Penbrooke Elementary School will use the funds to replace an outdated playground. The existing playground will be disassembled and donated to a developing country. In the coming month's students will be looking forward to a new playground built by dedicated community members.

'Strong communities are built through education,' says Manmeet. In an inspiring speech to grade school children Manmeet outlined the importance of contributing to community. 'Have dreams and set goals and help your community become a better place.' Manmeet has advocated for improved facilities and new technology within Alberta's schools to ensure students have the best education.

Since Manmeet was elected he has made improving the constituency of Calgary-Montrose his top priority. Since January 2010, he has brought a total of $743,855 in funding from the government to build playgrounds, improve technology in schools and upgrade community facilities. Manmeet Bhullar will continue to assist communities and schools in his constituency to obtain funding for important projects such as this one, to ensure that Calgary Montrose is one of the best places in Calgary to grow up in.

Click here to see more photos.

The Speaker hosted the Vaisakhi celebration, in the Legislature Rotunda on April 14, 2010 to mark the new year, for the first time.

The event included remarks from the Hon. Ed Stelmach, Premier of Alberta, Manmeet Bhullar, MLA for Calgary-Montrose and Peter Sandhu, MLA for Edmonton-Manning.

The Punjabi Folk Dance Academy, lead by Gursevek S. Sidhu,, performed routines which was then followed by a reception hosted by the Sikh community.

Vaisakhi is an ancient harvest festival in Punjab, which also marks beginning of a new solar year and new harvest season.

Click here for more photos

Bill 6 represents the fourth bill that Manmeet has sponsored in the past two years, in addition to one motion. One of which, Bill 4, the Post-Secondary Learning Amendment Act, was an important piece of legislation which allows post-secondary institutions to apply for the title of University. As a result of this legislation both Mount Royal and Grant McEwan now proudly bare the title of University. Passing legislation to protect and improve the lives of Albertans is one of the most important aspects of an MLA's role. Manmeet will continue to work hard for his constituents and all Albertans to ensure that we as citizens are able to continue to enjoy the benefits of living in this remarkable province.

• energy evaluations for homeowners to assess the current energy efficiency of their home and to measure its efficiency after improvements are made;
• efficient home heating systems, hot water heating systems, clothes washers and insulation upgrades; and
• new homes achieving a high level of energy efficiency.

'The tremendous response to the energy efficiency rebate program in just under a year speaks to the commitment of Albertans to reduce their environmental footprints,' says Environment Minister Rob Renner. 'Consumers have the power to make a positive environmental impact through their day-to-day energy decisions. Clearly, the people of our province want to do their share.'

Delivering on commitments laid out in its 2008 Climate Change Strategy, the Government of Alberta invested $36 million over three years to help Albertans reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Many of the rebates are tied to the federal ecoENERGY Retrofit Program, enabling consumers to recoup costs from both programs. The program is administered by Climate Change Central, a non-profit organization empowering Albertans to take action on climate change.

Rebates are available on purchases retroactive to January 1, 2009. To apply for a rebate, visit http://www.climatechangecentral.com/ or phone 1-888-537-7202.

Manmeet Bhullar, MLA Calgary Montrose(Left), Perry Cavanagh, General Manager NE Sportsplex and Minister Yvonne Fritz presenting $124,000 in funding to the NE Sportsplex.

One of our government's highest priorities this session is enhancing Alberta's competitive edge in the global marketplace, and the first piece of legislation introduced will work to achieve this goal. Bill 1, the Alberta Competitiveness Act, would see a greater focus on increasing collaboration between government, businesses, industry and Albertans in order to help make Alberta one of the most attractive places in the world to invest. In turn, this will serve to create new business opportunities and sustainable jobs, and increase provincial revenues that will support priority programs like health care, education, and services for our most vulnerable citizens.

The Government of Alberta's efforts to increase our competitive profile will cut through all sectors of our economy, from agriculture to petrochemicals, research and development to transportation, and beyond. Bill 1 hopes to achieve a more competitive Alberta by:

• advancing current Alberta competitiveness initiatives, such as the oil and gas competitiveness review and the Western Economic Partnership;
• developing strategies to encourage innovation, productivity and the adoption of new technologies;
• promoting effective policies and regulatory systems that will deliver the economic, environmental and social outcomes Albertans expect; and
• measuring progress and reporting to the public about how Alberta's competitiveness contributes to the province's prosperity, environment and quality of life.

By coordinating and integrating our efforts to advance shared goals, this new partnership will develop strategies to enhance Alberta's competitiveness for the long-term benefit of all Albertans.

An important part of The Way Forward, our four-point plan for economic recovery, is making sure Alberta's industries remain globally competitive. For more information on the plan visit www.alberta.ca.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Alberta Health and Wellness recently announced a six-week plan to immediately increase the number of surgeries in high-priority areas.

Surgeries will be further increased during April, May and June as more surgical capacity becomes available, including more operating-room time and increased availability of surgeons and surgical teams.

At least 2,230 more surgeries and non-surgical procedures with long wait lists have been approved for the initial surge through March 31, including cancer surgery, orthopedic surgery (including hip and knee replacements), neurosurgery, heart surgery and cataract surgery. As well, 3,500 more MRI and CT scans will be added immediately.

Increases in non-surgical services (such as endoscopies) are also now underway. More surgeries and non-surgical services will be performed at several hospitals throughout Alberta, including: Foothills Medical Centre, University of Alberta Hospital, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Peter Lougheed Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Northern Lights Health Centre, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, and the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Grande Prairie

The number of surgeries performed will continue to increase steadily. AHS is compiling wait time and wait list information that will be publicly reported annually and the impact on wait times and wait lists will be evaluated as part of the longer-term plan. AHS will also provide the year-over-year increase in total surgeries at that time.

The Alberta government has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. An important part of The Way Forward is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care.

Major projects in Calgary and area include:

• Stoney Trail SE - Starting the extension of Stoney Trail from 17 Avenue SE to east of Macleod Trail. The project will be done as a P3 and open to traffic by fall 2013. The successful bidder will be announced this spring;
• Stoney Trail NW - Continuing construction of the $42-million Crowchild Trail interchange, which opens to traffic by fall 2011;
• Stoney Trail NW - Starting construction of the $14-million Harvest Hills Boulevard interchange, which opens to traffic by fall 2010;
• Stoney Trail NW - Modifying the ramps of the Shaganappi Trail interchange to provide all-direction access. This $6.6-million project will open to traffic by fall 2010;
• Deerfoot Trail - Continuing the $10-million addition of a lane to southbound Deerfoot Trail between Beddington Trail and 64 Avenue N, which will open to traffic by fall 2010;
• Deerfoot Trail - Re-paving Deerfoot Trail from the Ivor Strong Bridge to south of 17 Avenue SE and re-paving the southbound lanes between McKnight Boulevard and the north city limits at a cost of $18 million; and
• QE II-Yankee Valley Boulevard Interchange - Continuing major upgrades to the $48-million interchange in Airdrie, which will be completed by fall 2010.

In 2010, the Alberta government will invest $1.9 billion in the provincial highway network. Visit www.transportation.alberta.ca/614.htm to view Alberta's three-year highway construction program.

Mr. Bhullar highlighted the generosity of community organizations in his constituency, and across Alberta, who have worked tirelessly to raise thousands of dollars for disaster relief in Haiti. For example, a benefit concert called Haiti ARISE brought together many churches in east Calgary, including the Christ is Coming Church, the Calgary Mosaic Church, the Eastside City Church, U-Turn project ministries, the Centre Street Church, the Peach Chapel Church, Rockpointe Church and The Way Christian Mission.

The Calgary Sikh community and the Dashmesh Culture Centre, along with Radio SurSangam and Radio Sabrang have also managed to raise approximately $25,000 for the Red Cross, and the Sikhs youth in Edmonton has raised approximately $10,000 so far.

These organizations are only a few of the many groups across our province that deserve recognition for the work that they have done to contribute not only to the relief effort in Haiti, but to a countless number of causes around the world.

Please Click here to Manmeet Bhullar's Statement in the Legislature.

He stood in the Alberta Legislature during question period to ask the Minister of Seniors and Community Supports if these adjustments would affect the health and safety of Albertans with developmental disabilities. The Minister was happy to clarify that there will be no reduction or removal services for individuals supported by the PDD program, and no one will be put at risk.

This clarification comes as a result of Mr. Bhullar taking the time to meet with a number of his Calgary-Montrose constituents, both PDD clients and caregivers, listening to their concerns and bringing these concerns forward in the Legislature. Mr. Bhullar hopes that the action that he has taken will help to calm the fears of not only his constituents, but all Albertans, when it comes to the PDD program.

Please click here to watch a video of Manmeet Bhullar question in the Legislature.

Funding for technology upgrades gets thumbs up from the kids

Ensuring that our children grow up with the best possible education has always been a priority for Manmeet Bhullar, MLA for Calgary-Montrose. On December 15, 2009 Manmeet paid a visit to a Grade 2 class at G.W. Skene School to present a Community Innovates Program grant which will provide technology upgrades for their classrooms. After spending some time with the students, it was clear that this generation of children is very fortunate to be able use new technologies, like the SMART board, to help encourage life-long learning. Children growing up today have access to technology that is unlike that of any other generation and they utilize it in their day to day lives. As part of his commitment to ensuring that Calgary-Montrose has access to the best resources available, Manmeet was thrilled to be able to present this funding on behalf of the Alberta Government and the Hon Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. Grant funding through programs like the Community Initiatives Program is just one of the many ways the Alberta Government provides funding to enhance and enrich community-based initiatives throughout Alberta.

Click here for more photos.

,

This is welcome news to many young families in Calgary-Montrose, as this will help create more quality child care spaces right in our community. Supporting hardworking families by improving access to child care has been a priority of Manmeet's since being elected. As part of his commitment to his constituents, he will continue to listen to the needs of community and advocate to ensure that Calgary-Montrose has access to affordable, quality childcare.

On December 1^st,Manmeet presented a cheque to the Elf Inn Daycare on behalf of the Alberta government. This grant funding was made available through the Making Spaces for Children: Child Care Space Creation Innovation fund, which was created to address the need for more childcare facilities in our province.

This is welcome news to many children and families living in the constituency, as there is a great need for quality child care spaces. Improving access to child care has been a priority of mine since being elected. I fought hard to secure this grant and will continue to work closely with other organizations to ensure that Calgary-Montrose has access to affordable, quality childcare.

Click here for more photos.

On Nov. 24, I stood during Question Period to ask the Minister of Transportation about the status of the access road construction project. The Minister assured me and the constituents of Calgary-Montrose that Alberta Transportation was working closely with the pipeline companies to modify the pipeline crossings so that construction can begin. After much hard work and effort, the land needed to build this road has been acquired by the province, and a commitment has been made to residents to build this road.

Unfortunately, the project has suffered a setback due to gas pipelines on this land that cross the road alignment. These modifications are deemed necessary as standard construction practices would be unsafe in this unique situation. This access road remains a priority for the Ministry and it is hopeful that the project will be completed in the 2010 construction season.

I am deeply committed to seeing this road built quickly and I will continue to provide the residents of Chateau Estates and all residents in my constituency with a voice in the Legislature.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Chateau Estates access road, please contact my constituency office at (403) 248-4487 or calgary.montrose@assembly.ab.ca.

Dave Cooper

Konrad Misiewicz's business plan for a pig tracker may bring home the bacon, but it has nothing to do with pork.

The NAIT student Thursday won the first Hatch prize, and will bank a $20,000 contribution in seed money to get one of his father's ideas into the market. The idea is for an improved transmitter for pigs, the devices used to clean and test pipelines.

On Nov. 4, I had the pleasure of rising during Question Period to ask the Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security what our government is doing to address Albertans' concerns with charity casino regulations. The Minister informed the Assembly that a three-person committee had been struck in Sept. to conduct public consultations throughout Alberta. This committee has been tasked with reviewing charity casino procedures and regulations in an effort to ensure that these charitable organizations continue to have sufficient revenue to support their worthwhile activities.

The people in Calgary-Montrose have also told me that they feel as though this committee is pitting rural and urban charities against one another in the fight for equitable distribution of gaming revenues. The Minister assured me and the Assembly that this is simply not the case, stating that this committee was struck to address specific concerns regarding the pooling and distribution of proceeds, the scheduling of events and volunteer requirements. It is not the practice of our government to pit one region against the other and the committee is conducting its review in a fair and equitable manner.

However, the committee has received considerable criticism regarding the method that is being used to conduct this review. Some criticisms have accused the committee of conducting their business in secret and that the round-table discussion format is flawed. The Minister assured the Assembly that all information regarding the committee meetings is publically available and that the round-table format allows for charities and the committee to work together and share ideas.

Our government is committed to ensuring that all of Alberta's charities are able to continue their work in the community and I am looking forward to the committee's recommendations.

As the MLA for Calgary-Montrose, I am always available to assist constituents. If you have any questions or concerns regarding APS II or any other matter, I can be reached in my constituency office at (403) 248-4487, or in Edmonton at (780) 427-2877.

'This donation will serve to benefit both students and industry,' said Irene Lewis, SAIT's President and CEO. 'With thanks to Imperial Oil, the Bombardier Challenger will enable our students to train on an aircraft with modern avionics and be even better prepared when entering the workforce.'

The jet, which is no longer required to meet Imperial's corporate travel needs, has been de-registered and is now ineligible to fly in Canada. It will provide on the ground training for more than 250 students annually in SAIT's Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology, Avionics Technology and Aircraft Structures Technician programs. In addition to the aircraft, Imperial also donated associated ground support equipment and spare parts inventory.

'We are pleased to provide SAIT students with tools to enhance their learning experience about aviation mechanics, maintenance and instrumentation,' said Bruce March, Imperial's Chairman, President and CEO. 'This contribution reflects our commitment to support education in technology, including supporting reliable air service to northern communities across Canada.'

To view photos of the Challenger and from today's news conference, visit our photo library. To learn more about Imperial's citizenship activities, download the 2008 Corporate Citizenship Report or view the Summary Report.

SAIT Polytechnic has maintained close association with business and industry to ensure graduate success since 1916. SAIT offers 67 certificate, diploma, and applied degree programs as well as 30 apprenticeship programs, 300 distance education courses and 1,800 continuing education and customized corporate training courses. SAIT offers training in 15 countries around the world and last year had 79,000 course and program registrations. SAIT is a proud member of Polytechnics Canada.

Click here for more photos.

The Doorway is made up of only four staff and 10 community volunteers and has, since its inception in 1988, helped more than 700 Calgary youth transition off the streets. The Doorway focuses on the unique circumstances that cause children and youth to turn to life on the streets, and addresses the special challenges facing these individuals as they transition into the community.

Their non-traditional approach and methodology gives these youths more self-determination, ownership of their lives and perhaps more critically, allows them to be accountable for their choices. The Doorway's goal is to employ a cost-effective method in assisting street youth in becoming self-sufficient and productive members of society through the negotiation of personalized steps to independence. These steps are enshrined in a contract between the individual and The Doorway and as the steps are navigated, the individual earns money to aid in the transition process. Over time, this money begins to represent hard work, success and ultimately hope for those who participate in the program. Graduating participants come to believe that change is always possible and that problem solving is an effective way to manage one's life.

Recently, I was honoured to participate in The Doorway's annual Walk/Run which helps to raise awareness in the community surrounding youth homelessness in Calgary. I believe that it is organizations like this one that help us build strong communities and I applaud The Doorway for their innovation, determination and excellent work in the fight to end homelessness.

For more information about The Doorway, visit their website at www.thedoorway.ca.