August 18 Newsletter
Full Newsletter here: http://mailchi.mp/acta-alberta/august-update
Happy Summer!
ACTA’s Board and staff hope you are all enjoying your summer and finding time for family, friends, relaxation and rejuvenation. We have been trying to balance the critical work of ACTA with some rest this summer, as well.
While I was on holidays, I read this quote on a chalkboard outside of a pizza spot (you never know where you will find wisdom!): “There are two kinds of tired. One that requires rest, and one that requires peace.” I hope you all have the opportunity this summer to find rest and peace.
Linda Sahli, Registrar
Webinar
Thank you to those who attended the webinar on July 22, 2020. For those unable to attend, a recording of the webinar is now available. There were some questions asked in the webinar that we were not able to answer due to time. We have updated our FAQ section of the website to answer most of those questions.
If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
questions about individual applications, please contact Kelly Keenan: info@acta-Alberta.ca
questions about College development, please contact Linda Sahli: registrar@acta-Alberta.ca
Social Justice Statement
The recent events of racism in Canada and the USA have reinforced to ACTA that we must develop the College through the lens of anti-racism.
ACTA is committed to developing anti-racist policy, engaging in dialogue that elevates voices of the oppressed, and to our own growth and change. As Counselling Therapists, Addiction Counsellors and Child and Youth Care Counsellors, it is time to engage in what we do best: Listening.
As we continue to develop the College, ACTA is in a position to build better. In order to do so, we are slowing down, engaging in deep listening, learning and conversation, before acting and responding. We want to be sure to conduct the proper analysis and hear from (and include) as many voices as possible. ACTA will do this work with transparency and humility, and will hold each other in caring accountability. We support our members to engage in their own reflections, analysis and growth, as well.
Next steps and actions will emerge after we have done this necessary work - necessary work that will take time. ACTA wishes to resist the natural desire to immediately respond and act, and instead first conduct the deep and difficult analysis required to chart wise courses and become true and helpful allies to BIPOC communities.
Thank you to ACTA members who participated in the social justice survey.
We would still like to hear from you about social justice issues and College development. Please contact: registrar@acta-Alberta.ca
COVID-19 Update
As the Province moves into more stages of re-opening, please know that the rigor we must take in providing services to the public remains very important, perhaps even more important. ACTA will not be relaxing its COVID-19 guidelines, as hygiene, social distancing and PPE remain critical. Continue your rigorous practices in this regard. ACTA’s guideline will be updated this month, as some of the Orders referred to have been repealed. However these updates will not recommend relaxing any of your safe pandemic practices.
Changes to the Health Professions Act (HPA) and Bill 30
Some of you may be aware that Alberta Health has proposed some draft policy changes to the Health Professions Act. At this point, Alberta Health is consulting with the Alberta Federation of Regulated Health Professionals. ACTA is participating in the feedback to the Government through the Federation. As we find out more about what will actually be proposed in the Legislature, we will keep you updated.
Bill 30 was introduced in the last sitting of the Legislature. It impacts Colleges as it will require that College Councils have at least 50% public members. ACTA will be reviewing its draft CCTA bylaw to ensure the necessary changes are made.
Consultation and Proclamation
Although Alberta Health has not started its consultation yet, they have recently advised that our regulation is still set to be reviewed by Cabinet this fall 2020. We are continuing our efforts to develop the College for opening the end of 2020/early 2021.
As always, thank you for your continued support!