This summer, as many of us stayed closer to home than expected and altered our plans to adapt to the new environment, we have had a great opportunity to explore our beautiful area and support the local businesses at the heart of our community.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the risks that first responders face on the job each day have become more visible. To recognize this, Alberta’s government is giving back by investing in mental health programs. Over the next three years, government is investing $4.5 million to support mental health treatment for first responders through leading-edge research, prevention programs, and reducing stigma. Grants will be awarded to non-profits and researchers working to improve first responder mental health, with the deadline for funds on September 20. These funds will help provide important services to Alberta’s hardworking and brave firefighters, police officers, paramedics, sheriffs, corrections officers, and emergency health workers.
In the last six months, we have also seen countless volunteers rally around our seniors. The 2020 Minister’s Seniors Service Awards recognize the people and organizations that have dedicated time and energy to support seniors in our community, especially during the pandemic, and these awards are an opportunity to recognize these contributions. From dropping off groceries to developing online classes, dedicated volunteers make a significant impact in the lives of Alberta’s seniors, and they deserve special recognition. If you know a worthy person or organization who is serving seniors, visit alberta.ca/MSSA to fill out a nomination form before the August 25 deadline.
In order for our community to recover and build for the future, we need to invest in getting Albertans back to work. Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold plan for our province’s economic future that is creating jobs, building our infrastructure, and diversifying the economy. Alberta’s government is investing heavily in infrastructure projects province-wide that will create over 50,000 jobs. As we look to the future of our community, having strong infrastructure will provide the foundation on which we can build and thrive.
For the latest information on COVID-19 and public health measures in Alberta, please visit alberta.ca/covid19.