News
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Statement: Mental Health Awareness Week 2021
Posted by Keegan Wynychuk · May 03, 2021 1:14 PM
Alberta Liberal Party issues the following statement in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week.
This first week of May marks Mental Health Awareness Week. During this week, we recognize the shared yet diverse mental health challenges many of us face. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a particularly trying time for everyone’s mental health. All of us have felt the burdens of isolation and uncertainty. It has never been more important to support one another and support ourselves. It also has never been more urgent for Governments to provide expanded mental health support.
Alberta spends approximately two-thirds of what it should on mental health, based on recommendations from the Canada Mental Health Commission. This funding gap is leaving Albertans without the support they need to face their mental health challenges. That is why we support a $600 million increase in mental health funding. This funding would help expand critical services such as counselling, mental health programs for schools, prevention and public awareness programs, and more robust mental healthcare and primary healthcare integration.
We will also continue to call for a Mental Health Task Force specifically mandated to examine the long-term implications of the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the mental health of Albertans.
Addressing mental health is just as important and just as valid as addressing physical health. We will continue to fight for the mental health programs Albertans need.
If you or someone you love are struggling with mental health issues, you can learn more about the support available here.
To learn more about Alberta Liberal policies on mental health, you can read our 2019 platform here.
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Earth Day 2021 Statement
Posted by Keegan Wynychuk · April 22, 2021 11:55 AM
Today marks the 52nd Annual Earth Day, a time to celebrate Alberta’s tremendous natural beauty and magnificent wildlife. The day is also an opportunity to champion solutions that will help us combat climate change, restore and preserve nature and create a sustainable future.
The appreciation Albertans have for nature was made clear by their staunch defence of the eastern slopes and rejection of open-pit coal mining. Despite this, the UCP Government seems set on a reckless agenda that ignores the dangers of climate change, threatens our agriculture and forestry industries and undermines our ability to enjoy nature.
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6 Ways the Federal Liberal Budget Makes Life Better for Albertans
Posted by Keegan Wynychuk · April 20, 2021 3:18 PM
The Liberal Federal Government is stepping up to help Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are 6 ways their budget is making life better for Albertans.
Support for Albertans through the COVID-19 Pandemic
The federal government has committed to continue helping all Canadians, including small and medium-sized businesses, through the pandemic by expanding COVID-19 supports.
The Canada Recovery Benefit will continue for another 12 weeks. EI sickness benefits are enhanced and numerous programs designed to help medium and small businesses extended.
These programs have been critical in assisting Albertans in keeping their heads above water during the pandemic. Prolonging these programs is the right move to keep Albertans safe and supported.
Affordable Childcare is a Priority
The federal Government has announced $30 billion over the next five years for affordable childcare. Their announced goal is to halve fees in the next 18 months and ultimately reduce childcare fees to $10-a-day nationally.
Affordable childcare is critical to helping parents, especially women, participate in the labour market. If Canada and Alberta are to have an equitable economic recovery, this kind of investment is critical.
Will the UCP government cooperate with this move towards a national childcare program, or will they once again make it harder for women to work.