Kevin Laliberte
Editor, Smoky River Express

The Alberta government and its highway maintenance partners are teaming up to create greater awareness of snowplow safety on Alberta highways. Luke Ouellette, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, and members of the Alberta Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association officially kicked off the 2007-’08 Safer Winter Highways campaign Nov. 7 at the Alberta Legislature. “Hundreds of snowplow operators work very hard to keep our highways clear in winter, but sometimes it means highway travelers experience delays,” says Ouellette. “Motorists need to use caution when sharing the road with snowplows and drive according to conditions.” The campaign partners will work with the media, the Alberta Motor Association, and the RCMP to drive home the message with billboards, changeable highway message signs, radio spots, snowplow ride-a-longs and “Show off the Plows” events that feature high-tech snowplows and experienced operators. Show off the Plows events will be held at elementary schools throughout the province and fit in well with the Grade 2 curriculum in which students learn about services and jobs available in Canadian communities. “Principals and teachers appreciate having interesting, relevant no-cost field trips brought right to their school parking lots or playgrounds,” says Gene Syvenky, chief executive officer of the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association. “The students really enjoy the opportunity to question snowplow operators about their jobs and equipment and to climb into the cab of a high-tech snowplow truck.” This year’s campaign focuses on how maintenance contractors and government work together to keep highways as safe as possible during winter and how motorists can assist these efforts by driving to conditions and driving appropriately in maintenance zones. More tax relief for Canadians It’s reassuring to see that our federal government is establishing a proud legacy of tax relief for Canadians. Canada’s economic growth continues to be strong and, as a result, the government has been able to reduce the overall tax burden for Canadians and businesses, bringing it to its lowest level in nearly 50 years. The Conservative-led Government introducing an additional $60-billion in broad based tax cuts for all Canadians in last month’s economic statement, meaning more money in our pockets. Highlights include: . Reducing the GST rate to 5 per cent from 6 per cent, effective January 1, 2008, representing some $6-billion in annual savings for consumers. . Increasing the amount all Canadians can earn without paying federal income tax to $9,600 in 2007 and 2008 and to $10,100 in 2009. . Reducing the lowest personal income tax rate to 15 per cent from 15.5 per cent as of January 1, 2007. . Reducing the small business income tax rate to 11 per cent in 2008, one year earlier than scheduled. . And making ongoing corporate income tax reductions that will bring the tax rate down to 15 per cent by 2012, from more than 22 per cent today. All in all, it’s definitely positive news!

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