At a Glance: Week of April 23, 2024
Compassionate Intervention Legislation
The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions has introduced the long-promised Bill 53: Compassionate Intervention Act. “If passed, the Compassionate Intervention Act would create a pathway for parents, family members, guardians, health care professionals, and police or peace officers to request a treatment order or care plan for those who, because of their severe addiction, are likely to cause harm to themselves or others… Eligible Albertans would receive stabilization, assessment, treatment and aftercare support,” read the Government of Alberta’s press release.
The legislation will be accompanied by the construction of two 150-bed compassionate intervention centres in Edmonton and Calgary, in addition to the opening of the Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre.
Guthrie Removed from Caucus
MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane and former Minister of Infrastructure Peter Guthrie has been officially removed from the United Conservative Party caucus. Guthrie resigned from his ministerial position in protest of alleged improper procurement procedures by the government of Alberta. While the UCP initially gave Guthrie a 30-day suspension, he has now been removed from caucus and will sit as an independent.
“To properly represent my constituents, I cannot be held in perpetuity to a suspension from caucus, which comes with a gag order… I am now at day 48 of my so-called 30-day suspension, impeding my democratic right to fully represent the people of Airdrie-Cochrane,” stated Guthrie during session.
A UCP statement responded to the incident to say that “MLA Guthrie has made it clear that he does not support the government’s decision to wait for the investigations of both the Auditor-General and Judge Raymond Wyant to conclude prior to taking further action on the issue of AHS procurement practices and the allegations made by the former AHS CEO. It is also clear that he wishes to continue to publicly voice his opposition to the government on that issue.”
STEM Investments at the University of Alberta
The Government of Alberta is investing $100 million over three years to upgrade the existing Biological Sciences Building at the University of Alberta. The facility will be rebranded as the Life Sciences Innovation and Future Technologies (LIFT) Centre. “This significant investment in the Biological Sciences Building will empower more University of Alberta students to enter the health and life sciences and STEM fields, which are in high demand in our growing economy.
This new facility will foster cutting-edge research, collaboration with industry and innovative ideas that will help students build the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow,” announced Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney. The extensive renovations are expected to double the lab capacity to 3,200 spaces.
Albertan Film and Music Investments
The Government of Alberta has announced an investment of $2.6 million for publishing and music, and $5.4 million for film and television, in Alberta through Budget 2025. The budget additionally includes $235 million for the Film and Television Tax Credit program over the next three years.
“Our film and television industry is not only a creative force but also a major contributor to Alberta’s economy. Through programs like the Film and Television Tax Credit, we are continually working to respond to industry needs, making sure Alberta remains a top destination for film and television productions,” stated Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Trade Matt Jones.