I love summer. From one side of our riding to the other, the season is filled with fun community events, BBQ’s and gatherings under the sun, laughter, and quality time spent with friends and family. My goal this summer is to partake in as many events across our riding as possible. These community events serve as a great way to meet you in a casual atmosphere where we can chat over a burger, and I can learn more about what’s important to you.
Since becoming your MLA, I have attended various community events and meetings in the MD of Foothills, Millarville, Bragg Creek, Waiparous Village, Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. At each of these events, I’ve been able to meet many folks – from locals who have lived in our riding for generations to young families who moved here in the last few months and everyone in between. We’ve talked about municipal tax structure, traffic on secondary highways, infrastructure projects, schools, recreational trail development, tourism events, and so much more. Each conversation I have with you helps me to understand and appreciate this riding even more. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to share a concern or thought or feedback of any kind.
People have asked me what it’s like being an MLA, what my average day is like. Here’s a glimpse and a few things I’ve learned already:
– I have driven more in the last 7 weeks than I have in several years and I’ve loved it. Our riding is beautiful, and I truly feel like the luckiest MLA in all of Alberta to live and work in this space.
– The most beautiful thing in this riding is not the mountains or the foothills – it’s the people. Creative, passionate, curious, and solution oriented, we like to work together, and we like to move forward. I already appreciate each of you for the talents, skills, and perspectives that you bring to our riding.
– Every single community has an awesome annual summer event that is worth attending. Whether it is a small village BBQ in Waiparous, opening a playground in Millarville, catching the tail end of the most attended Bragg Creek Days, or celebrating our Indigenous culture with Indigenous Peoples Day in Banff, it is so great to see our communities come together to celebrate and connect. It’s my pleasure to be a part of each of these events.
– I love being your champion. When I am meeting with decision makers around the riding, and in Edmonton, it is clear to me that the unique challenges that rural ridings face require different solutions than those in our major cities. You can count on me to have your back.
This job is fun and interesting… and intense. Its not all BBQs and farmers markets; there is serious work to do even during the dog days of summer. On July 23, I hosted a meeting with concerned constituents to discuss proposed logging west of the hamlet of Bragg Creek. I thank the 35 people who attended and am committed to carrying their shared concerns and recommendations forward to see if we can’t find a resolution to this serious challenge.
I’ve also been awarded the critic portfolio for Tourism, Sports, and Recreation and have already begun meeting with various stakeholders to discuss how tourism in Alberta can grow in ways that contribute to thriving small businesses, provide incredible experiences for visitors, and help protect the incredible landscapes and cultures that millions of people come to Alberta to enjoy.
I’ve also learned the importance of a good assistant and I’m excited to be welcoming Sean Tonelli to my team. Sean will be working as my Constituency Assistant and I’m sure it won’t be long until you meet him or chat with him on the phone. Sean’s first task will be helping me set up my office in Canmore. We’re moving in on July 31st to a great space on Main Street above the Re/Max office. As promised, I will also be creating a tour schedule that will involve me coming to your community. Sean and I will be posting that on my social media channels and in this paper next month.
Looking ahead to August, I will continue to attend as many events as I can so I can meet as many constituents as possible. You’ll find me at the Canmore Folk Fest and the Ghost Lake Regatta, as well as the Millarville and Priddis fair. If you see me, come over and say hi. I can’t wait to meet you. If you have an event, you’d like me attend, drop me an email and I’ll do my best.
Sarah Elmeligi
