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Created: 02 December 2023

The Alberta government is implementing a new Family Justice Strategy to enhance the family justice system, particularly for individuals handling family law matters. Recognizing the stress and difficulties associated with court proceedings, the initiative seeks to streamline and align family justice services across different courts. The strategy focuses on improving accessibility and support for Albertans, especially those representing themselves in cases like divorces, spousal support agreements, parenting arrangements, or child support orders.

Key Points:

Service Alignment: The Family Justice Strategy aims to standardize services in both the Alberta Court of Justice and the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. This ensures that Albertans have consistent access to services, regardless of the specific court or legislation governing their case.

Pre-Court Services Expansion: A $5-million investment from Budget 2023 supports the expansion of pre-court services in Edmonton and Calgary. These services include alternative dispute resolution, family court counsellors, and parenting interventions. By offering these resources before filing a claim or attending court, individuals can make informed decisions about settling matters outside of court.

Family Resolution Hub: The government is introducing an online tool called the Family Resolution Hub to provide information to Albertans dealing with family law matters. This platform, accessible across the province from December, will offer guidance on divorce initiation, guardianship applications, and parenting arrangement renegotiations.

Financial Support: The $5-million investment also supports the Family Justice Strategy, contributing to the expansion of pre-court services. This financial backing underscores the government's commitment to making the family justice system more accessible and less stressful for Albertans.

Endorsement from Stakeholders: The Family Justice Strategy has received support from stakeholders, including the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Alberta and the Alberta Family Mediation Society. These organizations commend the approach, emphasizing the benefits of alternative dispute resolution in reducing financial and emotional costs for families.

In conclusion, Alberta's Family Justice Strategy represents a comprehensive effort to improve the family justice system by enhancing access, providing valuable pre-court services, and leveraging technology through the Family Resolution Hub. The goal is to alleviate stress on families and individuals dealing with family law matters during challenging times, ultimately promoting more effective and family-friendly dispute resolution.(ANV/AI)

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Created: 10 November 2023

PARIS, Nov 11, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - President Emmanuel Macron said Friday France will build an ice-capable vessel as part of a billion-euro plan to boost polar research.

    Addressing a conference on the polar regions and glaciers, he urged world powers to act in the face of the climate emergency despite raging geopolitical tensions.

   He said mankind faced a "civilisational" challenge and called for "an unprecedented level of cooperation" despite the "resurgence of geopolitical tensions".

    He spoke on the final day of the One Planet-Polar summit, a conference he called to address the climate emergency. Russia, a major Arctic nation, was not invited over its invasion of Ukraine.

    The war in Ukraine "has weakened cooperation with major geopolitical and scientific powers", Macron said, in a clear reference to Russia.

   "Despite all these tensions, it's clear that we must act, and make the poles and glaciers privileged spaces for peace, scientific and environmental cooperation", Macron added.

   Based between the French territory of New Caledonia and Australia, the new ship will divide its time between the Western Pacific and Antarctica, he said.

   The vessel will bear the name of Michel Rocard, a former prime minister and ambassador for international negotiations over the Arctic and Antarctic who died in 2016, Macron said.

   France plans to invest a billion euros ($1.1 billion) in polar research by 2030, Macron said.

   In particular, the country will finance two major initiatives in the North and South Poles, including a Polar Pod expedition by a zero-emission vessel to explore the Southern Ocean which surrounds Antarctica.

    France will also rebuild its scientific station in Antarctica called the Dumont d'Urville Station from 2026 and will work to renovate the Franco-Italian Concordia station, Macron said.

   He also said Paris would closely coordinate with its European partners on a major research project in East Antarctica.

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Created: 23 April 2017

Earth Day: Minister’s Statement

The Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister responsible for the Climate Change Office, Shannon Phillips, has issued the following statement to mark Earth Day, which takes place each April 22:

“Every Earth Day, people from around the world celebrate all the natural wonders that surround us. Alberta has incredible natural resources and stunning wildlife. Our livelihoods depend on these wonders, which give us the water we drink, the air we breathe and the land that feeds us. Environment goes hand-in-hand with economy, and we must work to ensure that Alberta’s future is prosperous and sustainable.

“Earth Day is also an important moment to remember our shared responsibilities to future generations. That’s why our government is creating new parks and natural areas, leading the way on energy efficiency and ensuring we have clean air and water for Albertans now and in the future. By taking care of Alberta’s natural environment, we make life better for Albertans.”