As Alberta relaunches, I want to thank everyone in our community for doing your part to successfully control the spread of COVID-19, allowing us to move safely to Stage 2.
The Legislature continues to sit through much of the summer as our government moves forward on key pieces of legislation. These efforts include COVID-19 response for individuals and businesses, reducing the use of tobacco and vaping products particularly among youth, protecting critical infrastructure, combatting human trafficking, strengthening our mental health care system, increasing transparency and accountability in real estate regulation, continuing to support choice in education and much more.
Government has also committed up to $200 million in funding for eligible businesses and non-profits that were forced to close or severely curtail operations due to COVID-19, allowing these businesses to access up to an additional $5000 in support to offset a portion of their relaunch costs. Other important initiatives that have been introduced recently include $170 million to enhance staffing and safety measures in long-term care, as well as permanent changes to allow for nurse practitioners and other health professionals to provide permanent expanded care to nursing home residents beyond COVID-19.
As we head into July, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Happy Canada Day! Thank you to our municipalities for working together to coordinate a virtual celebration on July 1 this year so that we can still celebrate our great country together.
Usually by this time, we have gathered together for community celebrations like the Leduc Black Gold Pro Rodeo, Beaumont Town & Country Daze, downtown block parties and so much more. I will certainly miss seeing all of you at our annual summer celebrations this year and I look forward to the time when we can safely go back to having these community events in-person again.
Please continue to reach out to my Constituency Office at leduc.beaumont@assembly.ab.ca or 780-929-3290 with questions and feedback on provincial supports and services.
I hope everyone is able to get outdoors this summer and enjoy the warmer weather while it lasts!
Brad Rutherford, MLA
Leduc – Beaumont Constituency
