Sweetgrass and CFWE news - March 22, 2016

Election Day in Calgary-Greenway

March 22, 2016. Tuesday is election day for voters in the riding of Calgary-Greenway. In advance polling between March 16-19, voter turnout was lower than advance polling in the 2015 Provincial General Election. An estimated 2,397 ballots were cast this time around compared to last year at 2,966. Vying for the seat left vacant after the tragic death of PC MLA Manmeet Bhullar are Thana Boonlert (Green), Prabhdeep Gill (PC), Khalil Karbani (Liberals), Roop Rai (NDP) and Devinder Toor (Wildrose). There are 28,278 electors registered. 

Homeward Trust hosts forum on Aboriginal homelessness in Edmonton

March 22, 2016. On Tuesday, Indigenous agencies, service providers, organizations, and businesses met to dialogue and share information around housing and program supports for Indigenous peoples, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Edmonton. There is a disproportionate overrepresentation of Aboriginal peoples who are homeless, with Aboriginal peoples representing 47 per cent of the total homeless population of the city. Since the start of the 10 Year Plan, Homeward Trust and its Housing First agencies have housed 2,600 formerly homeless Aboriginal adults and children. Homeward Trust holds that culturally appropriate housing and supports for Indigenous peoples are best achieved by working with Indigenous organizations and community leaders.

Beaver Hills, Great Bear Lake designated by UNESCO

March 21, 2016. Beaver Hills, east of Edmonton, and Great Bear Lake, in the Northwest Territories, have been included as part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Glen Lawrence, of the Beaver Hills Initiative, said his group has been working towards the designation since 2008. The program recognizes regions that have attained a healthy economy while maintaining significant environmental values. The designation does not carry any legal protection for the land nor does it restrict local decision-makers. To be eligible for the UNESCO designation, biospheres must be nominated by their country, land must already be set aside for conservation, and the idea must have local support. Canada has 16 other biosphere reserves. UNESCO has 669 such reserves in 120 countries worldwide.

Nelson named new deputy minister of executive council

March 21, 2016. Marcia Nelson, who has among her key accomplishments the development of Alberta’s first 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, has been appointed by Premier Rachel Notley as deputy minister of executive council. She has been serving as associate deputy minister of executive council since July 2015. Nelson will assume the top public servant role in Alberta on April 16, 2016, replacing Deputy Minister Richard Dicerni, who is retiring. “From leading work on Alberta’s first plan to end homelessness, to partnering on initiatives with non-profit sector leaders, Marcia is dedicated to supporting the foundations for making communities stronger,” said Susan McGee, CEO Homeward Trust Edmonton in a government-issued statement.

Food bank looks at legacy giving for donations

March 21, 2016. Edmonton’s Food Bank is asking people to consider donating to the non-profit organization through their wills. Early in 2016, LawDepot approached Edmonton’s Food Bank to discuss a partnership with the food bank. LawDepot, a do-it-yourself legal form provider, founded in Edmonton, offers a new option for people to earmark gifts through their estate to help their favourite charities. “We’ve made changes to our Last Will that make it easier for users to donate to the charities of their choice so that the process of leaving behind a donation is simple and stress-free,” said Ken Sawyer, CEO of LawDepot. “That’s why we’re so excited to be partnering with local charities, such as Edmonton’s Food Bank, to raise awareness about legacy giving and the importance of estate planning within our hometown.” The food bank provides food to approximately 20,000 people through the hamper programs each month. Additionally, about 500,000 meals and snacks are distributed through 230 member agencies, churches, and food depots. In order to maintain operations and continue to offer services, Edmonton’s Food Bank food and fundraises can-by-can and dollar-by-dollar. LawDepot’s new option is another way in which donations can be made to support the continuation of Edmonton’s Food Bank’s operations and services.