MAY 6, 2020
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Government of Alberta Introduces Relaunch Strategy Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk MLA Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville Dear friends and neighbours, In these difficult times, I am inspired every day by the resilience and strength of our communities. After so many changes in our daily lives, there are encouraging signs that the efforts to prevent the spread have brought our province closer to easing some restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday, April 30 Premier Kenney announced our province’s new relaunch strategy. The relaunch will take place thoughtfully and gradually in three stages, and will put the safety of Albertans first as we gradually reopen businesses while following health guidelines on physical distancing and hygiene standards. The timing of each stage will be guided by key factors, such as COVID19 hospitalizations and ICU admissions. Based on advice from our expert public health officials and the hard work of
Albertans, we are able to begin this new stage of the pandemic. In the coming weeks, businesses in our province will begin to reopen if current trends continue. Golf courses can open as of May 2, with restrictions including keeping clubhouses and pro shops closed with plans to open them in Stage 1. Non-urgent surgeries, dental services, and other health practices are eligible to reopen as soon as May 4. Other businesses, including clothing stores, restaurants, and hair salons, may open as early as May 14. For relaunch to be possible, our province will continue comprehensive testing, expand contact tracing, and maintain strong protections for the most vulnerable in our province. I am also happy to share that government will be easing restrictions on parks and public land access in time for the warmer weather. Beginning May 1, vehicle access to parking lots and stag-
ing areas will reopen. No washrooms or garbage pickup will be available within provincial parks at this time. These services will be available as soon as Alberta Environment and Parks bring staff back. Our Government is working to hire enough staff to safely open campgrounds for June 1. Private and municipal campgrounds and parks can already be open with physical distancing restrictions, subject to their own local authority guidelines. Getting outdoors is an essential part of physical and mental well-being, and Albertans will be able to safely enjoy our parks in the coming weeks. As always, updated information on COVID-19 and detailed information on our relaunch strategy is available at Alberta.ca/covid19. As we look towards the relaunch phase in our province, it is critical that we continue to take precautions, like social distancing and frequent handwashing,
H&R Block Tax Tips Submitted The minimum amount that seniors must withdraw from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) in 2020 will be reduced by 25%. This provides flexibility to seniors whose RRIFs have dropped in value so that they will not have to liquidate their plans in order to meet minimum withdrawal requirements. Similar rules will apply to individuals receiving variable benefit payments under a defined contribution Registered Pension Plan. To claim the Climate Action
Incentive You’ll have to file a 2019 tax return in order to receive it – which we know you’ll be doing anyway. When you file, you’ll have to indicate on your tax return that you qualify – which you likely do as there are very few exceptions. (Exceptions are for those who were considered non-resident at any point during the year or who spent time in prison.) The amount you receive is based primarily on the size of your family, but you’ll have to decide which member of the family will apply for the credit, as you’re only
allowed one credit per household. The amount you’re entitled to will then be added directly to your tax refund. The average family of four will receive an incentive of $809 in Saskatchewan, $486 in Manitoba, $448 in Ontario, and $888 in Alberta. People who live in more rural areas will get 10% more than those in cities to account for the fact that they likely use more energy and that they don’t have as many public transportation options to reduce their fuel consumption.
to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all my constituents in Fort SaskatchewanVegreville for all of your hard work and sacrifices during this difficult time.
