Today, we take time to celebrate and recognize Alberta’s rich history and heritage.
Heritage Day was first declared a provincial holiday in 1974 by the Alberta government. It is celebrated annually on the first Monday in August.
For constituents of Red Deer-North, there are several activities are happening locally, including programming at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery, and you can find some of them here: https://visitreddeer.com/plan-your-trip/events.
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.
Nominations are open for the Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards, which celebrate immigrants who make outstanding contributions to our communities.
Anyone can nominate a newcomer who has enriched the province through volunteer activities, leadership, innovation in business, achievements in their academic or professional field, or by creating more welcoming and inclusive communities.
Award categories recognize the accomplishments of youth, women, seniors, entrepreneurs, academics, professionals and community builders. Up to two nominees may be awarded in each category.
“Alberta is stronger because of the many immigrants who add to the social, economic and cultural fabric of our province. Newcomers bring new ideas, skills and talents. They fill labour shortages, start their own businesses and take active roles in their neighbourhoods, schools and workplaces. It is important that we take the time to honour these remarkable individuals.”
Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism
Submissions are evaluated based on criteria such as the nominee’s overall contribution, how their actions fulfilled a need and impacted others, and how they demonstrated leadership and originality when problem solving.
Nominations are being accepted through an online portal. The deadline to apply is July 31.
The awards program is one of many government initiatives to help newcomers transition to life in Alberta and empower Albertans to share their diversity and cultures with others.
Quick facts
Nominations are open until July 31.
The awards include nine categories: Career and Academics Contribution, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Inclusive Workplaces, Newcomer Champion, Senior Spirit Award, Small Community Enhancement, Student Inspiration, Women’s Newcomer Impact, and Young Leader.
Nominations must be submitted through an online portal.
To be eligible, nominees must:
be an individual (not a group or organization)
have not received a similar Government of Alberta award
have been born outside Canada (but can have lived in Canada for many years)
be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
have no criminal conviction for which a pardon has not been received
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.
Today marks National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This is a time to listen, learn, and celebrate diverse Indigenous cultures and the outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
On this day, we also pause to remember the souls that were lost in the Residential School system and recommit ourselves to a better future.
Today we celebrate the rich and vibrant culture of Canada's First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples and their contributions to our province. I was delighted to join our Minister of Indigenous Relations@Richard4Alberta, yesterday at the Alberta government celebration. #ab#abpolipic.twitter.com/BSOVvaa8gm
Today is National Indigenous Peoples' Day. A time to recognize, learn and celebrate the diversity and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. pic.twitter.com/EQpEOLGZIL
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.
On June 20, 2023, Red Deer-North MLA Adriana LaGrange and her fellow MLAs were sworn-in.
Chief Government Whip Shane Getson released the following statement, after the swearing-in of Alberta’s United Conservative caucus:
I am honoured to have been sworn in today as the MLA for Red Deer-North. I look forward to continue serving my constituents and community. pic.twitter.com/xtJw1zBLkV
“Our United Conservative team is strong, united, and ready to deliver for Alberta families.
“Albertans sent us to the legislature to keep taxes low and life affordable, tackle drugs and crime, and continue growing and diversifying the economy – and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
“Albertans are optimistic people. In the last election, they once again rejected anger and division, and chose to continue moving forward with our positive vision for the future.
“Alberta is booming, but we have so much more to do to ensure our province reaches its full potential.
“The hard work starts now.”
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 government is investing more funding into domestic violence prevention and supporting food security in women’s shelters across the province.
Women’s shelters in Alberta provide essential services for those fleeing domestic violence. With more funding, shelters will be able to expand supports and continue caring for women and families in their communities.
The government is providing $1.6 million to support prevention programs including expanded counselling supports for men who want to change their behaviours and expanded support provided by Sagesse to help individuals apply for information disclosure under Clare’s Law. This funding will also help women’s shelters provide food to the women and children they serve.
“Our government is grateful for the partnership we have with so many organizations that support women and families fleeing violence. With more support going into the sector, we are taking an approach that is not only reactive but also preventative to help stop domestic violence before it happens.”
Jeremy Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
“These investments are providing critical supports to help women and families fleeing violence and end the cycle of domestic abuse. I am glad to continue advocating for women in Alberta, ensuring that our government continues to provide the support they need.”
Tanya Fir, parliamentary secretary for Status of Women
Providing support for men to change
Alberta’s government is providing $700,000 over two years to FearIsNotLove to support the Men’s Counselling Program and the Men& project. The counselling program helps men overcome anger and abusive behaviours in a safe, respectful and non-judgmental environment through individual and group counselling sessions.
The Men& project is an online resource providing information and support to men who want to improve their relationships and mental health.
“We are grateful for the provincial government’s support through the food security grant for the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter Program. We are also grateful for the incredible support of the Men& project, which will connect men to interactive resources and a helpline. Men& builds relationship capacities and the skills to build intimacy and connection, helping them overcome violent behaviours.”
Kim Ruse, CEO, FearIsNotLove
Supporting Clare’s Law applicants
Alberta’s government will provide a one-time grant of $450,000 to Sagesse to increase the supports offered to Albertans who make a Clare’s Law application for disclosure. The funding will help Sagesse increase awareness of the program, provide more training and enhance the network of services and supports for applicants.
“Clare’s Law has proven to be an important avenue to connect Albertans to the help they need to lead safe and healthy lives. With this additional funding, we will be able to continue to deliver a robust, timely and coordinated response to the diverse and complex needs of Albertans impacted by abuse.”
Andrea Silverstone, CEO, Sagesse
Support for women’s emergency shelters
Alberta’s government is providing $500,000 to emergency women’s shelters to help increase their capacity to source nutritious food for shelter clients. Funding will be provided directly to shelters with allocations based on the number of clients served.
Help is available to anyone experiencing any form of family violence. Immediate, 24-7 support is available by calling or texting the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 or using the online chat alberta.ca/SafetyChat. Calls can be answered in more than 170 languages.
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
Quick facts
Budget 2023 provides $55.1 million for women’s emergency shelters.
Funding supports programming for and the operations of 31 women’s emergency shelters, 17 second-stage shelters, two seniors shelters, three outreach agencies and five fee-for-service shelters in First Nation communities.
Clare’s Law was implemented on April 1, 2021.
From April 1, 2021 to Feb. 28, 2023, 430 unique applicants have requested social services supports.
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 government is investing $8 million to help make sport, physical activity and recreation more accessible through the new Every Kid Can Play program.
The Every Kid Can Play program is designed to help more Alberta children and youth access sport, physical activity and recreation. The program will provide subsidies for program registration costs to Alberta families that are struggling financially thanks to a partnership between Alberta’s government and KidSport.
“Sport and physical activity are important to Albertans’ physical and mental health. Alberta families should be able to easily access affordable sport, physical activity and recreation programming within their communities. I am proud of the opportunities this funding will provide by easing the burden on families struggling with inflation and to ensure that children in Alberta can better access affordable sport and physical activities.”
Jason Luan, Minister of Culture
“Every Kid Can Play is another way our government is supporting Alberta families struggling with rising costs that are affecting how and if their kids can participate in activities. We’re committing to reducing barriers to sports, artistic and recreational activities so that children aren’t the ones paying the price of inflation.”
Mickey Amery, Minister of Children’s Services
Watch the announcement.
The Every Kid Can Play program is expected to provide direct financial support to more than 8,500 children and youths to subsidize sport and recreation program registration costs, and support as many as 200 child and youth-focused community-level programs throughout Alberta.
KidSport will distribute up to $350 per child registration to eligible families to assist with program costs and other applicable fees for sport programs. Parents can apply for funding in June through KidSport Alberta.
This program will also provide financial support to community-based organizations that provide programming for Alberta’s kids and youth to participate in sport, physical activity and recreation.
“This funding will provide life-changing opportunities for countless kids, helping to ensure that every child has the chance to experience the benefits of physical activity and the joy of playing sport regardless of their financial situation. At KidSport, we believe that sport has the power to transform lives, and this investment will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many low-income children across the province.”
Kelly Oehlerking, executive director, KidSport Alberta
“YMCA Calgary is committed to building happy and healthy communities. The funding from the Government of Alberta will help organizations like YMCA Calgary ensure that children and youth, regardless of their family’s financial situation, are not turned away from opportunities to access physical recreation, programming and sport.”
Shannon Doram, President & CEO, YMCA Calgary
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
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.
Happy Vaisakhi to the Hindus and Sikhs of Red Deer-North and around the world.
Vaisakhi – sometimes spelled “Baisakhi” – is a spring harvest festival. This year, it’s being celebrated on Friday, April 14.
We hope this spring harvest festival brings you joy and prosperity and good fortune to all who celebrate.
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.
Evacuees in Alberta can call the hotline at 1-888-701-1101 from Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to help navigate the numerous government supports available to them. Staff will be able to answer calls in English, Ukrainian, or Russian.
As the crisis in Ukraine enters its second year, Alberta’s government continues to support Ukraine evacuees fleeing the war by helping them resettle in the province. As of April 6, over 29,000 Ukrainian evacuees have been welcomed to Alberta.
The set up of the help line is a response to the Premier’s Task Force on Ukraine, which highlighted the need for additional settlement and language supports, housing supports, and streamlined communications to help evacuees in navigate available resources.
The Alberta government has provided significant assistance to Ukraine and its citizens. This includes:
$10 million to Ukrainian World Congress’s Unite with Ukraine campaign for humanitarian aid
$2.2 million for settlement and language services delivered across the province
$1 million to Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation, to help coordinate and deliver humanitarian aid
$5 million to the Ukrainian World Congress to equip 5,000 members of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Force with defensive equipment
$5 million to the Canada Ukraine Foundation for additional humanitarian aid
$350,000 to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council for their campaign coordinating the air shipment of first aid and defensive equipment to Ukraine
In November 2022, Alberta’s government announced $12.3 million in additional funding to support newly enrolled Kindergarten to Grade 12 students from Ukraine with language, social and educational supports.
Additionally, measures have been put in place to assist and support Ukrainian newcomers, including:
Enrollment in the health system and health benefits coverage
Coverage for the cost of the immigration medical exam x-ray
Enrollment in Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools
Enrollment in licensed child-care facilities
Providing access to Alberta’s child-care subsidy program
Providing one-time emergency benefits to those with limited income and assets
Providing eligible Ukrainian evacuees temporary financial support for up to six months for basic expenses such as food, clothing and shelter under the Ukrainian Evacuee emergency Financial Supports and Benefits program
Access to Alberta Supports Centres and Contact Centre for information regarding social services (in Ukrainian or through translation services); prioritized service at in-person centres
Access to employment supports
Providing mentorship support under the Alberta Immigrant Mentorship Innovation grant
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.
Budget 2023 invests $9 million into a new reconciliation grant program for Indigenous communities and $15 million into building a safer province for Indigenous women.
Alberta’s government is committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities and walking the path of reconciliation together. Budget 2023 invests in Indigenous-led community solutions to affect meaningful change over time.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative will provide grants of up to $100,000 to support cultural and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities in Alberta.
“Reconciliation is about working with Indigenous leaders and communities to address past harms and build a brighter future. Budget 2023’s investment supports Indigenous-led solutions with funding designed to meet the needs of communities. I look forward to the good that will come from these new grants.”
Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations
The economic stream of the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative will provide capacity and opportunity development funding for community-owned projects or businesses. Funding is available for a range of business activities, including business plan development, environmental impact assessments, marketing plans and similar strategic initiatives necessary for long-term success.
Funding through the cultural stream will support traditional arts programs, language initiatives, research on oral histories and protocol items, and a range of projects that help revitalize language, culture and traditions.
A total of $3 million in grants will be available each year for three years through the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative’s two funding streams.
“As an Indigenous Elder, I am heartened to see the steps being taken by the Government of Alberta towards reconciliation. It is through acknowledging and addressing the injustices of the past that we can move towards a more just and equitable future for all.”
Elder Charles Fox, Kainai Blood Tribe
To address the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people, Budget 2023 invests $15 million over three years.
Of this, $3.5 million annually in grants will be available through the Community Support Fund. This grant initiative will support community projects that address violence and increase safety and economic security for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.
An additional $1.5 million each year will support the implementation of the Government of Alberta Roadmap on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, including the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as well as the First Nations and Métis Women’s Councils on Economic Security.
“As a family member and part of the Premier’s Council, I am very hopeful that these funds will lead to implementation of the 113 calls to action. I truly appreciate the province of Alberta for recognizing the need to build safer and stronger Indigenous communities.”
Josie Nepinak, executive director, Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society
Reconciliation is a priority for Alberta’s government. As partners in reconciliation, we are listening to and working with Indigenous Peoples in Alberta to determine the best ways forward to a better future.
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.
Wishing Christians and all who celebrate in Red Deer-North and beyond a blessed Good Friday.
May you find peace and joy as you honour the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ made.
May you also have a wonderful Easter weekend.
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.
