Helping Albertans

By Leela Sharon Aheer Chestermere-Strathmore MLA

Hello Chestermere-Strathmore readers. As you may know, the use of Trikafta to treat children aged six to 11 living with cystic fibrosis was approved by Health Canada on April 19. In Alberta, we have provided Albertans 12 years of age and older, who meet eligibility criteria, with access to Trikaft since September 2021. After extensive consideration and consultation, it became evident that the needs of Albertans living with cystic fibrosis required broader access so the majority could receive treatment with the drug. The government also provides coverage for cystic fibrosis drugs, Kalydeco and Orkambi, for those meeting eligibility criteria. This is great news, and I would like to thank the Minister of Health, Jason Copping, for his work in this alongside the Cystic Fibrosis organizations. 

I’m also excited to share that The Government of Alberta will host Alberta Day celebrations in Edmonton and Calgary and will support other municipalities in planning and hosting their events, potentially in conjunction with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. More details will be shared in the coming months.

In the lead-up to the first Alberta Day celebration this September, the Government of Alberta will launch a communication and engagement campaign celebrating Alberta’s history, people, and contributions to Confederation. 

I was proud to announce on Sept. 1, 2020, that Sept. 1 would be declared as Alberta Day, and this year it was. Thank you to Emma, an elementary student from Calgary who wrote a letter to Premier Kenney asking the Government of Alberta to recognize this special day, and because of her, Alberta Day came to life. 

Finally, Alberta’s unemployment rate is at its lowest since 2015. We are at 4.9 per cent, which is better than the national average. The trend looks good and hopefully continues as we recover together. This is great to see as inflation is rising. 

Also, The Alberta government is spending $3.2 million on a new pilot program aimed at helping those who are unemployed or underemployed try their hand at the construction industry with the hopes of landing an apprenticeship.  

“The program, announced Wednesday, is a partnership with the Alberta Construction Association, End Poverty Edmonton and the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers. Advanced Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the province and the government needs to do more to encourage and entice young Albertans to take up a trade. ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for young Albertans looking to gain experience in a trade, and it’s helping to support labour shortages across a variety of industries,’” he said. – Edmonton Sun, Ashley Joannou.  Publishing date: July 06, 2022.

As always, we love to hear from you.  

(Leela Sharon Aheer is the MLA Elect for Chestermere-Strathmore)