I am pleased to have been a co-sponsor for Music in the Park again this year. Hosted by Discovery Ridge Community Association, this family-friendly celebration is one of the highlights of the year for the residents of Discovery Ridge, as it provides an opportunity for neighbourly sharing of talents, friendship and fun. Kudos to the volunteers and sponsors who have made Music in the Park such a huge success!
Alberta’s youth form the foundation of our province’s future. It is imperative that students are provided with opportunities to develop strong knowledge, skills and support for them to become productive members of society. To support Alberta’s upcoming steady need for apprentices and skilled tradespeople, our government has initiated the High School Apprentice Scholarship Program. This program enables more young people to pursue apprenticeships, work in the skilled trades and have access to vocational education. For the 2019-2020 school year, 1,400+ scholarships will be offered to students who show promise in the trades. I encourage interested students to plan their academic programs to ensure that they meet the criteria for application for these scholarships. Further information can be obtained at: https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/financial-assistance/scholarships/high_school_apprenticeship
I remain a strong advocate for expansion of programs that provide support for those suffering with drug addiction. Through my experiences as a member of the Calgary Police Service, I recognize that strong intervention supports, such as addiction counselling and long-term treatment beds, are needed to address the root causes of drug addiction. In 2016, I initiated and introduced Bill 205, which restricted access to ownership of presses used to make pills such as fentanyl. This private members Bill, passed unanimously in the Alberta Legislature, was the first of its kind in Canada. Though not a complete solution, Bill 205 is one piece towards reaching a long-lasting solution to the very complex problem of opioid drug abuse. Our focus must be on getting people on the pathway to wellness and recovery. Recently, the Alberta government committed to funding 4,000 addiction treatment beds and spaces, outpatient services and medically assisted detox spaces. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to addiction and mental health care.
Mike Ellis, MLA Calgary-West
