The Alberta government announced a $3.2-billion investment to expand continuing care for seniors and vulnerable citizens, especially those in rural areas and Indigenous communities.
The province announced Thursday that the money will be earmarked for operating funds to support professional health-care and support services across the continuing care system. Of that, $1.7 billion will go to community care while $1.2 billion and $750 million will go to continuing care and home care, respectively.
Premier Jason Kenney also said the government is investing capital funding to modernize and increase continuing care capacity across the province, contributing $204 million over three years.
Funding will also be provided to complete the Bridgeland-Riverside Continuing Care Centre in Calgary and the Gene Zwozdesky Centre in Edmonton.
“Alberta seniors built this province and we’re standing by them every step of the way … We’re moving forward for Albertans on our path to recovery,” Kenney said at a press conference on Thursday.
6:29 New long-term care standards
New long-term care standards – Jan 28, 2022
Kenney also said the province will continue to protect seniors from COVID-19, pointing to preventative measures such as mask-wearing in continuing care facilities. However, Kenney previously confirmed the government has asked AHS for options to replace its vaccination mandate, saying the move will help solve shortages at rural continuing care facilities in the province.
Kenney previously estimated that 30 per cent of continuing care and nursing home staff in rural areas have not been vaccinated and are paying for rapid antigen tests out of pocket twice a week.
“If you are in a rural continuing care centre where you don’t have enough workers to give the residents a bath, to feed them their meals, to give them proper care … That is an urgent situation we have to address,” Kenney said.
“The data is clear with the transmissibility of Omicron and the waning effectiveness of vaccines against infection and transmission. There is no measurable difference between the likelihood of a vaccinated or an unvaccinated health-care aide.”
When asked who gave him the advice to issue the directive and what advice was given, Kenney pointed to the province’s health data on COVID-19 transmissibility and infections.
“This is not confidential government data. It’s clearly data in the public domain… I think it’s just common sense.”
1:50 Alberta government wants to end COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health-care workers
Alberta government wants to end COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health-care workers
Public Interest Alberta (PIA) criticized the government’s announcement, saying the $204 million being invested into modernizing continuing care facilities is furthering the UCP government’s privatization agenda.
It cited a Canadian Medical Association Journal article that found COVID-19 outcomes were worse in for-profit homes during the first year of the pandemic due to inferior care.
“The UCP have shown time after time that even during a pandemic they are willing to put critical services at risk. Now, with continuing care, Jason Kenney and the UCP are throwing good money after bad to further privatize the system, despite evidence that for-profit facilities degrade quality and affordability,” PIA executive director Bradley Lafortune said in a press release on Thursday.
NDP critic for seniors and housing Lori Sigurdson echoed similar statements.
“The premier praised privately operated continuing care facilities but did not acknowledge how outcomes of private facilities performed worse than public facilities throughout the pandemic,” Sigurdson said.
“Albertans can’t trust the UCP with their health care.”
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
