Regional Update from MLA Jackie Homeniuk

community needs.

Thisweek, I visited the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank and met with Executive Director Kassandra Gartner. The support food banks provide is invaluable in our province, and it was a great experience to visit their facility and see first-hand the essential work they do to make sure Albertans never go hungry. Because of the ongoing affordability crisis, the need for the assistance food banks provide has grown. To help support these indispensable institutions, Alberta’s government has committed to donating $10 million to our province’s food banks over the next two years, and we have increased the charitable tax credit for all donations under $200 to 75% in total. It is an honour and privilege to represent the Albertans who volunteer their time and resources to ensure organizations like these continue to provide the crucial services our

I had the pleasure of meeting with Tanya Shewchuk, the Program Manager for Careers Under Construction – Fort Saskatchewan. CUC is an organization dedicated to helping Albertans find new jobs and begin new careers. They provide a multitude of services, from resume development to career workshops and courses. Funded by the Government of Alberta, CUC’s services are free and incredibly helpful for those who are seeking to begin a new professional chapter in their lives. If you would like to learn more about the services they offer visit their website https:// careersunderconstruction.ca/ or contact them by phone at 780-9920250.

We are also taking action to build economic development capacity and inspire innovation and growth in rural communities. We are providing $2.1 million in capacity building grants. The grants will advance regional and targeted initiatives that will lead to sustainable, rural economic development and diversification. Grant recipients will turn this strategy into action by supporting businesses and municipalities with resources to enhance economic development opportunities in rural Alberta.

On Friday February 24th, marks the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This aggression violates the principles of global stability and basic morality. As Chair of the Advisory Council on Alberta-Ukraine Relations, I have worked to ensure Alberta stands alongside Ukraine in its war against Putin’s Russia. As a province with a substantial Ukrainian Canadian community, of which I am a part, it is Alberta’s duty to support our friends in Ukraine. Canada has been one of Ukraine’s strongest material supporters in their struggle against Russia, and we have also stood out in our willingness to settle refugees who are fleeing Russia’s indiscriminate attacks. As a member of the Premier’s task force to support Ukrainian Newcomers, I helped to ensure Ukrainian refugees were settled and welcomed in our province. Alberta will continue its unwavering support for Ukraine as they fight for freedom and their nation’s future.

Please contact my constituency office at fortsaskatchewan. vegreville@assembly.ab.ca if you have any questions or concerns.

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, MLA Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville Parliamentary Secretary for Ukrainian Refugee Settlement in Alberta

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Settlement and language supports

Budget 2023 would provide a total of $7 million over three years for continuous settlement and language supports.

This funding would help settlement agencies and immigrant-serving organizations meet increased service demand and would ensure that Ukrainian evacuees have the language supports and settlement services necessary for their successful transition into Alberta communities. The funding would build upon existing English language learning opportunities and supports for successful employment and economic transition.

Alberta’s government will continue to work with immigrant-serving and community organizations to identify the supports needed.

“The Ukrainian community and settlement agencies have told us that there is a critical need for funding to help evacuees when they arrive in Alberta. As a dedicated supporter of the Ukrainian people, the Alberta government would provide muchneeded funding to ensure Ukrainian evacuees have language and settlement services when they arrive in Alberta.” Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

For the full story visit www.alberta. ca under press releases.