22 minute read
Engaging with Alberta’s future leaders
February 06, 2020
Government of Alberta News Release
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Junior and senior high school students are encouraged to apply for the 2020-21 Education Minister’s Youth Council. Forty students will be selected to form next year’s youth council to bring their diverse interests, backgrounds and perspectives from across the province and provide input on education topics. Council members serve a 10-month term starting in September and ending in June 2021. They will meet with the Minister of Education and Alberta Education staff three times
during the 2020-21 school year. There will also be opportunities for council members to interact with one another outside of meetings.
Youth council members will:
• share diverse student perspectives with the Minister
• build positive work- ing relationships
• work with one anoth- er and Alberta Education staff to provide input on education initiatives
• participate in leader- ship opportunities Students can apply on the Alberta Education stu- dent engagement page by March 18.
“I am lucky to have approximately 720,000 of the brightest minds in the country as my bosses. Student voice is invalu- able to me. The current youth council has done amazing work so far and I always look forward to each meeting. I can’t wait to continue engaging with students who want to be a part of next year’s council.”
Adriana LaGrange, Minis- ter of Education
Cutting red tape for B&Bs and food banks January 23, 2020 Alberta Government News Release
Government is updating food regulations to create new business opportunities for bed-and-breakfasts and help food banks serve Albertans more effectively. Under the Alberta Food Regulation, bed-and-breakfast operators were only allowed to serve breakfast, while other small lodging businesses were required to invest in a commercial kitchen if they wanted to serve lunch or supper. Effective Feb.1, bed-andbreakfasts will now be able serve their guests meals at any time of day. Guest ranches and other similar small businesses will be able to serve meals under the bed-andbreakfast requirements, which are designed to be practical for home-based businesses. “This is good for businesses, good for visitors to our province and good for Albertans. These changes will create additional revenue streams for small businesses and provide more dining options for visitors enjoying this province’s amazing bedand-breakfasts.” Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction “The modernization of Alberta’s policy and regulatory framework is key to supporting the growth of Alberta’s visitor economy and to helping tourism businesses be more responsive to the needs of their clients.” Darren Reeder, executive director, Banff and Lake Louise Hospitality Association “Allowing bed-and-breakfasts greater flexibility when it comes to serving meals offers our customers a better experience while increasing our revenue. I’m very encouraged that the Alberta government is cutting this red tape and making these common-sense changes.” Caroline, owner, Cozy Corner Guest House Food banks will also be able to legally prepare, cook and serve food on site, provided they have the necessary facilities and equipment. The regulation previously prevented food banks from processing and serving food, meaning they could not easily run a soup kitchen. “This is a common-sense change that I’m proud to make. Food safety regulations should not prevent food banks from helping those in need. We will continue looking for ways to cut unnecessary rules and regulations while always protecting the health and safety of Albertans.” Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health “With this amendment, food banks will now be allowed to process and serve food on site. This change will give food banks the ability to add more services to help support people facing food insecurity.” Stephanie Walsh-Rigby, CEO, Food Banks Alberta
Red Tape Reduction Awareness Week
Alberta has declared Jan. 20-24 Red Tape Reduction Awareness Week. This coincides with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’s own Red Tape Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of the costs of regulatory burdens to businesses across Canada. This year, the CFIB gave Alberta B-minus for its efforts to cut red tape, the highest grade the province has ever achieved. Quick facts • To date, CutRedTape. Alberta.ca has received more than 4,500 submissions. • Ministries are cur- rently taking inventory and analyzing the regula- tory burden imposed on Albertans and businesses, modernizing regulation requirements, processes, forms and policies, and eliminating those that are unnecessary. • The Canadian Federation of Independent Business estimates that in 2017, the cost for businesses in Alberta to comply with regulations was about $4.4 billion.
Employment and Social Development Canada
Backgrounder The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects that empower seniors in their communities and contrib- ute to improving their health and well-being. NHSP funding supports community-based projects and pan-Canadian proj- ects. The projects are led or inspired by seniors who are making a difference in the lives of others and their communities.
Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experience to the benefit of others. The objectives of the NHSP are: • promoting volunteerism among seniors. • engaging seniors in the community through mentoring of others. • expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse. • supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors; and • providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors. Since the NHSP was launched in 2004, more than 23,600 projects have been funded across Canada. Further to the Budget 2019 investment of an additional $100 million over five years, and $20 million per year ongoing, the Government of Canada will be supporting even more projects. Community-based projects Community-based project funding supports activities where seniors are engaged, connected and actively involved in their communities. Organi- zations are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding, and small grants of up to $5,000 are available to organizations that have not received funding within the last five years. As part of the 2019-20 NHSP community-based call for proposals, orga- nizations were invited to apply for funding under the NHSP’s three national priorities: • preventing elder abuse and fraud, including measures to reduce crimes and harms against seniors. • supporting healthy aging in community, addressing dementia, including community supports and intergenerational housing; and • counteracting ageism in the workplace to promote labour market retention of seniors. Approximately 2000
projects across Canada were approved through last year’s NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects, many of which are still in progress. For more information, visit The New Horizons for Seniors Program. Pan-Canadian projects Pan-Canadian projects test and share best practices across the country and replicate approaches that have worked well in ad- dressing seniors’ issues. As part of a collective impact approach, project partners work together to achieve measurable results in increasing social inclusion of seniors. The objec- tives of collective impact projects funded through the NHSP pan-Canadian stream are to: Build the collective capaci- ty of organizations Promote improved access to information, programs and services for seniors Support action research for increasing the level of social inclusion Develop innovative approaches to engage senior volunteers Address systemic barriers that contribute to the social exclusion of seniors
For more information, visit Funding: New Horizons for Seniors Program – pan-Canadian projects
also to trim significant infrastructure projects over the next three years, including C-Trains and other means of transportations. Increase Taxes. $12-million increase in total revenues a year from taxes. Hikes on taxes will soon apply on sale taxes of all vaping devices and liquids and online rentals. The government says the fee is to discourage youth from buying vaping products. An expected $8 million a year in revenue in taxes from Online Rentals, particularly short-term rentals listed on online marketplaces, will be the primary target. Alberta Budget 2020: Emphasis On JOBS and Other Winners
Government of Canada announces funding to help LGBTQI2S+ young adults stop smoking
Public Health Agency of Canada News Release
January 21, 2020 Toronto, ON Public Health Agency of Canada
Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease and premature death in Canada. In Canada, young adults aged 18 to 24 who identify as LGBTQI2S+ are more likely to use tobacco compared to heterosexual individuals of the same age. Many factors can contribute to smoking and tobacco use, including discrimination, inequalities and higher rates of violence related to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Today, during National Non-Smoking Week, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced an investment of up to $2,840,767 to support the University of Toronto’s All Together Now! project. The Univer- sity is developing a social marketing and smoking cessation initiative in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, Egale Canada and members of LGBTQI2S+ communities. This project will focus on helping members of LGBTQI2S+ communities quit smoking and lead healthier lives. The project aims to support an estimated 114,000 members of LGBTQI2S+ communities in Toronto and Thunder Bay, Ontario, as well as in Montréal, Quebec. All Together Now! aims to address the higher rates of tobacco use among members of LGBTQI2S+ communities through a combination of targeting social media messaging, working with local champions and social influencers, developing online resources, and participating in local events within LGBTQI2S+ communities. The project will also offer tobacco cessation programming along with resources and supports to respond to some of the challenges that can contribute to smoking. For example, free nicotine replacement therapy will be available to address possible income inequalities and social media will be used to address social factors that lead to smoking such as stigma and social inclusion. In addition to this funding, as part of Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program, the Government of Canada is also providing approximately $1.3 million over 36 months to the University of Toronto’s Ontario Tobacco Research Unit to develop and implement interventions for youth and young adults (aged 16 to 29) vaping cessation. This investment aligns with the objectives of Canada’s Tobacco Strategy, which aims to reduce tobacco use to less than 5% by 2035. This target is supported by a federal investment of $330 million over five years to help Canadians quit smoking and to continue to protect young people and non-smokers from nicotine addiction.
Quotes
“This week marks Nation- al Non-Smoking Week in Canada, and I want to en- courage the thousands of Canadians who will take their first steps toward quitting smoking. The projects we are supporting today like Toronto’s All Together Now! will better help them as they make this positive change in their lives – and encour- age others to follow in the same footsteps.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Health “Smoking in LGBTQI2S+ communities is associated with stigma and related stress experienced by many individuals. Working from within LGBTQI2S+ communities, All
Quick facts
• One Canadian dies from a smoking-related illness every 12 minutes, which represents about 45,000 Canadians per year. • Among LGBTQI2S+ young adults, tobacco usage is higher: 35% of young adults aged 18 to 24 smoke, compared to 23% of heterosexual individuals in the same age group in Canada. • The All Together Now! project is being funded through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Multi-sectoral Partnership Approach. Since 2013, this program has invested $141 million and leveraged more than $111 million to support inter- ventions that encourage behaviour change and positively impact the health of Canadians. • Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program is a federal grants and contributions program that provides financial support to provinces, territories, non-govTogether Now! will build strong interventions to change the social climate for smoking and provide tailored quit-smoking support. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for making this vital work possible.” Professor Robert Schwartz Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
Canada launches environmental funding programs
January 21, 2020 Ottawa, Ontario
Across the country, Canadians are leading grassroots action to protect the environment, tackle plastic pollution, conserve nature, and protect our waterways. These initiatives are creating good local jobs and improving the environment for the next generation. Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, launched the annual call for proposals for eight environmental funding programs. These programs will contribute to community-based projects that will have positive and measurable impacts on the environment and Canadians. For example, potential projects funded this year could help contribute directly to the recovery of species at risk, address plastic pollution and climate change, restore and protect water quality in the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg, and improve long-term sustainability of ecosystems in Atlantic Canada. Canadians across the country—Indigenous communities, landowners, environmental groups, schools, other levels of government and businesses—are invited to apply. For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply for funding, please follow the links below.
Quotes
“Canadians across the country are stepping up with innovative solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges. I encourage all eligible groups with innovative environmental projects to apply for funding. We look forward to supporting initiatives that will have a positive impact on our community and natural environment.” – The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick facts
Dear Madame KC, Kailangan ko po ng opinion/advice n’yo Madame. Mahaba po ang story pero I’ll make it short and straight to the point.
I have this girl (workmate) noon tapos nagkagusto ako sa kanya then I found out na gusto n’ya rin pala ako. The problem is she is married (sa Pinas), I think more than 5 years na sila (with 1 child) and sa tingin ko wala naman silang problema kahit nasa Pinas ang mag-ama n’ya.
Actually wala sa amin ang unang nagconfess, nalaman ko lang sa friend/workmate ko na friend n’ya rin na gusto n’ya ako then tsaka ko sinabi na gusto ko rin s’ya. Then we talked about it, I asked her kung gusto n’ya na ipaglaban ko s’ya. Kasi she mentioned before na gusto n’ya ipaglaban ko s’ya and she needed my help in order for her to make a decision. Pero parang nagbago isip n’ya, mahal n’ya daw pamilya n’ya, parang hindi n’ya daw kayang iwan pero gustong-gusto n’ya naman daw ako. Gustong-gusto ko talga s’ya sobra, sa lahat ng babaeng nakilala ko, sa kanya lang ako nakaramdam ng ganito. Hanggang ngayon gusto n’ya pa rin ako at gusto ko pa rin s’ya. It’s been almost 3 months na since nagkaalaman kami na gusto namin ang isa’t isa. Parang walang maka move-on sa aming dalawa.
Point ko lang dito eh kung talagang mahal n’ya asawa n’ya hindi sana s’ya magkakagusto sa akin diba? Bakit sinasabi n’ya na gustong gusto n’ya ako kahit na sinasabi n’ya na mahal n’ya asawa n’ya?
May nabasa nga akong na quote kay Johnny Depp eh, siguro nabasa o narinig n’yo na eto Madame at nakarelate lang po ako... “If you love two people at the same time, choose the second one, because if you really loved the first one you wouldn’t have fallen for the second.” bay. Help! Lonelyguy Dear Lonelyguy,
Malaking pagkakaiba ng “gusto” sa “mahal”. Tinanong mo na ba sa kanya kung ano talaga ang nararamdaman niya para sa’yo? Baka gusto ka lang n’ya in some ways. Sa hang out, nalilibang s’ya na kasama ka, kakwentuhan, and so on.
Sinabi n’ya na mahal n’ya ang pamilya n’ya. With those words you can already start moving on. Huwag ka ng umasa sa kanya. Ginagawa mo lang doormat ang sarili mo. Ego boost ba yung makuha mo siya pag “pinaglaban” mo siya? Kung ganoon ang trip mo, go lang. Pero kung gusto mo ng seryoso at pang matagalan na relasyon maghanap ka ng walang sabit (madaming girls na single pa).
Hindi ko sure kung si Johnny Depp nga ang may sabi n’yan pero kung may kulto man s’ya, tingin ko nagbayad ka ng membership fee. Hindi nagaapply sa 2nd choice yun. Nagaapply lang yan sa “confused” na tao. Wag kang kiligin sa phrase na yun, aasa ka lang.
Tigilan mo na ang ano mang communi- cation. Hindi tama na makipag relasyon ka sa taong may sabit. Mag- ing busy ka sa trabaho at kung paano ayusin ang buhay mo. Madam- ing tao ang hindi makamove-on kasi wala silang ginagawa kundi isipin ang hindi dapat isipin.
Kung kaya n’yang lokohin ang una n’ya sa tingin mo hindi n’ya kayang lokohin ka? Re- speto na lang muna sa sarili mo. For sure may darating din na mas de- serving sa pagmamahal mo. Madame KC “The man who does not value himself, cannot value anything or anyone.”
Sending off and letting go!
“Of course, I would love to attend his deployment send off party!” I responded with excitement. Mel’s son, Gideon a corporal in the army, deployment to Europe was two days away. I felt happy to witness the maturing years of this young man. “Thank you Kuyang for coming.” Said Mel. As the C-Train inched slowly heading off to Mewata Armoury in downtown Calgary, my mind flew back in time many decades ago. One weekend in my senior high my dad brought me to Subic Naval Bay in Zambales. As a US army himself prior, he wanted me to be in the navy. From a Beatles’ hair type to Emilio Aguinaldo hair cut was unforgettable. I tried my best to ace the exam. My confidence broke when my name was not in the passing list posted in the bulletin hours after the exam. My dad, a very serious person, showed no emotion. I knew he was disappointed but kept his composure. I admired him for that gesture. We went home the following day with a new label after my name – “Ymor, US Never”. I hopped off from the train in front of the Kerby Centre and walked double time to the armoury. In my ROTC days being late meant 20 push ups. Proud of myself, I was not late. The hall was full of uniformed people. Family members readied their camera / cell phones. Scattered around the hall were food tables. The gathering was very informal. No talks and no fancy rituals. Steps heading for the food line were louder than the conversations in the hall. Mixed emotions lingered in the faces of Gideon younger brother and his dad. There was no moment and dis- tance Gideon’s girlfriend were away from him. As I observed Gideon’s informal interactions with his family and comrades, a shade of excitement was painted in his face. I glanced to my left and saw Mel’s face emitting the aura of a proud father. Though, just like any other father son relationship, Mel’s and Gideon ’s, theirs’s not ideal and perfect one. At that very moment the very strand that holds them together as father and son pulled their souls and spirits together into harmony and deeper meaning. Sending off and letting go are elements of maturing and purposeful life. Gideon’s on his way building his career, future, contributions to and role in the world. Mel, a proud dad, eyes seemed holding off the tear from falling. Raw, pure and unhinged emotions drew out from all of us – uncle, aunt, cousins and friends. My throat stiffened. For over 25 years I saw the growing up years of this young man. Now, he was heading off to a career and life he truly enjoyed. Selfie, hugs, kisses, and burping ensued!
MannyChanic 20 allbertans.ca Diaryo Alberta - The Pagebook of Albertans FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020 IMPORTANCE OF WHEEL ALIGNMENT Protecting plants, protecting life: Canada celebrates 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health
Canadian Food Inspection Agency News release
As Canada prepares to participate in the United Nation’s International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) 2020, we are reminded that healthy plants are crucial to food security and the wellbeing of all Canadians. Invasive species and other plant pests damage our crops, ecosystems, forests and natural habitats, which in turn can have damaging effects on human health. This occasion presents a unique opportunity for Canadians to take a more active role in making a commitment to promoting and preserving plant health for generations to come. Canadians of all ages have the power to help minimize the risks to Canada’s plants. You can take action by reporting plant pests in your area and burning only local or heat-treated firewood. Activities such as these, plus an international photo contest, are available on Canada’s IYPH website. The Government of Canada is playing its part by working with domestic and international partners to build awareness about the International Year of Plant Health and helping to protect Canada’s plant resources. Be sure to join the International Year of Plant health movement in 2020!
Quotes
Everyone knows the damage that invasive species like the emerald ash borer can cause to both our environment and our economy. This year offers us an important opportunity to promote awareness about how people can protect our plants by identifying and reporting invasive pests. Canadians can be proud of the vigilance and international leadership of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to prevent the spread of invasive species. -The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Manny Perez
It doesn’t take much to knock a vehicle out of alignment: potholes, curbs and even regular wear and tear can take a toll on your vehicle’s suspension system and steering com- ponents. And once that happens, everything— your tires, your vehicle and your hands on the steering wheel—will soon feel it.
HOW CAN U TELL IF YOUR VEHICLE NEED WHEEL ALIGNMENT Your vehicle will pull to one side. Your front end is shimmying after hitting a bump. Your steering wheel will no longer line up straight. Your front tires will show signs of uneven wear. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, you need a vehicle alignment performed by Certified Technicians. Proper alignments require sophisticated equipment to abide by the manufacturers’ preferred specifications and provide an exact wheel alignment.
WHATS THE BENEFITS
Tire life and savings. When your vehicle’s suspension system is out of alignment, it’s probably going to lead to uneven tire wear and that means a shorter life expectancy for your tires. With regular alignment, however, your tires will last longer and save you money. Safety. When your wheels are not aligned, it can cause your vehicle to pull right or left, undermining your control and handling. Comfort. Aligned wheels are much safer to drive on, and they also make driving much easier and enjoyable. If you’re not experiencing signs that your vehicle needs an alignment right away, we recommend checking your owner’s manual to learn how often the manufacturer recommends alignments, and also having an alignment with every set of new tires, and/or every spring.
Quick facts
• Plant protection is essential to both human and animal health, and to our environment and our economy. • Healthy plants provide us with 80 per cent of the food we eat and 98 per cent of the oxygen we breathe. • Climate change, international trade and travel, and even Canadian outdoor pastimes like camping and gardening can cause the spread of invasive plants, plant disease and other pests. • The emerald ash borer, an invasive pest, has killed over 10 million trees in Canada. • Canadians can help protect our plants by: o knowing about and reporting pests to the CFIA through inspection.gc.ca/ pests or on social media @ InspectionCan; o buying and burning local, or heat-treated, firewood to reduce the spread of the plant pests like the emerald ash borer that hide in firewood; o getting involved with the #PlantHealth and #IYPH2020 conversations on social media to raise awareness about plant protection; and o visiting science.gc.ca for more details and activities. • The International Year of Plant Health has four main themes: helping to end hunger, reducing poverty, protecting the environment and boosting economic development. • Policies and actions to promote plant health are fundamental for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular those aimed at reducing poverty, hunger and threats to the environment. • The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 global goals that act as a road map for helping to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030. • In Canada, crop industries generate over $23.8 billion per year in exports, and the forest industry contributes $24.6 billion to the Canadian economy.
QUESTIONS? visit our website @ www.diaryoalbertasociety.ca
GRANTS & FUNDING Application Workshop
March 14, 2020 1:30pm Saturday Venue: TBD ProvincialGovernment Funds CommunityGrants Private Supports Presentedby
FREE Admission Not-for- Profit Organizations/Groups 3-5 Key People from each group only.
CERTIFICATION BASIC FOOD SAFETY A WALLET CERTIFICATE Valid for 3 years will be awarded
Topics: Food Borne Illness Hazardous Foods Cross Contamination Cleaning & Sanitizing
March 21, 2020 Saturday, 1:30pm AHS Building. Room 1103, 10101 Southport Road SW Calgary
Presented by FREE Parking @ the South side of the building
