Happy New Year

By Leela Sharon Aheer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

This year, I celebrated my 51st new year at home with my immediate family who are members of my household. I have not travelled outside the province this holiday season, and I have no plans to.

It was a very different year for all of us, and I want to thank everyone for their sacrifices during the holidays and respecting the public health protocols that kept you from family and friends. Your sacrifice and hard work continue to keep Albertans safe. I know that your family is experiencing challenges and frustrations in the restrictions imposed on you by the government. I want you to know that my family and I are following the same restrictions and protocols as you and all Albertans, and I mean it when I say, we are in this with you. Over the holidays, I enjoyed walks around my neighbourhood with my husband and two boys, and relaxing evenings curled up with a book and a cup of chai. I even visited the Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary in Cochrane, which is great outdoor experience for you and your household and follows our province’s current public health protocols. 

I would like to acknowledge the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Andrew Harnett of the Calgary Police Service (CPS), who was killed by a fleeing driver during a traffic stop. Police officers put their lives on the line every day and face potential danger to protect us and our loved ones. I am grateful for the officers that serve our provinces, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and CPS.

These are trying times, local and small businesses are suffering, and many of Alberta’s families are under significant stress. I believe that the new year will bring us hope, and I am very optimistic about the future of this province. As your public servant, I am here, to humbly serve you and our province. It is an honour to serve as the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore.

Finally, I would like to say how sorry I am for everything that has happened over the last few days. I know it’s been confusing and frustrating especially given how difficult things are for everyone.

I can only hope that I maintain your trust and that you know I am with you during these trying times.

As always we love to hear from you.

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