Positive developments are brewing for Lethbridge
As we start to enjoy a change in the weather (finally!) and true emergence from the challenges of the pandemic, I would like to update you more fully on what I have been working on as representative of Lethbridge-East.
This legislative session began way back on February 22 with a Speech from the Throne and has been extraordinarily busy since then. There have been 23 Government Bills presented to the Assembly and 6 Private Members Bills. I also had an opportunity to present my Private Members Motion, 507. While we don’t have space to go through all of them here, the following are just a few that have some special impact for people living in Lethbridge specifically. The first was Bill 1, Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Recognition Act, put forward in recognition of Her Majesty’s 70 years as Sovereign over the Commonwealth. It is an incredible achievement and one that all Canadians should celebrate together. Bill 5, the Traffic Safety Amendment Act, requires traffic to slow down to 60km/h in all lanes when a worker’s vehicle lights are flashing. Bill 6, the Emblems of Alberta Amendment Act, recognizes southern Alberta’s ammolite as a special emblem in Alberta.
We also have a number of Acts that very practically address issues I’ve heard about from my constituents in Lethbridge. Bill 9, the Public’s Right to Know Act makes it easier for everyone to find crime data online, including annual reports. Bill 11, the Continuing Care Act will help create consistency across the province for those in continuing care by providing requirements for regular inspections and reports, with monetary penalties for non-compliance. This need was particularly highlighted by the pressures of the pandemic. Bill 19, the Condominium Property Amendment Act will increase the efficiency and fairness of condominium laws, making it easier and clearer for condo boards to find resolution to common problems.
I would also like to highlight Bill 205, the Human Tissue and Organ Donation (Mandatory Referral) Amendment
Act, which seeks to increase the number of viable organ donors saving lives in Alberta. This is a Private Members Bill (as opposed to a Government Bill) brought forward by MLA
RJ Sigurdson from Highwood. We have a very immediate connection with this bill through the Humbolt Bronco’s tragedy and Logan
Boulet’s heroic organ donation.
His donation saved six lives and started the Logan Boulet Effect and
Green Shirt Day, raising awareness for and increasing the number of organ donors in Canada by more than 200,000 people and counting!
In terms of specific case files for
Lethbridge, I have been working on funding and support for having a Child Psychiatrist here in the city.
Our previous one sadly passed away last year – leaving a gaping hole and a huge need in our services. I’ve also been working to address contracts and wages for
Counselling Therapists and Community Disability Workers. These incredible individuals face a high demand for specialized services in
Lethbridge, as we are the largest hub in the south and many, many families and individuals either travel or relocate to Lethbridge to meet their needs. If you know someone who works in these services, please thank them for their selfless care for others and their huge hearts!
I continue to serve in my role as Parliamentary Secretary on Water Stewardship for the Minister of Environment and Parks. This has represented numerous meetings with stakeholders to discuss, research and learn about a number of complex and often contentious, yet serious issues related to water usage and protection. We all know that water is essential to life and the demands and requests for its uses can sometimes seem to overwhelm our supply - as we saw in the South last year through the drought. Making sure that we carefully and responsibly debate and plan for the future before we hit another crisis is incredibly important. It is a privilege and honour to speak to so many individuals and stakeholders who work safely and responsibly to manage water all across the province. From our First Nations Water Operators to our Peat Moss industry, the diversity and specialty is amazing. I am thankful once again that we live in the wonderful province of Alberta.
Even with all these things proceeding, there is still more work to do. The high cost of utilities is of utmost importance to address. We’ve responded with some help for electricity costs, ($150 for most rate payers), a natural gas price protection plan and the removal of the provincial $0.135 gasoline tax.
This is more than any other provincial government to date – but for many, it’s still not enough. These issues have been further exacerbated by record inflation and increased taxation by the federal Liberal government in their high spending policy and increase of the carbon tax. The carbon tax is designed to increase costs on those who use fossil fuels – and we need to remember that energy is a commodity every day Albertans need to heat their homes and drive their cars. I am committed to continually addressing the root causes of these pressures on individuals in Lethbridge and seeking meaningful solutions to the extent that we are able at a provincial level.
I will conclude this article with looking forward to the positives. Our economy is truly beginning to strengthen, with the lowest unemployment numbers since 2015. Our agricultural sector is strong with huge investments and infrastructure growth represented by the twinning of Highway #3 and the expansion of irrigation storage. Construction, manufacturing and trucking industries are all growing and thriving, which means more jobs here in the south. And finally, our housing and tourism markets appear to be on track for record-setting years as well.
As always, I want to thank you, Lethbridge, for the privilege of serving and I look forward to 2022 being the best year yet!