Hello Chestermere Strathmore,
I want to send out a couple of thank you’s for some incredible work and events happening around the riding. I am so blown away by how amazing our constituency is, and I’m so humbled by our folks’ work ethic and resilience in this beautiful province. Thank you to the many amazing small businesses, farmers, and ranchers who came together for this beautiful Gourmet Farm event. Thank you to Paul Weaver, Poplar Bluff Organics, Winter’s Turkeys, Sylvan Star Cheese, Curious Fish, Feel Good MicroGreens, Whispering Cedars Ranch, Field Stone Fruit Winery, and our host Carrots by Cam. The weather was beautiful, the atmosphere magic, and the company outstanding. My son Akesh and I truly enjoyed adding music to the evening.
I want to acknowledge the increase in COVID-19 cases. Cases in hospitals are over 300, and we are seeing cases growing. I know that everyone is worried, and I want to take a moment to chat about this. Most cases identified both as case counts and hospitalizations are those who have not been vaccinated. Vaccinations work. I have been vaccinated with AstraZeneca and Pfizer. We are so lucky to have access to vaccines, and even though there are no mandatory vaccines or passports in Alberta, you may need all the above to travel outside the province.
As of August 10, 2021, the UK is not accepting anyone vaccinated with COVISHIELD-the version of AstraZeneca created in India versus the UK, and the USA was not accepting the mixture of AstraZeneca and an mNRA (messenger vaccines). I hope that there will be either a third dose available to travel or take a cruise or that these issues will soon be resolved. Infectious diseases kill people, and we have a responsibility to protect each other in the best way possible. Some folks cannot take vaccinations, and I truly appreciate the choices that we are all making at this time. Realistically, regardless of what we do here in our beautiful province, the world at large will determine how we go forward. Places like Barbados demand a 24-hour quarantine and a negative PCR test upon arrival, even if you have been vaccinated. The Federal Governments’ answer: Do Not Travel for non-essential purposes. I’m sure the airlines and tourism industries love that! This information was provided as of July 16.
When you travel to South Africa, you are not required to have taken a Yellow Fever vaccination but could be asked to show your certificate in endemic zones. However, Angola, Cameroon, The Republic of Congo, and eight other African countries require proof of Yellow Fever vaccinations for all arriving travelers. As of August 5, 2021, President Biden will require folks to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to lift travel restrictions. The Delta variant is highly transmissible, so the USA takes many precautions to open its borders to foreign visitors. Travelers entering the USA must have a negative COVID-19 test at least three days before travel or recovery documentation. If you are not vaccinated, you are required to mask on all forms of public transportation. Why am I sharing this with you? I know there is so much information out there, I have faith in the folks in our province, and I know that we care deeply about each other. I see us opening up, and it has been such a privilege for me to be able to spend so much time with all of you, from small coffee table conversations to large events like the Strathmore Stampede, Langdon Days, and the upcoming Chestermere Country Fair. We have every ability to turn this around, and it will take every Albertan to do that. Please get vaccinated if you can. Many Temples, Churches, Synagogues, Mosques, Gurudwaras, Jamatkhanas, and other places of worship require masks to protect the seniors and vulnerable populations.
More information on Vaccine passports & proof of vaccination
Alberta.ca/covid19 ©2021 Government of Alberta | August 26, 2021
COVID-19 vaccines and records | Alberta.ca
Capital Power Corporation has begun construction of its Strathmore Solar project that is slated to add 40.5 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy to Alberta’s grid in early 2022. Strathmore Solar is the Company’s first solar project in Canada. This is truly exciting and could offset more than 46,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year or the equivalent of 12,000 homes. All energy and renewable energy credits generated by the facility will be sold under a fixed price, 25-year offtake agreement with a large national Canadian company.
“Southeastern Alberta is well-positioned as a solar resource-rich area, and we’re excited to work with the Town of Strathmore to sustainably develop the Strathmore Solar project – for all our projects, we’re committed to being a neighbour of choice and seek opportunities to support local economies, give back to our communities and ultimately deliver Responsible Energy for Tomorrow.” – Brian Vaasjo, President and CEO, Capital Power.
Lastly, I am so proud to celebrate the Calgary Pride Festival and Ukrainian Independence Day. We will be raising the Progress Pride flag at McDougall Centre as we honour 2SLGBTQIA+ Calgarians and their allies who have fought for rights and freedoms so we can celebrate in a province where all are free to be ourselves and love who we choose. This is a beautiful symbol of inclusion, love, and freedom that keeps our communities connected and supported. Love is love, and in Alberta, we believe in the principle of freedom that guides us towards creating safe and loving communities to live and love freely.
This week, the United Conservative caucus joined Ukrainians across the province, country, and world to recognize Ukrainian Independence Day. The very history of Ukraine highlights the tenacity of a people who have stood against adversity and oppression to step forward as united people and a sovereign nation. Across Alberta, the impact of Ukrainians is seen and known – from the onion-domed churches that dot our prairies to the countless Ukrainian Albertans who have helped build the province we know today. Their story is an integral part of who we are and where we have come from.
As always, we love to hear from you
Leela Sharon Aheer,
MLA Chestermere Strathmore
Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca
