Alberta’s economic recovery

Posted on: Staff Writer

From edition: October 9 2020 Strathmore Times

By Leela Sharon Aheer Chestermere-Strathmore MLA

I’m so honoured as always to be able represent you, and this past weekend, I was able to join Strathmore radio station, More Country as they delivered meals for the grain rush. Thank you to everyone involved in giving back to our amazing farmers, and sending meals into the fields. There are so many sponsors, and we were so pleased to be able to participate. Congratulations to our farmers, agri-food producers and ranchers who are the heartbeat of our communities. Also, congratulations on an incredible crop year.

To our teachers, thank you for your incredible work, adaptability and love of our kids. We are so proud to honour you every day and especially on Oct. 5 on National Teachers Day.

I am so pleased to share with you the protocol agreement that our Premier and our Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rick Wilson, has signed with the Stoney Nakoda-Tsuut’ina Tribal Council. What is so exciting is that this agreement is the first of its kind between these governments. They become true partners and build upon strong relationships to work towards addressing important issues. This works towards reconciliation and moreover a prosperous future for First Nations and all Albertans. Protocol agreements function as a broad umbrella for meaningful discussion and information sharing, and to explore issues that affect our governments. Alberta’s first protocol agreement was signed in April 2016 with Treaty 8 First Nations. In September 2019, the Blackfoot Confederacy renewed their protocol agreement with the province.

In 2020-21, the Alberta government will provide the Stoney Nakoda-Tsuut’ina Tribal Council a $200,000 grant to support the agreement’s implementation. The agreement will remain in place for as long as both parties wish to keep it active.

Thank you for giving me the privileged to serve as your MLA. As always, we love to hear from you and please reach out to my office anytime.

(Leela Sharon Aheer is the MLA Elect for Chestermere-Strathmore, Minister of Status of Women and Minister of Culture and Multiculturalism)