So, if you are looking for information about health, you should be able to find it here. Yet, if you are also seeking the statutes governing, say The Alberta School Board, you should also be able to find this. I know in one case, one of my friends was looking for information that governed a special needs child in relation to health as well as the school board. Social Services is also governed by The Statutes of Alberta and some out there might be interested in how social services offices are governed, what their policies are, and how they are instructed to run by law.

Do not be afraid to go over someone's head if you are not receiving satisfactory answers in your case. Make sure all information given to anyone is honest, detailed, and chock full of names, dates, places, and times. If anything, you will receive information as to how to proceed in your problem. I once complained to the Minister of Health in regards to a patient who could not get his medication because a single doctor was complicating matters - within 24 hours, the patient had his medication, bureaucracy or not. This was an extreme case but one that could have led to death and I did not let it go until I received a satisfactory outcome. If you resort to higher offices, make sure you have good cause, because frankly, you are wasting time for important people if you have only a minor case, whereas they could be helping someone else in dire need. This sounds cold, but it is one of the colder facts of life. I have always used going "higher" as a last resort.

Many agencies will refer you to other offices if they cannot help. Sometimes you will note that some will send you around in circles. Make it clear at the very beginning as to the steps you have all ready undertaken to solve your individual dilemna and what the results were. This will sometimes make it more evident to the people helping you as to which direction to go in. remember, they are busy so the more information and co-operation you give, the better they are able to assess what help you require. No one can read minds.

Allow reasonable time for a reply to your enquiries or call for help. If time is not on your side then state why, as such, from the very beginning. Also, remember that hysterics and yelling does not help either. In fact, it is a bad mark against you. I know that anger can sometimes get the best of all of us, but being calm and rational goes a lot further, especially towards those you are reaching out to. Remember, they do not know you from Adam (or Eve, as the case may be) and they have to sometimes assess you fast. Make a good impression from the beginning.

If you find that some instances require a lot of paperwork, then go with the flow if there is no alternative. In the meantime, go towards other avenues of help - you do not have to site around. Explore and know the territory. many times, I have gotten to know some official people only to have them hasten proceedings all because I was friendly and cordial. A good attitude can help in the worst of circumstances.

If you have resources to add, then by all means, please do so. The resources must be Canadian, but exceptions may be made aftera review - there are always exceptions to any rule. Whether it be an organization, government office, or service, then by all means please submit, and after reviewing the submission I will add it to the list of resources. Remember, helping add to this list helps others. Please place "cross remedy" in the subject line.