As we welcome February, I hope this finds you well, settling into the rhythm of a new year and enjoying the lengthening daylight. January has already brought many opportunities to reconnect with people and communities across our wide and beautiful riding, and I’m grateful for the warm welcomes, thoughtful conversations, and honest stories shared at every stop.

Spring Session coming soon!
At the end of February, the Alberta Legislature reconvenes, and I’m preparing for another full-on session. The government will be introducing the 2026 provincial budget in the last days of February, and I’ll be looking for ways that it should serve the families, workers, small businesses, and great communities across Banff-Kananaskis. The budget is a great opportunity to see if the concerns you’ve shared with me over the year are reflected in how our tax dollars are spent. If you see things in the budget that you like, or don’t like, let me know so I can share your perspectives in Edmonton.

My colleague Sarah Hoffman, Shadow Minister for Hospital and Surgical Health Facilities, will also be introducing Motion 506. Nearly a million Albertans are currently without a family doctor. Motion 506 calls for urgent, practical action to recruit and retain primary care practitioners. This motion is about ensuring that every Albertan, no matter where they live, has access to a family doctor and the continuity of care that keeps people healthy and communities strong.

What this motion aims to do is straightforward:

Recruit more health-care professionals
Ensure they stay in Alberta
Build a culture of respect so that frontline workers feel valued for the essential work they do

These are goals I believe resonate widely, especially in rural areas where access to care is often the most challenging.

Health Care in Our Riding: I Want to Hear From You
In Banff-Kananaskis, health-care challenges look different than in many other parts of the province. Our communities are spread out, public transit is limited, and local medical services are often hard to access. Residents tell me they struggle to get essential care close to home—from finding a family doctor to accessing vaccines or securing timely appointments.

People are also sharing broader concerns about how difficult the system can be to navigate. We’re hearing about missed or delayed diagnoses, medical errors, ongoing staffing shortages, and growing worries about the affordability and overall quality of care. Accessing specialist care can also be a challenge, and many residents face long wait times to get properly assessed or treated. All your stories and challenges help form what I share in legislature debate and how I advocate for your needs to my caucus as we define our platform.

Your voices help me advocate more effectively. If you are experiencing challenges accessing health services—or if you’ve had positive experiences that you want me to know about—I encourage you to share your story.

Your experiences matter. If you are comfortable doing so, please write to my office at banff.kananaskis@assembly.ab.ca so I can better understand the realities on the ground and bring your concerns forward.

Supporting Constituents Through the AISH-to-ADAP Transition
I also know many constituents have questions and concerns about the transition from AISH to the new ADAP program, including reductions in benefits. I am extremely concerned about how these cuts impact some of our most vulnerable Albertans. The changes to AISH will force many Albertans to live below the poverty line. I’ve heard from some of you already that these changes are forcing your adult children to stay at home or move back home because the literal cost of independence is too high. If you or someone you know is struggling with this change—whether you’re unsure how the new system applies to you or are having difficulty navigating it—my office is here to help. We can assist with information, paperwork, and connecting individuals to additional support when needed.

MLA on Tour back in 2026
January’s MLA on Tour events were so fun. Thank you to everyone who came out to share their concerns, ask me hard questions, and share new perspectives. In February, we’ve got more MLA on Tour dates and a Special Family Day Trails Day. Come on out and enjoy the sunshine and mountain air with me. Let’s chat! Keep an eye on my social media channels for upcoming dates and locations—I’d love to see you out there.

Save the Date! Sarah’s Spring Fling – March 28!
I’m thrilled to share that our annual Spring Fling is returning for its third year on March 28. This is a night to set politics aside and simply enjoy each other’s company—an evening of music, dancing, community connection, and support for local families.

This year’s event will raise funds for three foodbanks serving communities across Banff-Kananaskis. We’ll have three fantastic bands lighting up the stage: No Sudden Moves, The Ducks, and Northern Quarter. If you’re able, please bring three non-perishable food items for donation. I promise it’ll be a memorable night.

More information will be available soon, as well as a link to register!

Sarah Elmeligi

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