This is my favourite time of the year as I look forward to spending time with friends and family over the holiday season.  At this time of the year, as I sit and watch the snow fall, I can not help but reflect on all the joy in my life and must send out a heartfelt thank you to everyone in my life. I have met many amazing people over the years as MLA, and they have had a tremendous impact on me and I can only hope that I have been able to return the kindness! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!

 

On December 10^th I will be having an open house at my constituency office and invite constituents to pop by the office to enjoy some cider and goodies with myself and my staff. We will be hosting it between 10am and 2pm and I look forward to seeing some new faces and some familiar ones.

 

Over the past several months I have been working hard on a Private Members Bill, Bill 210. This bill would prohibit acts of intimidation or bullying in schools as well as cyber bullying that occurs on school computers. It will also provide a mechanism for dealing with these incidents when they occur. Additionally it would prohibit the possession of weapons and/or drugs, including paraphernalia on school property. You just have to read the papers or watch the news to realize what a major problem bullying has become in our society. Everyday, we hear about increasingly violent situations in schools.  Bill 210 will require that all school administrators must document and address all incidents of bullying. The Principal would be required to report these incidents to school boards. As well, it would be mandatory for schools to document and address instances of students possessing drug paraphernalia and weapons. Mandatory documentation will allow a more accurate account of the activities or students behaviour in school. This information will then be compiled into a more accurate statistical piece to assist the police and Ministry of Education in understanding the needs and issues facing our youth in school.

 

The constituency office will be closed over the holiday season starting December 24^th and will be open again on January 2^nd, 2009.

 

The office is located in Deer Valley Mall and the office hours are Monday thru Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can call 278-4444 or fax me at 278-7875. In Edmonton call toll-free by dialing 310-0000 and then (780) 415-0058 or e-mail me at Calgary.fishcreek@assembly.ab.ca.