Alberta
B.C. invests $200 million toward boosting food banks, producers and supply chain
VANCOUVER — British Columbia is dedicating $200 million toward boosting both the province’s food bank system and overall agricultural production and resiliency.
Premier David Eby says the funding will go toward two branches of spending: adding infrastructure to food banks, such as commercial coolers, and to improve overall food production and access throughout B.C.
Part of the money will be used to enhance programs to strengthen the food supply chain; expand food production from processors, packers and retailers; and fund climate preparedness measures.
Eby says the “historic” investment in B.C.’s food security comes as a direct response to events that occurred in the past few years, when flooding, wildfires and COVID supply-chain bottlenecks “essentially cut off” crucial supply lines in the province.
The funding is part of the province’s plan to spend B.C.’s massive surplus, estimated last fall at more than $5 billion.
Eby says the spending also gives agricultural producers an opportunity to grow their businesses while improving climate preparedness and allowing more B.C.-produced food to be consumed by residents.
“So, in 2023, the security of our food has never been more top of mind, certainly for us as government and for British Columbians,” Eby says. “That’s a good thing, because it really underscores the importance that we’ve placed on this issue as government since Day 1.”
The new funding focuses especially on Indigenous and remote northern communities for both food bank infrastructure and overall access to supply.
The premier says there may even be an opportunity for more local food production around the province, strengthening B.C.’s food supply chain.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 7, 2023.
The Canadian Press
Alberta
Official statement from Premier Danielle Smith and Energy Minister Brian Jean on the start-up of the Trans Mountain Pipeline
Alberta
Protecting the right to vote for Canadian citizens: Minister McIver
Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver issued the following statement in response to Calgary City Council’s vote to extend the right to vote to permanent residents:
“Yesterday, Calgary city council passed a motion advocating for permanent residents to be extended the right to vote in civic elections. Alberta’s government has been clear since the beginning: only Canadian citizens are able to vote in civic elections. That will not be changing.
“The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms affirms the right of every Canadian citizen to vote and to run as a candidate. This right extends to voters in municipal, provincial and federal elections.
“Protecting our democracy is of the utmost importance. Our provincial election legislation, like the Local Authorities Elections Act, has also been clear since its inception that voting is a right of Canadian citizens.
“Alberta’s government is also ensuring that voting is accessible for more Albertans. The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act proposes to enable special ballot access for any voter who requests it, without having to provide any specific reason such as physical disability, absence from the municipality or working for the municipal election. The ministries of Seniors, Community and Social Services and Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction are also making it easier for individuals to obtain the identification Albertans need for a variety of services, including the ability to cast a ballot.
“Our government will continue to protect the integrity of our elections and make sure voting is accessible for all Albertans who are Canadian citizens.”
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