I hope you and your families are enjoying the warm Calgary weather as we finally welcome spring. While you all look forward to the long weekend, I'd like to take a moment to wish you safe travels on your holidays, and encourage you to check your route for road conditions before leaving.

Our government recently launched the website, www.511.alberta.ca as part of our commitment to keeping Albertans safe. Travellers can access more than 100 highway cameras through the mobile-friendly website. Interactive maps link to current information on highway conditions, weather information, construction updates, incident reports such as detours and closures, ferry crossing times, national/provincial parks information, and border crossing wait times. The @511Alberta Twitter feed also provides timely updates.

While family safety is important, your government also recognizes the need to foster a sustainable province for our children and the next generation. We were elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta's resources.

In April, I lead my fourth mission in the past 18 months to Washington, D.C, where I continued to discuss Alberta's strong environmental record and advocated for important projects like Keystone XL.

You gave us a strong mandate to focus outwards and build new markets for our resources across Canada and around the world and that is exactly what we will continue to do.

As always, I look forward to continuing our conversations about this province - a place I am very proud to call home. Should you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact my constituency office.

Kind regards,

Alison Redford

MLA, Calgary - Elbow

Calgary-Elbow Constituency Office

6, 22 Richard Way SW

Calgary, AB T3E 7M9

Ph: (403) 252-0346 F: (403) 252-0520

Calgary.elbow@gov.ab.ca

Transit continues to be a significant issue for Calgary's growing population. Funding for Calgary's LRT projects reinforces our government's commitment to supporting municipalities. I was very pleased to attend the opening of the new west leg of the LRT system in December, of which the government provided nearly $1.3 billion in funding.

Our government is also committed to being transparent and accountable. In keeping with that promise, we brought in Canada's toughest expense disclosure policy, one that applies to cabinet ministers and their senior staff, as well as senior officials across government and all agencies, boards and commissions.

The new online expense disclosure website became available in December. This new site sets the standard in providing access to travel and expense claims and allows all Albertans the opportunity to see for themselves expense claims and receipts.

In the coming weeks, the government will introduce its budget for 2013-2014. You have probably heard by now that there are challenges on the fiscal front. Energy royalties account for almost 30 per cent of Alberta's budget and help pay for the services we all care about, like health care and education. The effect of crude oil discounts between the North American and world price are significant and cost the province millions in lost revenue daily. We have a lot of hard work ahead and our budget will need to show specific, disciplined actions that will allow us to meet the needs of our rapidly growing province.

As your MLA, I am committed to engaging with you and listening to your ideas, concerns and priorities. Should you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact my constituency office. I hope to hear from you soon!

Kind regards,

Alison Redford

MLA, Calgary - Elbow

As we welcome 2013 together, I'd like to thank you for your support in the year just past, and talk about how your government is moving forward on your priorities.

The money you earn is the result of your hard work, and government should treat it the same way. This government is doing exactly that.

As part of our results-based budgeting process, we will review all public programs and services to ensure each one is delivering the outcomes you expect, in a fiscally responsible way. When program reviews are complete, budgets will be reset to reflect what we find, starting in 2014. We will put a stop to automatic growth in public spending, because we know that every dollar counts.

And because we believe that government doesn't have a monopoly on wisdom, we will carry out those reviews with the help of the private and non-profit sectors. 31 outstanding leaders from outside government will participate in the process as members of 'challenge panels' - groups tasked with challenging the reviewers to demonstrate that they're asking the right questions and conducting a thorough examination, one that ensures that Albertans' tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.

Results-based budgeting is no small undertaking. With over 800 programs, services and government-supported organizations to review, the process is expected to take 3 years.

For more information on results-based budgeting and to view the first year's report, please visit www.finance.alberta.ca.

I look forward to keeping you up to date about your government's activities. Should you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact my constituency office.

Kind regards,

Alison Redford

MLA, Calgary - Elbow

But while it's critical to remember our past, it's also important to look to the future. And that's exactly what your government is doing. We are focused on listening to Albertans and using their feedback to make Alberta the best province it can be. A big part of this involves building Alberta's relationships on the international stage.

On my recent trip to China, I signed two agreements with business development organizations that are meant to do just that.

The China National Petroleum Corporation - Alberta Petroleum Centre (CAPC) and Canada - China Business Council (CCBC) will work with the Alberta Abroad program to provide exciting international work opportunities for talented Alberta graduates. Alberta Abroad will manage the program while its China-based partners will serve as hosts, allowing young Albertans just starting their careers to gain invaluable professional experience through short-term work opportunities called externships. More information on the Alberta Abroad program can be found at www.albertaabroad.alberta.ca.

It is my privilege and pleasure to be your MLA, and I look forward to keeping you up to date about what your government is doing. Should you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact my constituency office.

Warm regards,

Alison Redford

MLA, Calgary - Elbow

Calgary-Elbow Constituency Office

6, 22 Richard Way SW

Calgary, AB T3E 7M9

Ph: (403) 252-0346 F: (403) 252-0520

Calgary.elbow@gov.ab.ca

I'd like to take a moment to wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving. This is great time to remember everything we have to be thankful for including family, friends and the fact that we have a wonderful place to call home.

When I think about Alberta's future, I know that our province will remain a place of opportunity for our children and grandchildren - just as it has been for us. I'm proud to say our province leads the country in housing starts, has the lowest unemployment rate, the highest job growth and the lowest overall taxes. Your government is working hard to protect those advantages.

Even in Alberta, though, we are not completely insulated from global economic uncertainty. Volatile oil prices and low growth among our friends and neighbours have impacted Alberta's fiscal picture. If revenue remains low, your government has plans to further tighten its belt to address pressures. We will cap overall operating spending, increase in-year savings to at least half a billion, review capital spending and respond to emergent needs as necessary.

While, first quarter results were not as positive as expected, a number of local economic indicators show that Alberta's economy looks promising. The province is on track to achieve economic growth of 3.8 per cent in 2012, nearly double Canada's expected growth rate.

Given Alberta's strong economy and the fact that, historically, first quarter does not indicate the province's fiscal position at year end, we remain optimistic for Alberta's long-term future, and that we're on pace to a balanced budget in 2013-14.

Your government will honour its commitment to Budget 2012, and we will continue to invest in key infrastructure such as roads, health facilities and municipal capital projects that are high priorities for Alberta families and will meet the needs of a growing province.

Alison Redford

MLA, Calgary - Elbow

Calgary-Elbow Constituency Office

6, 22 Richard Way SW

Calgary, AB T3E 7M9

Ph: (403) 252-0346 F: (403) 252-0520

Calgary.elbow@gov.ab.ca

As the city settles into fall and Calgarians enjoy the last warm days of summer, many families - mine included - are getting ready for the new school year.

Whether your kids are starting kindergarten or finishing high school, their need for a responsive, inclusive and world-class education system is the same - and that's exactly what your government is delivering. You told us you want schools that prepare students for a competitive job market; we are providing predictable and sustainable funding in the form of three-year budgets, protecting schools from cuts so they can plan ahead and give your kids the best education possible. Over the next four years, government will continue to invest in new and upgraded schools, ensuring they keep pace with Calgary's growing population.

Beyond education, your government is committed to engaging with you and listening to your thoughts and ideas. Over the summer, we started A Conversation with Albertans, inviting you to give us your thoughts on Alberta's future.

Three things have come through loud and clear. I've heard that people want our province to remain a place of opportunity for our children and grandchildren, just as it has been for us. I've heard that people want the beauty of our land and the integrity of our environment to be protected, even as our economy grows. And I've heard that nothing is more important than our families and our communities. In every area, we will meet you expectations.

I invite you to join this conversation. Please contact my constituency office or stop by with your thoughts on social policies, healthcare, Alberta's finances or any other matters important to you. For more information, or to find other ways to become involved, please go to http://alberta.ca/conversationwithalbertans.cfm .

As always, it is my privilege and pleasure to be your MLA, and I look forward to keeping you up to date about what your government is doing. Should you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact my constituency office.

Warm regards,

Alison Redford

MLA, Calgary - Elbow

Summer is a time for family and fun, so I hope you all have plenty of opportunities to get out, enjoy the weather and relax with your loved ones. In a great city like Calgary there is never a shortage of things to do, and July was proof of that!

Last month, we came together to celebrate the centennial of the Calgary Stampede across the city with Stampede breakfasts, barbeques, and much more. I would like to thank the community associations of Calgary-Elbow and their many volunteers who devoted their time to planning these celebrations and worked so hard to make them memorable for everyone involved. You did a fantastic job, and your pride and dedication shone through every single day!

But even in the midst of fun, health and safety are always on our minds, so I want to let you know how your government is working on improvements in both areas.

Over the past month, government has started a discussion with Albertans and health-care professionals across the province. We recognize it's time to change the conversation from what the health system needs, to what Albertans need. So we want to know: how can access to public health care in your communities be improved? What local resources and health needs are specific to your area? With your input, government will continue to move forward, make changes where necessary, and implement the right approach to health care for your community. I encourage everyone in Calgary-Elbow to join the conversation. Please write, email or call my office with your suggestions.

This summer, we also introduced the first phase of changes to Alberta's drinking and driving penalties. On July 1, stronger sanctions for criminally impaired drivers and those with a graduated licence came into effect. Just as before, a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over .08 will be charged under the Criminal Code, but now the penalties are more severe. This change does not prevent responsible Albertans from having a drink with dinner or with friends; it's meant to discourage drinkers from taking risks that put Albertans' lives on the line.

It is my privilege and pleasure to be your MLA, and I look forward to keeping you up to date about what your government is doing. Should you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact my constituency office.

Warm regards,

Alison Redford

MLA, Calgary - Elbow

Today, Alberta has the potential to reach greater heights than ever before. Economic recovery is underway in many parts of the world, and demand for our energy and skills will grow in the years ahead. Our government will capitalize on this by continuing to build Alberta's presence on the international stage, and strengthening relationships key to our energy future and economic growth.

Calgary-Elbow has a part to play in this, and I want to hear from you about it. How should Alberta manage its growing energy wealth? What are your hopes and dreams, for yourselves, your families and your communities? What do you think Alberta and Calgary-Elbow should look like in the years to come? Where can government do better to meet your needs? I will keep listening to you to make sure we are fulfilling your vision of what this province can become.

In many areas, we have already started. Your government is committed to a publicly funded health-care system. We're working to streamline services and find cost-effective ways of implementing innovative new service models such as family care clinics, one of which has already opened in Calgary.

Meanwhile, this summer, the $1.3 billion South Health Campus is scheduled to open in phases, employing 2,400 staff and about 180 doctors. In addition, there will be 11 operating rooms and over 300 beds. For Calgarians, this translates into 200,000 more outpatient visits, 40,000 emergency visits and reduced wait times for you and your families.

We have also kept our promise to provide predictable and sustainable funding for education. Budget 2012 provides funding for 20 projects to build new schools or modernize existing ones in Calgary and the surrounding area.

As always, it is my privilege and pleasure to be your MLA, and I look forward to keeping you up to date about what your government is doing. Should you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact my constituency office.

Yours truly,

Alison Redford

MLA, Calgary - Elbow

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who made it to the polls in April for the historic vote. Overall turnout was the highest since 1993, and in Calgary-Elbow almost two-thirds of you cast a vote! Your commitment to exercising your democratic rights is an inspiration. I'm grateful for the confidence you've placed in me, and I'm deeply humbled by your decision to allow me to represent you for another term.

It was a real privilege to meet so many passionate people in Calgary-Elbow during the campaign. In listening to your thoughts and feelings on the state of our province, I learned so much that will influence Alberta's future. Your opinions matter to your government because your voices help shape our policies, and we will always stay true to this ideal.

Now, I'm excited to get back to the business of government so I can put what I learned into practice. In this election you voted for change, and we heard you loud and clear. You told me you want a fair, just and tolerant province built on economic strength and social responsibility; a place that builds bridges instead of walls and spends sensibly on your priorities while treating your money with the same respect you do. This is exactly what you're going to get. This government will keep its promises.

We're going to improve the public services (and keep them public) so you can access the right ones at the right time in the right way. We'll rein in public spending with multi-year budgets and balance Alberta's finances without sacrificing people or creating new taxes. We'll ensure Calgary has the infrastructure funds it needs to meet the demands of a growing population. And we'll give seniors and families plenty of options when it comes to continuing care and schools, respectively.

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with my constituency office. As always, I am here to listen to your questions and concerns.

Yours truly,

Alison Redford

MLA Calgary-Elbow

• energy evaluations for homeowners to assess the current energy efficiency of their home and to measure its efficiency after improvements are made;
• efficient home heating systems, hot water heating systems, clothes washers and insulation upgrades; and
• new homes achieving a high level of energy efficiency.

'The tremendous response to the energy efficiency rebate program in just under a year speaks to the commitment of Albertans to reduce their environmental footprints,' says Environment Minister Rob Renner. 'Consumers have the power to make a positive environmental impact through their day-to-day energy decisions. Clearly, the people of our province want to do their share.'

Delivering on commitments laid out in its 2008 Climate Change Strategy, the Government of Alberta invested $36 million over three years to help Albertans reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Many of the rebates are tied to the federal ecoENERGY Retrofit Program, enabling consumers to recoup costs from both programs. The program is administered by Climate Change Central, a non-profit organization empowering Albertans to take action on climate change.

Rebates are available on purchases retroactive to January 1, 2009. To apply for a rebate, visit http://www.climatechangecentral.com/ or phone 1-888-537-7202.