It’s hard to believe it’s March already! I hope you are all looking forward to the first signs of spring as much as I am. Legislature is now in full swing, but before we took our seats at the end of February, I had the opportunity to visit with many of you during my MLA on Tour stops across the riding. I’m grateful to everyone who shared their concerns, ideas, and hopes for our communities. Your voices guide my work, and I am bringing those conversations with me into this spring session.

Budget 2026: Accountability and Advocacy
As the Shadow Minister for Environment and Protected Areas, one of my key responsibilities during budget debates is to scrutinize the government’s spending plans and ensure we are doing everything we can to protect Alberta’s environment, forests, parks, and tourism. I remain committed to pushing for transparency from our ministries and advocating for the priorities, rights, and wellbeing of my constituents and all other Albertans.

Environment
All Seasons Resorts Act & Kananaskis Boundary Changes Many of you have expressed deep concern about the recent boundary changes made in Kananaskis Country to accommodate all-season resort development. These changes occurred without public consultation, enabled by the All Seasons Resorts Act passed during the fall sitting.

I will continue pressing the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas to recognize that the land designated for resort development is critical wildlife habitat, including for grizzly bears, and must be protected accordingly. If you wish to provide feedback on the newest proposed all-season resort development in Kananaskis, you can do so here: www.alberta.ca/all-season-resorts-public-notice-form?application_number=ASR-FORTRESS-2025

Forestry
Wildfire season is approaching and, as we have seen in recent years, rising temperatures and low precipitation are driving more extreme fire activity across the province. I will continue pressing the Minister of Forestry and Parks to ensure that meaningful, evidence-based FireSmart investments are made to protect our forests, homes, and communities. Preparedness now will determine how resilient we are in the months ahead.

Tourism
During budget debates for Tourism and Sport, I have continued advocating for policies that support sustainable tourism in Banff–Kananaskis. Our riding welcomes millions of visitors each year, and local communities bear a large share of this load. Our municipalities deserve adequate provincial support to manage tourism pressures without placing disproportionate burdens on local taxpayers.

Energy & Minerals
Another area of focus for me remains holding the government accountable for its shifting approach to coal development. The renewed interest in coal exploration at Grassy Mountain in the Eastern Slopes raises serious concerns about selenium contamination, habitat destruction, and long-term environmental harm. Albertans deserve a stable, forward-looking energy strategy — one that invests in clean, renewable energy and provides good-paying jobs, rather than revisiting coal policies that put our landscapes and watersheds at risk.

2026 Budget: What Are Your Questions?
All of your concerns are important to me as I enter budget estimates in this new legislative session. If you have questions, feedback, or issues you’d like raised, please send them to my office — your input directly shapes the questions I bring forward to Ministers. banff.kananaskis@ assembly.ab.ca

Looking Back on February: On the Road
I hope you all had a wonderful February filled with fun, family, and friends. I certainly did, with many great opportunities to connect with constituents. Last month included three MLA on Tour stops — in Bragg Creek, Harmony, and Bottrel — where I gained a deeper understanding of the concerns and priorities of those communities. I also had the pleasure of meeting new faces, from community events, to dedicated farmers at a sheep farm in the northeastern part of our riding. I look forward to continuing these conversations during constituency weeks, which allow me to return home during session and stay closely connected with all of you. If I didn’t see you in February, come say hi at Mabel & Marie’s in Bragg Creek on March 3rd or join me for an easy hike in Lowery Park near Millarville on March 21st!

Join Us for Sarah’s Spring Fling – March 28!
Now for the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Our annual Spring Fling is returning for its third year on Saturday, March 28th, at artsPlace in Canmore! This evening is all about setting politics aside and enjoying community — with music, dancing, connection, and support for local families. This year, we are raising funds for three food banks serving Banff–Kananaskis communities. We’ll also 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. Please RSVP for yourself and your group here: https://tr.ee/Apb__dvU9Q

Wishing You a Sunny and Prosperous March
I hope the month ahead brings you sunshine, joy, and meaningful time with loved ones — especially as spring break approaches for school-aged kids. Thank you, as always, for sharing your thoughts with me and for being the best riding in the province. It is truly an honour to serve you.

Sarah Elmeligi

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