By Eraina Hooyer
Staff Reporter
Alberta’s successes and the importance of seniors in the community was highlighted by minister of seniors and community supports, honourable Mary Ann Jablonski on June 5.
Jablonski was the guest speaker at the Lacombe-Ponoka Progressive Conservative Association Annual General Meeting held at the Tommy Dorchester Paddock at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds.
Jablonski is responsible for seniors programs, programs for persons with disabilities, supportive living, persons with developmental disabilities and protection for persons in care.
Jablonski touched on the benefits and challenges Alberta faces with increased growth and informed the government’s plan to deal with the challenges including the new royalty framework, the municipal funding agreement, affordable housing, climate change and teachers pensions.
Jablonski highlighted that the government plans were to ensure energy resources are developed in an environmentally sustainable way, increase access to quality health care and improve the efficiency of health care service delivery.
A focus on safer communities is part of the plans by adding more police officers, increasing the number of prosecuters and promote strong and vibrant communities.
Roads, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure were also touched on as part of meeting the needs of Albertans.
Information of seniors programs was given by Jablonski and she encouraged seniors to call the seniors help line at 1-800-642-3853 to find out what the seniors programs are.
“This province was built on the vision and hard work of Alberta’s seniors and that legacy continues today with senior’s involvement in communities, the workforce and as dedicated volunteers,” said Jablonski. “This year the province is providing more than $2.3 billion to seniors through a variety of programs and services across all communities. We are providing increased supply and choice, better quality for the residents and a greater peace of mind for their families. We are also allowing seniors and persons with disabilities the opportunity to remain in their communities when they are no longer able to live independently.”
The assistance includes supplements, assistance for prescription drugs, long-term care, dental work and eyeglasses as well as protection from increases in education property taxes.
Jablonski shared plans for the future in addressing the needs of the senior population which includes ensuring the right programs, services, facilities and support for the aging population.
The communities of Ponoka and Lacombe were elevated by Jablonski for their efforts in accommodating seniors.
“The Lacombe Foundation and the Rimoka Housing Foundation are instrumental in providing safe and affordable housing that are responsive of seniors and low-income families throughout this constituency,” she said. “Because of their efforts to provide affordable housing they have been able to increase the quality of life for their residents and help keep our communities strong.”
Ponoka was acknowledged for its success with being officially designated as the first senior friendly community in the province.
“It’s really fantastic. Becoming a senior friendly community is a huge chore. It means that seniors in Ponoka will be greeted with friendly smiles wherever they go,” said Jablonski. “Seniors are very important people, they have wisdom and experience that the younger generations don’t have and they are becoming more important by the day.”