Pubdate: Mon, 27 Mar 2006
Source: Edson Leader (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Edson Leader
Contact:  http://www.edsonleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/780
Author: Ivan Strang
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

MLA's Report

NEW LEGISLATION AIMS TO PROTECT CHILDREN

Children exposed to serious drug activity, such as manufacturing and 
trafficking, will soon benefit from additional protection under a 
proposed new law introduced in the Alberta Legislature by Children's 
Services Minister Heather Forsyth.

Bill 2, the Drug Endangered Children Act (DECA) will be the first 
legislation of its kind in Canada.

The proposed legislation deals with specific drug activity such as 
manufacturing, particularly crystal methamphetamine labs and indoor 
marijuana grow operations and trafficking.

It identifies who may be a drug-endangered child and makes clear that 
a child exposed to serious drug activity will be considered a victim 
of abuse and require intervention.

If passed, this legislation will be another tool to help caseworkers 
and police rescue children endangered by an adult's involvement in 
serious drug activity.

It will raise awareness of the plight of drug endangered children and 
let Albertans know the province is committed to taking action. The 
government expects this will result in an increase in the number of 
people who report this type of abuse.

Alberta developing strategy to build highly-skilled, educated workforce

The Alberta government sought input on a proposed strategy to address 
skill and labour shortages and enhance the province's capacity to 
respond to new challenges and opportunities in a knowledge-based economy.

Building and Educating Alberta's Workforce builds on the government's 
current work to address labour force issues and propose actions to 
improve the supply of appropriately skilled workers, develop 
highly-skilled, educated and innovative people and foster work 
environments that can take advantage of innovation and technology.

With Alberta's booming economy and worker shortages looming over the 
next decade, a strategy was needed which ensures economic prosperity 
will be sustained.

Consultation is a critical step because important feedback comes to 
the government from people and organizations feeling the effects of 
labour shortages.

Building and Educating Tomorrow's Workforce has been developed to 
guide Alberta's labour market development and investments over the 
next 10 years (2006-2016) to ensure individuals and businesses are 
able to compete within an increasingly global and knowledge-based economy.

Albertans who were interested in contributing to the development of 
Building and Educating Tomorrow's Workforce were able to provide 
input through the government website.

Completed questionnaires and written submissions were accepted until March 10.

The consultation will also include meetings with more than 60 key 
stakeholder groups representing business, labour, First Nations and educators.

The final strategy is expected to be released later this year.

As the MLA for West Yellowhead, I am always available to assist constituents.

If you have any questions or concerns on any issue, I can be reached 
in my constituency office at 780-723-3601 or 1-800-661-6517, or in 
Edmonton at 780-415-0986.