The first week back in the legislature has already been a blur, even though I spent most of October preparing. It’s kind of like the first day of school. Everyone is wearing their new outfits, the air is a little electric, and there are big smiles as we all sit down in our big green chairs and prepare for another few months of serving Albertans through vigorous debate over meaningful legislation. I had a busy summer connecting with our vibrant Banff-Kananaskis communities, and now it’s time for me to take all of those conversations and ideas forward. Throughout October, I dedicated my time to engaging with stakeholders, constituents, councilors, mayors, and reeves to ensure that I had the information I need to represent your voices effectively. These conversations are the fuel for every moment that I stand in the legislature and say: “The people of Banff-Kananaskis are telling me…”. I remain humbled by the privilege of serving each and every resident across our amazing riding again this fall.
Being MLA is job with two very different parts – one in the constituency with you, and one in the legislature representing you. Until December, my schedule shifts dramatically. On Monday mornings, I drive up to Edmonton and on Thursday evenings, I return home. Those 3 days at home are my opportunity to reconnect with my family, meet with local stakeholders, and share a coffee with you. During session, my availability is a bit more limited – it affects how often I can participate in local events, including my MLA on Tour gatherings. Don’t worry though! MLA on Tour will still happen every second week in a different community, and I am looking forward to attending all the Holiday Markets in our communities (where I will probably spend way too much money again). I’m also planning to door knock in combination with my MLA on Tour dates. So there will still be plenty of opportunities to connect and chat. Please don’t be shy if you see me around your community. Connecting with constituents is what keeps me grounded during legislature session and reminds me why I do what I do.
During my time in session away from my home and office in Canmore, I heavily rely on my dedicated staff, Sean and Joan, to keep me connected with the needs of our constituents. As new legislation is introduced in the session, I greatly appreciate receiving emails from Albertans sharing their thoughts and concerns. These communications are invaluable and are occasionally shared in the legislature, allowing me to represent your interests effectively and often prompting discussions in the legislature.
In my new role as Shadow Minister for Environment & Protected Areas, my focus will remain aligned with my previous priorities: drought and flood mitigation/ management, wildlife management including the protection of grizzly bears due to the changes to the Alberta Wildlife Act earlier this year, and climate action that creates high paying jobs and protects the Alberta wilderness that we all love. This broad portfolio often crosses over ministries, and as such, I expect to be working closely with my colleagues Jodi Stonehouse-Calahoo, the Shadow Minister for Forestry and Parks, and Nagwan Al-Guneid, the Shadow Minister for Energy and Minerals, to continue to hold this government accountable. From logging in Kananaskis to the Alberta Energy Regulator, and from the proposed construction of new dams to recreation management – we will work together to always build a better Alberta.
Looking ahead, the Alberta government has announced several key pieces of legislation that we will be debating this session. Among the proposals are changes to the Alberta Bill of Rights, which include amendments addressing vaccination rights, property rights with legal due process, and the right to acquire and use firearms safely. The Government has also committed to introducing legislation associated with their Trans Policy announced earlier this year; we expect these changes to cover Education, Health, and Tourism and Sport Ministries. We’ve also seen policy direction around even more restrictions for development of renewable energy, public consultation for the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan, and an Alberta Nature Strategy. All of these pieces are an opportunity for me to share your needs, so let them be known! Every email you send my office is filed away and drawn upon in my bill debates in the legislature. Tell me what you need, think, and want to see for our present and future.
As we embark on this fall session, I remain committed to ensuring that your voices are heard loud and clear in the legislature. Together, we will work towards a future that respects our communities and the diverse needs of all Albertans. Thank you to everyone who has emailed, come to an MLA on Tour, or nabbed me at a public event. I truly enjoy chatting with all of you and feel grateful for the amazing, hard-working, passionate Albertans that I am fortunate enough to represent. Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we navigate this important work ahead.
Sarah Elmeligi
