Calgary Hays is located in Calgary's 'deep south' and includes the communities of:

Auburn Bay
Copperfield
Cranston
Douglas Glen
Douglasdale
McKenzie
McKenzie Lake
McKenzie Towne
New Brighton
Seton

For more information on these communities click here.

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Calgary Hays MLA Art Johnston's
Report To Constituents

December 2008

As I have reported here previously I introduced Bill 204, the Traffic Safety (Hand-Held Communication Device) Amendment Act this past spring. Bill 204 was designed to restrict the use of hand-held communication devices while driving a motor vehicle. Following a review of many written submissions and presentations from concerned stakeholders, the Standing Committee on the Economy decided it would recommend that Bill 204 not proceed. Instead the issue would be referred to the Ministries of Transportation, Solicitor General, and Justice with the recommendation that an offence of distracted driving be created by legislation or regulation. This issue will be addressed prior to the spring 2009 sitting. I remain confident that a curb of this nature on the use of hand held cell phones while driving will make Alberta’s roads and highways safer places to travel.

This fall I had the honour of announcing the funding of two new schools in Cranston. One of them is a K-4 public school and a K-9 Catholic school. Both of these schools are Public-Private partnership (P3) schools. I will continue to offer support for the Marquis de Lorne Community Association to get a Parent Committee started for this part of the constituency. I have requested that both Trustees meet with parents in the community regarding school issues.

The government conducted a school bus safety review which looked at all school bus collisions over the past five years and focused on improving on the high safety standards already in place. These collisions certainly raised the profile of school bus safety and as a result there has been a renewed focus on driver training and vehicle safety devices.

In order to ensure safe communities for Albertans the government is adding 100 police officers this year and will add 200 more over the next two years. Over one million dollars is being provided for a three year strategy to attract and recruit new officers. In addition to policing grants and returned fine revenue provided to municipalities, the government will also fund integrated police units that target gangs, drugs and organized crime.

I’m pleased to announce that the safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act came into effect on October 1st. SCAN creates a new sheriff’s unit to investigate public complaints about properties used for illegal activities and if necessary, close those properties for up to 90 days. Landlords and neighbours who are concerned tenants or residents may be using property for illegal activities that negatively affect the health, safety and security of a community can report the problem by phoning 1-866-960-7226 or online at www.scan.alberta.ca.

A natural gas rebate of $1.50 per gigajoule (GJ) was triggered for October resulting in an average rebate of $13.50 per household. This is activated when two of three of Alberta’s regulated natural gas companies have rates over $5.50/GJ. The program runs through March 2009 during which most residential consumers will be eligible to receive rebates on their natural gas bills when applicable.

I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to join me at the Calgary Hays Christmas Open House on Friday December 12th from 4-8p.m. at the Deerfoot Inn. I hope to see you there.

Finally, I would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year shared in the warm embrace of friends and family.

I appreciate the input I receive from you and welcome any comments you may have. Please contact myself or Donna Elms at the constituency office at 215-4380, calgary.hays@assembly.ab.ca. Please include your name, address and phone number so we can respond to your inquiry. Information is also available at www.assembly.ab.ca.