March means two important things: Spring is around the corner and legislature is back in session! As the weeks get warmer, I’ll be spending the next three months back and forth between Edmonton and the constituency. We can never be sure what Mother Nature has in store for us (this is Alberta after all!), but most signs are pointing to an early, dry spring. The little snow we do have isn’t going to last long as the sun spends more time in the sky.
While I hope you all get out and enjoy the coming season, these conditions will continue to focus my work as your MLA on making sure we can protect our homes, our forests, our agriculturalists, and our health from upcoming wildfires and this prolonged multi-year drought. The Official Opposition caucus is ready to extend all efforts to work with the government in protecting the lives and wellbeing of everyone in this province.
At the end of January, I attended a drought resiliency workshop focused on preparing communities and agricultural producers for the dry year ahead. I’m meeting with watershed groups and local producers to discuss how we apply the things I learned to our local area. We’re also working to define what kinds of government supports we may need as the year progresses.
Our legislature session will start with a few weeks of debate around our provincial budget. I’ve been connecting with stakeholders across our riding to assess what Banff-Kananaskis needs to see in the provincial budget – wildfire and drought resilience, more healthcare professionals, tourism related infrastructure, and, as always, government accountability and transparency.
We’re going to be addressing some challenging issues in legislature this spring. The new trans policies put forward by the UCP are concerning to many. Doctors and members of our LGBTQ2S+ community are concerned about the safety of trans youth, and so am I. I have also heard from parents who are in support of these policies. I am available to speak with anyone in our riding who would like to discuss this further. I remain resolute to ensure that all human rights are protected and I believe this complex discussion is best left to doctors, parents and their children. My colleagues and I will continue to stand up for the human rights of every Albertan.
We’ve also heard support for Bill 205, the Housing Security Act, put forward by fellow opposition MLA Janis Irwin. As a reminder, the Bill proposes an immediate cap on rent increases of two per cent per year for two years. I believe it’s imperative the government step in to address the housing crisis now before more people lose their homes and more families are stuck without a place to rent. This bill is the first step in addressing a housing crisis, and I hope it will be the start of tangible options that ensure all Albertans have access to a home that is safe and affordable.
As it’s budget month, I’m swamped with preparatory work and meetings with stakeholders. Due to this and Easter holidays at the end of March, I’ll only have one MLA on Tour stop this month, but it’s going to be a fun one! Let’s get outside and hit the trails! Trails Day with Sarah will be on March 23. Join Max (my friendly great dane) and me at at Troll Falls trailhead in Kananaskis at 11am for a short hike and conversation! Everyone is welcome, just remember all your hiking gear and snacks! Please register with our office if you plan to join us: Banff.kananaskis@assembly.ab.ca
We had a great series of stops this past month! It was lovely to enjoy coffee with many of you at Creekers Bistro in Bragg Creek. I also enjoyed meeting with the Harmony Lane Community Association and making stops at the Beaupre and Square Butte community halls! A nice perk to this job, alongside getting to meet so many constituents, is visiting the small, yet beautiful and thriving communities that dot this part of the country.
Even though I’m away from the constituency more often during legislature, our office is always open for visitors and to serve our community!
Sarah Elmeligi
