December 21 Email Bulletin

In this email bulletin from the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations you will find resources and news items for and about the voluntary sector.

News

Alberta Government Restructuring Affects Voluntary Sector

Alberta’s new Premier Ed Stelmach has announced his Cabinet Ministers and a reduction of the number of Government Ministries from 24 to 18. Elimination of the Ministry of Community Development and other changes will affect the voluntary sector. Visit CCVO’s website for more information and links to relevant government resources.

Have Your Say! City of Calgary Reviewing User Fee & Subsidy Policy

The City of Calgary’s user fee policy is 10 years old and they are assessing it to see if it still meets the needs of the community. They are reviewing user fees, and subsidy policies and practices. As part of the review, they are seeking feedback from the community. To read more about the review or to fill out the online feedback survey, visit the City of Calgary online.

Ottawa Announces Funding For National Homeless Program

The Federal Government has renewing and renamed a national anti-homelessness program. The initiative has been renamed the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (formerly the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative) and committed to $270-million over two years. The money will fund housing, counseling and training services for the homeless. See the Globe and Mail for an article on this announcement, or visit Human Resources and Social Development Canada online

New Resources

CCVO Launches New Website Features

Have spare time over the holidays? Check out the improvements to CCVO’s website at www.calgarycvo.org including online sign up for our email bulletin (tell your colleagues!), new policy section with easy to find information about the latest issues and CCVO’s work, and more.

Task Force on Community Investment Report Available online

In November 2006, the Federal Government’s Task Force on Community Investments (TFCI) published Achieving Coherence in Government of Canada Funding Practice in Communities. This discussion paper is intended to advance dialogue and reflection on the government-community sector funding relationship and includes concrete suggestions – from the practical to the tactical – to simplify and improve the government’s funding regime with respect to the sector. Visit the Task Force website for the full report and other details

CRA Releases Fall 2006 Newsletter

The Canada Revenue Agency’s Fall 2006 newsletter includes information about “legalese for charities,” new sanctions under the Income Tax Act, and reminders for charities about annual information return. Visit CRA online to see the full newsletter.

Fraser Institute Releases 2006 Generosity Index

The Fraser Institute has released the Generosity in Canada and the United States: The 2006 Generosity Index. The index compares monetary generosity in Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories and in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia by measuring people’s tendency to donate using readily available data about the size and extent of charitable donations as recorded on personal income tax returns. Visit the Fraser Institute online to see the full report

Upcoming Events

January 18- Building Calgary's Talent - Creativity & Innovation in the Workplace

This Calgary Chamber of Commerce is a half day workshop to explore practical solutions for the labour force challenge. The workshop will feature a keynote address from Lance Carlson, President and CEO, Alberta College of Art and Design and industry panelists from First Calgary Savings, Icom Productions, General Dynamics, IBM Canada and Critical Mass. Visit the Calgary Chamber of Commerce online for details.

Awards

Emerald Awards Call for Nominations- Deadline February 28, 2007

The Alberta Emerald Foundation is seeking nominations for the Emerald Awards for Environmental Excellence to be presented in June 2007. The Awards recognize excellence in preserving, protecting, enhancing and sustaining our environment.  Judges look at the positive, tangible and long-term impact of projects as well as, where appropriate, efforts that reflect collaborative approaches. For more details or to download forms or submit your nomination electronically, visit www.emeraldfoundation.ca

Educational Opportunities

Mount Royal College Fundraising Management Extension Certificate

Enhance and develop your career in fund development or begin a new career in the fundraising sector. The Fundraising Management Extension Certificate is offered through the Faculty of Continuing Education & Extension. The first course of the new 165-hour program begins in January 2007. For information, please visit MRC online, e-mail cebusiness@mtroyal.ca  or call 440-6013.

Mount Royal College Nonprofit Management Extension Certificate

Prepare to make a significant contribution to the nonprofit profession and your own career by taking the Nonprofit Management Extension Certificate through the Faculty of Continuing Education & Extension at Mount Royal College. The 150-hour program boasts both online and classroom courses, so you can choose the format that suits you best. For information, visit MRC online, e-mail cebusiness@mtroyal.ca or call 440-6013.

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CCVO

STRONG VOICE . STRONG CONNECTIONS .  POSITIVE CHANGE

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