Fair practice office opens; solar panel program kicks off

An independent fair practices office aiming to help injured workers navigate the compensation system will open Dec. 3.

The office was created as part of an overhaul to Alberta’s labour law last year.

It aims to advocate for workers during the review and appeals process and monitor trends in the workers’ compensation system, said a Wednesday news release.

Harold Robinson was appointed Alberta’s first Fair Practices Commissioner for a three-year term, effective Dec. 1.

“Robinson and our new fair practices office will play an important role in ensuring we have a fair and sustainable workers’ compensation system and that workers get the rehabilitation they need,” said Labour Minister Christina Gray in a statement.

Robinson, who has a law degree from the University of Alberta, has a longstanding public service legal career, including a focus on administrative law, governance and mediation, said the release.

Previously he was Tribunal Secretary for the Métis Settlements Appeal Tribunal.

PROVINCE PUTS $15 MILLION INTO SCHOOL SOLAR PANELS

The province will dole out $15 million in funding to add solar panels to Alberta schools, said a Wednesday news release.

The cash, which comes from the climate leadership plan funded by the carbon tax, will go toward installing rooftop solar panels at schools.

They will be eligible for rebates of up to $1.50 per watt.

“I can’t think of a better class project than rooftop solar panels,” said Minister of Environment and Parks Shannon Phillips in a statement.

“Schools have stepped up as enthusiastic partners in our plan to reduce emissions.”

The Solar for Schools program also includes an educational portion so students can learn about renewable energy, said the release.

It’s open to public, Catholic, francophone and charter school authorities for schools that have not received Alberta Education’s Solar Technology Systems grants.

The province has funded solar installations at 83 schools since 2015, said the release.