Newsroom

• Province opens new window for Albertans (November 24, 2006)
  Albertans and nonprofit organizations now have a new on-line window into government programs, grants and volunteer opportunities, making it easier to access information and services... (more)
   
• Swan Hills man jailed for scamming big game hunters online: Collected more than $22,000 for hunts that didn’t take place; no refunds issued (November 8, 2006)
  A Swan Hills man has been jailed for six months after pleading guilty to breaches of Alberta’s consumer protection and wildlife laws by offering big game hunts over the Internet knowing he couldn’t provide the advertised services… (more)
   
• Consumer Alert: Fortress ski resort ordered to stop selling passes: Kananaskis Country-area facility may not be fully operational by December (November 8, 2006)
  The Alberta government has determined that the Fortress Mountain ski resort in Kananaskis Country may not be fully operational by its December 2006 opening date and has ordered the resort’s owners to stop advertising services it may not be able to provide... (more)
   
• Document shredding events designed to thwart identity fraudsters - Protect Your Personal Information Day helps residents in rural Alberta (October 19, 2006)
  Consumer fraud and identity theft are among the fastest growing crimes worldwide, but there are many things consumers can do to protect themselves. Whether you live in rural communities or urban centers, shredding your personal papers is one of the best ways to protect yourself from con artists digging for valuable information... (more)
   
• Government annual reports outline programs and accomplishments of 2005-06 (September 26, 2006)
  Increased investment in infrastructure and savings, new dental and optical programs for seniors, the formation of an environmental emergency response team, and the addition of 160 police officers to Alberta communities are among the accomplishments presented in the Alberta government's 2005-06 ministry annual reports... (more)
    Government Services 2005-2006 Annual Report (pdf)

 
• Right to Know Week kicks off in Alberta: Designed to increase awareness of the public’s right to access information (September 25, 2006)
  Right to Know Week runs from Sept. 25 – 29, 2006 in more than 50 countries around the world. It is designed to increase awareness of the public’s right to gain access to records held by public bodies, including the Government of Alberta, municipalities and other public institutions... (more)
   
• Record real estate activity causes delays at Land Titles Offices: Buyers urged to work with agents, lawyers, lenders to speed the process (August 11, 2006)
  Unprecedented levels of activity in the province's bustling real estate market have caused delays at Alberta's Land Titles Offices, but that need not prevent homebuyers from taking possession of their new properties...(more)
   
• Driver licensing and registration rules updated for newcomers to Alberta, non-resident workers and students (July 17, 2006)
  The Alberta government has tightened and clarified its rules governing driver licensing and vehicle registration for new Albertans and non-resident workers and students…(more)
   
• Committee seeks public input on review of Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) (July 6, 2006)
  An Alberta Legislative Assembly all-party committee is currently reviewing the Personal Information Protection Act. Following an initial orientation meeting held June 28, the committee will meet again in the Fall to begin a comprehensive review of the Act...(more)
   
• Website helps consumers make energy purchase decisions - Utilities Consumer Advocate offers natural gas, electricity information (July 6, 2006)
  Albertans now have a new tool to help them understand the restructured energy industry and make energy buying choices with the redevelopment of a website from the Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA)...(more)
   
• Modernized electronic driver knowledge test will reduce fraud and increase safety on Alberta's roads (July 5, 2006)
  The Alberta government has introduced electronic driver knowledge tests to replace written tests for new drivers and people applying for other licence classes...(more)
   
• Retail gas, electricity contracts now in plain language - Changes simplify contracts and offer tips for making decisions (June 28, 2006)
  Albertans now have help in making energy buying choices with the introduction of a contract package that includes standardized, plain language energy contracts along with a helpful information folder...(more)
   
• Discussion paper to generate feedback for funeral board review (June 26, 2006)
  Albertans are being asked for their input as part of a review of the Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board, which oversees the provision of funeral services in the province...(more) Discussion Paper
   
• Government terminates registry agent agreement (June 15, 2006)
  Alberta Government Services terminated its registry agent agreement with Elizabeth Avenue Registries today...(more)
   
• New consent-based process supports The War Amps program - Albertans to be asked for permission to release motor vehicle information (June 5, 2006)
  A new consent-based process has been developed to allow The War Amps charity to access the provincial motor vehicles registry to obtain contact information for its key tag program...(more)
   
• Door opens on new way to resolve landlord-tenant disputes - Edmonton pilot project tests process to avoid seeking judgment in court (May 1, 2006)
  A new process designed to help Edmonton landlords and tenants settle serious differences without the costly, complicated and time-consuming process of going to court - began a one-year test in Edmonton on May 1...(more)
   
• Alberta farmers warned about problems with farm inputs calls (April 27, 2006)
  Alberta farmers – particularly in northwestern Alberta’s Peace Country – are being warned about potential problems with a Saskatchewan-based company called Agricultural Services Canada... (more)
   
• New cabinet team will be "strong, united and focused," Klein says (April 5, 2006)
  Premier Ralph Klein has announced changes to his cabinet line-up that will see some new faces at the table and new assignments for cabinet veterans to fill vacancies in key portfolios....Whitecourt - Ste. Anne MLA George VanderBurg takes up the Government Services post...(more)
   
• Retail gas, electricity agreements get easier to read, easier to sign (March 24, 2006)
  Albertans now have two new tools to help them make energy buying choices with the introduction of standardized, plain language energy contracts and the ability to "sign" contracts over the telephone...(more)
   
• Seven winners chosen as Alberta's first Consumer Champions (March 22, 2006)
  Seven Alberta individuals, journalists, businesses and organizations have been named the province's first Consumer Champions in recognition of their efforts to build trust and confidence in the Alberta marketplace...(more)
   
• Bill 20 would build more protections into FOIP legislation (March 7, 2006)
  Proposed amendments to Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of privacy Act (FOIP) would increase penalties for individuals or corporations that improperly release the personal records of Albertans. They would also speed the process of bringing new government boards and committees under the FOIP Act...(more)
   
• Legislation changes would help Alberta fight mortgage fraud (February 23, 2006)
  Proposed amendments to two pieces of legislation introduced in the Legislative Assembly on February 23 will help the province take a more active role in detecting and preventing mortgage fraud...(more)
   
• Strict rules govern private investigator access to info on drivers (February 22, 2006)
  Strict rules of conduct will govern how and when private investigation firms will be granted access to information about Alberta's drivers and their vehicles, according to Government Services Minister Ty Lund...(more)
   
• Emma and Ethan score hat trick in Alberta's baby name game (January 20, 2006)
  Emma and Ethan have scored a hat trick in Alberta's name game, topping the list of most popular baby names for the third year running, according to data from Alberta's Vital Statistics registry...(more)
   
• Unlicensed employment agency fined $3,000; pays restitution (January 12, 2006)
  An unlicensed employment agency that attracted clients seeking employment in Alberta's red hot economy was fined $3,000 in provincial court on January 10, 2006 and has made restitution of more than $11,000...(more)

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