Mental health awards; U of A help; two new MLAs

EDMONTON Alberta’s mental health leaders will be recognized by Lt.Gov. Lois E. Mitchell at a Friday ceremony at Government House.

The True Awards from Mitchell’s Circle on Mental Health and Addiction recognize Albertans who work to break down stigma and deliver innovative mental health and addiction services.

Recipients set the standard for groundbreaking and compassionate care, offer dedicated service to Albertans and share personal journeys to inspire others.

Recipients this year include Mike Loughman from Airdrie, who lived with addiction for 22 years. Now 47 months sober, he has started two businesses to help folks with sobriety.

Also being recognized are Clean Scene, in Edmonton, which supports and educates youth to reach their full potential through the pursuit of a drug-free and crimefree lifestyle. Youth awards go to Mehul Gupta and Rylie Essington, both from Calgary.

It has taken three years, but 10 government-funded projects at the University of Alberta are finally complete.

On Thursday, Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt took the opportunity to trumpet his government’s $26.5-million investment. The federal government also contributed $56.3 million to the projects, which include enhancements to an electrical and computer engineering research facility, modernization of a chemistry lab, renewals of the Augustana science and Campus Saint-Jean labs, and upgrades to the medical sciences building.

“Investments in post-secondary infrastructure are more than just bricks and mortar; they are an investment in Alberta’s future,” Schmidt said in a release.

The two UCP MLAs elected during recent byelections were sworn in Thursday.

Laila Goodridge, member for Fort McMurray-Conklin, and Devin Dreeshen, who represents Innisfail-Sylvan Lake, took their oaths in the Carillon Room packed with family, friends and a handful of UCP MLAs.