Chantelle de Jonge looks back on introduction to legislature

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Chestermere Strathmore MLA Chantelle de Jonge reflected back on 2023, after having been elected into her seat at the Legislature in the spring. 

De Jonge took over from former United Conservative Party (UCP) MLA Leela Aheer, who chose to not run again in the last election.

“It has been a busy first six months for me on the job, there has been a lot to learn … but I also look back at all the great things that we have done as a government this year and the exciting things we have got planned for next year,” said de Jonge. “Back in March we balanced our budget for the second consecutive year and I had the honour to host the Southern Alberta Budget Town Hall with Minister (Nate) Horner … and hear directly from Albertans during that town hall.”

Since her election into the Legislative Assembly, De Jonge been named parliamentary secretary for affordability and utilities.

De Jonge echoed the UCP messaging and ideologies regarding disagreements and conflicts in court between the province and the Liberal-led Government of Canada.

“We have seen, over the past number of years, the federal government increasingly try to input and act in areas that are not their jurisdictions,” she said. “This year, we saw two huge decisions come out. We had the federal court determine that the federal government’s definition as plastics as unconstitutional, as unreasonable; we had the Supreme Court tell us that Bill C69 was unconstitutional. This is a huge win for Alberta.”

She also emphasized the fight against the federal government regarding clean energy regulations and electricity markets. 

Personally, and in regards to the Chestermere Strathmore constituency, de Jonge said she is advocating for the construction of more schools, and the development of safer roads for commuters utilizing local roads and highways.

Speaking to goals of her own while in occupation of her seat, she spoke simply about support for her party’s actions and stance regarding reforming the provincial health care system and defense against federal clean energy efforts and regulations.

“We cannot allow these outrageous clean electricity regulations to be implemented in this province. It doesn’t make sense. It does not account for the uniqueness of our electricity grid,” she said. “We’re not going to let Albertans freeze in the dark, full stop.  So, to continue to stand up on that front against the NDP-Liberal Alliance.”