pre-game ceremony at a Rebels game in early 2023.
The medal acknowledges Brent Sutter’s significant contribution to the province and community, particularly with regards to his hockey career.
QEII Platinum Jubilee Medals were presented to 7,000 Albertans, commemorating the 70th year of Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne. They also recognize her service to Canada. The medal program was organized by the Government of Alberta and began in 2022 for her Platinum Jubilee. Despite her death, the program continued in 2023, officially concluding Feb. 5.
The province is seeking permission from the Government of Canada to have the medal included in the Order of Precedence, along with the other commemorative medals of the Canadian Honours System.
Alberta created 20,600 new jobs in January, according to Statistics Canada.
In their latest labour force survey, full-time jobs reportedly rose by 6,800, and part time jobs rose by 13,800, building on a total of 88,800 jobs created in 2022, for a total of 129,900 since 2021.
“Our government’s strong fiscal policies are building a climate where more businesses can thrive. January’s numbers continue to demonstrate Alberta’s strong economic momentum,” said Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Northern Development Brian Jean in a statement.
“With the highest weekly earnings of all provinces, relatively affordable housing, and low taxes, Albertans are a step ahead when it comes to investing for their futures and building rewarding careers.”
Jean attributed most of the job growth to private and service-producing sectors, including wholesale and retail trade, as well as professional, scientific, and technical services.
The number of new businesses incorporated also rose in January by 8.5 per cent.
Unemployment, meanwhile, rose slightly to 6.0 per cent from 5.8 per cent – higher than the national average of 5.0 per cent. Overall, the employment rate improved to 66.1 per cent.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, comments or concerns can reach out to the local constituency office using the contact form.
Alberta is giving $150,000 to SafeGen in order to deliver safety training to high school students.
Meant to create safer and healthier workplaces for a new generation of innovators, the funding allows SafeGen to provide their JobSafe education program to students across the province for free.
“Providing workplace health and safety is one of the many steps in preparing students for in-demand careers such as skilled trades,” said Minister of Education and Red Deer-North MLA Adriana LaGrange. “Young Albertans deserve to be equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in any workplace they decide to pursue. This safety training will give students the confidence they need to begin their careers.”
SafeGen has assisted junior and senior high schools in Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories implement the JobSafe program into their curriculums. It is currently used by more than 200 schools, with more than 115,000 students having completed the courses. Three of the JobSafe courses are accredited, offering one credit each.
“Through our JobSafe Program, we are promoting safe and healthy workplace training to young Albertans before they join the workforce. Since starting this program in 1995, we have delivered courses to over 100,000 students across Alberta. We are excited to be able to offer this critical program to our next generation of workers,” said SafeGen Executive Director Darryl Kitschinski.
The Alberta government offers several programs and resources to keep Albertans safe on the job. Updating the Occupational Health (OHS) and Safety Code to reflect modern workplaces and ensuring it’s easy-to-understand will help employers keep workers safe, building workplaces that support jobs, attract investment, and grow Alberta’s economy.
A new search tool also makes it easier for Albertans to access health and safety information.
Red Deer-North residents with questions, comments, or concerns can reach out to the local constituency office via the contact form.
View the original press release on the Government of Alberta website here.
Affordability payments will now be sent out to 1 million Albertans.
Already, more than $96 million has been paid out to over 950,000 children, seniors and vulnerable Albertans. The support comes in the form of $600 in inflation relief, issued in $100 monthly payments.
“This is an incredible milestone in our continued efforts to keep Alberta affordable,” said Matt Jones, Minister of Affordability and Utilities in a press release.
“One million children, seniors and Albertans on core support programs are now enrolled to receive monthly affordability payments to offset challenging inflationary pressures. Our government remains focused on affordability, and we will continue to explore additional relief for Albertans.”
Eligible Albertans have until June 30, 2023 to apply.
Those receiving financial support through the Alberta Seniors Benefit, AISH, Income Support, Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) will automatically be enrolled and do not need to apply through the portal.
Seniors 65 and older who are not already receiving benefits, as well as parents with children under 18 that have an annual household income of under $180,000 are eligible to apply.
Applications can be made online at www.alberta.ca/affordable. Applicants must have a valid Alberta.ca account, and will be asked to provide their Social Insurance Number (SIN) and banking information.
Those who can’t access the portal can visit their local registry or Alberta Supports location.
Anyone needing help with their application can call the Affordability Action Plan information line at 1-844-644-9955, or the Verified Account support line at 1-844-643-2789.
Other measures to improve affordability include an estimated savings of $900 by suspending the fuel tax, expansion of rebates for electricity, pausing vehicle insurance rate increases, and increased benefit payments in core support programs. Alberta has also provided additional financial support to food banks and community organizations.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, or concerns can contact the Red Deer-North MLA Constituency Office by using the contact form.
Low-income nursing students will see their education become a bit more affordable thanks to an $8.5-million additional investment into the New Beginnings Bursary.
Up to 1,700 students will be eligible for the one-time, non-repayable $5,000 bursary. Recipients will automatically be selected from student loan applicants who meet program and financial eligibility criteria.
“The New Beginnings Bursary provides assistance to those who are interested in joining the health care workforce, but may not be able to afford the additional training,” said Health Minister Jason Copping.
“Health care needs continue to grow in our province and we need more local professionals familiar with the challenges in their area. By increasing education opportunities for Albertans, we improve the chances of retaining home-grown talent.”
Watch the press release.
The New Beginnings Bursary was created in 2022 to increase access to post-secondary education for those who might not be able to attend due to financial constraints. The government anticipates that by the end of 2023-24 academic year, a total of 3,400 low-income students will have benefitted from the bursary.
“Being able to access high-quality and affordable education was very important to me when I decided to become a nurse. This new funding through the New Beginnings Bursary will help so many more nurses access the training they need to go on to have successful careers in the healthcare sector, and ensure Albertans have access to the care they need,” said Nancy Tran, a nursing student at Mount Royal University.
The funding is part of Alberta’s Healthcare Action Plan, aimed at addressing high demand for nurses and healthcare professionals in the province. Alberta’s government created nearly 2,500 new seats in health-related programs last year. Other initiatives include expanded training for internationally educated nurses and funding micro-credential programs in health care fields.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or feedback on helping low-income nursing students can reach out to the local Constituency Office via the contact form.
View the original press release on the Government of Alberta website.
