The Government of Alberta announced earlier this week that the lieutenant governor approved the recommendation of Rajan Sawhney, the minister of community and social services, to appoint 3 new persons to sit on the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
The following 3-year appointments will be effective 1 July 2020:
- Heath Birkholz
- Greg McMeekin
- Charlene Tolentino
Heath Birkholz is a freelance filmmaker based in Edmonton. He is a member of the steering committee for Pan Disability Connection in Edmonton and the community advocate coordinator with Self Advocacy Federation Edmonton. Last year, he organized a march in downtown Edmonton to promote Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Greg McMeekin is a Calgary-based lawyer who is also an advocate for people with disabilities. He, himself, has cerebral palsy. He has been a volunteer with Calgary Legal Guidance, a member of the Calgary Transit Access Advisory Committee, and a previous member of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
Charlene Tolentino works as a public guardian representative with the provincial government.
McMeekin will replace Neil Pierce as the council’s chair.
All board members are eligible for the following remuneration:
- $150 for each period up to and including 4 hours
- $265 for each period 4–8 hours
- $390 for each period over 8 hours
They’re also entitled to paid travelling and living expenses.
In addition, the chair is paid
- $200 for each period up to and including 4 hours
- $350 for each period 4–8 hours
- $550 for each period over 8 hours
