Stephen Lecce

Get involved in Alberta’s health advisory councils April 16, 2024 Media inquiries Albertans across the province are encouraged to apply to join new advisory councils dedicated to improving health care in their communities.  In November, Alberta’s government announced plans to refocus the health care system to improve overall outcomes for Albertans, and to support health care workers who are the backbone of care in the province. Part of that commitment to a better health care system was to make sure local voices were heard and could contribute to better health care outcomes for their communities. One of the guiding principles of refocusing the health system is to support local decision-making and regional advice. The creation of 12 regional advisory councils and one Indigenous advisory council will make sure regional voices and perspectives are a valued part of the health care system. Members of these councils will represent a wide range of lived and professional experiences, and include everyday Albertans receiving health care services, as well as health care workers, community leaders and municipal representatives.  “We need to do a better job of listening to local communities about their health care needs. As we continue to refocus Alberta’s health care system, we are taking steps to ensure the diverse perspectives of Albertans, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, are represented and that the unique challenges of each region and community are addressed. Improving local decision-making and listening to regional advice will help build a stronger, unified health care system that responds to the needs of the communities it serves.” Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health Each of the councils will directly advise Alberta’s government and the new primary care, acute care, continuing care and mental health and addiction – Recovery Alberta – organizations on clinical, capital and workforce planning in their regions. The councils will explore potential solutions to local challenges and identify opportunities for the health system to better support local decision-making.   In addition to amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities and suggesting how to improve health care for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, the Indigenous advisory council will inform the design and delivery of culturally appropriate health care programs and service delivery. It will also explore opportunities to integrate and embed traditional Indigenous healing practices and teachings within Alberta’s health care delivery system. Individuals interested in joining a regional advisory council or the Indigenous advisory council can apply online. Those who apply by April 30 will be considered for appointment this spring. Applications received by Aug. 30 will be considered for appointment by the end of 2024.

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At Canada's CEO Summit, Council of Canadian Innovators | Conseil canadien des innovateurs Chair Jim Balsillie gives a detailed examination of the economic forces that influence the shape of innovation and technology markets in the 21st century. We need to understand the flow of intangible assets if Canada is to remain prosperous and secure!

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Hey all! I hope you'll join me in signing this letter to Calgary City Council to support keeping the supervised consumption site open at the Sheldon Chumir hospital. This entire narrative that "It hasn't worked" is just flat out wrong. Thousands of overdoses have been reversed, hundreds of people saved, and many others have been able to take steps towards treatment and recovery because of a connection first made at the SCS. We can (and should) be concerned about public safety and public drug use but don't place it on the supervised consumption site. That's more about the lack of resources to address homelessness, health and mental health issues, and law enforcement. That's where governments have needed to step up but consistently refuse to do so. Even now, the province telling the city it needs to tell them to close the SCS is just more passing of the buck. If you're not prepared to lead, get out of the way. More than 500 people actively use the site. It's naive to believe they will all suddenly seek treatment and recovery. Closing the SCS will absolutely lead to more public drug use. The provincial government can't possibly provide the staffing to care for 500 people all at once, let alone the thousands of others who need help. The SCS is vital. Closing it would be foolish. https://lnkd.in/gq-wRttg

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I work in local government communications so I spend a lot of time listening to residents (as well as following social media pages in many other cities - I'm a local gov geek) and I am here to tell you that our residents are concerned about our infrastructure. Calgary put this topic back in the news but it is not new information for most of our residents. I think a great majority of our residents are well informed and reasonable. The great thing about local government is that the elected officials and staff live and are invested in the community. With other levels of government you get one representative in a very large government. So when our residents talk, all of the decision makers can respond. Residents are definitely concerned about our aging infrastructure and many of them are even saying they would accept some reduced services. But some residents think we should not raise taxes. That isn't realistic. That would be like blowing your entire budget on entertainment but not leaving any funds to replace your roof or change the oil in the car. We need to continue to communicate so they understand the importance of our infrastructure, the cost of maintenance and replacement, and the consequences of putting it off. Our elected officials are smart and they are invested in our communities but we need to help them with the hard decisions by keeping our residents well informed. I hear a lot about the volume of hostility and even threats made against our decision-makers and I think we can help them. Those frustrated and angry residents might not be so frustrated and angry if they were better informed. They ARE concerned but they also need access to good reliable information. That might make them more comfortable with the decisions. Yes, all of our cities are struggling with aging infrastructure, but it is not the fault of today's council. It took years of delaying to get where we are today. Let's help our residents and our councils to focus on what we need today and not worry so much about laying blame on the past decisions. Our infrastructure is in the news right now and as communicators we can take advantage of that attention and share our own infrastructure stories with our residents. This CBC podcast provides a good overview of the situation. This is the news our residents are hearing so the time to help them understand our own city's issues is right now. https://lnkd.in/gwv7njmv

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🗳 Election Day in New Brunswick! Today, voters across New Brunswick will go to the polls in all 49 provincial electoral districts to elect (or re-elect) Members of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. The polls are open today from 10:00AM – 8:00PM (ADT). The leaders seeking to form government or win re-election are: 🔵Blaine Higgs (Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick) 🔴Susan Holt (New Brunswick Liberal Party | Parti libéral du Nouveau-Brunswick) 🟢David Coon (New Brunswick Green Party / Parti vert NB) According to the New Brunswick polling dashboard from Mainstreet Research, the party standings are: 🔴 Liberal Party: 47.7% (⬆13.5%) 🔵 PC Party: 38.1% (⬇1.1%) 🟢 Greens: 9.9% (⬇5.3%) (% change from 2020 provincial election results) The election writ was dropped on September 19th, following four years of a PC majority government under Premier Higgs. The campaign has focused on several central issues, including healthcare, education, housing, and affordability. 📌 Stay tuned for a summary of the results from the team at Iris Communications tomorrow. #nbpoli #cdnpoli #newbrunswick #election #politics

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Exciting news for Alberta’s gaming industry! Ten years ago video games was a less than $100 billion industry. According to some reports it could reach in excess of $650 billion by 2030. Pumped about this Prairies Economic Development Canada I Développement économique Canada pour les Prairies and Alberta Innovates supported initiative from Scaffold Institute. Will we see the next Beamdog, Improbable or BioWare emerge? Another great project identified by my colleague Joshua Martin and by Crys Vanier and her team at Alberta Innovates. #GamingIndustry #GameDevelopment #AlbertaTech #DigitalMedia #Entrepreneurship

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B.C. Election is Tomorrow - October 19th The Party Leaders have talked about health care, education, affordability, and housing—but economic growth is the foundation that supports all of these. Without it, we can’t fund the public services British Columbians value most. In the 21st century, innovation is the engine of that growth. The Council of Canadian Innovators | Conseil canadien des innovateurs which represents 25 of B.C.'s top tech companies, has clear recommendations for whichever party forms the next government. These companies are led by the people driving revenue, creating jobs, and scaling the economy. They know what’s needed to make B.C. a global leader in innovation. Here’s what they say needs to happen: 1️⃣ Drive growth through Strategic Procurement The Province must use its purchasing power to help local innovators scale. 2️⃣ Enhance Capital Support Entrepreneurs need better access to capital to scale their companies right here in B.C. 3️⃣ Protect Canadian Ideas Doubling down on B.C.’s IP strategy will keep homegrown ideas. 4️⃣ Develop a Modern Data Strategy With data as the new oil, B.C. needs a privacy-first strategy that fosters innovation. 5️⃣ Upskill, Retain, and Retrain Tech Talent We need a plan to develop and keep top talent in B.C. so companies can scale without talent gaps. 6️⃣ Launch a B.C. AI Strategy AI will define the future of innovation. B.C. must be ahead with a clear AI strategy that drives growth and competitiveness. To B.C.'s next leaders: If you want to drive prosperity and fund the services we care about, listen to the innovators creating jobs and generating revenue. The future of B.C.’s economy depends on bold action now. Full report in comments: ⬇ cc'ing: Jill Earthy Kassandra M. Linklater Bill Tam Sue Paish Hamed Shahbazi Andrew Booth Jack Newton Jason Smith Alison Taylor Andrew McLeod Carl Hansen Dave Feller Jill Tipping, FCPA, FCA David Helliwell Barb Kinnaird Alexandra T. Greenhill, MD Geordie Rose Gordon Casey Ian L. Paterson Ilya Brotzky Mike McGinty Ohad Arazi Soroush Karimzadeh Steve Munford Tobyn Sowden Vladimir Kovacevic Warren Roy

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As part of your activities for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, consider reading and sharing this op-ed by Chief Raymond Powder of Fort McKay First Nation: https://lnkd.in/g6W9utZ9 Chief Powder is clear that while today is an important moment for reflection, that is just the starting point. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation must function as a call to action. Undertaking deliberate acts of economic reconciliation, upholding and respecting Treaty Rights, making necessary investments in First Nations housing and infrastructure and creating more long-term, predictable funding opportunities for First Nations are measurable, tangible actions for all orders of government to take that will move reconciliation forward, beyond Sept. 30.

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As the search committee reviewed its options in 2012, the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network started coordinating meetings with various agencies to see if there was an appetite in a community initiative to acquire The Mount St. Joseph property or another building. Already, leader and lawyer Steve Kylie had plans to create a separate organization to own and oversee the hub so the Network could carry on its work. However, as an existing legal entity, the Network would need to be part of the transaction until the new board was created – if plans went ahead. He knew the steps and kept working through them one at a time. Outside those walls, early critics questioned if the Network should own a multi-million-dollar asset, especially one that would require millions more to turn it into a housing and food hub. “Did it align with Network’s values?” they asked. They also asked how much this project would distract from the Network’s core work. Once Steve explained that it was only a transitional move, some people felt better but others were still unsure. For others on the board, including Teresa Daw, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Steve loved that phrase and started using it in his pitches as well. Throughout 2012 and 2013, five ad hoc committees stacked with volunteers also met to flesh out plans: finance, vision/governance, organizational structure, communications, and the physical property (structural, plans, drawings and designs). During this entire due diligence period all of the work was being done by volunteers or employees of various community partners. Next, how the vision came together for the future home of The Mount Community Centre. https://lnkd.in/d9ZWv8Q2 #DreamBig #BuildtheTeam #BuildtheStrategy #affordablehousing #housing #socialenterprise

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IT opportunities. Get into the #gc Digital Talent pools, and broaden your chances of landing a position or getting that promotion! #gcjobalert #gcjobs #govjobs #governmentjobs #gccareers #digitaljobs #itjobs #itjobopportunity #jobopportunity #jobopportunity2024

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I want to believe in the ability to turbo charge analysis and to find novel but true patterns in our knowledge. But human data is itself not “clean” so how can something built on that data be without our biases, prejudices, errors, politics, bigotry… I think we need far more checks and balances as Gen AI is a powerful but easily misled and misused beastie.

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The way municipalities are funded could not be more of an outdated system. Canada’s population has surpassed 41 million people, and every day, municipalities are being asked to do more with stagnated resources. #CdnMuni's manage and maintain more than 60% of Canada’s public infrastructure yet receive only between 8 and 10 cents on each tax dollar collected. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities released this policy paper, an incredible summation of why municipal funding needs to be updated quickly. The status quo is just not working. Our country’s successful growth is intrinsically linked with our cities, towns and communities - and that's why we need to modernize our revenue tools, so they grow with Canada’s national population and economy. #cdnmuni #cdnpoli #municipalities

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In the past few years Canadians have endured: ➡ Our federal government unjustifiably using emergency measures to suppress political dissent, marking a decline in the rule of law. ➡ Credible reports of treasonous behaviour by members of Parliament as our democracy is undermined by foreign actors. ➡ Seeming endless ethical scandals from senior members of government (like Minister Sajjan’s recently revealed failures in Afghanistan). ➡ Disgrace and chastisement on the world stage for our pretension to lecture other countries on progressive social issues without substantially contributing to global security. ➡ Once venerated Canadians like Sir John A. Macdonald and Henry Dundas are in the historical doghouse with thin justification and a total forgetfulness of their contributions to this country. ➡ And an economy severely damaged by contradictory and counterproductive environmental measures that stifle natural resource development—our most productive sector. Canadians are feeling betrayed—and for good reason. But justified cynicism is still unhelpful. If we are going to reinvigorate Canada, we’ve got to find a way past defeatism. I think we need to start with two things: (1) We need to stop lying about our history, and (2) we need to restore civic education.... Continue reading 👇 https://lnkd.in/grvieT6u

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1. The federal government will require public servants to be in the office three days a week, up from two. 2. Implementation of the new rules is expected around September, according to a government source. 3. The directive released in late 2022 mandated a return to the office for up to three days a week or a minimum of 40% to 60% of employees' regular schedule. 4. Telework has been a contentious issue among unions and was a major point during last year's Public Service Alliance of Canada strike. 5. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat is committed to hybrid work but did not confirm if rules around office presence would change. 6. PSAC stated that the government had not discussed changing its hybrid work policy during consultations. 7. Ontario Premier Doug Ford sees the move as positive for revitalizing downtown cores but hopes for more regular office attendance. 8. The federal government's reduction of its office portfolio by 50% was mentioned in the recent budget, raising concerns about its impact on the economy.

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Congratulations to the national and provincial departments for successfully submitting their draft 5-year strategic plans and the 2025/26 Annual Performance Plans to the oversight departments (DPME and Offices of the Premier). This is a critical milestone in the 7th Administration’s planning cycle. Strategic planning in the public sector requires balancing priorities. Following the general elections in May and the formation of the Government of National Unity in June, the President outlined three core priorities in the Opening of Parliament: 1. Driving inclusive growth and job creation, 2. Reducing poverty and the high cost of living, and 3. Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. These priorities anchor the Medium Term Development Plan (2024–2029), guiding our efforts over the next five years. While the strategies are solid, they face implementation in a fiscally constrained, economically challenged environment. Our success will depend on disciplined execution, agile monitoring, and strong accountability. The journey continues.

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Alberta healthcare & healthtech entrepreneurs, start-ups & established companies: The Trade Commissioner Service | Service des délégués commerciaux in Miami & San Francisco have partnered with the Mayo Clinic Innovation Exchange in Jacksonville, Florida to offer an opportunity to participate in a virtual program from October 2024 to March 2025. The program provides a powerful way to connect with health care entrepreneurs, start-ups, Mayo Clinic thought leaders & industry experts, who all have the shared mission of bringing breakthrough innovations to market in order to benefit patients. The platform is flexible & support is personalized to reflect your own needs. ⏰ The application period ends on September 4, 2024 at 4 PM ET. ⏰ Preferred focus areas (but not limited to) - Advanced Care at Home-enabling tools: such as remote monitoring, etc. - All areas of Transplantation. - All areas of Oncology. Program highlights: - Virtual programmed services & events, tailored to the needs of Canadian entrepreneurs in all phases of commercialization. - Strategic connections to relevant Mayo Clinic physicians, researchers and/or scientists. - Access to premium business advisors & educational resources. - Opportunities for mentorship matching. - Introductions to funding: angel investors, venture capital firms & other sources. Please email your interest to Ximena Pauvif-Machado & Iraina Miles no later than September 4, 2024 at 4 PM ET. The email should include the following information: - Company name - Your name, title & email address - Your company’s area/segment of healthcare - Website - Number of years in business - Full address & phone - Brief description of your company (maximum of two paragraphs) - Who referred you or how you heard of this program Companies will be notified by mid to end of September if they have been selected. ➡ Questions? Please contact Trade Commissioner Ximena Pauvif-Machado (she/her/elle) at [email protected]. #albertahealth #albertahealthcare #albertabusiness #albertastartups

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🚀 Big milestone alert! 🚀 Yesterday, Maritime Launch Services announced that the company received a term sheet for a $12.9 million contribution from the Government of Canada under the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). The global demand for satellite services, such as communications, earth observation, and navigation, is rapidly increasing. Canada is ready to support this demand with the most competitive location in North America - right here, in rural Nova Scotia. Developing a commercial spaceport in Canada stimulates economic growth and job creation in high-tech industries. It will foster innovation and position Canada as a key player in the global space economy, attracting investments and partnerships from around the world. It's a no-brainer. Great to see the Government of Canada join with the Government of Nova Scotia to provide meaningful support for commercial launch from Nova Scotia. SIF will help Maritime Launch prepare the site of Spaceport Nova Scotia for Canada's first Orbital launch in 2025. Mark your calendars! 🚀 https://lnkd.in/eBRxyaKq

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Albertans expect free and fair elections and that’s why it’s important we strengthen the rules that govern municipal elections. ·        We are making local election processes more transparent for the benefit of all voters and Albertans. ·        Now that we’re a year away from the next municipal elections, new regulations will provide direction for those looking to establish local political parties and will set limits for campaign expenses. 

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