Investment

EIPS and ATA concerned by province's charter school investment – Sherwood Park News

Published

3 years ago

March 20, 2022

Premier Jason Kenney visited a classroom at Aurora Academic Charter School in Edmonton on Tuesday, March 15, where he announced the Alberta government is investing $25-million in operating funding and $47-million in capital investment over the next three years to support charter school expansions and collegiate programs in the education system as part of Budget 2022. LARRY WONG/Postmedia Network

An announcement by the UCP government this week that earmarks millions of dollars over the next three years to expand existing charter schools and encourage the creation of new ones did not sit well with Elk Island Public Schools.

Trina Boymook, board chair of Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS), is concerned about educational funding being diverted from public schools.

“It’s critical the strong foundations of Alberta’s public schools are respected and maintained, and taxpayer dollars are used to support the system that best serves the interests of the majority of students,” Boymook underlined. “Diluting resources to alternative educational institutions, without a mandate for inclusivity and public accountability, weakens Alberta’s overall capacity to grow, thrive and prosper for years to come.”

Premier Jason Kenney and Education Minister Adriana LaGrange said $25-million in additional operation funds and $47-million in new capital spending over three years will help schools grow.

Kenney said charter schools provide more choice for parents.

“EIPS, and public school divisions throughout the province, consistently deliver a broad range of programming options for students of varied backgrounds and interests,” Boymook said in response to the premier. “From specialized languages and faith-based programs to advanced academic opportunities and competitive sports to specialized supports and continuing education, students within the division have the opportunity to push past their limits and find meaningful ways to contribute to and enhance their communities.”

There are currently 16 publicly funded charter schools in Alberta and the school generally focus on a specific aspect of education, like music or outdoor learning. The schools use public funding, receiving about five per cent of the province’s total education funding, but they are run by their own boards.

“EIPS schools are diverse, inclusive and welcoming to all students,” Boymook said. “Our programs are based on sound current pedagogy and are delivered by expert, certified teachers who embrace and nurture a culture of lifelong learning. Additionally, oversight and guidance are provided by locally elected trustees, who, in turn, are accountable to the constituents in the communities they serve.”

Trina Boymook, chair of the EIPS board of trustees. Photo Supplied

The premier said charter schools are not allowed to charge tuition and are required to accept all students who apply, assuming there is space.

NDP education critic Sarah Hoffman accuses the UCP government of “sabotaging” public education by funding charters.

“Edmonton and Calgary students desperately need schools and modernizations and the UCP’s no-help budget also does not invest a dollar in Francophone construction either,” Hoffman said.

Kenney said about one-third of the schools in Alberta being replaced or refurbished are in the Edmonton area. The 2022-23 Alberta Budget included $25-million for 15 school infrastructure projects, including planning and design funding for a replacement for Sherwood Heights Junior High.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is also concerned about the injection of funding for charter schools. ATA president Jason Schilling said public education has been chronically underfunded for years and new funding should be going to public, separate or francophone schools — not charters.

“The government is dedicating $72-million in new funding to just 16 schools,” Schilling said. “This is an inequitable, unjustified, ideological investment that epitomizes how privatization comes at the expense of public education.”

The ATA president added that some charter schools use admission criteria, IQ tests or performance assessments to restrict access, and many do not accept students with specialized learning needs.

“Public funds should go to public education. Since 2013, real per-pupil funding for public education in Alberta has declined by 15 per cent,” Schilling stated. “Government funding to expand charter schools is simply an effort at privatization at the expense of our public education system, which is the first choice for 93 per cent of Alberta’s students.”

The ATA said charter schools should be incorporated as alternative programs within publicly governed and administered school boards and all teachers should be full and active members of a unified profession.

— With files from Ashley Joannou

tdosser@postmedia.com

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Economy

S&P/TSX composite up more than 250 points, U.S. stock markets also higher

Published

8 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Anne Joseph

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.

Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD)

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Investment

Canada’s Probate Laws: What You Need to Know about Estate Planning in 2024

Published

10 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Economy

Energy stocks help lift S&P/TSX composite, U.S. stock markets also up

Published

2 days ago

September 17, 2024

Anne Joseph

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.

Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD)

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