The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on all Albertans. We are finally seeing hopeful results from the many sacrifices we have made since March of last year. We have given up seeing friends and family, taking holidays and many have lost jobs and loved ones.
Recently, Premier Jason Kenney announced Alberta鈥檚 re-opening plan: 鈥淥pen for Summer鈥�. We鈥檙e calling it that because it lays out a clear one-way roadmap to the complete elimination of restrictions by early July. The plan is clear, simple, and relies on the choices of Albertans. It is a three-stage plan that seeks to restore normalcy to the lives of Albertans. Since Alberta reached the 50-per-cent threshold for one-dose vaccinations on May 18, and with hospitalizations well below 800, Alberta will fully enter Stage 1 on June 1. Based on the current pace of vaccinations, Alberta is projected to enter Stage 2 in mid-June and Stage 3 in late June or early July.
This is what we have been waiting for. A return to normal is almost here. For a review of the entire plan, visit .
We will end this pandemic the same way we began 鈥� together.
Bringing the Forests Act into the 21st century
Legislative and regulatory changes that support a more competitive forest sector are now in effect.
As the third largest resource sector in Alberta, forestry is playing a critical role in our economic recovery. Changes made to the outdated Forests Act will bolster Alberta鈥檚 competitive advantage in the forest sector by supporting reliable and consistent access to trees. These changes come at a time when North America is experiencing record demand for wood products. Key updates include setting timber dues to better reflect current market and industry costs, giving companies more flexibility in deciding when to harvest trees, and cutting red tape for forest tenure holders. These amendments鈥攁nd other related changes鈥攚ill bolster the forest sector鈥檚 success, while also improving the health of our forests so Albertans can continue to enjoy them for generations to come.
Read the full announcement:
Alberta partners with Montana on trucker vaccinations
Alberta and Montana have reached an agreement to speed up the vaccination of Albertans by inoculating truckers who transport essential goods across the Canada and United States border.
Alberta commercial truck drivers who are regulated to transport goods into the United States will be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. About 2,000 Alberta truck drivers are eligible to be vaccinated under the program. Alberta鈥檚 government is doing everything we can to get vaccines into arms as fast as possible, including by forging this innovative agreement with Montana. We are very grateful to Montana Governor Gianforte for the generous donation of vaccines to protect our truckers. Alberta depends on trade with our American neighbours, and this program will ensure Alberta goods get to market while stopping the spike of COVID-19 simultaneously.
Increasing rural support for survivors of sexual violence
Funding investment of $1.2 million will expand front line sexual violence supports to help survivors access critical services like counselling, crisis response and outreach supports.
This funding will help bring new services to rural parts of Alberta, where supports are currently not available, or needs improvement. In West Yellowhead, the Hinton Friendship Centre will receive $192,000 to deliver new services to Hinton, Edson, Jasper and Yellowhead County. Enhancements will be provided for sexual assault counselling, crisis support, advocacy, public education and outreach. Anyone experiencing sexual violence should call Alberta鈥檚 One Line for Sexual Violence at 1-866-403-8000 to be connected to supports.
As always, it is my honor to serve as your MLA.
Sincerely,
Martin Long, MLA
West Yellowhead
