Improving Albertans' quality of life

March 27, 2007

MLA committee created to build Community Spirit Program for charitable giving

Goal to increase private donations to charities and provide matching grants from the province

Edmonton... An MLA committee has been established to examine ways that tax credits can be used to increase private charitable donations. The committee will recommend how to establish a Community Spirit Fund to provide matching provincial grants for eligible philanthropic donations to Alberta-based registered charities. "Albertans are already among the most generous and community-minded people anywhere," said Premier . "This committee will look for opportunities to further encourage and celebrate Albertans' charitable giving and volunteerism." Chaired by Gordon Graydon, MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti, the committee will consult with Albertans and stakeholders to develop the program. MLA committee members represent both urban and rural Alberta.

"This fund will enable government to partner with the charitable sector to continue to enhance Albertans' quality of life," said Hector Goudreau, Minister of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture. "Developing the Community Spirit Program was one of the key priorities provided to me by the Premier. I look forward to hearing from Albertans through the committee's recommendations." After examining what is being done in other jurisdictions, the committee will make recommendations on implementing a sustainable matching fund in conjunction with a charitable donations tax credit. The committee will be supported by Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture, with assistance from Alberta Finance. A final report will be provided to the Minister of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture in the fall of 2007. Developing a Community Spirit Program is one of the key actions under Premier Ed Stelmach's plan to improve Albertans' quality of life. Other priorities for the government are to govern with integrity and transparency, build a stronger Alberta, manage growth pressures and provide safe and secure communities. - 30 - Arrachment: MLA membership and terms of reference. Media enquiries may be directed to:

Beryl Cullum, Communications Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture (780) 427-6530 To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000

Backgrounder

March 27, 2007

Community Spirit Program

MLA Committee Membership Gord Graydon, MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti (Chair) Tony Abbott, MLA for Drayton Valley-Calmar , MLA for -East Pearl Calahasen, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake Doug Griffiths, MLA for Battle River-Wainwright LeRoy Johnson, MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose Dave Rodney, MLA for Calgary-Lougheed Shiraz Shariff, MLA for Calgary-McCall

Terms of Reference

Purpose To provide the Minister of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture with recommendations on:

1. ways to increase private charitable donations through tax credits; and

2. the establishment of a Community Spirit Fund to provide matching grants for eligible philanthropic donations to Alberta-based registered charities. Scope

Review the results of cross-jurisdictional research and precedents. Consult with Albertans and stakeholders to develop parameters for the program (e.g. eligible donors and recipients). Recommend sustainable program guidelines, implementation strategies and target outcomes. Committee Membership

The Community Spirit Program MLA Committee will be chaired by Gordon Graydon. The committee will consist of eight MLA members. Term The term of the Community Spirit Program MLA Committee will be completed when the final report is submitted to the Minister of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture in the fall of 2007. - 30 - Media enquiries may be directed to:

Beryl Cullum, Communications Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture (780) 427-6530

To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000

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