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- There will be afternoon sittings of the Legislature Monday through Thursday, in addition to Committee meetings. Today, the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund will meet at 9:00 am to discuss the logistics of the annual public meeting as well as the draft 2023-24 Annual Report of the Committee. On Tuesday, at 8:00 am, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts will meet to discuss the 2022-23 Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services Annual Report. Finally, the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship will meet on Thursday at 9:00 am to review the Personal Information Protection Act.
- Alberta's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, is expressing concern about the significant vacancy rates in the RCMP that affect rural Alberta. In Alberta, there is a 21.6% vacancy rate, which translates to 413 unfilled positions. This issue has led to inadequate police coverage in some areas. Despite a $21 million increase in RCMP funding in the 2024 budget, totaling $377.8 million, recruitment challenges persist.
- The Province is gearing up for an active wildfire season by hiring and training staff early, acquiring equipment for nighttime firefighting, and providing weekly updates to the public. Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen highlighted the hiring of 297 wildland firefighters, 280 Firetack contracted firefighters, and 182 seasonal support staff as part of their proactive strategy.