Edmonton... This year marks the 75th anniversary of provincial parks in Alberta, and in addition to hosting a number of special celebrations, the Alberta government will open three new visitor centres in 2007.

Edmonton... Following consultations with the public, a multistakeholder committee (MSC) has developed an interim report, which identifies a vision and principles for the future of oil sands development in Alberta.

Alberta's Information and Privacy Commissioner has ruled that Canada Safeway did not have authorization to release personal information of an individual to that person's employer.

Calgary...An internationally recognized Geneva physicist enticed to work in Alberta will use quantum techniques for what could mean quantum leaps in information security for our bank records or our telephone conversations.

Edmonton... A new provincial award program will honour individuals, businesses, organizations and communities for encouraging healthy lifestyles among children and youth.

The following Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) Decision(s) will be issued during the week of January 22 to 26, 2007. The EUB's notice regarding pending decisions is normally released every Tuesday afternoon. This list is subject to change without notice.

Orders Approved - January 23, 2007

Edmonton... Bioenergy, rural development and international trade are just some of the issues to be highlighted in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. State Legislative Agricultural Chairs Summit, January 25-28. George Groeneveld, Minister of Agriculture and Food, and Lloyd Snelgrove, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Service Alberta, will use the opportunity to advance Alberta's agriculture and agri-food interests and strengthen relationships with U.S. state legislators.

Edmonton... Albertans are invited to participate in public consultations and share their ideas on the next generation of Canadian agriculture and agri-food policy, January 29 to February 2. Input gathered at the consultations, hosted jointly by the federal and provincial governments, will play an important role in determining future policy direction for Canada's agriculture industry.

Edmonton... Fish and wildlife officers have concluded their investigation of an incident over the weekend in which two government contract workers were injured by a bear in a remote area 70 kilometres directly southwest of Grande Prairie.

Edmonton... Albertans are invited to participate in public consultations and share their ideas on the next generation of Canadian agriculture and agri-food policy, January 29 to February 2. Input gathered at the consultations, hosted jointly by the federal and provincial governments, will play an important role in determining future policy direction for Canada's agriculture industry.

Medicine Hat...A Medicine Hat contractor who failed to complete a number of jobs after taking money in advance for the work, has been sent to jail for 90 days and ordered to make restitution.

Edmonton... With the increasing demand for workers in Alberta, it has become more difficult for the not-for-profit sector to recruit and retain workers. The provincial government's Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) helps not-for-profit organizations find workers they need for the summer months and assists students and other Albertans looking for meaningful summer employment.

Beaumont... The Government of Alberta is providing more than $3 million to help develop 45 new affordable, supportive living units for seniors in Beaumont. The funding was announced by George Rogers, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont-Devon, and Greg Melchin, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports.

Edmonton.... Every year more than 1,100 Canadians die from exposure to second-hand smoke. Eliminating second-hand smoke from homes and workplaces is the theme of Non-Smoking Week January 21 to 27.

Edmonton...Thirteen Alberta organizations have received over $300,000 in funding for projects that help develop skills and knowledge related to diversity and human rights. The projects range from creating educational campaigns to setting up community networks.

Hinton...Construction work on a new access roadway to the Hinton Healthcare Centre and parking lot improvements are set to begin this spring, providing a safer access and visually attractive entrance to the facility. Project construction is expected to be completed this summer, weather permitting.

Edmonton... Here is a list of special events taking place across Alberta in the coming weeks.

Edmonton... Ted Morton, Minister of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, will promote Alberta's wildlife conservation efforts and recreational opportunities at an annual international wildlife convention being held in Salt Lake City, Utah, this week.

Edmonton... At its January meeting, the Turner Valley Gas Plant Resolution Advisory Panel members will further review the risk management approach taken to the site's environmental remediation. Panel meetings are open to the public.

Edmonton... Here is a list of special activities happening across Alberta throughout January, along with accompanying story materials and further contact information.

The Environmental Appeals Board will conduct a Preliminary Meeting on February 8, 2007 commencing at 8:30 a.m. at the Centennial Centre in Okotoks, Alberta. The Preliminary Meeting is in relation to Alberta Environment's September 8, 2006 decision to issue Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act Amending Approval 1242-01-05 to the Town of Turner Valley. The Amending Approval allows for the construction, operation and reclamation of a raw water storage reservoir as part of the waterworks system for the Town of Turner Valley. The raw water storage reservoir is located at 835 Okalta Road, Turner Valley, at SE ¼ 1-20-3-W5M.

The Environmental Appeals Board will conduct a Hearing on February 12, 13 and 14, 2007 commencing at 8:30 a.m. each day at the Strathmore Travelodge. The Hearing is in relation to Alberta Environment's November 24, 2005 decision to issue Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act Amending Approval 1190-01-13 to the Town of Strathmore. The Amending Approval is an amendment to an existing approval for the Strathmore wastewater treatment facility, and allows for the construction of a wastewater pipeline and associated outfall to the Bow River. The treated effluent pipeline will originate at the Strathmore wastewater storage cells located in the SE ¼ 11-24-25-W4M. The effluent conveyed by the pipeline is treated at the Strathmore wastewater treatment facility to tertiary standards, which includes removal of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. Treated effluent will discharge from an armoured outfall into an existing surface channel running along the toe of the embankment approximately 100 metres to the secondary channel at the confluence with the Bow River.

Edmonton... Seven Alberta students will receive financial assistance in their post-secondary studies during the 2006-07 school year through the Government of Alberta's Persons Case Scholarships.

Rocky View... The Government of Alberta is providing more than $9.1 million to help develop new affordable supportive living units in Rocky View and Airdrie.

Edmonton... In Alberta, a snowmobile driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be charged with the same impaired driving offences as a car or truck on a highway. Penalties include: fines, loss of driver's licence, a criminal record, and for subsequent convictions, jail sentence. A conviction will affect the driver's privileges to operate any type of motor vehicle, including off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles, on a public roadway or on public land.

Edmonton... Organizations that provide programs and services for seniors, youth at risk and brain-injured persons are among the 38 recent recipients of $1.1 million in provincial grants aimed at building stronger communities.

Edmonton... The deadline for submitting claims under a class action settlement involving social benefits has been extended to March 31, 2007.

Edmonton...Speaker Ken Kowalski is pleased to announce that a ceremony recognizing the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Adha will take place on Thursday, January 11, 2007 in the Rotunda of the Alberta Legislature. The ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m.

The following Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) Decision(s) will be issued during the week of January 8 to 12, 2007. The EUB's notice regarding pending decisions is normally released every Tuesday afternoon. This list is subject to change without notice.

Calgary, Alberta (January 9, 2007) The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) has issued Decision 2006-132 and Order U2006-335, which will affect 2007 electricity delivery rates for approximately 180,000 customers in the ATCO Electric Ltd. service territory in northern Alberta and portions of eastern Alberta.

Edmonton... Albertans will see an increase in provincial tax credits for 2007, part of the continuing process of indexing the tax system to inflation.

Edmonton... Although women make up half of Alberta's population, when it comes to municipal government only 23 per cent of elected positions are held by women. The Be on the Ballot: Women Impacting Local Government conference at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton aims to help change this statistic.

Edmonton... Alberta's agricultural producers now have 10,000 reasons to share innovative ideas for growing farm operations. A new Best Practices Renewal Awards program will give three awards valued at $10,000 each to three producers with great new ideas for expanding their agricultural business and adding value to their farm.

Calgary... Motorists are advised to expect lane closures on Deerfoot Trail between 16 Avenue North and Country Hills Boulevard to accommodate barrier construction and guard rail work in the median.

Peace River... Alberta Justice has filed an appeal of the acquittal of Stanley Willier in the murder of Brenda Moreside at her home in High Prairie in February 2005.

The Applicant made a request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for access to information held by the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers' Compensation. He requested access to all documents with personal and general information connected to appeals before the Appeals commission in which he was the claimant. The Applicant requested a fee waiver. The Appeals Commission refused to waive the fees, first estimated at $850.00, on the basis that the Applicant had previously received most of the records at no cost. During the course of the review by this office, the Appeals Commission agreed to waive the fees for 190 pages of records not previously received by the Applicant at no cost.

Edmonton... Want to express your appreciation for the great work child care professionals do in your community? Take time to nominate a child care provider for the 2007 Alberta Child Care Professional Awards of Excellence.

Edmonton... Here is a list of special events taking place across Alberta in the coming weeks, along with accompanying story materials and further contact information.