The CAMROSE BOOSTER, March 22, 2022 – Page 16
Alberta’s economic recovery continues By Jackie Lovely, MLA Camrose Constituency
Alberta’s economic recovery continues to move forward. That means more good jobs for Albertans. The latest number from Statistics Canada are in, and February marked the fourth straight month of job gains for our province. The February increase of 8,200 jobs saw our unemployment rate fall to 6.8 per cent, the lowest rate we’ve seen since September 2019. As our economy in the Camrose region begins to boom, I have heard from many employers in the Camrose constituency who are concerned about their ability to fill positions. This is a very valid concern and something of which our United Conservative government is working hard to get ahead. Earlier in our term, we passed Bill 49, the Labour Mobility Act, which addresses impending labour shortages, particularly in rural Alberta, by streamlining a consistent and transparent approach for recognizing the skills, education, and credentials of out-of-province workers. We also recently announced the launch of the Rural Renewal Stream and the Rural Entrepreneur Stream. These streams will encourage skilled and talented professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world to settle in rural communities. Although our economy is improving, I have been hearing concerns from some families in our region about rising energy costs this winter due, in part, to market conditions, the punishing federal carbon tax, and the long-term impacts of short-sighted NDP policies. I want to take this moment to tell you what our government is doing to address this issue for you. Alberta’s government will be providing $150 in electricity rebates to nearly two million homes, farms, and businesses to help retroactively cover the high costs they faced this winter. Exact rebate criteria will be determined soon, but is expected to include most households, farms, and small businesses. Alberta’s government will also be stopping the collection of the provincial fuel tax of 13.6 cents per litre starting April 1. This will apply to all gasoline and diesel, including marked farm fuel. We also recently saw the release of the Coal Policy Committee’s report on the future of coal in Alberta. Alberta’s government is extending the restrictions on coal exploration and development to protect the Eastern Slopes through a ministerial order until land-use planning is completed. Restricting coal exploration and development activities addresses the committee’s first recommendation. But we will not put hardworking Albertans out of work in communities or endanger projects that are safely underway. Lastly, I am so proud to announce that as part of our balanced Budget 2022, Camrose has been awarded the build portion for the new Catholic high school. This is in addition to the K-6 Chester Ronning replacement school which was just built. As the local MLA and as someone who loves this community, I have been advocating hard for new schools for the Camrose constituency. This community is one of the greatest places in the world to live, work and raise a family, and these new schools will ensure it stays that way. As always, my heart is with the people of Ukraine, as they fight for their freedom and sovereignty. Slava Ukraini! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office. We are always here for you! You can contact Jackie Lovely, Camrose MLA, at Constituency Office, 104, 4870-51 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1S1, Phone 780-672-0000, camrose@assembly. ab.ca or Legislature Office, 6th Floor, 9820-107 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1E7.
Battle River Watershed Alliance short films
COMING SOON TO THE
By Lori Larsen
On Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m., join the Battle River Watershed Alliance at the Bailey Theatre for an evening of films dedicated to bringing about awareness on the important functions of riparian areas. A riparian area refers to the vegetation growing along the edge of a natural water body. Riparian areas are vital in maintaining the health of waterbodies. The vegetation filters out sediment from entering the waterbody and their roots bind the soil together to reduce erosion. The shoreline vegetation also offers shade and wind protection, which helps to regulate the water temperature. Surrounding trees and plants provide important food sources for aquatic insects and shelter for fish, and the riparian areas provide habitat for insects, amphibians, and other wildlife. During high f lows, such as spring runoff, riparian areas store water, releasing it to the stream during low-flow periods and absorb and dissipate water energy during floods and other high water situations. The short film series is being offered as part of BRWA Riparian Intactness Assessment project that will demonstrate the functions of riparian areas, share exciting new methods for monitoring riparian areas and celebrate the work done and being done by local landowners to protect riparian areas. Each year, BRWA recognizes individuals, farms, businesses, organizations, and youth in the Battle River and Sounding Creek watersheds who are Outstanding In Stewardship (OTIS), and celebrates the work they are doing to care for watersheds, including the land, air, water, and biodiversity. Throughout the evening event, BRWA will celebrate the winners of the 2021 OTIS Awards. For more information on the April 7 event, visit the Battle River Watershed A lliance website at www.battleriver watershed.ca/events/.
SATURDAY, MARCH 26 • 8 PM
TICKETS $25 at the Bailey Box Office & Online
MONDAY, APRIL 4 • 8 PM
TICKETS $40 at the Bailey Box Office & Online 5041 50th St., Camrose, AB • 780-672-5510 • www.baileytheatre.com
