July 2016

CEO's Message  
Safety Standards Consultation
Phase 2 of the consultation is nearing completion, and the team will shortly begin preparing its final report for the Minister.

ACDS has continued to be involved through my work on the consultation team, and staff/legal counsel/volunteers working on subcommittees focused on roles & responsibilities (chaired by myself), STANDATA, contracting, standards & accreditation, and legal/human rights.

The committee has held several focus group sessions, two webinars and an online survey has been prepared.

The deadline for completion of the online survey is July 6th - http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/disability-services/pdd-safety-standards-consultation.html - Please distribute this link to your staff and contacts! Feedback from the sector is crucial.

Questions include; a review of the PDD system (something ACDS first recommended to this government not long after Cabinet was sworn in), the role of accreditation in safe community living, future public consultation models for PDD, and a likely repeal of the STANDATA requirements for "PDD Homes". Please take the time to provide your feedback and encourage colleagues to do the same.

The repeal of the Safety Standards Regulation was a great win for our sector, and so much of what we have long pushed for is now finally on the table for consideration.

Supports Intensity Scale
On one of the final days of the Legislature' spring sitting, the Minister for Human Services stood in response to a question and announced that government would immediately be ending its use of the Supports Intensity Scale assessment.

ACDS and many other stakeholders have been raising concerns with the use of SIS for several years, and we submitted our SIS briefing paper to the Minister for consideration. The announcement gives us another success story with which to enter the summer months and vacation season.

ACDS has been in contact with Deputy Minister David Morhart and we have offered our support to look at alternative options and ways to improve the intake process. ACDS and Inclusion Alberta have been invited to meet with the Deputy Minister this month.

ACDS Alumni Group
The ACDS Board of Directors has approved the Terms of Reference for the Alumni Group. Our way for retired sector leaders to stay involved, contribute their knowledge, provide mentorship and continue developing their own skills.

The Alumni met at the Spring Conference, and again at the end of June in Red Deer for a session on communications development. So please watch the Umbrella and the ACDS website for more information on the group, their work and how to join.

Valerie Wolski Fatality Inquiry
The fatality inquiry for Valerie Wolski began in Camrose on June 14th, and ended on the 24th (lawyers have until the end of July to complete their submissions). Both Clova Lehr and myself from ACDS were subpoenaed to testify. The presiding judge will submit his findings to Alberta Justice. It may be some time before a final report is available, the purpose of which is to make recommendations.
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If you want to schedule time to talk with Ann or comment on something that is important to you, just send a message to acds@acds.ca.
The Political Scene

Alberta Carbon Levy
On January 1st, 2017, the Alberta carbon levy will be applied to fuels such as diesel, gasoline, natural gas and propane.

Type of Fuel
January 1, 2017 Rate ($20/tonne)
January 1, 2018 Rate ($30/tonne)
Diesel
5.35 ¢/L
8.03 ¢/L
Gasoline
4.49 ¢/L
6.73 ¢/L
Natural Gas
1.011 $/GJ
1.517 $/GJ
Propane
3.08 ¢/L
4.62 ¢/L
 
At present, several exemptions and rebates are provided, however none are applicable to charities, non-profits or other community service providers.

Our question for ACDS members: Have you calculated the projected cost of the carbon levy on your operations and expenses? If so, we would appreciate hearing from you, jamie@acds.ca

We have been in contact with both the Edmonton and Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations about possible efforts to mitigate the impact on service providers.

Climate Leadership Implementation Act (full text)

Contract Updates 
Legal Opinion
ACDS has received a legal opinion on the Contract Template from John McGee Sr. that will support and inform the discussions of the ACDS Contract Advisory Committee with the Human Services Ministry. This overview and opinion may also be of value to SP's and their boards to support their own due diligence processes.
 
The letter has been posted on the ACDS website under the Members Only Section - Contract and Procurement 2016
 
If you don't have your login information for the ACDS Members Only section please contact Alison Long - alison@acds.ca

Q&A
This Question and Answer document has been prepared by the PDD Contract Advisory Committee to support the PDD Contract currently in place. The intent is that the regional SP representative and the regional PDD Contract Committee representative would be available as requested by Service Provider Councils to present jointly at a Council meeting if requested. SPs can also discuss concerns with their Contract Manager.
 
This document has already been distributed by PDD in some regions or is to be available on request. It is an important companion document to support the PDD contract.

Human Services - New Executive Director for Disabilities
"I am pleased to announce that Jillian Carson has agreed to take on the role of Executive Director, Financial Supports, effective July 4th.  Jillian has been a great contributor and leader in the disabilities sector within the Edmonton Region,  as the Executive Director of Persons with Developmental Disabilities and most recently, as the Acting ADM of Disability Services Division (DSD).  Jillian's demonstrated leadership will serve us well in her new role.
I am also pleased to announce that Roxanne Gerbrandt will take on the role of Executive Director of Disabilities.  As we integrate two elements within DSD, this will continue our integration as we move forward.  Roxanne has held various roles with Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), including her most recent as Executive Director of FSCD.  Roxanne's knowledge of the disabilities sector, her strong relationship skills and leadership will ensure a smooth transition.
With clients being of utmost importance to integrated service delivery, please  be assured that there will be no service disruption to clients . I know Roxanne looks forward to meeting those of you she has not yet had the pleasure of working with.
Please join me in congratulating everyone in their new roles!
Lori Cooper, Senior Operating Officer"

Federal Accessibility Legislation
"Canadians from around the country have already begun sharing their views on what an accessible Canada means to them. Minister Qualtrough encouraged all Canadians to have their say in the consultation process, either by attending an in-person engagement session or by participating in the online consultation which will be launched in the coming weeks. In-person consultations, including roundtables and town halls, will start in September across Canada. Canadians are also encouraged to follow @AccessibleGC on Twitter, Accessible Canada on Facebook and to follow the #AccessibleCanada hashtag. The consultation process will run until February 2017."

Government of Canada

Nursing Homes and Home Care Regulations Review
As part of the on-going consultations on regulations related to continuing care (i.e., Nursing Homes and Co-ordinated Home Care Program) you are invited to take part in the Nursing Homes Regulations and the Home Care Regulation Review.

To have your opinions heard, please visit www.continuingcare.malatest.net.

If you do not wish to complete the study, but would like to have your opinions heard, contact continuingcare@gov.ab.ca.
Alberta Disabilities Forum - AISH Survey
The goal of the Alberta Disabilities Forum working group is to urge the Government of Alberta to increase the AISH benefit rate and the modified AISH allowance annually, by an increment of no less than the increase in the cost of living.

In order to assist us with our goal, please fill out the attached questionnaire to help us develop recommendations to present to the Alberta provincial government for an increase to the AISH benefit. The information gathered is confidential and will not be shared with any organization, government department or regulatory body. Your participation is anonymous and there are no costs or risks to you. It will take 10 - 15 minutes to complete. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
Click here to begin
The ACDS Umbrella is a publication of the
Alberta Council of Disability Services
Bay 19, 3220 - 5 Avenue NE
Calgary, Alberta, T2A 5N1
Phone: 403-250-9495 * Fax: 403-291-9864
© 2016 Alberta Council of Disability Services

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