November in Banff-Kananaskis: After the Referendum, Our Work Continues

Dear neighbours,
Over the past few weeks, the referendum has been the talk of the riding. I heard your concerns at farmers’ markets, the post office, at Save-On, and in emails. Now the results are in!

The people of Alberta have spoken with a resounding YES TO REMAINING IN CANADA! I am elated at this result, as I know many of you are. I was not surprised by these results and still maintain that this was a flagrant waste of more than $200M worth of resources, especially at a time when cost of living and affordability are the biggest issues you’re sharing with me.

Our province is stronger as part of this country. Our communities are so connected to our neighbours across Canada and are better off for it. At the same time, the nine referendum questions were supported by many Albertans. When I dug a little deeper, I found that in our riding, these 9 questions were not supported. To me, this means that there is not a clear mandate on these issues for the government to move forward in a way that addresses how Albertans feel. I am reminded that it is my job to represent the people of Banff-Kananaskis and their views, and that is what I will continue to do.

I want to thank everyone who took the time to mark a ballot, whichever way you voted. In our riding I saw neighbours waiting in line at the polling station together and having hard conversations with kindness. That kindness matters and I truly believe it characterizes our riding.

The Results Are Not the Finish Line
I don’t want to overstate what this historic referendum result means. It is good news that separation resoundingly rejected, but this is also not the end of the story. The UCP has clearly demonstrated to Albertans that there is a strong separatist movement within their riding, which they will have to navigate over the coming months. I remain steadfast in my priority to represent you and to champion the needs of Albertans: affordability, cost of living, access to healthcare, and for our riding a strong environmental stewardship ethic while strategically planning tourism and economic growth. The result of the vote does not change that.

The ideas behind separation didn’t disappear on referendum night. I expect the Government to introduce policies and legislation this fall that will push immigration and constitutional reform forward. I will review these with a critical eye and your input will be welcomed! I expect some of the referendum results will be reflected in legislation, budgets, and decisions made far from the people who actually live with their implications. I say this not to scare anyone but to emphasize the importance of staying engaged. I believe Albertans deserve to know that the good fight is not over and we need to keep showing up just like we did on October 19.

What I’ll be Watching in the Legislature
A “yes” vote to any of the 9 referendum questions is not a blank cheque. Afterall, the results for many of the questions were incredibly close. Many of you voted yes because you want something specific. You want better services or more say in decisions that affect your lives. You want government to work for you. That is a fair thing to expect.

My job as your MLA and as Shadow Minister for Environment and Parks is to watch closely how those results are put into practice. I will ask the hard questions in the legislature. I will ask how decisions will be made and who will be at the table. I will ask what it will cost and who will pay. My goal isn’t to oppose for the sake of opposing. It’s to pose questions, offer practical alternatives, and make sure the people of Banff-Kananaskis have a voice in the room.

How You Can Keep This Going
If you’re wondering what you can do now, the answer is simple: stay involved. You don’t need to run for office or become an expert. You can write to your MLA, attend a local meeting or talk with a neighbour who sees things differently. Small acts add up, especially in a riding as connected as ours. Let’s see if we can sew back the places where division has taken hold and appreciate our incredible communities that are filled with dedicated, passionate, Albertans.

I’d also like to hear from you. What did this referendum bring up for you? What worries you as we head into winter, and what gives you hope? My office is here to help with provincial matters, and I’m always glad to listen, whether you have a question, a concern, or an idea about what we should be working on together. You can reach out the way you always have.

Warmly,

Dr. Sarah Elmeligi
MLA, Banff-Kananaskis

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