LOOKING AHEAD
– Hatters give their outlook on 2021
Despite the challenges 2020 presented, my UCP colleagues worked hard this year to keep the promises we made during the election. Alberta’s legislature was the busiest legislature in Canada and we finished the most recent session having passed 50 pieces of legislation that will make life better in Medicine Hat, protect lives and livelihoods, and support Alberta’s Recovery Plan.
While working to protect Albertans from COVID-19, we also worked hard to make life better for families and businesses. Among other important pieces of legislation, we passed the Protecting Survivors of Human Trafficking Act to fight the scourge of human trafficking and better protect and empower survivors. We passed the Choice in Education Act, honoring our commitment to enshrine in legislation that parents, not politicians, should have the right to choose the kind of education their children receive. And amended the Vital Statistics Act to ensure convicted sex offenders cannot change their names and hide in our communities.
I proudly led Alberta’s Firearms Advisory Committee and worked with law-abiding farmers, hunters and sportshooters to craft sensible policies that reflect the needs of Alberta’s firearms owners. I also introduced Bill 211 that will amend the Municipal Government Act to state that municipalities do not have the power to pass laws on firearms unless authorized by the province.
2021 will be a year of recovery and opportunity for Alberta. With rapid testing for COVID-19 being expanded across the province, more 25,00 doses of the vaccine already on route to Alberta, and health-care workers being immunized daily, we will turn the tide of the pandemic.
Alberta’s government will continue fighting to secure a fair deal for Alberta. The
Fair Deal Panel submitted 25 recommendations to give Alberta a stronger position within the Canadian confederation. We have already acted on many of these recommendations, including working to establish a provincial chief firearms officer and committing to holding a referendum on equalization in the fall of 2021.
This Christmas season, please take some time to reflect on the positive moments that occurred throughout the year. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas.