Summer is whizzing by!
When Danielle Smith was first elected Premier, she wasted no time getting to work on fixing longstanding issues in Alberta鈥檚 health care system.
In addition to signing a public health guarantee, Premier Smith signed a $24 billion, 10-year health care funding agreement with the federal government, ensuring no Albertan will ever have to pay out of pocket to see their doctor. She also invested an additional $1 billion into Alberta鈥檚 health care budget, to build a stronger and more resilient system for the future. Most importantly, however, Premier Smith replaced the AHS board with Dr. John Cowell, who she tasked with overseeing major reforms to improve EMS response times, decrease emergency wait room times, reduce surgery wait times, and restore local decision making 鈥� a move that is already showing positive results.
I look forward to watching our health care system continue to improve under the leadership of Premier Smith and Minister LaGrange. Recently, Minister LaGrange reiterated her commitment to restoring local decision making in the health care system, saying, 鈥淎lbertans need faster, better care, and that simply is not possible if hospitals 鈥� whether in rural Alberta or downtown Calgary 鈥� are fighting layers of bureaucracy in order to make simple decisions 鈥� central to fostering this environment is increasing the capacity for local decision-making. By empowering frontline health-care professionals, we open the door to valuable insights and expertise that can drive meaningful common-sense improvements at the local level.鈥�
Unlike the opposition 鈥� who just threw more and more money at Alberta鈥檚 health care issues, and who watched as wait times increased and issues worsened 鈥� Premier Smith, Minister LaGrange, and our entire team are working tirelessly to fix the issues that have hindered our health care system for years.聽
Rural Health care delivery has been a top concern as my role of MLA. I am honored to be named Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health and look forward to supporting the Minister of Health, Adrianna LaGrange, to bring solutions to the issues that exist in accessing healthcare in rural Alberta.
Helping farmers impacted by wildfire and drought
The AgriStability program has reopened for late participation so producers affected by wildfires and drought can consider enrolling to manage business risks.
Alberta producers can sign up for AgriStability until Sept. 29. The Government of Alberta and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have reopened the program recognizing that wildfires and extremely dry conditions have affected many farmers and ranchers since the April 30 enrolment deadline. This gives affected producers more time to review and manage the business risks associated with these challenging situations.
Streamlining mental health and addiction care
Alberta鈥檚 government is working with AHS to improve the delivery and oversight of mental health and addiction services across the province.
To ensure the effective delivery of services across the province, the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction has issued a directive to AHS to consolidate its mental health and addiction programs, services and operations under the existing AHS Provincial Addiction and Mental Health program. AHS will also align these services with the government鈥檚 recovery-oriented approach to ensure high-quality services remain available to Albertans across the province.
Raising the civil claims limit
As of Aug. 1, Albertans can represent themselves more effectively in civil claims court matters and save time and money on legal costs.
To make the civil claims process simpler and more cost effective, Albertans can now file civil claims of up to $100,000 in the Alberta Court of Justice. This change is an increase from the previous limit of $50,000 and the first time in nine years that Alberta鈥檚 government has increased the civil claims limit. Albertans will continue to have the option to pursue their civil claim at the Court of King鈥檚 Bench of Alberta.
Creating certainty for renewable projects
Alberta's government is responding to concerns about electricity projects to ensure future growth is balanced with responsible development.
Starting Aug. 3, the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) will pause approvals of new renewable electricity generation projects over one megawatt until Feb. 29, 2024, and review policies and procedures for the development of renewable electricity generation. This approach is in direct response to a letter received from the AUC and concerns raised from municipalities and landowners related to responsible land use and the rapid pace of renewables development. At the end of this process, future renewable projects will be able to move forward at a pace that is conducive to business while maintaining responsible environmental stewardship and preserving Alberta鈥檚 reliable electricity supply.
Martin Long,
West Yellowhead MLA
