MLA report June 30

Hello Chestermere! Another interesting week has come and gone. I had the great privilege of attending the Aboriginal Day Potluck Supper in Redwood Meadows. In addition to delicious food, great company, and an inspiring and funny speech from Dr. Michael Lickers (a Canadian Forces veteran, educator, and member of the Turtle Clan of the Mohawk Confederacy), we were treated to some truly amazing artwork, poetry, and Creator Sticks by the students at Banded Peak School. They have granted us permission to display some of it here in our office on the Art Wall. Please drop in and check it out.
We have enjoyed seeing the city of Chestermere empty out onto our pathways, and into the lake. This time of year is special and I have always enjoyed the summer transformation of our city. As we see our students finishing off their exams, and heading off to their summer activities and jobs, I see the concern in the faces of parents and families wondering what the future holds for our kids, our families and future generations. The Government seems to think it can borrow its way to prosperity, and the most frustrating part of that sense of entitlement is that we do not teach this to our kids, and we as a culture in Alberta are very proud of our ability to balance our budgets and live within our means. This practice has gotten us through previous downturns and given us the ability to ramp up when the economic tide has turned. As most of you know we are fierce advocates for special needs and vulnerable populations and the needed programs and assistance that our province is able to provide to these amazing individuals. The road through applications, grant funding, wait times and acceptance for entry into programs can be overwhelming to a parent caught in the red tape of helping our children, and believe me it taps right into your very soul. Albertans at the very core are giving, compassionate and thoughtful people. Did you know that we as a province contribute more per capita in donations than anywhere else in the world? This is because we know how unbelievably fortunate we are. We have worked so incredibly hard to become successful, but to also aid in the success of our neighbors, and to participate in that success. We are the economic engine of our country. Whether they work in energy, agriculture, forestry or other sectors of our economy the Albertans I meet are amazing people. I will never understand the Government’s desire to tear down the industries that have built this province, or blatant disregard for the people of this truly exceptional province. Albertans are not afraid to adapt. We thrive on adaptation. We are not afraid to accept. We are built on our uniqueness of our people, our acceptance of culture, diversity, our inclusiveness, and our generosity. Can we do better and should we do better? Yes and yes. That should always be the goal. We rise to that. Albertans always have.
I will be singing the National Anthem and performing at 10:30 July 1st in Redwood meadows and here in Chestermere starting with birthday cake in the Library at 1 PM. We live in the greatest province in the greatest country in the world and I hope to see you at one of these events as we celebrate Canada Day.