New Year, New Opportunities to Connect and Reflect
Welcome to 2025! I can’t believe we’re saying that already. The past year feels like it’s gone by in a blur and whirlwind, and what a year it’s been. As we step into the New Year, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you. May this year bring health, happiness, and new opportunities for growth and connection. The start of a new year is always a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future, and I am honoured to share this journey with you as your MLA for Banff Kananaskis.
A Time to Reflect
This past year, and since becoming your MLA in May 2023, I have had the opportunity to spend invaluable time with many of you, listening and learning about what matters most to the people across our beautiful riding. People always ask me what it’s like to be MLA for a riding with such diverse communities as Banff-Kananaskis. I respond now the same way I responded in the election campaign – our differences make us stronger, more interesting, and vibrant, but what I see more is our literal common ground. Every single person living in Banff-Kananaskis has a love for the land we live, work, and play on. We all choose to live here because of the view out our kitchen window, the outdoor space (from gardening and cattle ranching to sitting on our deck with cool beverage in the summer), the recreational opportunities, and the amazing communities of like-minded folks. This connection unites us and focuses our attention in the same direction.
When I’m in the Legislature, I carry that love of the land with me. I stand to share your views on land use planning that retains this riding’s character, tourism management that provides economic opportunities while protecting our wildlife and forests, wildfire management and preparedness that keeps our communities safe, and continued recreational access that contributes to our healthy, active lifestyles. It was these priorities that I reflected when debating Bill 35, the all-season resorts act.
I also know that affordability, aging in place and senior supports, and keeping our taxes low is important to you. I reflected those priorities when debating Bill 32 (financial statutes amendments 2024). I know that you value transparency and accountability in government, and I spoke to that debating Bills 33 (Protection of Privacy Act) and 34 (Access to Information Act).
Check out my bill debate speeches on my YouTube Channel.
A Time to Look Ahead
January 1st is also a time when we traditionally make resolutions for the coming year. This is a moment to reflect on how we wish to grow and improve. Thinking of 2025, I’ve got a few resolutions as your MLA:
- Representing Your Concerns: I will continue to be your voice in the Legislature, advocating for what matters most to our communities. To improve on how I do that, I will search for new ways to connect with you. MLA on Tour is a great success, but in the New Year, you’ll see me back door knocking in our communities; meeting you where you are for short one-on-one chats to learn what’s important to you. I will also work with my staff to offer other ways for us to connect. Stay tuned!
- Championing Science-Based Decisions: As a biologist and Shadow Minister for the Environment and Protected Areas, I will use my expertise to push for policies grounded in science and focused on protecting our environment. You will see new and engaging ways for me to share this work with you. I’ll be hosting more regular multi-stakeholder meetings to make sure I’m working with the best available science. Working with my office staff and caucus colleagues, I’ll create more and better ways to communicate that with you. Standing up in Question Period will always be one way to hold a Minister accountable, but I’ll also endeavour to meet with Ministers more behind the scenes to work together in ways that serve you better.
- Building Collaborative Relationships: Regardless of what party we represent or who voted for us, every MLA represents and works for all Albertans. I’ve been building positive relationships with Ministers and other MLAs over the past year, and I resolve to build more collaboration this year. I believe that the best successes happen when we work together on some issues to better serve you.
Your thoughts, concerns, and ideas are always welcome, and I look forward to engaging with you in the months ahead. As we embrace the possibilities of this New Year, let’s continue to work together to build a better future. Happy New Year!
Sarah Elmeligi
