Time to Support Each Other, Local Communities and Local Businesses

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk MLA Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville

Dear friends and neighbours,

With summer is in full swing many of us are enjoying the outdoors. Now is a great opportunity to explore the beauty Alberta has to offer. Take a look at the Travel Alberta website for trip ideas and travel offers. Now, more than ever, it is important that we support each other, our communities, and local businesses.

I am very proud to report that the Government of Alberta has taken a significant step to protect Albertans, and crack down on metal theft. If passed, Bill 25, Protecting Alberta Industry from Theft Act, 2020, and associated regulations will require scrap metal dealers to report all transactions involving commonly stolen metals and items such as catalytic converters to law enforcement. Metal theft poses a significant risk to the safety of our communities. Thieves terrify property and business owners by trespassing and stealing materials such as copper wire and industrial batteries, and frequently damage and interfere with critical systems like electrical lines, telecommunications networks and transportation infrastructure.

Our government is taking strong steps to protect Albertans from convicted sex offenders. The proposed changes to the Vital Statistics Act would prevent convicted sex offenders from changing their name. These changes are designed to hold convicted sexual offenders accountable and protect survivors. Alberta already has some of the strongest legislation around name changes and this will make it even stronger to ensure the safety of Alberta’s families and communities.

Finally, I am pleased to share that this week, the Choice in Education Act passed third reading in the Legislature. This bill will amend the Education Act to affirm that parents have the right to choose the kind of education they feel is best for their children, and it will strengthen Alberta’s successful history of education choice, including public schools, Francophone schools, charter schools, and home education. This legislation also expands options for parents to deliver home education for their children, and will allow charter schools to be established with a focus on vocation-based education. Our government believes that parents know what is best for their children, and this bill creates more choice for parents on this important issue. As always, it is an honour to be your MLA.