Hello Calgary-Bow,
We are nearly half way through this legislative session. I continue my work in Edmonton, as an advocate for the communities of Calgary-Bow until early June. Calgary Bow is an active community, with a strong sense of community in all of our neighbourhoods. We have exceptional community engagement and a lot of hardworking volunteers that organize events that make it a fun place to live. I encourage you to check out your community calendars for upcoming events. If you have some spare time or an interest in organizing an event, reach out to your local community association and volunteer.
I know that we have a lot of families in Calgary Bow, that’s why I was pleased to see education emphasized in the 2018 budget. Enrollment growth in the K-12 education system has been fully funded, as we are expecting 15,000 new students to enroll in the coming year. Last year, our government removed the burden of Instructional Supplies and Material Fees (ISM Fees) from the family budget, this continues through the Ministry of Education budget for 2018.
Post-secondary students can look ahead with confidence, knowing that the tuition freezes for post-secondary education have been extended for a fourth year. We’ve also invested in 3,000 new technology spaces and scholarships for technology and other emerging sectors have been made available. The Alberta College of Art (ACAD) has been awarded university status to better reflect its existing degree offerings. This change in designation reflects the school’s role as the primary fine arts institution in Alberta. The request for the change in designation was brought forward by ACAD.
The introduction of $25/day childcare was well received across the province. This program is being expended by creating an additional 4,500 affordable child care spaces to help working parents. The School Nutrition Program, which was first piloted right here in Calgary-Bow has also proven successful. Improved attendance, decreases in negative student behavior and an increased sense of community and belonging are just some of the observations provided by the participating school boards. I am very pleased to see this program being expanded across the province.
This year, $328 million will be distributed to family budgets across the province through the Alberta Child Care Benefit and the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credits.
For more information on the 2018/19 budget or if you have any questions or comments please reach out to the constituency office and a member of my team will be happy to assist you. I look forward to connecting with you soon.
