MLA UPDATE – SARAH ELMELIGI – Banff-Kananaskis – Oct 2025

Listening to Banff-Kananaskis
Over the summer, my team and I went door knocking 32 times in 9 different towns/villages/hamlets! We also attended dozens of events from one end of the riding to the other. We have spoken with thousands of you and every conversation has been a gift! Thank you to everyone who opened their door, stopped us on the street, or chatted with us as a market or community event. Every single one of these conversations helps prepare me for heading back to the legislature at the end of this month.

As students went back to school, I started hearing more concerns about Alberta’s education system. Parents are worried about overcrowded classrooms, the looming teachers’ strike, and the government’s controversial book ban. I hear you and I share your concerns.

The State of Public Education in Alberta
Alberta has the lowest funding per student than any other province in the country. I am dismayed that this truth is not the biggest issue in Education that the government is addressing. This chronic underfunding has led to overcrowded classrooms, stretched resources, and burnt-out staff. Teachers are reporting a lack of support for students with complex needs, and growing frustration with the conditions they face. Despite rising enrolment and inflation, the government’s education budget falls nearly a billion dollars short of what’s needed to meet basic needs and bring Alberta up to the Canadian average per student (2020/2021 Statistics Canada). While private school funding is expected to increase over 30% by 2028 (GOA), parents and educators alike are calling for meaningful investment in public schools to ensure every child in Alberta has what they need to thrive. My colleagues and I continue to advocate for adequate funding for public schools and to ensure all students have access to the high-quality education they need to set our province up for success.

Looming Teachers’ Strike
Unless a fair deal can be reached, Alberta is facing a provincewide teachers’ strike set to begin on October 6, 2025 – one of the biggest strikes in its history. Hopefully by the time you read this, a resolution will have been found because the reality of over 50,000 teachers walking off the job would significantly impact students and families. The government’s September offer was rejected by the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), and educators say they’ve had enough. Teachers are demanding improvements to classroom conditions and a salary that keeps pace with inflation, after years of stagnant wages. Teachers’ working conditions are our students’ learning conditions, and it’s time this government takes urgent action to address both.

The Book Ban Controversy
Rather than address the real challenges our teachers and students are facing, the government chose to deflect and distract with a book ban. A ministerial order issued earlier this year claimed to target the removal “explicit sexual content” from schools was met with widespread criticism. The initial guideline included books with written descriptions of sexual acts which led to the removal of over 220 titles from school libraries in one district, including many classics and previously required reading materials. We all agree that material in school libraries should be age appropriate, but that is why we have librarians and school boards who use their expertise to review all materials provided. Critics point out the policy lacked transparency and educational input; the policy also disproportionately affects 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC authors. My colleagues and I will continue to push the government for funding to hire more librarians, teachers, and educational assistants who can guide students in thoughtful, age-appropriate exploration of literature.

Your Voice Matters
Making your voice heard starts with casting your vote. On October 20, 2025, residents across Banff-Kananaskis will elect municipal leaders who shape decisions on infrastructure, services, and community development. Yet voter turnout remains low. Bill 50: the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, was introduced to the Legislative Assembly on April 8, 2025. The Bill enacts a wide range of changes to the Municipal Government Act (MGA), and the Local Authorities Elections Act (LAEA). To learn more about how the policy affects rural municipalities, visit Alberta Municipalities: abmunis.ca and Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA): rmaalberta.com.

Your vote helps ensure local decisions reflect your values. Whether you live in a rural hamlet or a mountain town, your perspective matters. Municipal elected officials are important decision makers and often tasked with making decisions that impact your daily lives. I encourage you to get out and vote and make sure your elected municipal councils are there to represent your interests. Good luck to all the good folks running. It takes courage to step up for this kind of public service and I am so appreciative of everyone who has thrown their hat in the ring. Whoever wins, I look forward to working with you to serve the good people of our communities to the best of our abilities.

Sarah Elmeligi