FEBRUARY 2023
Dear neighbours,
Time flies!! I can’t believe we are in February already! January was a wonderful month of connecting in the community and celebrating Chinese New Year with all of you! Stay tuned on social media for more fun events coming this month.
Healthcare Action Plan
Help is on the way for Albertans calling 911 and for those needing emergency health care.
As part of the Healthcare Action Plan, Alberta’s government is working with Alberta Health Services to improve EMS response times and open acute care beds in emergency departments faster.
Paramedics are highly skilled health professionals who are trained to respond in times of crisis. Our government wants to ensure their skills are being used in the best way possible, while also ensuring Albertans are not left waiting after a call to 911. Instead of using ambulances for patients who do not require medical support during transport, AHS will arrange for alternative transportation. This would utilize options like community shuttles and wheelchair accessible taxis for patients who need to be transported back home.
Using EMS more efficiently, means they will be on the road and available for emergency calls instead of being needlessly tied-up when medical care is not needed.
This new program is one of several actions underway, designed to better serve Albertans. AHS has an aggressive plan to improve four priority areas and is taking steps to reduce pressures and improve system performance. This includes: improving EMS response times, decreasing emergency department wait times, reducing wait times for surgeries and improving overall patient flow and capacity.
Our government is also working with AHS to take further action, including adding a triage physician to emergency department waiting rooms to support patient offloads, and allowing paramedics to assess and treat patients without having to transport them to hospital.
Our United Conservative government is taking action to address areas that need improvement in our healthcare system, so Albertans can get emergency care when and where they need it.
Sincerely,
Josephine Pon
Your MLA for Calgary-Beddington
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
JANUARY 2023
Dear friends and neighbours,
December was a fantastic month in Calgary-Beddington. I was privileged to award 20 outstanding citizens in our community with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. A big thanks for their dedication to community and volunteerism.
I was delighted to take part in the many Christmas Markets and events in our neighbourhoods. I hosted a holiday luncheon and was humbled and excited to see so many of you come out to talk and share your ideas with me.
As we bid farewell to 2022 and ring in the New Year, affordability remains one of the primary challenges facing Canadians from coast-to-coast as we grapple with an inflation driven cost-of-living crisis.
Here in Alberta, we know families are counting on the United Conservative government to take decisive action to address the rising cost of living. That is why we did not hesitate to announce a package of supports that will keep more money in the pockets of all Albertans.
The measures announced so far include, extending the fuel tax cut; taking action on utilities, including expanding the electricity rebate to a total of up to $500; reindexing benefits like AISH, PDD, and Income Support, as well as the Alberta Seniors Benefit and the Alberta Child and Family Benefit; providing targeted payments for kids under 18, seniors 65 and over, and vulnerable Albertans with household incomes below $180,000; and providing additional support for low-income transit programs.
Our government is in position to provide this significant financial help because of our balanced budget and strong fiscal position. Fighting inflation and tackling the cost-of-living crisis facing Albertans are top priorities for our United Conservative government. Our multi-billion-dollar inflation-relief package will help offset costs for families, seniors and get our most vulnerable through this challenging time.
Our commitment to fiscal discipline and economic growth is allowing us to provide help for Albertans while we pay down our debt, lower the debt burden, and save for the future.
Wishing you and your families all the best in 2023.
Sincerely,
Josephine Pon
Your MLA for Calgary-Beddington
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
DECEMBER 2022
Dear friends and neighbours,
The holiday Season is upon us! I’d like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and all the best this holiday season. I hope your days are filled with family, friends and all the love and cheer that comes with this time of year.
In the last month, I have attended numerous events, across our community and it brings me tremendous joy to see the community spirit in our area. Whether it is pumpkin carving with local kids in to spending time with the Huntington Hills Pioneers, I always enjoy the time I get to spend hearing from residents.
As I reflect upon the year that has been I’m proud to see the great progress we’ve made in advancing Alberta’s economy.
Calgary is known globally as a hub for some of the world’s biggest energy companies, but we’ve started making waves in the tech world too. A recent study from LinkedIn Talent Insights, found Calgary is experiencing the fastest growth in tech talent in North America and is home to the highest concentration of high-tech workers of Canadian cities. Leading multinational companies including Mphasis, and Infosys have large and growing operations in our city.
Premier Danielle Smith is following through on her commitment to improve AHS and she plans to reorganize the entire governance structure of provincial health services before the end of January.
Thank you to everyone who attended my open house in November. I greatly appreciated hearing your priorities and concerns, I will be sharing your feedback with my government colleagues in the upcoming session. Our United Conservative government will continue working hard to ensure Alberta’s best days are ahead.
Sincerely,
Josephine Pon
Your MLA for Calgary-Beddington
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
OCTOBER 2022
Thanksgiving is upon us, and one of the things I am grateful for is the beautiful park areas we have in our area. Make sure you take time to get outside and experience all of the delightful sights and scents Autumn brings us.
I would love to hear what you are thankful for this year. Send me an email with the subject Thanksgiving to calgary.beddington@assembly.ab.ca and I will post a selection of them in my online newsletter. Not signed up? Email the above address with your request.
Halloween Open House: Join us for a treat and a chat Saturday, October 29th Noon until 1:30 pm. Every constituent in costume will get an entry into a draw for a $25 Tim Hortons Gift Card (or their parent or guardian if under 18). I am looking forward to seeing all of your amazing and creative costumes!
The location is unconfirmed at this time, please check my social media or sign up for my newsletter for updated details. Facebook: @JosephinePon Twitter: @PonJosephine
I am honoured to represent you & your family, and thankful for the trust you have placed in me to be your voice in our beautiful Calgary-Beddington at the Alberta Legislative Assembly.
Josephine Pon
Your MLA for Calgary-Beddington
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
SEPTEMBER 2022
Dear Neighbours,
Can you believe it? Summer is over and back to school we go!
I am looking forward to this new year of school, especially when I get to come visit the classrooms.
I would like to take a moment to recognize our dedicated community board members and volunteers that helped make our summer great. I had so much fun with all of the events from Sandstone-MacEwan’s community clean-up and compost giveaway to Beddington’s beautiful community gardens and scavenger hunt. There were some new board members elected this summer at Hidden Valley’s outdoor AGM and Northern Hills had an election as well. Congratulations!
Thank you to all who attended our Stampede Breakfast in collaboration with Huntington Hills and Beddington Heights Community Associations on July 9th! I was so excited to meet over 2500 people from our neighbourhoods. Another HUGE thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers from set-up to working over a hot pancake grill to ordering the beautiful weather! It was a fantastic day.
I hope you had a chance to review my Summer 2022 newsletter, which I sent to all 17,000 homes in our constituency. In it, I reviewed many of the important initiatives that our government enacted during the most recent Legislative Session.
As Minister of Seniors and Housing I am so proud to have announced a new elder abuse prevention strategy for Alberta’s seniors in July. alberta.ca/seniors-and-housing
Please join my email list for a more comprehensive look at this initiative and more by emailing Calgary.Beddington@assembly.ab.ca
I am honoured to represent you & your family, and for the trust you have placed in me to be the voice of our beautiful community.
Josephine Pon,
Your MLA for Calgary-Beddington
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
AUGUST 2022
Jobs are up, the budget is balanced, and Alberta has finished the fiscal year strong!
Thanks to a growing economy, improved energy prices, and commitment to fiscal discipline, Alberta ended the fiscal year with a budget surplus of $3.9 billion, the first surplus our province has seen in seven years. The Alberta Heritage Savings Fund grew to its highest net value in Alberta history – $18.7 billion – earning $1.95 billion in investments bringing the total value of the fund’s investments to $20 billion.
This is a strong economic turnaround that all Albertans can celebrate. An opportunity to save resource revenue for future generations, avoiding past mistakes that led to today’s debt burden. In fact, our government paid down the debt by $1.3 billion, so Albertans can look forward to a future without ballooning debt servicing costs.
The Alberta Advantage is back. Alberta has the fastest growing economy in the country, the lowest taxes, and an affordability advantage comparable to similar provinces. With more than 200,000 new jobs created since 2021 and unemployment at its lowest level since 2015.
Despite this good economic news, we know Albertans are struggling with high costs and inflation. I want you to know, we’re working to immediately make life more affordable for families and businesses. Just recently, our government announced we’re extending the fuel tax cut on gasoline until at least the end of September. Soon we will be providing over 1.9 million households, farms, and small businesses with electricity rebates to ease the burden of bills.
Our policies have put Alberta back on a path to prosperity and helped our province embark on another economic boom – more diverse and resilient than the booms we’ve seen before.
In all sectors of the economy, optimism is growing for the future – our government is working tirelessly to continue this momentum, while making life more affordable for working families.
For more information sign up for my newsletter at calgary.beddington@assembly.ab.ca
Enjoy your Summer!
Josephine Pon
Your MLA for Calgary-Beddington
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
JULY 2022
Dear Neighbours,
June was a busy month! I was so amazing to see everyone out enjoying the weather at the various events put on by our dedicated community association volunteers. There was so much to do, from the parade of garage sales, community clean-ups, Neighbour Day parties and an amazing scavenger hunt.
The first full week of June is set aside for Seniors’ Week, a grand Alberta tradition! Seniors have provided a lifetime of service to their families, friends, and neighbours, and helped build Alberta into the great province it is today. I say it all the time – seniors are the strength of Alberta.
Lastly, on June 1, 2022, I was proud to announce that every year, June 1st will mark the celebration of Intergenerational Day. Intergenerational Day is an opportunity for individuals of all ages to come together to share their experiences and learn from each other.
Looking forward, I would like to invite you to the Stampede Breakfast I am hosting with Huntington Hills Community association on July 9, 2022, at the community center. Stay tuned to my social media for more details.
Investing in students, building the workforce of tomorrow
Summer is officially upon us and that means Stampede time, BBQ’s, family vacations and camping season! It’s also a time of transition for families and high school students as they start to plan for the future. For many that will include going to college or university.
There are so many possibilities when it comes to deciding what you want to do after high school. From Alberta’s emerging tech sector, to trades, veterinary medicine to nursing and healthcare programs, the possibilities are truly endless. Choosing a career path and school can be intimidating, but Alberta has some of the best post-secondary institutions in the country.
Alberta’s government is also making historic investments in our post-secondary programs to ensure there are opportunities for generations to come. Our government is creating more than 3,000 new seats in the Calgary area, supporting students studying aviation, engineering and more. This investment of $84.6 million will support the growing demand for workers in industries like aircraft maintenance and film and video production, while also providing additional support to core areas like nursing and engineering. In total, our government is creating over 10,000 new seats across Alberta and hundreds more opportunities in the fields of early learning and child care, IT, health care and business.
These strategic investments to expand enrollment in high-demand programs is part of the Alberta at Work initiative. This will give students more opportunities to gain the skills and training they need to enter the workforce. A young and well-educated population is vital to renewing and diversifying Alberta’s economy and building the workforce if the future.
Sincerely,
Josephine Pon
Your MLA for Calgary-Beddington
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
MARCH 2022
Dear Constituents,
As we enter the month of March, we are grateful for the blessings of living in Alberta, and the importance of working together to mitigate the lasting impacts of a long pandemic. Budget 2022 is our government’s optimistic plan for our province moving forward, and I look forward to reviewing your feedback as your MLA.
January’s job numbers reflect that despite COVID-19’s impact, Alberta’s economy continues to push forward. Alberta continues to see new jobs created in our province, which demonstrates the ongoing momentum of our economic recovery. In a month that saw 200,000 job losses across the country and an increase in national unemployment rate, Alberta gained 7,000 jobs and saw its unemployment rate drop further. Once again, Alberta leads the country with its 64.5 per cent employment rate. Alberta remains a business and entrepreneur-friendly jurisdiction with a high quality of life and a low cost of living, which is why we saw record-breaking investment last year and why we can look forward to more investment in 2022.
Recently, EY Canada announced its first Canadian-based Finance Centre of Excellence in Calgary. It joins a growing list of EY Finance Centres of Excellence around the world with distinct areas of focus ranging from cybersecurity, innovation and analytics to robotic process automation and manufacturing services. This is great news as our economy continues to diversify and our province continues to build a reputation as a destination for major international business.
Alberta is the place to be for people seeking opportunity and prosperity. With companies making massive investments in tech, clean energy, manufacturing, oil and gas, and film and television, our province is once again expected to lead the country in growth in 2022!
Thank you all for your support, and my best wishes to you and your family!
Josephine Pon
Your MLA for Calgary-Beddington
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
FEBRUARY 2022
Dear Constituents,
Happy February! Albertans have begun 2022 with their best foot forward, and I look forward to continuing our collective efforts to keep our community safe and healthy.
One of the biggest challenges we face moving forward as a province is dealing with addiction and mental health concerns. It’s why our government is supporting everyday Albertans by building a comprehensive recovery-oriented system of care for those struggling with addiction. This issue has been a priority for our government and in 2019, we committed to funding 4,000 annual treatment spaces. However, we’ve more than doubled our commitment by funding over 8,000 annual treatment, detox and recovery spaces.
Alberta’s Recovery Plan is helping Albertans access life-saving addiction and mental health-related prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery resources. This $140-million investment is supporting the addition of new treatment spaces at nine different treatment Centres in Calgary including the Alpha House Society, the Calgary Dream Centre and Fresh Start Addictions Centre.
We have also eliminated daily user fees for all Albertans accessing publicly funded addiction treatment. Historically, Albertans were charged $40 per day, a financial barrier that prevented many people from seeking help. Publicly funded addiction treatment is now completely free for any Albertan.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the Addiction Helpline, a 24-7 confidential toll-free service, at 1-866-332-2322, can provide support, information and referral to services. Albertans can also visit recoveryaccessalberta.ca to find treatment options.
Statistics Canada revealed in their latest numbers that the good news keep coming in for Alberta. 11,000 jobs have been added in December 2021, with 130,000 jobs added in all of 2021. This is the highest employment rate in the country! Alberta’s Recovery Plan is working.
Thank you all for your continued support!
Josephine Pon
Your MLA for Calgary-Beddington
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
JANUARY 2022
Dear Constituents,
Happy New Year! From my family to yours, I send you all my best wishes for a prosperous 2022, filled with success and good health for you and your loved ones. This new year will mark a continued path forward of great news for our province, after we closed 2021 with a long list of fantastic achievements in investment and economic recovery!
Alberta families will begin to see the results of the historic child care deal that our government signed with the federal government. The $3.8 billion deal will see a reduction in fees for parents by an average of 50% in early 2022. The funding will be targeted to parents and communities who need it most. By 2026, child care in Alberta will have reached the goal of $10/day on average. Over the next 5 years, this plan will add over 42,000 new licensed, non-profit and day home childcare spaces in our province!
Alberta small businesses have been applying to the $2,000 support from our government, to assist in costs associated with implementing the Restriction Exemption Program. Small business owners are the backbone of our economy, and our government is there to support them navigate the difficulties associated with this long pandemic.
Thank you again to all my constituents who stopped by at my free vaccine card lamination events! Over December, I was pleased to provide you with the updated federal travel QR code vaccine card, which you can use conveniently when travelling withing and outside Canada. I will take all your valuable feedback and share it with my government colleagues.
It is my great honour to represent you & your family, and thank you for the confidence you have placed in me to be your voice in the Alberta Legislative Assembly.
Josephine Pon
Your MLA for Calgary-Beddington
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
DECEMBER 2021
Dear Constituents,
Happy Holidays! As we conclude the Fall 2021 Legislative Session, we continue the important work on your behalf at the Alberta Legislative Assembly. As a province, we have received some very encouraging jobs numbers, including consecutive months of job growth this past fall! By the end of October, we had already surpassed more jobs than we had before the pandemic began.
Albertans were pleased to receive the news from Premier Jason Kenney that Dow Chemical announced the investment of $1 billion dollars annually, as they establish the world’s first ethylene cracking facility, right here in Alberta. This is the largest private investment in our province, going back 15 years!
As Minister of Seniors and Housing, I was excited to introduce Bill 78: The Alberta Housing Amendment Act. Alberta’s government is committed to providing a more affordable, accessible, & sustainable housing system for Albertans, with more options. Stronger Foundations is Alberta’s 10-yer strategy to improve and expand affordable housing.
Thank you to all my constituents who stopped by at my vaccine card lamination events! I was pleased to provide you with a free, wallet-sized laminated vaccine card, which you can use conveniently when accessing venues here in Alberta. I will take your valuable feedback and share it with my government colleagues.
Thank you to all front line healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, as well as long-term care and assisted living workers for your continued service to our province during this long pandemic.
I am honoured to represent you & our community, and grateful for the trust you have placed in me to be the your voice in the Alberta Legislative Assembly.
I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, and a very prosperous New Year 2022!
Josephine Pon
Your MLA for Calgary-Beddington
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
NOVEMBER 2021
Dear Constituents,
Happy November! Alberta’s MLAs are now back at the Legislature for the Fall 2021 Session, to continue the important work on your behalf. The Government of Alberta has an ambitious agenda, aimed at protecting our healthcare, fighting for jobs, and creating opportunities for Albertans!
If you would like to receive my email newsletter, complete with detailed updates from the Government of Alberta, please send me an email at Calgary.Beddington@assembly.ab.ca.
Albertans were pleased to receive the news from Premier Jason Kenney and Energy Minister Sonya Savage that the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline was completed! The capacity of the mainline will be increased from 2.9 million to 3.2 million barrels per day. This is a big part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, & fantastic news to the many workers and their families who make their living in our energy sector.
As Minister of Seniors and Housing, I announced that the Elder Abuse Prevention – Public Engagement Survey would be open to Albertans from October 4 to 25. Elder abuse is unacceptable in all forms, and we must work together to protect our beloved seniors. Together, we can make sure seniors have the respect and dignity they have earned.
As we enter the month of Remembrance, let us take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by the countless brave men and women of our armed forces, and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Lest We Forget.
Thank you to all front line healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, as well as long-term care and assisted living workers for your continued service to our province during this exhausting pandemic.
I am honoured to represent you & your family, and for the trust you have placed in me to be the voice of our beautiful Calgary-Beddington in the Alberta Legislative Assembly.
Josephine Pon
Your MLA for Calgary-Beddington
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
MAY 2021
Dear Constituents,
As your representative in the Alberta Legislature, I would like to keep you informed on the important initiatives that our government is advancing on your behalf. Thank you all for your efforts to keep each other safe and healthy!
Our government has been closely monitoring the effects of the pandemic in community. I was excited to visit small businesses in Calgary-Beddington and collect feedback from our brave small business owners. I provided them with a list of all the municipal, provincial, and federal supports available to them, as they continue to serve their clients, and make our community strong. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy!
I understand the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on you and your family. On April 10, I invited the Calgary Counselling Centre to join me for an Online Constituency Workshop: “How to Keep Mental Health Strong for you and your Family!”. Thank you to all my constituents who joined! If you would like to view the workshop in full, please visit my Facebook page: @PonJosephine.
Every month, I send my constituents regular updates and “Breaking News” via my email newsletter, to ensure you all receive the most complete information on announcements from the Government of Alberta. If you would like to join my mailing list, please send me an email to Calgary.Beddington@assembly.ab.ca.
Congratulations to Hidden Valley Community Association on your successful application to the Community Facility Enhancement Program grant! The Government of Alberta approved the grant for $106,000. I was pleased to submit my letter of support for their application! Please support the Hidden Valley H2 Spaces initiative to strengthen parks in our community!
I am so grateful for the honour of representing you, and for the faith you have placed in me to be the voice of our constituency, Calgary-Beddington!
Calgary-Beddington
Hon. Josephine Pon, MLA
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
MARCH 2021
Dear Constituents,
As your representative in the Alberta Legislature, I would like to keep you informed on the important initiatives that our government is advancing on your behalf. March is set to be a busy month, where we will debate legislation that will create jobs, strengthen our economy, and encourage innovation in Alberta.
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, I was excited to visit several schools in our community, and review its impact on our kids in class. I also had a chance to meet with our School Trustees Althea Adams and Pam Rath, to discuss schools re-opening. Thank you to the Gr. 4 students at Dr. J. K. Mulloy School for your kind letters, and your passion to follow current events. I look forward to seeing you all in person soon!
Our government has been closely monitoring the effects of the pandemic on several areas of our community. Premier Jason Kenney held a Telephone Town Hall with faith leaders; I was pleased to invite the pastors at our churches in Calgary-Beddington. My colleague Minister Schweitzer also hosted a Telephone Town Hall with small business owners; thank you to the local businesses that joined. You are the backbone of our economy!
It was so fun to join Hidden Valley Community Association (HVCA) for their first Contactless Bottle Drive of 2021! HVCA reported a fabulous turnout, as they collect funds for their H2Spaces campaign and a new playground in our community. I was pleased to also give my full support to their efforts, by submitting my letter of support to their grant application. Great work, and thank you to the amazing volunteers!
I am so grateful for the honour of representing you, and for the faith you have placed in me to be the voice of our constituency, Calgary-Beddington!
Calgary-Beddington
Hon. Josephine Pon, MLA
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
JULY 2020
Hello Constituents,
The month of May marked the beginning of Phase 1 of our government’s Alberta Re-Launch Strategy. Thank you to everyone for your efforts in supporting each other in this time of difficulty for many.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Now, more than ever, they need our support in order to tackle the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was pleased to prepare a note of my sincerest gratitude to all the small businesses in my constituency – Calgary Beddington, for their efforts and courage in these difficult and challenging times. In addition, I have sent them our government’s Workplace Guidance, to ensure their teams are as successful as possible, as we enter the next Phases of the Alberta Re-Launch Strategy. Thank you for serving our community. Keep up the great work!
Education Minister Adriana LaGrange tabled Bill 15: The Choice in Education Act. Bill 15 will honour our commitment of protecting parental choice within Alberta’s robust and diverse education system. Bill 15 affirms that parents have the right to choose the kind of education they feel is best for their children. It protects Alberta’s long history of education choice, including public and separate schools, Francophone schools, charter schools, independent schools, early childhood education and home education.
Our government introduced Bill 16: The Victims of Crime (Strengthening Public Safety) Amendment Act. Bill 16 would expand the scope of the Victims of Crime Fund to include public safety initiatives that deter crime to prevent victimization while continuing to ensure victims of serious crime have the supports they need. It will help fill the gaps that victims and other stakeholders have told us need to be filled and do more to stop the cycle of victimization before it starts.
June 1-7 was Seniors Week in Alberta! This is a special time to honour and recognize all that seniors have contributed to make our families, communities, and province stronger. As Minister of Seniors and Housing, it was my privilege to declare the official launch of Seniors Week across our province. Seniors are the strength of Alberta!
Calgary-Beddington
Hon. Josephine Pon, MLA
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
JUNE 2020
Please visit Josephine Pon’s website for the latest updates under News.
www.ucpcaucus.ca/josephine-pon
MARCH 2020
Hello my constituents!
Spring session at the Alberta Legislature continues its usual busy schedule this month. It is my great privilege to serve you as your MLA, and to represent our constituency in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta!
Our government is streamlining the Alberta Parks system to ensure that more funds flow to signature destinations in our province. Budget 2020 announced that 164 under-used locations – 0.3 percent of the land operated by Alberta Parks – will be returned to Crown Land designation. These sites will be open to new partnerships with non-profits, communities, or First Nations who can properly invest in their maintenance. The new budget also introduces some fee changes for campgrounds to reflect the costs of these services. By making common-sense changes, our government will be able to maintain the high-quality destinations in this province.
Last month, I was honoured to celebrate International Women’s Day alongside my amazing and talented colleagues! I am so proud of the work that these fantastic ladies put in every single day in behalf of Albertans. Thank you all for the courage of putting your name forward for public service. Our province salutes you for the personal sacrifice you and your families have bravely accepted. Happy IWD!
I understand that many Albertans are concerned about the global spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. While the current overall risk to Albertans is low, it is important to be prepared with accurate information. The best way to protect yourself and your family from illness is by practicing good hygiene, including regular handwashing and coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve. Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact Health Link 811 for assessment and to see if follow-up testing is required. For the latest updates and prevention information, please visit alberta.ca/coronavirus. Together, we can protect our communities and combat misinformation about the global coronavirus outbreak.
Please don’t hesitate to contact my constituency office for any issue we can assist you with. Thank you all for your messages!
Calgary-Beddington
Hon. Josephine Pon, MLA
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
DECEMBER 2019
Hello my constituents!
Happy December!
This month, the Alberta Legislature will continue Fall Session until we finish debating as many pieces of legislation as we can before going into break! It is a high privilege to be the voice of Calgary-Beddington, and defend the interests of my constituency.
As we head into the full winter season, I would like to remind everyone to be mindful of our elderly citizens. On Nov. 6-12, I delivered a message to mark National Senior Safety Week. If you see a senior in need of assistance, please step up! I had a wonderful time visiting my seniors at the Manor Village in Huntington last month, and I look forward to visiting them before Christmas. Seniors are the strength of Alberta!
On Nov. 1, I joined my government colleagues to witness the end to the over decade-long wait for a North Calgary High School! Our residents have a government that listened, and delivered for our students. Thank you to all the advocates for your years of dedication and passion. Congratulations to the Northern Hills Community Association for your advocacy. The school, along with two dozen other approved school projects across the province, will address the incoming wave of young Albertans ready to learn!
As Minister of Seniors and Housing, I am also responsible for our veterans. Alberta is home to countless retired armed forces members, who bravely fought for the values we cherish every day as Canadians. On Remembrance Day, it was a great honour to recognize the sacrifices made by those service members who lost their lives, and the ones who today need our support. Alberta’s veterans can access a wide variety of services and supports, including financial programs, employment and training services, housing, and crisis supports. For more information, visit:
alberta.ca/veterans-service-centre.aspx
Please reach out to my constituency office for anything we can assist you with. We look forward to continue hearing from you!
Calgary-Beddington
Hon. Josephine Pon, MLA
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
NOVEMBER 2019
Hello my constituents!
I was excited to complete a busy first month of the Fall Session. The Alberta Legislature was called back to session on October 8, two full weeks ahead of schedule! I was eager to get back to Edmonton and continue my legislative duties on behalf of my constituency, Calgary-Beddington.
Last month, on October 1, we recognized Day of Older Persons in Alberta. To mark this special occasion, I raised the International Day of Older Persons at the Edmonton Federal Building. Let’s not forget, seniors are the strength of Alberta! In addition, as Minister of Seniors and Housing, I announced new measures for cutting red tape for seniors; online tools to help them quickly, easily, and securely submit financial benefit applications and supporting documents. This will give seniors easier access to financial assistance, and a secure method to send confidential supporting documentation.
On Oct. 25, I had a chance to meet with Calgary’s Police Chief Mark Neufeld, and Calgary Police Commission Chair Brian Thiessen. After asking our riding’s community associations to submit their local security concerns, I provided Chief Neufeld and Mr. Thiessen with our most pressing community safety issues here in Calgary-Beddington. This was a rare, and highly productive chance to bring our community’s concerns directly to the top leadership of our law enforcement.
Also last month, I was honoured to visit the wonderful Grade 6 class at Simons Valley School. The students were eager to hear about a life in public service, and the daily routine of an MLA and Minister. Our Grade 6 classes are observing their government units as part of their social studies classes this year. It was my pleasure to spend time with our students, and tell them about my duties as their representative!
Please don’t hesitate to contact my constituency for anything we can assist you with. We look forward to keep hearing from you!
Calgary-Beddington
Hon. Josephine Pon, MLA
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
OCTOBER 2019
Hello,
Great start to the Fall season!
I was very encouraged to see my constituents return to work and back to school with their best foot forward! I am proud to represent you in the Alberta Legislature, and I look forward to continuing to fight for issues important to our community.
The government of Alberta has begun Fall similar to the highly productive first 100 days in office. The blue-ribbon panel on Alberta’s finances, led by former Saskatchewan finance minister Dr. Janice MacKinnon, delivered its findings. Their report outlined Alberta’s dire economic situation, and the need to address the Government of Alberta’s financial situation. Consultations will continue in the lead up to the upcoming Alberta Budget, which will be presented to Albertans in October.
September was a very active and highly productive month as your MLA. I continued to meet with community associations and local representatives; we worked on how best we can represent you in government.
Last month, in my capacity as Minister of Seniors and Housing, I launched my second tour around our province, having done my first one earlier this year already. I met hundreds of seniors and stakeholders in affordable housing. Visiting Albertans in the far corners of our province is a key objective I am proud to be fulfilling and will continue to do so during my time in this role. I am grateful and humbled by the confidence placed in me by our Premier Jason Kenney, and I am proud to work alongside such talented colleagues around the cabinet table.
Happy October, and my best wishes during celebrations you and your family will have this month!
SEPTEMBER 2019
Hello Sandstone & MacEwan!
I hope you all had a wonderful summer!
Thank you all for the messages of support and input I receive from you each month. It is encouraging to hear from so many of my constituents who contact me through my once or on social media. I am proud to represent you in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, and I look forward to continuing to work hard for Calgary-Beddington.
As you may be aware, our government took on an aggressive legislative agenda during the spring session, to strengthen the economy, reduce our debt, and be a responsible caretaker of the public dime. I am excited to continue doing so in the upcoming fall session. We were able to pass 13 pieces of legislation on behalf of Albertans, in only 7 short weeks before spring session ended. I have every expectation that the fall session will be equally or more productive.
Over the summer, I have had the pleasure of meeting with community associations in our riding, as well as local leaders and government representatives. I had very productive meetings with our federal Member of Parliament, Hon. Michelle Rempel, as well as our city council member, Ward 4 Councillor Sean Chu. Our local CBE Trustee Althea Adams also met with me to bring to my attention her priorities for our area. We discussed important issues affecting all of you and worked on how best we can represent you in government.
As Minister of Seniors and Housing, I have met with countless stakeholders who come to see me from all corners of our province. It was also a great privilege to hear from so many Albertan seniors during my travels, and I am anxious to continue touring the many seniors residences stretching out across Alberta. I have requested that everyone submit to my once all their ideas and suggestions to reduce red tape and improve access to seniors and affordable housing services. Let’s work together to make life better for Albertans.
Thank you to all who attended the Stampede Pancake Breakfast on July 13th by Huntington Hills Community Association that I sponsored as your MLA! I had a wonderful time with so many of my constituents, and I am so happy that over 2000 of you made it out for breakfast. Looking forward to next year!
Please do not hesitate to contact my constituency once for any questions or concerns that we may assist you with. I wish you all a fantastic start to the fall season and hope to keep hearing from you!
Calgary-Beddington
Hon. Josephine Pon, MLA
#106 – 8220 Centre Street NE
Calgary, AB T3K 1J7
403-215-7710
