2026 Spring Session Recap with MLA Elmeligi

Spring session is now in the rear-view mirror and it’s good to be home, back in the best riding in Alberta! The government passed 17 pieces of legislation this spring. There wasn’t time for me to debate them all as the UCP limited debate, but I tried my best to represent you all on the bills that had the most direct impact to our riding.

Throughout this session, the government focused on areas that don’t reflect the true priorities of many Albertans. Instead of concentrating on improving our healthcare system, affordability, the environment, and other key issues, the government made decisions that include cutting supports for seniors, fueling separatism, changing democratic processes, and introducing one of the largest deficits in Alberta’s history. Below, I’ll focus on how I represented our constituents in some key pieces of legislation; you can watch my debate on these issues on my YouTube channel.

Key Updates

Electoral Boundaries and Gerrymandering Concerns
After over a year of thorough public consultation, the independent Electoral Boundaries Commission provided their recommended changes for riding boundaries. Traditionally, the commission’s majority report is adopted.

However, the government has opened the door to alternative approaches, attempting to advance a minority report that re-draws boundaries in a way that favours a UCP majority, undermining democratic fairness.

The government struck a Select Special Committee on Electoral Boundaries composed of MLAs with a UCP majority membership who will work with an appointed panel to draw riding boundaries; there will be no public consultation. This illegitimate process risks trust in democratic processes. Voters should choose their politicians, not the other way around. The outcome of this process has the potential to greatly impact our riding configuration, and I will be working with my colleagues to understand how I can best serve our communities in the future.

Major Data Breach
On April 30, Albertans were informed of one of the largest data breaches in Canadian history. A third-party separatist organization, the “Centurion Project,” exposed nearly 3 million voter records through an illegal online database.

This breach put many Albertans at risk, particularly individuals experiencing domestic violence, as well as public figures, lawyers, and police officers.

Senior government staff were present at a meeting where the data was illegally shared, but did not report it. As soon as we were made aware of this leak, we notified the RCMP.

The Premier has not taken meaningful action to address this issue. Additionally, previously passed legislation (Bill 54) limits Elections Alberta’s ability to investigate matters like this.

If you are concerned, we have created a toolkit to help you protect yourself: www.albertandpcaucus.ca/public/download/files/339784

Major Bills

Throughout the legislative session, several controversial bills were introduced, many of which could have long-term impacts on constituents throughout Banff-Kananaskis, and all Albertans.

Bill 30: Accelerating Major Project Approvals
This bill aims to speed up approvals for major projects by requiring decisions within 120 days. I support increased efficiencies in project approvals and a 120-day approval window. The Minister has assured Albertans that all Environmental Impact Assessments and First Nations consultation must be completed before a project can enter into the 120-approval stream. That is not reflected in the legislation, which leaves it up to the Minister to decide if the EIA and consultation is adequate. I will be watching new major project approvals closely to make sure that all new projects align with the needs of Albertans and don’t put the cost of future liabilities on the next generation.

Bill 25: An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms and Amend the Education Act, 2026
This bill is presented as removing politics and ideology from classrooms. However, it may increase stress and uncertainty for teachers, who may worry about whether doing their job could lead to consequences.

Importantly, it does not address the root issues behind last fall’s historic teachers’ strike, including overcrowded classrooms and insufficient resources.

Bill 28: Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act
If passed, Bill 28 would give the Minister of Municipal Affairs greater control over local decisions. This could affect libraries and many other municipal services, representing a significant level of provincial overreach into local governance. There are very concerning parts of this bill that impact senior lodge capital funding, aggregate pit mining, land use planning, and even community design codes. Putting the final say on these decisions in the hands of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, rather than town councils who have robust public consultation processes in place, is egregious and will wrap municipalities up in red tape with complicated approval processes.

I am incredibly frustrated by this government’s continual overreach into municipal politics.

Key Concerns

Throughout the session, the government has stated it is improving life for Albertans. However, several serious concerns remain:

The undermining of the democratic processes
Ministerial over-reach into municipal processes, undermining evidence-based decision making, and amassing power in the Premier’s and Minister’s offices
Lack of transparency and accountability
Cuts to important programs with a large impact across Ministries.

If you have questions or concerns about any legislation from this session, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Looking Ahead

I’m home, traveling across the riding and connecting with you all summer long! Expect to see me at various community events from vibrant farmers’ markets to local festivals and BBQs. Summer is the best time for us to chat under the Alberta sunshine and catch up. If you see me out and about, say hi!

Summer is also my time to get out and enjoy our mountains and foothills hiking, biking, and climbing. I also love my vegetable and flower garden. I look forward to learning your gardening tips and tricks and favourite outside activities. Our region offers so many opportunities to connect and enjoy the summer season.

I’ve heard from many of you that it can sometimes feel like your voices don’t make a difference, but they truly do. I am truly grateful for you all. Representing you in the legislature remains the greatest honour of my career.

Please feel free to get in touch if there’s a community event you think I should attend.

Sarah Elmeligi

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