Page 19 - April 20 2020
P. 19
Includes process colour pages 1,4,5,7,10,11,14,15,18,20,21,24
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 6 MONDAY APRIL 6, 2020
West Yellowhead MLA
Martin Long
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR MONDAY APRIL 20, 2020 PAGE 19
MLA Long speaks about COVID-19
impacts and provincial initiatives
West Yellowhead MLA by Cassie Kushniruk for a full-time job or a profitable business,” Long
said.
“That is why our government invested in the
Martin Long Yellowhead MLA Martin Long about the impacts Keystone XL pipeline, creating almost 7,000
Recently, The Weekly Anchor spoke with West
the COVID-19 pandemic is having on businesses jobs and preparing our province to meet the
and individuals, as well as steps the province is needs of the clean energy market in the future,”
taking to better protect and support residents Long continued. “The Saudi/Russian price war
during this difficult time. will end. However, it has highlighted the
Over the past few weeks, Long stated that he necessity for our provincial government to lead
has received many phone calls from West discussions with US leaders about a coordinated
Yellowhead constituents who have expressed defense of North American energy. That, along
concerns over COVID-19 in relation to the with the pipeline, should position this province to
economy, the possible supports available, and take control of its destiny and allow for business
how to protect oneself from contracting the virus. to invest with confidence in the future of our
“Our government is doing everything it can to province.”
keep Albertans safe and to lessen the damage Along with the Keystone XL pipeline, Long
done to industry and business,” Long said. mentioned that the province has recently
Long noted that the virus will “affect enhanced the Orphan Well Associations' ability
individuals in many ways”, whether financially, to mitigate non-producing well sites. “This keeps
physically, or mentally. “[Mental health] is Albertans working while promoting West Yellowhead MLA Martin Long
something our government is taking very environmental stewardship and our great energy
seriously,” Long mentioned. “How this period of industry,” he said. was made,” Long said. “All specialized Program
isolation and limited social activity affects Long added that the Premier has also appointed Unit Funding will continue, but in the meantime,
someone differs from individual to individual. an Economic Recovery Council “made up of the funding saved overall will be allocated for
However, I encourage anyone feeling anxious or some of our province's brightest minds” to the COVID-19 crisis.”
depressed to reach out to loved ones, close develop a plan to get the province through this To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Long
family and friends.” crisis and emerge with a stronger and more encourages everyone to continue washing their
Long also recommended that individuals diversified economy. hands as often as possible, especially if returning
experiencing mental health challenges due to According to Long, the provincial government from a public space. “From the recent
COVID-19 utilize the Alberta Health Services' has also allocated $500 million to AHS for the information we have, this virus can live for long
'Text 4 Hope' text service. This free service immediate fight against the COVID-19 periods of time on surfaces, and by washing your
provides individuals with three months of daily pandemic. “Our government is expanding hands, you reduce the risk of it transferring to
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based text capacity of our hospitals, opening up more acute you or your loved ones,” he said.
messages written by mental health therapists. care beds, ICU spaces and ventilators,” he said. Long added,“Please respect the social
“Text 'COVID19Hope' to 393939 and you will “We also opened up new billing codes for distancing guidelines and public health orders.
receive daily encouragements and techniques to physicians to be able to provide virtual care for They are in place for your protection and the
help cope with what is an unsettling time for all patients who don't come into the clinic or protection of the most vulnerable in our society.”
of us,” Long said. hospital because of COVID-19 concerns.” “While this unprecedented time will seem
As a longtime resident and MLA of the West As the husband of a teacher, Long stated that difficult for many of us and it will create a
Yellowhead constituency, Long stated that he is he has the “utmost respect for all staff in our different kind of 'normal' for the next little while,
certainly aware that this particular region has education system” with the extra efforts I think it is an important time for us to show our
been hit hard by the virus. “There have been educators are making to deliver at-home determination, resiliency and compassion for
some supports launched by the federal and schooling for students. “That said, while not an others,” Long said. “I know that together, we will
provincial governments, but I understand that for easy call, the decision to adjust funding for local get through this.”
most Albertans these are not realistic alternatives school boards to the needs of at-home learning
Increasing mental health supports in response to COVID-19
Additional funding will improve access to face services, including those in self-isolation or and will continue to do so long after this outbreak
mental health and addiction recovery services, those in rural locations. has ended. This funding from the Alberta
supports and resources for all Albertans. “It's important that Albertans in all corners of government means we can increase the 211 crisis
the province have access to the mental health and lines, hire staff so people can reach a live person
The Government of Alberta is spending more addiction supports they need. These resources as well as provide support to those staff who are
than $53 million to implement more online, will help address the needs of children, youth and answering the calls, which can be very stressful
phone and in-person mental health and addiction adults, and we will continue to work with our in itself. This is vital funding that will make a
recovery support to make it easier for Albertans partners across the mental health and addiction difference in the lives of so many Albertans,”
to access services from anywhere in Alberta sector to find innovative ways to support stated Rob Yager, president & CEO, United Way
during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Albertans in need, both now and after the of the Alberta Capital Region.
“We know people are struggling right now, and pandemic is behind us.” stated Jason Luan, “We are grateful to continue partnering with the
we want Albertans to know that help is there for Associate Minister of Mental Health and Alberta government to support the mental health
them through the COVID-19 pandemic and Addictions. of all Albertans as they deal with this difficult
beyond. Alberta's government is committed to Today's funding also includes: time. We have been supporting young people for
ensuring folks have the support they need to cope - $2.6 million to expand individual and group over 30 years, but in partnership with the
and stay mentally healthy during these tough treatment to address family violence, addiction Government of Alberta, this will be the first time
times, which is why our mental health response is and mental health for Albertans we will be able to leverage our experience to
the largest in Canada, with funding greater than - $4.2 million to expand the addiction and support Albertans of all ages,” stated Katherine
all other provinces combined,” stated Jason mental health support available through Primary Hay, president & CEO, Kids Help Phone
Kenney, Premier. Care Networks “This outstanding announcement highlights the
The Government of Alberta is investing $21.4 - $25 million for a new community grant importance of continued recovery and ensures
million to improve access to phone and online program to enhance community mental health supports are still available for those that need
supports with existing helplines, including the and addiction recovery for the public, including them. Alberta's response to mental health and
Addiction Helpline, the Mental Health Helpline, Indigenous communities, seniors, families and addiction recovery is leading the entire country
the Kids Help Phone and the Community and people experiencing social barriers, who are and should be the example for every province
Social Services Helpline (Alberta 211). negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. going forward,” stated Crystal Smalldon,
Further spending will contribute to online “The need for mental health supports as a result executive director, Canadian Addiction
resources, available to all Albertans, supporting of this very stressful situation are increasing daily Counsellors Certification Federation.
people who may not be able to access face-to-
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 6 MONDAY APRIL 6, 2020
West Yellowhead MLA
Martin Long
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR MONDAY APRIL 20, 2020 PAGE 19
MLA Long speaks about COVID-19
impacts and provincial initiatives
West Yellowhead MLA by Cassie Kushniruk for a full-time job or a profitable business,” Long
said.
“That is why our government invested in the
Martin Long Yellowhead MLA Martin Long about the impacts Keystone XL pipeline, creating almost 7,000
Recently, The Weekly Anchor spoke with West
the COVID-19 pandemic is having on businesses jobs and preparing our province to meet the
and individuals, as well as steps the province is needs of the clean energy market in the future,”
taking to better protect and support residents Long continued. “The Saudi/Russian price war
during this difficult time. will end. However, it has highlighted the
Over the past few weeks, Long stated that he necessity for our provincial government to lead
has received many phone calls from West discussions with US leaders about a coordinated
Yellowhead constituents who have expressed defense of North American energy. That, along
concerns over COVID-19 in relation to the with the pipeline, should position this province to
economy, the possible supports available, and take control of its destiny and allow for business
how to protect oneself from contracting the virus. to invest with confidence in the future of our
“Our government is doing everything it can to province.”
keep Albertans safe and to lessen the damage Along with the Keystone XL pipeline, Long
done to industry and business,” Long said. mentioned that the province has recently
Long noted that the virus will “affect enhanced the Orphan Well Associations' ability
individuals in many ways”, whether financially, to mitigate non-producing well sites. “This keeps
physically, or mentally. “[Mental health] is Albertans working while promoting West Yellowhead MLA Martin Long
something our government is taking very environmental stewardship and our great energy
seriously,” Long mentioned. “How this period of industry,” he said. was made,” Long said. “All specialized Program
isolation and limited social activity affects Long added that the Premier has also appointed Unit Funding will continue, but in the meantime,
someone differs from individual to individual. an Economic Recovery Council “made up of the funding saved overall will be allocated for
However, I encourage anyone feeling anxious or some of our province's brightest minds” to the COVID-19 crisis.”
depressed to reach out to loved ones, close develop a plan to get the province through this To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Long
family and friends.” crisis and emerge with a stronger and more encourages everyone to continue washing their
Long also recommended that individuals diversified economy. hands as often as possible, especially if returning
experiencing mental health challenges due to According to Long, the provincial government from a public space. “From the recent
COVID-19 utilize the Alberta Health Services' has also allocated $500 million to AHS for the information we have, this virus can live for long
'Text 4 Hope' text service. This free service immediate fight against the COVID-19 periods of time on surfaces, and by washing your
provides individuals with three months of daily pandemic. “Our government is expanding hands, you reduce the risk of it transferring to
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based text capacity of our hospitals, opening up more acute you or your loved ones,” he said.
messages written by mental health therapists. care beds, ICU spaces and ventilators,” he said. Long added,“Please respect the social
“Text 'COVID19Hope' to 393939 and you will “We also opened up new billing codes for distancing guidelines and public health orders.
receive daily encouragements and techniques to physicians to be able to provide virtual care for They are in place for your protection and the
help cope with what is an unsettling time for all patients who don't come into the clinic or protection of the most vulnerable in our society.”
of us,” Long said. hospital because of COVID-19 concerns.” “While this unprecedented time will seem
As a longtime resident and MLA of the West As the husband of a teacher, Long stated that difficult for many of us and it will create a
Yellowhead constituency, Long stated that he is he has the “utmost respect for all staff in our different kind of 'normal' for the next little while,
certainly aware that this particular region has education system” with the extra efforts I think it is an important time for us to show our
been hit hard by the virus. “There have been educators are making to deliver at-home determination, resiliency and compassion for
some supports launched by the federal and schooling for students. “That said, while not an others,” Long said. “I know that together, we will
provincial governments, but I understand that for easy call, the decision to adjust funding for local get through this.”
most Albertans these are not realistic alternatives school boards to the needs of at-home learning
Increasing mental health supports in response to COVID-19
Additional funding will improve access to face services, including those in self-isolation or and will continue to do so long after this outbreak
mental health and addiction recovery services, those in rural locations. has ended. This funding from the Alberta
supports and resources for all Albertans. “It's important that Albertans in all corners of government means we can increase the 211 crisis
the province have access to the mental health and lines, hire staff so people can reach a live person
The Government of Alberta is spending more addiction supports they need. These resources as well as provide support to those staff who are
than $53 million to implement more online, will help address the needs of children, youth and answering the calls, which can be very stressful
phone and in-person mental health and addiction adults, and we will continue to work with our in itself. This is vital funding that will make a
recovery support to make it easier for Albertans partners across the mental health and addiction difference in the lives of so many Albertans,”
to access services from anywhere in Alberta sector to find innovative ways to support stated Rob Yager, president & CEO, United Way
during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Albertans in need, both now and after the of the Alberta Capital Region.
“We know people are struggling right now, and pandemic is behind us.” stated Jason Luan, “We are grateful to continue partnering with the
we want Albertans to know that help is there for Associate Minister of Mental Health and Alberta government to support the mental health
them through the COVID-19 pandemic and Addictions. of all Albertans as they deal with this difficult
beyond. Alberta's government is committed to Today's funding also includes: time. We have been supporting young people for
ensuring folks have the support they need to cope - $2.6 million to expand individual and group over 30 years, but in partnership with the
and stay mentally healthy during these tough treatment to address family violence, addiction Government of Alberta, this will be the first time
times, which is why our mental health response is and mental health for Albertans we will be able to leverage our experience to
the largest in Canada, with funding greater than - $4.2 million to expand the addiction and support Albertans of all ages,” stated Katherine
all other provinces combined,” stated Jason mental health support available through Primary Hay, president & CEO, Kids Help Phone
Kenney, Premier. Care Networks “This outstanding announcement highlights the
The Government of Alberta is investing $21.4 - $25 million for a new community grant importance of continued recovery and ensures
million to improve access to phone and online program to enhance community mental health supports are still available for those that need
supports with existing helplines, including the and addiction recovery for the public, including them. Alberta's response to mental health and
Addiction Helpline, the Mental Health Helpline, Indigenous communities, seniors, families and addiction recovery is leading the entire country
the Kids Help Phone and the Community and people experiencing social barriers, who are and should be the example for every province
Social Services Helpline (Alberta 211). negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. going forward,” stated Crystal Smalldon,
Further spending will contribute to online “The need for mental health supports as a result executive director, Canadian Addiction
resources, available to all Albertans, supporting of this very stressful situation are increasing daily Counsellors Certification Federation.
people who may not be able to access face-to-
