Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As I am writing these words, I can’t help but feel one thing: Summer is finally here! (For this 5 minutes anyway). I am filled with so much excitement and gratitude to be back home after my first legislative session. This past season has been a whirlwind of activity, from spirited debates to productive discussions, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be back in Banff- Kananskis, truly, the most beautiful riding in all of Alberta.
Every Monday, bright and early, I drove up from Canmore, filled with a sense of purpose, coffee, and all the brilliant ideas you’ve shared with me over emails, phone calls, and chats in the street. Each Thursday evening, I eagerly drove home, counting down the kilometers until I could see my family and be back in the rolling slopes of the foothills and the forests of the mountains. Coming home is so grounding. Spending my weekends at events and chatting with you has kept me sane and reminded time and again why the work I’m doing is important – it’s all about serving you. There really is no place like home, and I am ecstatic to be spending this summer in our vibrant communities.
Just because May was the last month of legislature, doesn’t mean I can just phone-it-in. One of the key issues I addressed this session was the UCP’s mishandling of funding for the Kananaskis Pass and land use planning. With the May Long weekend behind us, it’s clear how these missteps impact our enjoyment of Alberta’s great outdoors. We need to be preserving our natural spaces and ensuring that all Albertans can experience the beauty of Kananaskis without undue burden.
Water, as we all know, is the lifeblood of our province. I continued to put pressure on the Minister regarding drought response and preparedness. While there was some progress in the form of historic water sharing agreements, these agreements should be activated sooner, enforced, and monitored more effectively.
The last month in legislature was busy passing bills, many of which were concerning for many of us. Bills 18, 20, and 21 centralize power in the Premier’s office in ways that I, and many of you, aren’t comfortable with. We pushed back hard against these autocratic pieces of legislation that will drown Albertans in red tape, and will continue to follow the development of regulations closely.
Looking ahead, June promises to be just as fun. I am particularly excited about heading to Cremona for “Drawing Insight: A Day for Convergence about H20.” This event will be a fantastic opportunity for us to continue learning and working on drought issues. I hope to see many of you there, as we share insights and develop strategies to safeguard our water resources.
With the arrival of warmer weather, I’ll be out and about, knocking on doors and meeting as many of you as possible. There’s nothing like face-to-face conversations to understand your concerns and share a laugh or two. Plus, it’s a perfect excuse to enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful landscapes that make our riding so special. If you have a community event this summer, let me know. I’d love to soak in some sunshine with you. I’ll also be doing more Trail Days with Sarah, which combine my two favourite things – talking to you and hiking.
As we dive into this wonderful season, I am grateful for the opportunity to represent such an engaged and passionate community. Here’s to a summer filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Sarah Elmeligi
