Leave a Legacy
A Legacy for our children
Alberta's NDP and its predecessor, the Co- operative Commonwealth Federation, were built by courageous women and men with a vision to make the world a better place. Your support for the ideals of your fellow New Democrats has made a difference. More fairness for working people, a public health care system and a national pension plan are just a few of the accomplishments in which we can all take pride. In spite of the gains we have made, the struggle for social justice is long and it must continue.
A Legacy for our future
Legacy is the estate program which delivers the New Democrat promise of a better world to future generations. Your bequest will advance your desire to make our province, our country, and our world a better place.
Leave a Legacy now!
Download and fill-out the mail-in form
We can help you leave a Legacy that will last for generations.
- Do I need a will?
- Is making a will complicated?
- How do I make changes to my will?
- How do I include the NDP in my estate?
- How will the NDP use my bequest?
- Should I inform the Alberta NDP of my bequest?
Do I need a will?
If you die without a will, the courts will dispose of your estate in a way that may not be what you would like. Without a will, the settlement of your estate may be delayed and your estate may pay unnecessary fees or taxes. Your will ensures that your money and possessions go to the people or causes you wish to support. A will can spare your family and friends unnecessary hardship at an already difficult time.
Is making a will complicated?
It is very easy in most cases. Because there are some specific legal requirements for wills, most people find it easiest to have a lawyer or notary help them prepare their will. The cost for this service begins around $150 for a simple will and increases as you make it more complicated. You can draw up a will by yourself, but it is advisable to consult with a lawyer or notary to ensure your will is clear, complete and valid.
How do I make changes to my will?
After your will is made, it is important to keep it current. It is a good practice to periodically review the contents of your will each year and change it as the circumstances of your beneficiaries change. It is common to make small alterations to your will by means of a "codicil" (or amendment). You can thereby avoid the expense of having a new will drawn up. A codicil must be signed and witnessed in the same manner as the will itself. Please let us know if you would like us to send you a sample codicil.
How do I include the NDP in my estate?
- Reg Basken
After you have looked after your loved ones, you may wish to make gifts to worthy causes. There are several ways to include Alberta's NDP in your estate. One way is to give a dollar amount or a certain percentage (or fraction) of your estate. This type of gift is called a specific bequest. You could leave Alberta's NDP the residue of your estate, the amount left over after all of your specific requests have been fulfilled. Or, you can make the Alberta NDP a "contingent beneficiary." This means that should one or more of your heirs not need your estate for reasons you specify (for example, they die before you do) their share should go to Alberta's NDP. We would be pleased to supply sample bequest clauses to assist you and your lawyer or notary in providing a gift to Alberta's NDP.
How will the NDP use my bequest?
Unless you specify otherwise, your bequest will be received by the Party and placed in a special account for use during pre-election and election campaigns. If you would like to direct your bequest to a specific area of party work, such as supporting women candidates, training candidates and organizers, or communications, you may do so. If you would like to give specific instructions, please contact the Provincial Secretary.
Should I inform the Alberta NDP of my bequest?
If you decide to include Alberta's NDP in your estate, we would appreciate hearing from you. This will help us considerably in long term planning. Please send us the reply coupon on the back of this leaflet. The form is not a legal document and does not bind you or your estate in any way. To thank you, we'll send you a special Legacy Certificate and we'll keep you informed of Legacy Club activities. Club activities may include social events and newsletters. If you wish your name to be held in confidence, we will, of course, respect your wishes. Please contact Alberta's NDP toll free at 1-800-465-6587 if you would like someone to discuss the Legacy Program with you.
Brian votes no to MLA severence hikes
Four years ago, after the August long weekend and while Edmonton hosts the world track and field championships, MLAs push through their own severance package. Three months pay for every year warming a seat. Only NDPer Brian Mason votes no.
Rick Bell, Calgary Sun
July 31, 2005