MLA report May 19

There are certain things that happen in your life that are so meaningful that it is hard to put words to the experience. I can honestly say that for me having my children, holding my grandmother in my arms as she passed away, and celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary are at the top of my list of moments that I will not only treasure, but that keep me grounded every day, especially after the great privilege of being elected to this legislature.
My family and I are avid volunteers, and we are always humbled when people give time out of their busy schedules to help with a cause, or to fund raise for local programs. This past weekend in the beautiful and diverse constituency of Chestermere-Rocky View over 1200 people came together to fundraise for their northern neighbours in Fort McMurray and other surrounding affected wildfire areas. People from all over the constituency and elsewhere donated items for our Silent Auction and there was spirited bidding as people opened their wallets and their hearts to our fellow Albertans. We have all watched the footage, seen the pictures, and lived every moment of this fire through the media and through the eyes of our Leader, Brian Jean, the honourable member from Fort McMurray – Conklin, and Tany Yao, the honourable member from Fort McMurray – Wood Buffalo. They received a hero’s welcome in our little city of Chestermere, and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, Fort Mac—Chestermere-Rocky View has your back.
I would like to share with you some of the community members that came together to bring this fundraiser to life in 5 days. My husband Malkeet Aheer gathered 50 or so volunteers along with some very good friends: Alex Halat of the Chestermere Langdon Oilmen’s Association who donates time and energy to a variety of fundraisers most notably The Longest Hockey Game where he raises money for the Children’s Hospital, Jed Snatic, a local entrepreneur and community leader, Patrick Watson and the Knights of Columbus, The Chestermere Recreation Centre, and Synergy, led by Patricia Sproule who said so perfectly that there was an unprecedented response to the call for volunteers. My office staff is still collecting items to donate to relief efforts. This is how Albertans get things done. We are resilient, thoughtful, and generous. People who donated on May 13th are having a hard time making ends meet, have lost their jobs, and they are hurting. Yet with a few calls and a few days, the City of Chestermere, Langdon, Indus, Springbank, Bearspaw, and other communities could not wait to help. We are proud Albertans, and we are proud because we take care of our neighbours without prompting. I am so honoured to call this province my home, and my fellow Albertans my family. I cannot thank you enough.
We are now offering Commissioner For Oaths services in the Constituency Office. This is a free service to the constituency. Please call ahead and ask for Pete or Nicole and they will be happy to accommodate you or let you know if you need the services of a Lawyer and/or Notary.