Accommodations for seniors will be priority for new bonds
The first offering to Albertans investing in the province’s new capital bond initiative will help increase access to accommodations for Alberta’s seniors.
Funds generated through Alberta Capital Bonds will help build accommodations for Alberta’s seniors who require some assistance in daily tasks and decision-making, and will include long-term care and supportive living facilities, lodges or group homes.
The new accommodations for seniors built through capital bond funds are expected to become operational beginning in 2012. Projects will be determined based on priorities across the province. Seniors and Community Supports and Health and Wellness will identify their top priorities and the Alberta Capital Bonds investments will be made in communities with the greatest need.
Alberta Capital Bonds are expected to be available for purchase from financial institutions and investment advisors mid-February 2010. Final details, including interest rates, will be provided closer to the time the bonds are issued.
The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province’s industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.
“Ask Premier Ed” video responses now online
Premier Ed Stelmach answers Albertans’ questions on education, health care, Bill 50, carbon capture and storage, and other topics in the first four “Ask Premier Ed” videos posted to the YourAlberta YouTube account and the Government of Alberta website.
The “Ask Premier Ed” videos were shot on Dec. 8 as part of Premier Stelmach’s first-ever year-end interview with Albertans, who were encouraged to submit questions to the premier via his website, on Twitter and through YouTube. More than 400 questions were received.
Videos were posted at the following dates:
• Monday, Dec: 14: Energy and environment
• Tuesday, Dec. 15: Health
• Wednesday, Dec. 16: Economy
• Thursday, Dec. 17: Education and social services
• Friday, Dec. 18: Other topics, such as the Calgary ring road, election results, and Alberta independence.
For more information on “Ask Premier Ed,” including the questions submitted by Albertans, please visit the Premier’s website at http://premier.alberta.ca.
Alberta’s livestock industry receives competitive boost
The Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency will invest $8 million to tackle the single largest day-to-day issue plaguing livestock producers - the cost and effectiveness of feed for their animals.
Funds will be used to:
• further develop livestock feed;
• identify better links between feed and animal nutrition; and
• influence better use of feed grains.
The investment is a major step forward for the Alberta Livestock and Meat Strategy, designed to move the province’s livestock industry to a status of internationally respected, competitive and profitable. It also furthers one of the agency’s four key priorities. Further information on the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency and the strategy is available at www.alma.alberta.ca.
Alberta’s charitable tax credit one of highest in Canada
Albertans are encouraged to take advantage of the province’s high charitable tax credit by continuing to donate to their favourite charities, and retaining and submitting their receipts at tax time.
When combining the provincial tax credit of 21 per cent with the federal tax credit of 29 per cent, Albertans will receive a 50 per cent non-refundable tax credit for every dollar donated over the $200 annual threshold. This tax credit is not a refund; it is a credit towards an individual’s overall income tax return. To take advantage of the tax credit, Albertans can claim their total annual charitable donations on their next income tax return.
The tax credit is part of the Community Spirit Program, created to help increase private charitable donations by individual Albertans to Alberta’s non-profit and charitable organizations. The program is donor-driven, meaning Albertans decide where they want their donations to go.
Two components make up the Community Spirit Program: the enhanced charitable tax credit (valued at approximately $80 million) and the donation grant, which allows eligible non-profit and charitable organizations that have received at least a total of $1,000 in eligible cash donations from individual Albertans to apply for a proportional grant.
For more information on the program, visit www.communityspiritprogram.ca. If you have questions, contact the Community Spirit Program office at 780-644-8604 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access within Alberta).
As the MLA for Drumheller-Stettler, I am always available to assist constituents. If you have any questions or concerns regarding Alberta Capital Bonds, the “Ask Premier Ed” video responses, the Alberta Livestock and Meat Strategy, Alberta’s charitable tax credit or any other matter, please contact one of my constituency offices at Stettler 403-742-4284; Hanna 403-854-4333; Drumheller 403-823-8181, or in Edmonton at 780-427-5041. Also, please subscribe to my e-newsletter at http://hayden.mypcmla.ca/