Diaryo Alberta | February - March 2020 Issue

Volume 11 FEB - MAR

2020

CHANTAL BORJA

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Alberta Budget 2020: Emphasis On JOBS and Other Winners Marietta Pangan

Thursday, Feb 27, 2020. The Alberta Budget 2020, the second budget, is tabled’, released and announced by Finance Minister Travis Toews under the United Conservative Party (UCP) leadership.

The Budget 2020-2021 Summary unveiled more cuts to the public service but kept maintaining spending on education and health care .

Alberta is currently facing a $6.8-billion deficit for the fiscal year of 2020-2021.

It also lays out $50-billion in expenses.

The province’s projected Debt is to hit $76.9-billion this year, and it may soar up to $87.8-billion by 2022-23.

During the live broadcast of the budget announcement at the legislature building in Edmonton, Minister Toews mentioned, “We are putting a growth and prosperity lens on everything we do to ensure the choices we make as a government support economic growth and jobs for Albertans. He also confidently said that “We see signals and signs at this point that our broad-based method is improving Alberta. “An additional 15-page chapter is included in the budget out of frustrations�, added by Minister Toews, “I believe that 2020 has the potential to be a turnaround year for the economy in this province�, according to the Minister, The summary and highlights of the 15page addendum to The Budget 2020 are as follows: Favoured Sectors : Jobs in Agriculture. Two thousand new positions or an 8- percent growth in the

food processing, the pork industry as well as canola processing.

Film and Production. A $97 million over three years for an Alberta Film and Television sector.

Research and Innovation. $200 million allocations for innovation areas, including artificial intelligence, aviation, tourism and other financial technologies.

Tourism. Double tourism dollars to $20 billion by 2030. Alberta will develop a plan to attract more tourists to generate that revenue, create more jobs and attract investments.

Public Safety. An additional $17 million goes to the Victims of Crime Fund to reduce victims of crime.

Not So Favorable Sectors: Public Sectors. 1,436 drop of Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) through attrition. Alberta intended to spend $26.7 billion on public sector compensation by 2023-24, targeting all departments, healthcare services, post-secondary and other government offices.

Health Spending will remain at $20.6 billion. The budget freeze will be until 2023.

The additional 2.9% is only to give room as the minimum funding required for yearly inflation and population growth.

Education. A trim of six-percent from the forecast in the last budget. Budget 2020 implements the first phase of new funding, based which will mostly on a per school’s performance. There is an extra $100 million, from $8.2 billion to $8.3 billion allocation; however, that money will not come from the province, but the school’s own-source revenue. This funding may mean larger class sizes and fewer supports for learning, Capital Budget on Big Cities ( Calgary, Edmonton & Red Deer). Edmonton to cut by $6.9-billion in its Capital Plan. Calgary and Red Deer, on the other hand, will continued on page 16

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Editorial

Publisher

Diaryo Alberta / Diaryo Filipino

What the community needs!

Diaryo Alberta

On Jan 25, 2020 eighty (80) participants attended a day long forum and workshop, “Building Strong and Resilient Families in the Filipino Community”. The event sponsored by the Calgary Catholic Immigrant Services (CCIS) and Filipino Working Group on Healthy Family Relationships, the first of its kind in Alberta, was held at the Kerby Centre in downtown Calgary.

The diversity of the crowd created interesting discussions and interactions. Participants composed of Filipino lawyers, immigration consultant, clergies, men in uniform, community leaders, academe, social workers, government representative, non-Filipino (other ethnic) leaders/observers and one rep from Diaryo Alberta.

The energy, power and

synergy of the group tackled the following findings: Filipinos rank highest among the different cultural communities with reported cases of involvement with Children’s Services. Child protection concerns are physical abuse (46%), emotional injury (44%), neglect (7%) and sexual abuse (3%.). Filipino family issues related to child abuse are domestic violence (41%), inappropriate discipline (22%), parent’s mental health (14%), child’s mental health (11%), and meth/substance addiction (12%). For those who got involved in domestic violence, 50% have sponsorship while the other 50% do not have sponsorship. No. of Filipino fathers who attended the mandatory court Counselling program: 2016 – 15 dads; 2017 38 dads; 2018 – 31 dads; 2019 – 61 dads (data From Immigrant Services Calgary Men’s Counselling Program). The picture

Editorial Board DAS

Writers/Contributors Michelle Jeong Sharina Dumaran Benjamin Tamayo Manuel Perez Madame KC Marianne Malaca Tata Gascon Pastor Jose Belasco

Graphic Artist/Sketch Ingraph Limited

Layout

Ingraph Limited

Creative Director Antonio Amorado

Photographers

Lito de Jesus / Kaye Ocampo PROFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHY

Main Office

Media’s role is pivotal to spreading and sustaining this initiative.

above is just the tip of the iceberg.

The following objectives were formulated to address the above concerns. 1. To build awareness and education on children and family welfare. 2) To create actions on the issues related to children abuse and family violence in the Filipino community; and 3) To build a community of people who are ready to act on the identified

issues.

After two workshops led by seasoned facilitators participants drafted lists of doable plans. For copy of the report / plans, and those who desire to lend a hand contact Edwin Chavez | Community Broker, Cultural Brokerage Program. CCIS at 403.817.6480 | www. ccisab.ca

Now, what? This kind of initiative is what the community needs. Start

and spread the conversation about the issue (and others like mental health, abuse, racism, etc). Many groups, clubs and organizations delved more on magnifying their goodness, success, look/beauty, accomplishments and vanity. One downside is the gap it creates between the common people and the ones trying to be in the upper class. It spawns social stratification that leads to more social issues.

#9, 2616 16th St NE Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7J8 Tel. 403-613-1182 diaryoalbertasociety@gmail.com Diaryo Alberta is published through the support of our partners and members.

Our hope is that you will support them in return.

Diaryo Alberta invites the community to share news, views & opinions, articles, feedback and pictures. All opinions and views expressed in the Diaryo are that of the individual contributors and should not be considered to reflect the opinions or views of Diaryo Alberta or its staff. Diaryo Alberta reserves the right to refuse or edit any submissions and is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials, artwork & other materials. No part of Diaryo Alberta may be reproduced nor reprinted without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

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Feature Article

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Health

Remarks by Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme at media briefing on COVID-19 on 13 February 2020 February 2020 WHO Geneva News release Good afternoon everyone and apologies for being late, and apologies too from Dr Tedros, who is just about to land in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where he is following up on important Ebola matters and meeting with President Tshisekdi and many others to look at the future post-Ebola of the health system in Congo.

I’m sure you’ll understand how important a task and mission that is given the last year-and-a-half in Congo and the ongoing struggles in that country to deliver effective healthcare and reduce suffering and mortality from infectious diseases.

Let me start by updating you on the latest numbers.

In the last 24 hours China has reported 1,820 laboratory-confirmed cases, bringing the total to 46,550.

In addition, China reported 13,332 clinically confirmed cases in Hubei province, and crucially, we understand that most of these cases relate to a period going back over days and weeks and are retrospectively reported as cases, sometimes back to the beginning of the outbreak itself.

So this increase that you’ve all seen in the last

24 hours is largely down to a change in how cases are being diagnosed and reported.

So, in other words, in Hubei province only, a trained medical professional can now classify a suspected case of COVID-19 as a clinically confirmed case on the basis of chest imaging, rather than having to have a laboratory confirmation.

This allows clinicians to move and report cases more quickly, not having to wait for lab confirmation, ensuring that people get to clinical care more quickly, and also allows public health responses in terms of contact tracing and other important public health measures to be initiated.

As you’ve noticed with suspect cases, there have been some backlogs in testing and this is also going to help ensure that people get adequate care and adequate public health measures can be taken.

So we are not dealing, from what we understand, with a spike in cases of 14,000 on one day.

To an extent this is an artefact of the reporting and we are working with our colleagues in China, and our team there are working very hard to see

exactly how many days and weeks and how those numbers are spread across those days and weeks.

In the rest of China and the rest of the world, laboratory confirmation for reporting is still required.

WHO will continue to track both laboratory and clinically-confirmed cases in Hubei province.

We’ve seen this spike in the number of cases reported in China, but this does not represent a significant change in the trajectory of the outbreak.

Outside China, there are 447 cases from 24 other countries, and now two deaths. In addition to the death in the Philippines, there is now one more death in Japan.

We have said consistently that we need to be cautious when drawing conclusions from daily reported numbers. I think we were having that discussion yesterday and I think the numbers today speak to that.

We need to be very careful when interpreting any extremes. Be it in incubation period, be it in daily numbers, we must take all numbers into account, we must look at all numbers seriously but we also must try and interpret what those numbers mean and not react directly to the

number itself.

The number of countries reporting cases has still not changed and outside the cases on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, we’re not seeing a dramatic increase in transmission outside China.

That is the current picture. We’re still saying to governments around the world that we still have an opportunity to prepare for the potential spread of the virus.

Regarding the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which is currently quarantined in Yokohama, 218 passengers have tested

positive for the virus, which does represent the largest cluster of COVID-19 cases outside China.

This morning, I briefed health ministers from the European Union, convened by Croatia, the presidency, about COVID-19 and our teams are working with governments and partners of the European Union to ensure that the latest information is disseminated, that preparations are made and there’s good coordination between ourselves and the European Union and our WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus Source: WHO Wash your hands frequently Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub eliminates the virus if it is on your hands.

Practice respiratory hygiene When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Why? Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing prevent the spread of germs and viruses. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, you may contaminate objects or people that you touch.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.

Why? When someone who is infected with a respiratory disease, like 2019-nCoV, coughs or sneezes they project small droplets containing the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the virus.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth Why? Hands touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself.

2019-nCoV has been reported, or if you have been in close contact with someone with who has traveled from China and has respiratory symptoms.

Why? Whenever you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing it’s important to seek medical attention promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Respiratory symptoms with fever can have a range of causes, and depending on your personal travel history and circumstances, 2019-nCoV could be one of them.

If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within China

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within China, carefully practice basic respiratory and hand hygiene and stay home until you are recovered, if possible.

Tell your health care provider if you have traveled in an area in China where

As a general precaution, practice general hygiene

And we very much welcome the strong support from the European Union in supporting countries with weaker health systems and ensuring that other countries have the investment and support needed to prepare for the arrival of the virus.

In terms of the international mission, the advanced team and their Chinese counterparts have now finalized the scope of work and design of the mission and we expect the rest of the international team to start arriving in China over the weekend.

Thank you.

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Health

Michelle Jeong

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus Source: WHO measures when visiting live animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets Ensure regular hand washing with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products; avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands; and avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products. Strictly avoid any contact with other animals in the market (e.g., stray cats and dogs,

Diaryo Alberta - The Pagebook of Albertans

rodents, birds, bats). Avoid contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids on the soil or structures of shops and market facilities.

Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked animal products Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) continues to deliver on its promise of being accessible and available to all Albertans. AHS recently added 8 additional languages when delivering important health information to the diverse Albertan population.

Alberta Health Services’ commitment to increasing access has been an enduring priority. Over the past year, 1.2 million minutes of telephone interpretation services were provided to patients across Alberta in 81 languages. AHS has expanded video remote interpretation in 35 languages. AHS has been deemed as the largest user of professional medical interpretation In Canada. And now, AHS launches this new initiative of bringing health information in 8 languages in the AHS website. These are Arabic, simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, Punjabi, Spanish, Tigrinya and Vietnamese.

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8 Additional Languages to Help Build Better Access to Health information of Diverse Albertans According to AHS.

This move has been heavily supported by the new Health Minister Tyler Shandro. As noted by Minister Shandro, “The provincial health system should be accessible to all Albertans, no matter their first language, ethnicity or background. Providing translated information online reflects the diversity of Albertans and helps meet the needs of the patients and families. I am

pleased to see this new content added to the AHS website.”

The new translated health information provides details on: - Accessing interpreters and health advice in 240 languages by phoning Health Link (811) - Emergency department wait times

- Knowing care options - How to access services in languages other than English across the health system

AHS, along with the support of Minister Shandro, proudly points out that this initiative is part of the many projects that is being undertaken in the effort to increase health access to the diverse Albertan population.

Building Strong and Resilient Families in the Filipino Community, January 25, 2020, at the Kerby Centre Around 80 leaders from the Filipino community and guests gathered on January 25, 2020, at the Kerby Centre to discuss how to prevent child abuse and family violence by building strong and resilient families. The event was organized by the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) and Filipino Working Group on Healthy Family Relationships.

Objectives of the event were to build awareness and education on children and family welfare; to create actions on the issues related to children abuse and family violence in the Filipino community; and to build a community of people who are ready to take action on the identified issues.

It was first time for the Filipino community in Calgary to discuss child abuse and family violence issue The forum workshop was participated in by representatives from various community organizations; Service organizations; Church and faith-based groups: Media: Filipino lawyers, Academe and community members.

Eight action themes 1. Filipino service providers to conduct outreach and counselling for early prevention work

2. Youth to create programs on mental health and healthy family relationships To create youth-oriented programs to address the issue 3. Legal and media practitioners to provide support.

Filipino lawyers To write blogs on legal matters related to immigration and family relations 4. Creating and strengthening support networks from community groups and organizations To internally educate community organizations and groups about child protection, parenting, 5. Use of arts, theatre and other artistic media to raise awareness on prevention and creating safe and creative spaces 6. A faith-based platform for DV Prevention Sermon series on family violence issues

Vice Consul LV Ignacio De Guzman delivers PCG’s strong support to the movement.

Atty Anthony L. Po presented his idea during the Forum on Domestic Violence, Jan. 25, 2020, Kerby Centre, Calgary).

7. Capacity building and policy development To build awareness on Canadian laws, systems and expectations 8. Establishing a Council of Elders for DV prevention and early intervention To provide spaces for inter-generational dialogue we cannot underestimate the impact of these issues to our community.

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Community News

Filipino Community Development Program: Family Reunification Workshop Feb. 8, 2020 CIWA Calgary.

Parenting law session by Marco Lopez, CIWA

Session on young people making healthy snacks

Session on arts and crafts story for kids

Reunited, and it feels so good! (with ConGen Zaldy Patron)

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TAAL

ERUPTION

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Health

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Spiritual

Daily Spiritual Renewal

LIFE-CHANGING DEBT SOLUTIONS

“Gipit sa Utang? Lunasan natin, kaya natin ito.”

Stop harassing phone calls Stop legal actions or garnishments Protect your assets and wages Debt restructuring Interest-free repayment plans

Pastor Jose V. Velasco

QUESTIONS? visit our website @ www.diaryoalbertasociety.ca

on the cross. However, God allowed that death, and made it the greatest display of His love to sinners (Rom. 5:8). And if sinners will believe in the crucified Christ, they are born again. They will be restored to their former status before the Fall. And according to Jesus, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (Jn. 3:3). This one-time experience of the new birth by accepting Christ as Lord and Savior begins the continuing renewal of life till we go to heaven.

Have you already welcome Jesus into your heart to have that new birth?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may you send your Holy Spirit to renew me that I may now have the assurance of being in your kingdom. In your name. Amen.

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Our topic is based on St. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:16 saying, “For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day by day.” Here is a profound description of the Christian life. It is a daily renewal.

This renewal pertains particularly to the spiritual life. The Bible says that Adam and Eve were created in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27). In some ways they were like God and that made them spiritual. God endowed them with the capacity to know and commune with God. God told them what

they should do and not do and they understood (Gen. 1:28-29; 2:15-17). They could distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong, and could choose what to follow. If they obey God they will be blessed, if not they will be cursed (Gen. 2:15-17).

Sadly, Adam and Eve, the first humans, violated God’s words and were cursed (Gen. 3). Not only them but including their generations to come will be cursed.

However, God loved so much the human beings He created and did not want to lose them. Hence, God provided a way to redeem them. He planned to send an offspring of Eve to crush the head of the Serpent who is Satan (Gen. 3:15). But first Satan struck the heel of Jesus by crucifying Him

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Provincial News

Engaging with Alberta’s future leaders February 06, 2020 Government of Alberta News Release Junior and senior high school students are encouraged to apply for the 2020-21 Education Minister’s Youth Council.

Forty students will be selected to form next year’s youth council to bring their diverse interests, backgrounds and perspectives from across the province and provide input on education topics.

Council members serve a 10-month term starting in September and ending in June 2021. They will meet with the Minister of Education and Alberta Education staff three times

during the 2020-21 school year. There will also be opportunities for council members to interact with one another outside of meetings.

Youth council members will: • share diverse student perspectives with the Minister • build positive working relationships • work with one another and Alberta Education staff to provide input on education initiatives • participate in leadership opportunities Students can apply on the

Alberta Education student engagement page by March 18.

“I am lucky to have approximately 720,000 of the brightest minds in the country as my bosses.

Student voice is invaluable to me. The current youth council has done amazing work so far and I always look forward to each meeting. I can’t wait to continue engaging with students who want to be a part of next year’s council.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education

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Cutting red tape for Backgrounder: New B&Bs and food banks Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) January 23, 2020 Alberta Government News Release Government is updating food regulations to create new business opportunities for bed-and-breakfasts and help food banks serve Albertans more effectively.

Under the Alberta Food Regulation, bed-and-breakfast operators were only allowed to serve breakfast, while other small lodging businesses were required to invest in a commercial kitchen if they wanted to serve lunch or supper.

Effective Feb.1, bed-andbreakfasts will now be able serve their guests meals at any time of day.

Guest ranches and other similar small businesses will be able to serve meals under the bed-andbreakfast requirements, which are designed to be practical for home-based businesses.

“This is good for businesses, good for visitors to our province and good for Albertans. These changes will create additional revenue streams for small businesses and provide

more dining options for visitors enjoying this province’s amazing bedand-breakfasts.”

Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction “The modernization of Alberta’s policy and regulatory framework is key to supporting the growth of Alberta’s visitor economy and to helping tourism businesses be more responsive to the needs of their clients.”

Darren Reeder, executive director, Banff and Lake Louise Hospitality Association “Allowing bed-and-breakfasts greater flexibility when it comes to serving meals offers our customers a better experience while increasing our revenue. I’m very encouraged that the Alberta government is cutting this red tape and making these common-sense changes.”

Caroline, owner, Cozy Corner Guest House Food banks will also be

able to legally prepare, cook and serve food on site, provided they have the necessary facilities and equipment. The regulation previously prevented food banks from processing and serving food, meaning they could not easily run a soup kitchen.

“This is a common-sense change that I’m proud to make. Food safety regulations should not prevent food banks from helping those in need. We will continue looking for ways to cut unnecessary rules and regulations while always protecting the health and safety of Albertans.”

Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health “With this amendment, food banks will now be allowed to process and serve food on site. This change will give food banks the ability to add more services to help support people facing food insecurity.”

Stephanie Walsh-Rigby, CEO, Food Banks Alberta

Red Tape Reduction Awareness Week Alberta has declared Jan. 20-24 Red Tape Reduction Awareness Week.

This coincides with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’s own Red Tape Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of the costs of regulatory burdens to businesses across Canada.

This year, the CFIB gave Alberta B-minus for its

efforts to cut red tape, the highest grade the province has ever achieved.

Quick facts

• To date, CutRedTape.

Alberta.ca has received more than 4,500 submissions.

• Ministries are currently taking inventory and analyzing the regulatory burden imposed on

Albertans and businesses, modernizing regulation requirements, processes, forms and policies, and eliminating those that are unnecessary.

• The Canadian Federation of Independent Business estimates that in 2017, the cost for businesses in Alberta to comply with regulations was about $4.4 billion.

Employment and Social Development Canada

Backgrounder The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving their health and well-being.

NHSP funding supports community-based projects and pan-Canadian projects. The projects are led or inspired by seniors who are making a difference in the lives of others and their communities.

Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experience to the benefit of others. The objectives of the NHSP are: • promoting volunteerism among seniors.

• engaging seniors in the community through mentoring of others.

• expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse.

• supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors; and • providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.

Since the NHSP was launched in 2004, more than 23,600 projects

have been funded across Canada. Further to the Budget 2019 investment of an additional $100 million over five years, and $20 million per year ongoing, the Government of Canada will be supporting even more projects.

Community-based projects Community-based project funding supports activities where seniors are engaged, connected and actively involved in their communities. Organizations are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding, and small grants of up to $5,000 are available to organizations that have not received funding within the last five years.

As part of the 2019-20 NHSP community-based call for proposals, organizations were invited to apply for funding under the NHSP’s three national priorities: • preventing elder abuse and fraud, including measures to reduce crimes and harms against seniors.

• supporting healthy aging in community, addressing dementia, including community supports and intergenerational housing; and • counteracting ageism in the workplace to promote labour market retention of seniors.

Approximately 2000

projects across Canada were approved through last year’s NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects, many of which are still in progress.

For more information, visit The New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Pan-Canadian projects Pan-Canadian projects test and share best practices across the country and replicate approaches that have worked well in addressing seniors’ issues. As part of a collective impact approach, project partners work together to achieve measurable results in increasing social inclusion of seniors. The objectives of collective impact projects funded through the NHSP pan-Canadian stream are to: Build the collective capacity of organizations Promote improved access to information, programs and services for seniors Support action research for increasing the level of social inclusion Develop innovative approaches to engage senior volunteers Address systemic barriers that contribute to the social exclusion of seniors For more information, visit Funding: New Horizons for Seniors Program – pan-Canadian projects

Alberta Budget 2020: Emphasis On JOBS and Other Winners also to trim significant infrastructure projects over the next three years, including C-Trains and other means of transportations.

Increase Taxes. $12-million increase in total rev-

enues a year from taxes.

Hikes on taxes will soon apply on sale taxes of all vaping devices and liquids and online rentals. The government says the fee is to discourage youth from buying vaping products.

An expected $8 million a year in revenue in taxes from Online Rentals, particularly short-term rentals listed on online marketplaces, will be the primary target.

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Government of Canada announces funding to help LGBTQI2S+ young adults stop smoking Public Health Agency of Canada News Release January 21, 2020 Toronto, ON Public Health Agency of Canada Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease and premature death in Canada. In Canada, young adults aged 18 to 24 who identify as LGBTQI2S+ are more likely to use tobacco compared to heterosexual individuals of the same age. Many factors can contribute to smoking and tobacco use, including discrimination, inequalities and higher rates of violence related to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Today, during National Non-Smoking Week, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced an investment of up to $2,840,767 to support the University of Toronto’s All Together Now! project. The University is developing a social marketing and smoking cessation initiative in

collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, Egale Canada and members of LGBTQI2S+ communities. This project will focus on helping members of LGBTQI2S+ communities quit smoking and lead healthier lives. The project aims to support an estimated 114,000 members of LGBTQI2S+ communities in Toronto and Thunder Bay, Ontario, as well as in Montréal, Quebec.

All Together Now! aims to address the higher rates of tobacco use among members of LGBTQI2S+ communities through a combination of targeting social media messaging, working with local champions and social influencers, developing online resources, and participating in local events within LGBTQI2S+ communities.

The project will also offer tobacco cessation programming along with resources and supports to respond to some of the challenges that can contribute to smoking. For example,

free nicotine replacement therapy will be available to address possible income inequalities and social media will be used to address social factors that lead to smoking such as stigma and social inclusion.

In addition to this funding, as part of Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program, the Government of Canada is also providing approximately $1.3 million over 36 months to the University of Toronto’s Ontario Tobacco Research Unit to develop and implement interventions for youth and young adults (aged 16 to 29) vaping cessation.

This investment aligns with the objectives of Canada’s Tobacco Strategy, which aims to reduce tobacco use to less than 5% by 2035. This target is supported by a federal investment of $330 million over five years to help Canadians quit smoking and to continue to protect young people and non-smokers from nicotine addiction.

Quotes “This week marks National Non-Smoking Week in Canada, and I want to encourage the thousands of Canadians who will take their first steps toward quitting smoking. The projects we are supporting today like Toronto’s All Together Now! will better help them as they make this positive change in their lives – and encour-

age others to follow in the same footsteps.”

The Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Health “Smoking in LGBTQI2S+ communities is associated with stigma and related stress experienced by many individuals. Working from within LGBTQI2S+ communities, All

Together Now! will build strong interventions to change the social climate for smoking and provide tailored quit-smoking support. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for making this vital work possible.”

Professor Robert Schwartz Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto

Quick facts • One Canadian dies from a smoking-related illness every 12 minutes, which represents about 45,000 Canadians per year.

• Among LGBTQI2S+ young adults, tobacco usage is higher: 35% of young adults aged 18 to 24 smoke, compared to 23% of heterosexual individuals in the same age group in Canada.

• The All Together Now! project is being funded through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Multi-sectoral Partnership Approach. Since 2013, this program has invested $141 million and leveraged more than $111 million to support interventions that encourage behaviour change and positively impact the health of Canadians.

Canada launches environmental funding programs Environment and Climate Change Canada News release January 21, 2020 Ottawa, Ontario Across the country, Canadians are leading grassroots action to protect the environment, tackle plastic pollution, conserve nature, and protect our waterways. These initiatives are creating good local jobs and improving the environment for the next generation.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson,

launched the annual call for proposals for eight environmental funding programs. These programs will contribute to community-based projects that will have positive and measurable impacts on the environment and Canadians.

For example, potential projects funded this year could help contribute directly to the recovery of species at risk, address plastic pollution and climate change, restore and protect water quality in

the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg, and improve long-term sustainability of ecosystems in Atlantic Canada.

Canadians across the country—Indigenous communities, landowners, environmental groups, schools, other levels of government and businesses—are invited to apply.

For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply for funding, please follow the links below.

Quotes “Canadians across the country are stepping up with innovative solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges. I encourage

• Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program is a federal grants and contributions program that provides financial support to provinces, territories, non-gov-

ernmental organizations, Indigenous organizations, key stakeholders and individuals to strengthen responses to drug and substance use issues in Canada.

all eligible groups with innovative environmental projects to apply for funding. We look forward to supporting initiatives that will have a positive impact

on our community and natural environment.”

– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts • Over the past four years, an average of 264 projects per year received grants and contributions funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

• The EcoAction Community Funding Program, just one of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s environmental funding programs, has helped

engage over 2.7 million Canadians in positive environmental activities since 2006.

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YMOR

from the Readers: Madame KC

“Hindi siya PAASA, sadyang ikaw lang yung UMAASA.” Dear Madame KC, Kailangan ko po ng opinion/advice n’yo Madame. Mahaba po ang story pero I’ll make it short and straight to the point.

I have this girl (workmate) noon tapos nagkagusto ako sa kanya then I found out na gusto n’ya rin pala ako. The problem is she is married (sa Pinas), I think more than 5 years na sila (with 1 child) and sa tingin ko wala naman silang problema kahit nasa Pinas ang mag-ama n’ya.

Actually wala sa amin ang unang nagconfess, nalaman ko lang sa friend/workmate ko na friend n’ya rin na gusto n’ya ako then tsaka ko sinabi na gusto ko rin s’ya.

Then we talked about it, I asked her kung gusto n’ya na ipaglaban ko s’ya. Kasi she mentioned before na gusto n’ya ipaglaban ko s’ya and she needed my help in order for her to make a decision. Pero parang nagbago isip n’ya, mahal n’ya daw pamilya n’ya, parang hindi n’ya daw kayang iwan pero gustong-gusto n’ya naman daw ako.

Gustong-gusto ko talga s’ya sobra, sa lahat ng babaeng nakilala ko, sa kanya lang ako nakaramdam ng ganito.

Hanggang ngayon gusto n’ya pa rin ako at gusto

ko pa rin s’ya. It’s been almost 3 months na since nagkaalaman kami na gusto namin ang isa’t isa. Parang walang maka move-on sa aming dalawa.

Point ko lang dito eh kung talagang mahal n’ya asawa n’ya hindi sana s’ya magkakagusto sa akin diba? Bakit sinasabi n’ya na gustong gusto n’ya ako kahit na sinasabi n’ya na mahal n’ya asawa n’ya?

May nabasa nga akong na quote kay Johnny Depp eh, siguro nabasa o narinig n’yo na eto Madame at nakarelate lang po ako...

“If you love two people at the same time, choose the second one, because if you really loved the first one you wouldn’t have fallen for the second.” bay.

Help!

Lonelyguy Dear Lonelyguy,

Malaking pagkakaiba ng “gusto” sa “mahal”. Tinanong mo na ba sa kanya kung ano talaga ang nararamdaman niya para sa’yo?

Baka gusto ka lang n’ya in some ways. Sa hang out, nalilibang s’ya na kasama ka, kakwentuhan, and so on.

Sinabi n’ya na mahal n’ya ang pamilya n’ya. With those words you can already start moving on. Huwag ka

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ng umasa sa kanya.

Ginagawa mo lang doormat ang sarili mo. Ego boost ba yung makuha mo siya pag “pinaglaban” mo siya?

Kung ganoon ang trip mo, go lang. Pero kung gusto mo ng seryoso at pang matagalan na relasyon maghanap ka ng walang sabit (madaming girls na single pa).

Hindi ko sure kung si Johnny Depp nga ang may sabi n’yan pero kung may kulto man s’ya, tingin ko nagbayad ka ng membership fee. Hindi nagaapply sa 2nd choice yun.

Nagaapply lang yan sa “confused” na tao. Wag kang kiligin sa phrase na yun, aasa ka lang.

Tigilan mo na ang ano mang communication. Hindi tama na makipag relasyon ka sa taong may sabit. Maging busy ka sa trabaho at kung paano ayusin ang buhay mo. Madaming tao ang hindi makamove-on kasi wala silang ginagawa kundi isipin ang hindi dapat isipin.

Kung kaya n’yang lokohin ang una n’ya sa tingin mo hindi n’ya kayang lokohin ka? Respeto na lang muna sa sarili mo. For sure may darating din na mas deserving sa pagmamahal mo.

Sending off and letting go!

Madame KC

“The man who does not value himself, cannot value anything or anyone.”

“Of course, I would love to attend his deployment send off party!” I responded with excitement. Mel’s son, Gideon a corporal in the army, deployment to Europe was two days away. I felt happy to witness the maturing years of this young man. “Thank you Kuyang for coming.”

Said Mel. As the C-Train inched slowly heading off to Mewata Armoury in downtown Calgary, my mind flew back in time many decades ago. One weekend in my senior high my dad brought me to Subic Naval Bay in Zambales. As a US army himself prior, he wanted me to be in the navy. From a Beatles’ hair type to Emilio Aguinaldo hair cut was unforgettable. I tried my best to ace the exam. My confidence broke when my name was not in the passing list posted in the bulletin hours after the exam. My dad, a very serious person, showed no emotion. I knew he was disappointed but kept his composure.

I admired him for that gesture. We went home the following day with a new label after my name – “Ymor, US Never”.

I hopped off from the train in front of the Kerby Centre and walked double time to the armoury.

In my ROTC days being late meant 20 push ups.

Proud of myself, I was not late. The hall was full of uniformed people. Family members readied their camera / cell phones. Scattered around the hall were food tables.

The gathering was very informal. No talks and no fancy rituals. Steps heading for the food line were louder than the conversations in the hall. Mixed emotions lingered in the faces of Gideon younger brother and his dad. There was no moment and distance Gideon’s girlfriend were away from him.

As I observed Gideon’s informal interactions with his family and comrades, a shade of excitement was painted in his face.

I glanced to my left and

saw Mel’s face emitting the aura of a proud father.

Though, just like any other father son relationship, Mel’s and Gideon ’s, theirs’s not ideal and perfect one. At that very moment the very strand that holds them together as father and son pulled their souls and spirits together into harmony and deeper meaning.

Sending off and letting go are elements of maturing and purposeful life.

Gideon’s on his way building his career, future, contributions to and role in the world. Mel, a proud dad, eyes seemed holding off the tear from falling.

Raw, pure and unhinged emotions drew out from all of us – uncle, aunt, cousins and friends. My throat stiffened. For over 25 years I saw the growing up years of this young man. Now, he was heading off to a career and life he truly enjoyed.

Selfie, hugs, kisses, and burping ensued!

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MannyChanic

IMPORTANCE OF WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Protecting plants, protecting life: Canada celebrates 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health Canadian Food Inspection Agency News release

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

As Canada prepares to participate in the United Nation’s International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) 2020, we are reminded that healthy plants are crucial to food security and the wellbeing of all Canadians. Invasive species and other plant pests damage our crops, ecosystems, forests and natural habitats, which in turn can have damaging effects on human health.

This occasion presents a

unique opportunity for Canadians to take a more active role in making a commitment to promoting and preserving plant health for generations to come. Canadians of all ages have the power to help minimize the risks to Canada’s plants. You can take action by reporting plant pests in your area and burning only local or heat-treated firewood. Activities such as these, plus an international photo

contest, are available on Canada’s IYPH website.

The Government of Canada is playing its part by working with domestic and international partners to build awareness about the International Year of Plant Health and helping to protect Canada’s plant resources. Be sure to join the International Year of Plant health movement in 2020!

Quotes Everyone knows the damage that invasive species like the emerald ash borer can cause to both our environment and our economy. This year offers us an important opportunity to

Manny Perez

It doesn’t take much to knock a vehicle out of alignment: potholes, curbs and even regular wear and tear can take a toll on your vehicle’s suspension system and steering components. And once that happens, everything— your tires, your vehicle and your hands on the steering wheel—will soon feel it.

HOW CAN U TELL IF YOUR VEHICLE NEED WHEEL ALIGNMENT Your vehicle will pull to one side.

Your front end is shimmy-

ing after hitting a bump.

Your steering wheel will no longer line up straight.

Your front tires will show signs of uneven wear.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, you need a vehicle alignment performed by Certified Technicians. Proper alignments require sophisticated equipment to abide by the manufacturers’ preferred specifications and provide an exact wheel alignment.

WHATS THE BENEFITS Tire life and savings.

When your vehicle’s suspension system is out of alignment, it’s probably going to lead to uneven tire wear and that means a shorter life expectancy for your tires. With regular

alignment, however, your tires will last longer and save you money.

Safety. When your wheels are not aligned, it can cause your vehicle to pull right or left, undermining your control and handling.

Comfort. Aligned wheels are much safer to drive on, and they also make driving much easier and enjoyable.

If you’re not experiencing signs that your vehicle needs an alignment right away, we recommend checking your owner’s manual to learn how often the manufacturer recommends alignments, and also having an alignment with every set of new tires, and/or every spring.

promote awareness about how people can protect our plants by identifying and reporting invasive pests. Canadians can be proud of the vigilance and international leadership of

the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to prevent the spread of invasive species.

-The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick facts • Plant protection is essential to both human and animal health, and to our environment and our economy.

• Healthy plants provide us with 80 per cent of the food we eat and 98 per cent of the oxygen we breathe.

• Climate change, international trade and travel, and even Canadian outdoor pastimes like camping and gardening can cause the spread of invasive plants, plant disease and other pests.

• The emerald ash borer, an invasive pest, has killed over 10 million trees in Canada.

• Canadians can help protect our plants by: o knowing about and

reporting pests to the CFIA through inspection.gc.ca/ pests or on social media @ InspectionCan; o buying and burning local, or heat-treated, firewood to reduce the spread of the plant pests like the emerald ash borer that hide in firewood; o getting involved with the #PlantHealth and #IYPH2020 conversations on social media to raise awareness about plant protection; and o visiting science.gc.ca for more details and activities.

• The International Year of Plant Health has four main themes: helping to end hunger, reducing poverty, protecting the environment and boosting economic development.

QUESTIONS? visit our website @ www.diaryoalbertasociety.ca

• Policies and actions to promote plant health are fundamental for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular those aimed at reducing poverty, hunger and threats to the environment.

• The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 global goals that act as a road map for helping to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030.

• In Canada, crop industries generate over $23.8 billion per year in exports, and the forest industry contributes $24.6 billion to the Canadian economy.

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Community News

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GRANTS & FUNDING

Application Workshop Provincial Government Funds Community Grants Private Supports Presented by

March 14, 2020 1:30pm Saturday Venue: TBD

FREE Admission Not-for- ProďŹ t Organizations/Groups 3-5 Key People from each group only.

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2020

CERTIFICATION

BASIC FOOD SAFETY A WALLET CERTIFICATE Valid for 3 years will be awarded

Topics:

Food Borne Illness Hazardous Foods Cross Contamination Cleaning & Sanitizing

March 21, 2020 Saturday, 1:30pm AHS Building. Room 1103, 10101 Southport Road SW Calgary

FREE Parking @ the South side of the building

Presented by

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