Two Government of Alberta programs continue to help rural communities create business opportunities and access high-speed broadband services.
An additional 27 projects have been approved for over $5.9 million in funding through the Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program and Rural Connections: Community Broadband Infrastructure Pilot Program. Both are three-year programs, now in their second year.
The $15-million Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program aims to increase the ability of rural communities and regions to address economic, environmental and social challenges by creating diverse economic opportunities. To date, $7.3 million has been approved for 33 projects that help rural communities adapt to changing economic circumstances. Project example: Canadian Badlands Ltd. will use a $444,300 grant to help implement the Canadian Badlands tourism cluster development initiative in rural southeast Alberta;
Under the $9-million Rural Connections: Community Broadband Infrastructure Pilot Program, priority is given to community-led broadband infrastructure projects where rural Albertans have limited or no access to broadband connectivity. To date, over $6.2 million has been approved for 20 projects to increase internet access in rural Alberta.
For descriptions of all the approved projects or more information on either program visit www.rural.alberta.ca or call 780-427-2409.
Funding for these grant programs was made available through the Government of Canada’s Community Development Trust Fund to help provinces and territories assist communities, organizations and workers move toward greater economic sustainability.
Alberta Capital Bonds raise $74.5 million for seniors’ facilities
Sales of Alberta Capital Bonds raised $74.5 million for the construction of seniors’ accommodations in the province. The money raised through the bonds will help fund government’s commitment of $100 million to build accommodations for seniors, including long-term care and supportive living facilities.
The competitive rate of return of 3.3 per cent per year for five years, provides a secure investment for Albertans backed by the province’s triple-A credit rating—the highest credit rating among Canadian provinces.
More than 4,600 Albertans and Alberta businesses and organizations purchased the bonds, which were available only to Albertans from February 16 to March 1.
Ad campaign boosts drive to reduce workplace injuries
The Alberta government has launched a new public awareness campaign to educate Albertans about workplace health and safety. The television and radio advertisements focus on how to avoid injuries that can be caused by everyday objects such as a bucket, a ladder or a nail.
Government’s goal is to reduce current injury rates by 25 per cent by the end of 2012.
The ads originally ran in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, and have since been adopted by New Brunswick. By sharing resources with other provinces Alberta is able to get the word out to more Albertans with the existing budget. The campaign will run province wide.
Additional information, including the TV and radio advertisements and printable posters can be found at www.worksafe.alberta.ca.
New online resource helps students with Internet safety and cyber bullying
Alberta students in Grades 4 to 8 will be able to access a new online resource to help them use the Internet safely and deal with cyber bullying thanks to a new licensing agreement between the province and the Media Awareness Network.
The teaching tool, Passport to the Internet, will be available to students in all Alberta schools, in English and French, at no cost. Alberta Education has secured the license for this resource until Aug. 31, 2011.
Students increasingly rely on the Internet for education research as well as entertainment. Administrators, teachers, and parents have raised concerns about safe and effective Internet use inside and outside of the classroom, particularly with regard to child exploitation and cyber bullying.
This tool will strengthen students’ understanding of how to use the Internet safely and responsibly in today’s learning environment. Using simulations of popular online environments, this resource contains information on online safety, authenticating online information, recognizing online marketing ploys, protecting privacy, managing online relationships and dealing with cyber bullying.
As the MLA for Drumheller-Stettler - if you have questions or concerns please contact one of my constituency offices at Stettler 403-742-4284; Hanna 403-854-4333; Drumheller 403-823-8181 or the office in Edmonton at 780-427-2137. Dial the RITE line at 310-0000 then the number. You may also subscribe to my e-newsletter at http://hayden.mypcmla.ca/