Calgary-Montrose • Volume 1, Issue 2 • Spring 2009

Dear friends,

A little more than a year has passed since I was elected as your MLA for Calgary-
Montrose – a year when I was able to share so many memorable occasions
with you, from joyous award ceremonies and inspiring volunteer appreciation
nights to beautiful and diverse wedding ceremonies and emotionally moving funerals
where I was invited to honour the lives of loved ones with my constituents. Sharing
Free Income Tax Clinic
for Calgary-Montrose
Constituents
such pivotal moments with you has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my On March 31st and April 1st,
position. I am committed as ever to ensure causes important to you are heard in the
I am hosting an Income Tax
Legislature and the needs of our constituency are addressed. I am extremely proud to
Clinic for the constituents
be the MLA for a constituency where the greatness of the human spirit is so readily
of Calgary-Montrose. This
displayed through its volunteers, its educators, and the fortitude of neighbors willing
to help each other.
clinic, made possible by
the Chartered Accountant
Association, provides a free

T hrough my conversations with constituents about the global economic climate, I

have heard its effects on you, from changes in day-to-day expenses to being laid
off. It seems as though you cannot turn on a television or pick up a magazine
without there being mention of the economy. While all of this economic talk might
seem overwhelming to some, for those of you who have felt its effects, the economic
of cost tax filing service for
those constituents who
would otherwise be unable
to obtain professional
services. I realize that many
situation is very real. Without downplaying the hardships some of our neighbours are people have been affected
experiencing right now, it is important to know that Alberta is well-situated to weather by the current economic
the storm. The government has a three-year economic plan to address the current
climate and am dedicated to
situation.
assisting constituents in any
• We will keep a close eye on spending and make sure we get the best return on way possible.
taxpayers’ dollars.
• We will draw on our emergency savings to protect the programs and services
Albertans rely on and support the most vulnerable in our society. I want to assure
constituents that core services are staying in place. Alberta’s Minimum
• We will continue building our province and investing in our future. Our recent Wage to Increase
prosperity can help ensure we sustain a bright future for Alberta. With over $21 billion
dollars saved by the provincial government since 2005, including $8 billion in the If you are currently earning
Sustainability Fund and $6 billion in the Capital Fund, we are the only jurisdiction with minimum wage, your wage
money in the bank and are ready to face challenges and ensure infrastructure needs, will be increasing from
$8.40 to $8.80 per hour
continued on page 2
effective April 1, 2009. With
GET IN TOUCH! 20,000 minimum wage
earners in our province,
#1017, 2220 - 68 Street NE this will certainly be a
Calgary, AB T1Y 6Y7 welcome increase for many
Phone: 403-248-4487 workers, most of whom are
Fax: 403-273-2898 people between 15 and 19
calgary.montrose@assembly.ab.ca years of age who work in
ManmeetBhullarMLA.ca accommodation and food
Representing: services industries.
Applewood, Abbeydale, Monterey Park,
Penbrooke and Marlborough Park
Page 2 Manmeet S. Bhullar, MLA
“We will protect Albertans through these difficult times.”
Letter to Constituents
continued from front page

like roads, schools, and hospitals, are met, while still keeping the Heritage Trust Fund in place for future
generations. Investments are still being made in infrastructure, such as the SE section of the Calgary Ring
Road.
• We will maintain a strong presence on the world stage, promoting our province and its products
to a global market.
Alberta is doing its best to protect you right now through this four step plan and has maintained
its commitment to ensure that more money stays in the pockets of everyday Albertans by eliminating
Alberta Health Care Premiums.

S
ince my appointment as Parliamentary Assistant to Advanced Education and Technology, I have
been honoured to be a keynote speaker at different educational events around the province.
Promoting education and literacy, especially adult literacy, is a cause I am very committed to. I
am excited to continue to raise awareness while promoting the importance of Education through my
speaking engagements and pieces of legislation such as Bill 4.
Last sitting, I introduced Bill 30, my second piece of legislation. Bill 30, the Evidence Amendment
Act, promotes alternative dispute resolution so that an apology can be made without fear of legal
liability in the context of civil litigation. This
legislation was received very positively
even amongst the opposition parties, with
one Member saying, “My congratulations “[Bill 30] is just one of those good ideas that
to the sponsor of the bill, who is steering
this through in his first year as an MLA. as soon as you look at it, you think: yep, that’s
That’s good work.” Another opposition
where we need to go”
member stated that “this is just one of
those good ideas that as soon as you look
at it, you think: yep, that’s where we need MLA from Alberta’s Official Opposition commenting on Bill 30,
to go.” I am proud that this legislation was the Alberta Evidence Amendment Act, 2008,
so readily supported and am equally proud which Manmeet sponsored.
that Bill 4, my third piece of legislation, has
been introduced in the Legislature.

T ransportation concerns have been a key issue affecting our constituency and I have been working
hard to get results. I am very proud that the SE leg of the Ring Road will be the next portion
of the Ring Road to be completed. In addition I am pleased that I was able to get the Minister
of Transportation to re-open negotiations with land owners so the residents of Chateau Estates have
better access to the new Ring Road.
I aim to use Question Period as a tool to bring forward constituent concerns. Recently I asked the
Minister of Seniors and Community Supports what the government is doing to recognize the varying
abilities of AISH clients. And it was through contact with agencies in east Calgary about changes to
their client base that I was able to ask the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs some questions about
homelessness in Calgary.
I am always glad to meet constituents and hear your concerns directly. As always, please feel free to
contact me to discuss your concerns.
Yours truly,

Manmeet S. Bhullar
ManmeetBhullarMLA.ca Page 3

Manmeet was on hand to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
the Village Square Library. This was especially moving as he
remembers the many days he spent at Village Square Library
as a young child and youth. He especially enjoyed reading and
playing educational games with the children in attendance.
What a receptive audience!
The awards ceremony at Forest Lawn High School
allowed Manmeet to meet and present awards
to the 66 recipients of the Alexander Rutherford
Scholarship and to a Forest Lawn High School
student who participated in the Alberta Heritage
Youth Research Summer Program.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL ALBERTANS TO INSPIRE

Manmeet was named by Minister of Education Dave Hancock as a representative on a new steering
committee, Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans. Manmeet is proud to serve as a part
of this unique public engagement initiative that will involve Albertans from across the province.
This discussion with Albertans will centre on education as a foundation for the future societal and
economic success of the province, focusing on five values: opportunity, fairness, citizenship, choice,
and diversity. There are many opportunities for Albertans to participate, so please contact the
Calgary-Montrose office if you would like to be involved. You can be assured that you will be kept
informed about any of these opportunities available to you.

Manmeet handing out the ceremonial scarf to

the first person “Caught Reading” for the Calgary
Public Library’s “Get Caught Reading Kick Off”.
Manmeet was joined by Alderman Joe Ceci (left)
and Mike Labinjo of the Calgary Stampeders.
Page 4 Manmeet S. Bhullar, MLA
Health Facilities Growing
in East Calgary
Healthcare is always a top-of-mind issue for many of the
constituents I meet with. I understand my constituents’ concerns and
have been advocating on their behalf both inside and outside the
House. I have voiced their concerns that health care in east Calgary
may not be on par with the rest of the city and emphasized the
importance of consistent health care service throughout Calgary.
When I asked the Minister of Health and Wellness for details specific
to east Calgary, the Minister highlighted the health centre in Forest
Lawn as well as the expansion of the Peter Lougheed Centre. The
Minister revealed that within the next three years more than 440
additional hospital beds will become available in Calgary and that
110 of those beds will be housed in the new six-storey east addition
at the Peter Lougheed Centre. Further, he disclosed that the centre
will feature new intensive care and coronary care units, which will
start to open this year. As this issue is important to my constituents,
it is important to me. I will continue to advocate on their behalf to Lieutenant Governor Norman Kwong giving royal
assent to Manmeet’s first two pieces of legislation, Bill
ensure they have better access to Alberta’s world class healthcare
7 and Bill 30.
system.

Province to Support Wellness Centre in Growing Northeast Calgary

Manmeet was on hand with Premier Stelmach to cement the Province’s support for a new wellness centre
in northeast Calgary.
The provincial and federal governments, City of Calgary,
YMCA, North East Centre of Community Society and other
organizations have all contributed funds that will assist with the
construction of the new Genesis Centre of Community Wellness in
northeast Calgary. The Alberta government is providing a total of
$10 million toward the project.
Once completed, the new centre will house the YMCA, a
branch of the Calgary Public Library, a community services hub
and the North East Centre of Community Society. The funds will
assist in the construction of a full fitness centre, large gymnasium,
indoor track, aquatic centre, daycare and pre-school, community
gathering places, meeting rooms and two indoor soccer/multi-
sport fields.

Near right: As the Parliamentary Assistant to Advanced

Education and Technology, Manmeet was happy to
celebrate Family Literacy Day by joining in Sunridge Mall’s
World Record Attempt for the most adults reading to
children.
Centre left: Manmeet enjoying the Abbeydale and
Penbrooke Arts & Crafts sales. Two wonderful occasions,
which allowed him to see the great work of the many
talented artists within the constituency.
Centre right: Manmeet and Abbeydale Community
Association President Peter D. admire the newly paved
parking lot of Abbeydale Community Association, made
possible by a grant from the Province’s Community Facility
Enhancement Program.
Far right: The re-opening of Village Square Leisure Centre
was a fun event for Manmeet who spent much of his youth
swimming in the wave pool and attending youth group
meetings at the facility.
 ManmeetBhullarMLA.ca Page 5
A Message from Manmeet on
Your Transportation Concerns
After advocating for the southeast section of the
Calgary Ring Road to be the next portion completed, I was
pleased to hear the Minister of Transportation announce
just that at the beginning of March. This was one of the
greatest highlights of this past year, as I have made this
a priority, including holding a meeting with east Calgary
aldermen and the Minister of Transportation. I was pleased
to get results, as I know the completed free-flow six-lane
southeast section will be a huge benefit to east Calgary.
The project will start in 2010.
I have also spent much time visiting with residents
of Chateau Estates. I know how important it is for their
community to have an access road to the ring road, so I
have been very vocal about this. I pressed the Minister on
this issue and was able to have negotiations to acquire the land needed to build the access road re-opened. I continue to
monitor progress on this and I will continue to stand up for our community.

The safety of the children in Calgary-Montrose is of utmost importance, which is why I raised the following question to
the Minister of Transportation:
“I’ve met with many parents in my constituency who have children currently
attending schools like G.W Skene, Monterey Park and Blessed Kateri. These parents
have raised concerns about the fact that these schools have playground zones
instead of school zones designated. My question is to the Minister of Transportation:
Why are some schools only designated with playground zones and not school
zones (which take effect earlier in the day)?”
I requested that the Minister make changes so that playground zones start at
the same time as school zones. I am hopeful that we will see these changes soon,
resulting in increased safety for children on their way to school.

The Future is Looking Green

Manmeet was elated to present a plaque to all
the inspirational volunteers of Monterey Park
Community Association on behalf of himself
and Calgary-Cross MLA Yvonne Fritz.
for Calgary-Montrose
The Calgary Parks Foundation’s plan to develop pedestrian pathways along
the Transportation and Utility Corridor (TUC) between McKnight Boulevard and 16
Avenue NE, within Calgary-Montrose, is a plan I am happy to champion.
The eventual finished project would connect the recreational pathways
throughout the City of Calgary, and I am very eager for our constituency to be
among the first in the city to have this infrastructure constructed. The increased
recreational pathways would be a wonderful asset to Calgary-Montrose and its
constituents and I will continue to strongly advocate for the pathways.
Page 6 Manmeet S. Bhullar, MLA

Doing My Part to Help Recruit

Foster Families
On March 7th, 2009, more than 100 Calgary
and area residents converged at the Monterey
Park Community Association to learn more
about Alberta Foster Care. I hosted this event
to raise awareness about this wonderful cause,
specifically within different communities. I feel
there is an opportunity to enhance Alberta
Foster Care by educating people about
becoming foster families. I hope this event
helped generate awareness about Alberta Above: Manmeet was a keynote speaker at an event honouring
International Human Rights Day.
Foster Care within the different communities
and inspired people to make a positive impact Below: Manmeet enjoying the Marlborough Community Awareness
Day BBQ with volunteer Mary Ryan and the staff and management
on a child’s life by becoming a foster family. The of Buy-Low Foods, which graciously donated all the food for the
overwhelming attendance at the information event.
session made the event a great success with
many families committing to learn more about
the important program.

After presenting Mary Ryan with a scroll

recognizing her dedicated service to the Block
Watch Program, Manmeet was inspired to make a
Member’s Statement about Mary Ryan and Elaine
Gordillo’s steadfast commitment to maintaining
the safety of our communities.
ManmeetBhullarMLA.ca
Calgary-Montrose Students Win
$286,100 in Scholarships
Congratulations, students in Calgary-Montrose! I am
proud that 198 of you received the Alexander Rutherford
High School Achievement Scholarship, the Louise
McKinney Post-Secondary Scholarship, or the Jason
Lang Scholarship. A remarkable $286,100 in scholarship
money was awarded in Calgary-Montrose alone. I
advocate the importance of education and am pleased
to see my constituents recognized for their scholastic
achievement. I wish the recipients and all other students
in the constituency success in their post-secondary
studies.
Below: What a trip down memory lane! Manmeet speaks
about the importance of education at an information session
at his former high school, Lester B. Pearson, about the Alberta
government”s “Learning Clicks” program.
Bottom right: The annual Scout’s Night was a brilliant event
which allowed Manmeet to attend and present an award to a
volunteer for his 25 years of dedicated service to Scouts Canada.
Manmeet also spoke of this great organization in a Member’s
Statement at the Legislature.
Page 7
Legislation I’ve Introduced
Good News for Mount Royal
College and Grant MacEwan
College
If you are a Mount Royal College student,
you might be interested in some legislation I
recently brought into the Legislature: Bill 4,
the Post-Secondary Learning Amendment Act,
2009. Through this legislation, Alberta’s post-
secondary institutions within the Baccalaureate
and Applied Studies sector, such as Mount
Royal College and Grant MacEwan College,
will be given the option to request a formal
change to incorporate the term “university”
in their name. Bill 4 is good news for Mount
Royal College and its students and I have been
encouraged by the support it is getting from
my colleagues and constituents.
Left: Manmeet met with representatives from the
University of Alberta’s Medical Students’ Association,
which was a great opportunity for Manmeet to
engage with young Albertans, including one of his
own constituents, Simon Lam.
Below: Manmeet presenting Applewood Community
Association representatives with a cheque on behalf
of Minister Lindsay Blackett for a memorial bench for
Applewood Park.
Page 8 Manmeet S. Bhullar, MLA
New Law Gets Tough on Crime
Armed with a new law that helps recover proceeds gained through crime, a new
team of counsel for Alberta Justice has seized vehicles, cash, guns and a home in the
first two months of operation.
The Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Act allows for the seizure of
the proceeds and instruments of crime and then compensates victims and communities
affected by those crimes. Since early January 2009, police agencies from across the
province have been referring files to Alberta’s new Civil Forfeiture Office. In the first two
months of 2009, property valued at more than
$500,000 has been seized. Seized items include
seven vehicles, one of which was used in an
attempt to run down a police officer, and a rural
New Tool Targets Properties
acreage used for a marijuana grow operation.
The resale value of the property seized to date Used for Illegal Activities
is more than $500,000, while the total value of
You can help keep our community safe; report
illegal profit connected to this is $4.6 million.
suspicious properties
The Victims Restitution and Compensation
Payment Act was passed on December 17, A new sheriffs’ unit (SCAN) has been created to
2008. Implementing the legislation was investigate public complaints about properties used for
included in the recommendations under illegal activities and, if necessary, close those properties for
Alberta’s Safe Communities initiative to
up to 90 days.
target factors that give rise to crime in order
to promote safe communities. The Alberta The SCAN investigative unit can mediate, investigate
government’s Safe Communities Secretariat has or apply to the courts for a Community Safety Order that
a three-year mandate to develop a long-term requires individuals to vacate and/or close the property.
crime reduction and prevention strategy and Any criminal activity uncovered when dealing with these
promote innovative safe community strategies. properties will be turned over to the police to investigate.
To learn more about the Secretariat, please visit:
www.safecommunities.gov.ab.ca. I believe community members are partners with
government and law enforcement in creating safe and
secure communities. Landlords or neighbours who are
New Police Units to Target concerned tenants or residents may be using property for
Gangs and Drugs illegal activities that negatively affect the health, safety
and security of a neighbourhood or community can report
To crack down on the drug trade and the a problem property by phoning the SCAN unit’s toll-free
gangs that profit from it, Premier Ed Stelmach number at 1-866-960-SCAN (1-866-960-7226). An online
announced the addition of 183 new police complaint can also be filed at www.scan.alberta.ca.
resources that will hit the streets this April.
Four new dedicated gang enforcement
teams will be established across Alberta.
Operating in and around Calgary and
Edmonton, as well as northern and southern Alberta, these integrated teams of 67 RCMP
and municipal police will target individuals and gangs involved in the drug trade.
Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta will also receive 14 new positions while the
Integrated Child Exploitation unit will receive two positions. All 83 positions will be
funded by $42.4 million in federal police funding announced earlier this year. The
teams will operate under the direction of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams
(ALERT).
Alberta communities will also benefit from another 100 new frontline officers. A
total of $13 million has been earmarked from the Safe Communities Secretariat to fund
these positions. This is the second wave of police to hit the streets as part of a three-year
commitment to add 300 new police officers. The first 100 officers were announced as
part of Budget 2008.
All of the new police resources are expected to be in place on April 1, 2009.