Weekly Roundup - Jan 14, 2022
This week saw the return of students to in class learning while testing capacity for COVID-19 was greatly reduced. PCR testing eligibility is focused on those with risk factors for severe outcomes and those who live and work in high-risk settings. Meanwhile, there continues to be a delay in receiving the 16 million rapid tests expected from the federal government while the Premier has said that 58 per cent of supply has been shipped to schools.
While positive case counts no longer reflect how many Albertans have COVID-19 due to testing capacity, as of January 13 there are 786 in hospital with 79 in intensive care and 3,375 deaths.
Below, you’ll find a recap of recent government announcements and a look ahead to upcoming committee meetings.
Government of Alberta Announcements
A new accelerated tech pathway, part of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program was announced by the government and will provide a fast track to permanent residency for highly skilled tech professionals who want to live and work in Alberta.
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Mike Ellis issued a statementon a recent decision by the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta regarding supervised consumption services.
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer issued a statement on the December 2021 Labour Force Survey that included a nation leading employment rate and the lowest unemployment rate in the province since the start of the pandemic.
Livestock producers and beekeepers can now apply for phase two of the 2021 Canada-Alberta Livestock Feed Assistance AgriRecovery initiative.
Upcoming Legislative Assembly Committee Meetings
Select Special Committee to Examine Safe Supply
January 18, 2022, 9-10:30 am
This committee was newly formed in December of 2021 and will examine safe supply of pharmaceutical opioids, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, or other substances to people who are addicted to or dependent on these substances. The full mandate of the committee can be found here. Parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Community and Social Services for Civil Society Jeremy Nixon is the chair of the committee.
Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
January 25, 2022, 1:30-3 pm
This meeting will review the second quarter report for 2021-22 of the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund.