Rajiv sawhney biography of alberta

Canadian politician

Rajan SawhneyECA MLA (born May 2, ) is uncut Canadian politician from the Leagued Conservative Party in Alberta. She was elected in the Alberta general election to represent justness electoral district of Calgary-North Western in the 30th Alberta Legislature.^[2][3] On April 30, , she was appointed to be representation Minister of Community & Community Services in the Executive Assembly of Alberta. On July 8, , she was shuffled get stuck the Minister of Transportation.

On June 13, , Sawhney composed as the transportation minister subject announced her candidacy in nobility United Conservative Party leadership election.^[4] She came sixth in position election. Sawhney was nominated surpass the UCP to run select the provincial election for illustriousness riding of Calgary-North West. She won a narrow re-election map out Michael Lisboa-Smith of the NDP by votes while her onetime seat was won by probity NDP's Gurinder Brar.^[5]

Sawhney currently serves on the Alberta First Chiffonier Policy Committee and was intense in as Minister of Big business, Immigration and Multiculturalism on Oct 24, ^[6][7]

Following being reelected weight May , Rajan was adapted as Minister of Advanced Training.

Minister of Community and Communal Services

Privatization of hour Government Pilot Operations

During the COVID pandemic, perspective June 10, , the UCP government announced to families splendid care providers at these period Direct Operations programs—Residential Support Serve (RSS) for Persons with Pliant Disabilities (PDD) in Edmonton, Race Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) in Edmonton, and Mark Supports Services (GSS) for PDD in Calgary—that the Ministry have a phobia about Community and Social Services (CSS) was exploring "alternative service transport models", transitioning from Government Channel Operations to Contracted Service Providers.^[8][9]

This included Scenic Bow Place, and its Scenic Bow group casing, including GSS assisted-living facility (a long-term residence for approximately developmentally challenged residents, with a cudgel of staff.)^[10][8] According to nifty July 25, Calgary Herald piece, PDD guardians and care givers attempted to submit a beseech signed by 3, to Sawhney's Calgary office regarding privatization fears.^[10]

According to a July Ministry rule Community and Social Services (CSS) statement, the alternative service affects how services are delivered, slogan who pays for them. Representation government will continue to reward, but services will be incapacious to "community-based organizations" that heretofore provide 99% of residential leading personal care services in Alberta.^[10] On July 17, , CSS published a Request for List (RFI) on what is "currently available in the marketplace" sort "alternative delivery model" for hr Direct Operations programs in class Calgary and Edmonton regions, which could include "transitioning of tame and direct client services motivate contracted service providers".^[9] If visit the facilities concerned are privatized, the government says it desire save C$ million.

In , the UCP government conducted very many forums on public policies apt to persons with developmental disabilities. The opposition New Democratic Outfit raised concerns about "underfunding, sprawl staff pay and shortages methodical training and affordable housing."^[10]

Premier's Conference on Charities and Civil Society

In , as Minister of Territory and Social Services, Sawhney fixed the Premier’s Council on Charities and Civil Society in stiffen with then-Premier Jason Kenney. Righteousness Council consisted of individuals in behalf of diverse regions and perspectives, ray provided independent advice to regulation on its relationship with civilian society organizations to help these organizations address pressing social issues across Alberta. In , pleasing the request of the Ecclesiastic Sawhney, the council engaged let fall civil society organizations and experts regarding the impacts of significance COVID pandemic on civil the people and produced a report, Mobile Forward: Charting a Path variety Civil Society Recovery.^[11] In Apr , Sawhney asked the Conclave to engage civil society organizations and relevant experts, and furnish a report that includes relieve on how civil society organizations can help address challenges cope with women in Alberta in justness wake of the COVID ubiquitous. At the Minister’s direction, dignity Council engaged with civil state organizations and experts, individual detachment with lived experience, and Elders from Indigenous communities and too undertook research on policy issues related to challenges confronting cadre. In the Council presented excellent report that offers advice bond how civil society and polity can work together to give instructions challenges faced by women, even more in the wake of nobility COVID pandemic.^[12]

The council had as well submitted annual reports for person in charge that provided an overview lady the Council, reported on wear smart clothes key activities and accomplishments, perch outlined its outlook for righteousness future.

Assured Income for distinction Severely Handicapped

Main article: Assured Funds for the Severely Handicapped

Sawhney was Minister of Community and Group Services (CSS) when the displeasing October 24, provincial budget resolving to de-index the Assured Way for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) benefit from the Consumer Degree Index, was announced. This UCP policy means that the pre-eminent AISH rate for a individual person will remain at C$1, per month and will troupe increase with the inflationary price of living until at small ^[13] The budget decision reverts the Bill An Act revert to Combat Poverty and Fight supportive of Albertans with Disabilities, enacted incite the previous provincial New Classless Party government.^[14] The budget limited both generous decrease in incorporated tax rates and deep cuts to health and education info budgets as part of influence UCP election campaign commitment holiday balance the budget by ^[15] In the fall of , Sawhney's AISH portfolio attracted publicity attention as AISH was regulate under consideration for further cuts. In response to a Postmedia report revealing that the CSS was reviewing AISH and potentially making cuts, On September 14, Sawhney dismissed concerns saying, "Let me state definitively that give will be no cuts give a lift AISH financial benefits."^[16] On Sep 15, Premier Kenney said put off the UCP was examining "eligibility criteria" for AISH benefits operate order to cut provincial pronounce costs.^[17] AISH attracted media heed again in early October trade in AISH benefits cheques were make something stand out due to a banking polytechnic problem.^[18]

Homelessness and the COVID pandemic

The UCP government announced $25 meg in March and another $48 million in early August divulge help community organizations that borer on homelessness by providing shelters and support for homeless exercises during the COVID pandemic.^[19][20] Blue blood the gentry CSS said in September give it some thought there was enough capacity financial assistance emergency shelters in Calgary.^[20] Alliance to End Homelessness's Gubernatorial Tim Richter told Canadian Tangible that normally, winter emergency take on planning is done in dignity summer. Concerns were raised depart these plans had not back number made by September, and lapse funding had not yet bent allocated.^[20]

Sawhney told the CP zigzag she was working with coffee break counterpart in the UCP cabinet—Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon—to address the "very dire need" for "permanent supportive housing rope in Alberta."^[19] In his response extinguish Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Sept 23, , speech from dignity throne at the opening birth 43rd Canadian Parliament, in which the federal government "focused advantage entirely eliminating chronic homelessness curb Canada", Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi said that the federal promise to end homelessness could clarification in Calgary ending homelessness strengthen two years, if the official, provincial, and federal governments be anxious together.^[21]

COVID Emergency Supports

In March , the UCP Alberta Government declared an additional emergency funding towards charities, not-for-profits and civil nation organizations to support their COVID response. In May , Sawhney, as CSS Minister, after survey applications from across the district, provided $30 million in subvention to over charities, not-for-profits, menu banks and civil society organizations. Food banks across Alberta were provided $5 million in subsidize to help them feed exact populations. Announcing the grants, Sawhney stated that “Our daily routines and many things we side for granted have had posture change, but together Albertans lookout meeting the challenges of excellence pandemic. Emergency social services way are helping communities do mega to support vulnerable Albertans.” Censorious Workers Benefit, a one-time, $1, payment as an extra root to vulnerable communities affected give up COVID, was also provided budget public healthcare, social services, accept education sectors.^[22]

On December 15, high-mindedness Alberta government announced comprehensive excel programs and supports to accepting residents living in communities exact the highest rates of COVID, including upper and lower north Calgary.^[23] These communities faced sui generis barriers, such as employment get going public-facing and higher-risk jobs, multi-family or multi-generational homes, and decisive newcomer populations who faced make conversation and cultural barriers. Some short vacation the announced supports included: tell hotel stay for 14 epoch for individuals who test and over for COVID, complete with culturally-appropriate food; temporary financial aid dwell in the amount of $ incursion completion of their self-isolation; COVID Care Teams to provide avail yourself of the ground outreach and mundane support, safe transportation to COVID assessment and testing facilities; attend to public awareness campaign involving spoken language of key messages in statesman than 10 languages through crystal set television, print advertising, social public relations channels and web platforms. Prestige Calgary Outreach and Calgary COVID Table was headed by Revivalist Sawhney. Sawhney and 17 not-for-profits worked to offer support propound Northeast Calgary residents, which hard from culturally appropriate food hampers and COVID information in twofold languages, to mental health vital employment support. Care packages all-inclusive with hand sanitizer, masks take precedence flyers with information in disparate languages were distributed across northeastern Calgary within the first one days of announcements. The COVID care teams also packaged move delivered groceries, culturally-appropriate food mount necessities to doorsteps of Disobey Calgary residents needing support. Graceful COVID hotline () was fix up to provide help take support for Northeast Calgarians tenuous more than 25 languages.

To Increase the vaccination rates encompass Calgary NE area various interrupt clinics were opened. Many followers in that part of rank city are newcomers to Canada, working multiple jobs and fronting adverse language, financial and cultural barriers. Access to technology was all over the place issue and all these trolley bus made getting vaccinated much restore of a challenge for them. These clinics were held horizontal the Baitun Nur Mosque take Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre, enraged the Somali Canadian Society understanding Calgary and the Dashmesh Refinement Centre. A northeast Calgary spare time centre’s (Village Square Leisure Centre) hockey arena was also transformed into a mass vaccination convalescent home for a weekend. These clinics operated on a no-appointment goal and were instrumental in transportation the vaccination rate in City NE (the area with principal COVID infections) to 99%.^[24] Make your mind up Sawney was the minister sustenance all of Alberta, a equivalent level of actions were sound taken for Albertans outside multifaceted own constituency.

Disclosure to Guard Against Domestic Violence (Clare’s Law) Act

On coming into office, Sawhney took action to address servant violence in Alberta. She naturalized the Disclosure to Protect Blaspheme Domestic Violence (Clare’s Law) Act in the October Legislature meeting, and the bill received sovereign assent in the same moon.

Modelled after “Clare’s Law” train in the United Kingdom, the Alberta legislation is named after dexterous young woman killed by double-cross ex-boyfriend with a history as a result of violence against women. The Disclosure to Protect Against Domestic Destructiveness (Clare’s Law) Act allows the public at risk of domestic bloodthirstiness to find out if their partner has a violent shudder abusive past. The legislation as well allows law enforcement to proactively inform an individual of their partner’s domestic violence history. Magnanimity legislation came into effect drain liquid from April ^[25]

Minister of Transportation

In June Sawhney was appointed Minister stare Transportation in a large bureau shuffle. Sawhney held this affinity until she stepped down reside in June to run for glory United Conservative Party leadership.^[26]

As See to of Transportation, Sawhney oversaw copperplate number of major construction projects. These included the opening sum the remainder of the Southwestward Calgary Ring Road to movement on October 2, ; close of Northeast Stoney Trail capacity in July ; and significance start of construction on birth Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) effort in February SR1 is adroit 3, acre dry reservoir stray, together with the Glenmore Tank accumulation, will protect Calgary and Grey Alberta from future major high events.^[27]

Traffic Safety Amendment Act

In Stride , Sawhney introduced the Traffic Safety Amendment Act, which was passed by the Alberta Talking shop parliamen on March 30, The Pure responds to calls from Albertans and sector workers for better safety protections for roadside personnel, including snowplow operators and avenue maintenance workers.^[28] Sawhney also initiated a one-year pilot project which would allow tow trucks burst Alberta to use blue glistening lights to increase roadside visibleness and reduce near misses.^[29]

Photo Rad Policy Change

In another safety-related inventiveness, the ministries of Justice existing Transportation released changes to howsoever photo radar is used unused Albertan municipalities, responding to be revealed sentiment that automated traffic performing was being used as exceptional “cash cow.”^[30] ] On Nov 30, , Sawhney stated renounce the “changes respond to tell concerns requesting the elimination exclude ‘fishing holes’ or speed traps, while maintaining high levels befit safety standards.”^[31]

Driving Back to Business Grant

Based on data, it has been estimated that Alberta discretion experience a shortage of close to 3, commercial truck drivers amount ^[27] To help address that potential shortfall, the Government in this area Alberta, through Transportation, introduced representation Driving Back to Work Give in November to provide fiscal support for Albertans to demeanour Mandatory Entry Level Training. Reduce the price of provided additional funding for primacy Driving Back to Work Confer program.^[32]

Commercial Rest Stops

Under Sawhney, Business also announced an initiative cast off your inhibitions lease public land for wildcat development, with the goal pass judgment on developing up to 18 profitable safety rest areas along larger highways. In February she was quoted as saying that remunerative truck drivers “deserve better amenities.” “Albertans, truckers and visitors on time a lot of traveling grade our highways, and they call for safe places to pull tune, rest and have a meal.”^[33]

Improving Rest Stops

Working on the counterblast from stakeholders from trucking assiduity and public complaints regarding rectitude state of roadside washroom section Minister Sawhney approved $ MM for the conversion 10 outhouse-style washrooms with pump-out pits article provincial highways to flush gents facilities. Sawhney had stated dump "motorists deserve to have useful, clean, modern and dignified washrooms as they travel our province’s highways. Converting 10 outhouse-style washrooms to flush toilets will enchant the travelling public, tourists pole commercial drivers”^[34]

Highway Improvements

In May , as part of the Alberta recovery plan a new modify at Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Highway and 65 Avenue jacket Leduc was announced that would support more than construction jobs and improve access to critical cargo hubs.^[35] Sawhney quoted “The QEII is the busiest accuse of highway in Alberta trip a critical economic and profession corridor. The Edmonton International Airfield is growing as a best cargo hub. This project supports hundreds of jobs while fitting out carriers, commuters and consumers beat and more efficient access authorization the area.”^[36]

In another announcement unveil May Minister Sawhney stated go wool-gathering the year-old Athabasca’s Highway will be replaced by excellent new, $million structure. She quoted that “The existing bridge admiration old, too narrow and has served its useful life. Authority new bridge will support fiscal development, improvements to safety turf commuter traffic in and fly in a circle Athabasca, and provide a uniting for area Indigenous communities.”^[37]

Sundre Waste Plant Project

As Minister of Facility, Rajan Sawhney oversaw a relief project to update a non-transportation project, the Sundre Wastewater Atelier. Why this fell under Facility and not Environment or Rude was never explained. $ fortune was allocated to the immediate area of Sundre to create put in order pilot project to test novel technology and update the outdate wastewater infrastructure of the vicinity of Sundre. The funding coined a pilot project that would end in and created 69 construction jobs. Minister Sawhney was quoted as saying “Water abridge our most precious resource. Alberta’s government is pleased to stand by Sundre and other municipalities inferior their work to modernize essential facilities, plan for future being and meet the environmental jus civile \'civil law\' of today and tomorrow.”^[38]

Highway 1 Wildlife Overpass Crossing

In April Sawhney announced $ million for glory building of wildlife overpass travels the Trans-Canada Highway in birth Bow Valley area.^[39] Minister Sawhney stated that “This overpass desire drastically reduce the chances be a devotee of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The overpass option not only increase safety read the travelling public and flora and fauna, it will save thousands eradicate dollars each year in belongings damage caused by collisions.”^[40]

Funding solution Municipal Transit Systems

Providing financial encouragement for Alberta’s municipal transit pathway Minister Sawhney announced $ brand-new provincial funding, which after make available matched by the federal pronounce, provided a total of quasi- $ million to support 26 Alberta municipalities. This funding was provided under a new promulgation called Alberta Relief for Shortfalls for Transit Operators (RESTOR), variety a top-up to assist municipalities that were feeling the monetary pinch from low ridership have over the last two years question paper to COVID. Minister Sawhney was quoted as saying “Public travelling is an essential service, rework particular for students who strategy returning to on-campus learning, seniors and other vulnerable populations who may be re-entering the transpose to get to and deprive work or re-engaging in communal activities. Alberta’s government is arrogant to step up and recognizes how important transit services especially to our communities.”^[41]

Red Deer District Airport

In February Minister Sawhney declared $ million grant to grow infrastructure and services at Carmine Deer Regional Airport. Minister Sawhney was quoted as saying “The aviation sector is a necessary part of Alberta’s Recovery Pathway and this project will amend a great boost to dignity Red Deer and central Alberta economy. This airport funding inclination attract more investment and another opportunities for residents and businesses.”^[42]

Western Transportation Advisory Council Fall Forum

Minister Sawhney served as the Throne for the WESTAC (Western Transfer Advisory Council) Fall Forum sediment The theme of the conference was “A Legacy in honesty Making: The Impact of Carping Decisions on Canadian Prosperity.” That forum provided Sawhney with conclusion opportunity to hear from levy WESTAC members about issues meet the transportation sector and their businesses.^[43]

Minister of Trade, Immigration existing Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism

Anti-racism Engagement Sessions, Grants near Alberta Anti-rascim Advisory Council obscure Alberta’s Anti-racism Action Plan.

Sawhney’s the church was tasked with standing faction for communities in the district that face racism. The The cloth has set up multiple roundtables with marginalized groups to gather together data and feedback on their experiences of racism in primacy province. Multiple roundtables have back number held throughout the early months of The ministry has further set up grant programs clobber assist community groups to coach others about multicultural values pole cross-cultural understanding.^[44] The Trade, In-migration and Multiculturalism ministry also oversees the Multiculturalism-Indigenous and Inclusion Grant.^[45] This grant is specifically have knowledge of support cross-cultural understanding between Albertans and Indigenous, Metis and Inuit communities. Also within the multiculturalism portfolio of the ministry lays the Anti-racism Advisory Council (AARAC). Established in AARAC has 24 members from across the nonstop that assist the Alberta Decide in implementing the Alberta Anti-Racism Action Plan.^[46] This action course is a multi-step plan admiration at addressing hate crimes instruction racism in Alberta. Created adjust July this action plan equitable meant to demonstrate what authority Alberta government is doing run into address racism and ensuring border Albertans have equal access protect information, resources, and services. Here are five main themes inside of the Alberta Anti-Racism Action Compose that include Public Education additional Awareness, Government as a Impulse for Improvements, empowering Communities, Responding to hate Crimes and Folder and Measurement.^[47]

Immigration

Underneath the Immigration envelope Rajan Sawhney has focused do away with increasing the number of immigrants coming to Alberta. While blue blood the gentry Canadian Federal Government is reliable for immigration matters, the sticks are awarded a certain circulation of nominations to send fulfil the federal government with priorities of some applications.^[48]

On January 18, Rajan Sawhney announced a impinge on to the Alberta Advantage In-migration Program (AAIP). AAIP is unembellished economic immigration program that disintegration aimed at bringing in newcomers to help fill large gaps in the Alberta labour force.^[49] While Alberta has yet encircling fill these gaps, hence their focus on strategic immigration. Blue blood the gentry change on January 18 was to prioritize immigrant applications who had close family connections scheduled Alberta. Sawhney’s explanation of that change was that it volition declaration ensure immigrants coming to Alberta will have support systems command somebody to ensure they settle into their communities easier. The program decision allocate 25% of the nominations given by the federal management to Alberta to immigrants skilled close family connections in righteousness province.^[50]

Trade

When Rajan Sawhney was installed as Minister of Trade, Migration and Multiculturalism she was open clear direction about the Deliver a verdict of Alberta’s trade priorities. Depiction mandate given to Sawhney was to work in collaboration knapsack other ministries, towards enhancing Alberta’s trade infrastructure, trade agreements take up trade corridors.^[51]

Committee on Internal Business Annual Meeting

In December Minister Sawhney represented Alberta in the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Committee on Internal Ocupation Annual Meeting. Sawhney engaged skilled her fellow trade ministers extract discussed working with them provision achieve collective inter-provincial trade goals. This agenda of the get-together included closing years of merchandiser to expand the Canadian On your own Trade Agreement to include non-medical cannabis, and determine a walkway forward in the important pecuniary services negotiations. At this subjugated, Alberta offered a short presenting on the MacDonald-Laurier Institute’s Liberalizing Internal Trade Through Mutual Recognition paper.

Ottawa Trade Mission

In Dec Minister Sawhney went on clean up Trade Mission to Ottawa essential met Federal Ministers, MPs queue High Commissioners of India countryside New Zealand to communicate Alberta’s priorities for Trade, Immigration remarkable Multiculturalism.

Invest Alberta Corporation

Under prestige Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism folder sits a large crown friendship called the Invest Alberta Collection. Created in the IAC factory directly works with investors to each to start up or gradation up in Alberta. The IAC has 11 international offices display areas with key markets line of attack interest for Alberta. The IAC was created to offer faultless services for organizations looking letter invest in the Alberta restraint. Since Minister Sawhney has antediluvian Minister of Trade, Immigration abstruse Multiculturalism the IAC has sanctioned one grant to a operate investing in Alberta.^[52]

Siwin Foods Ltd. Announcement

On December 1, the Alberta Government in partnership with glory IAC and Siwin Foods proclaimed a $54 million expansion cue the Siwin Foods Edmonton expertness. Siwin Foods is a tear processing business that ships group of pupils to eat food to global markets. Minister Sawhney approved topping $ million dollar grant try the Investment Growth Fund give somebody the job of help Siwin Foods scale-up their capacity to produce locally sourced food products. Rajan Sawhney was quoted as saying this estimated the announcement “Our government appreciation proud to be creating settle economic climate that is winning and retaining high-impact investments happen next our province. We are in progress to work hard to think it over Alberta is known as include international destination to do collapse. Our recent investment into Siwin Foods will create jobs cut Alberta, increase our economic evolution and recovery, and support say publicly Alberta agriculture industry.”^[53]

Leadership Race

After Jason Kenney stepped down as commander of the United Conservative Group, a leadership election was known as. Rajan Sawhney stepped down raid her role as Minister perfect example Transportation to compete for directorship of the UCP. Sawhney’s administration campaign platform included: Support staging the Alberta energy (oil ride gas) industry and increasing exchange of Alberta energy, a become public inquiry to Alberta’s response come near the COVID pandemic, addressing racial discrimination in Alberta, inflation relief payments, indexing AISH to inflation, indexing the tax system, indexing seniors benefits, indexing income brackets, increase the relationship with healthcare teachers, "fairness" for Alberta in righteousness Canada confederation, and expanding diabetes supports.^{[54][full citation needed]} Sawhney was also a strong opponent restrict the Sovereignty Act, a field item proposed by eventual administration winner Marlaina 'Danielle' Smith. Sawhney received % of the conclusion votes cast (85, total votes cast) and was dropped might the second ballot.^[55]

Awards

Rajan Sawhney has received the following awards.

Most Promising Newcomer Award- MLA Apprentice of the Year^[56]

Best Alberta Cupboard Minister^[57]

Electoral history

References