Renewal time
By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA
April is a time for renewal – and with it comes a renewed focus on delivering priorities that matter most to Albertans. Across the province, our government is moving forward with practical measures to enhance school safety, strengthen health care, support communities, and drive economic growth.
One important example is our $22 million investment to make our classrooms safer in the wake of the school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., earlier this year. This money will help school boards improve security in schools, such as locks, doors, cameras, and other protective measures, and expand safety training for staff. Schools should be safe, secure places to learn, and Alberta’s government is taking action to help make that happen.
More than 1.3 million Albertans are living with diabetes, which is why our government is covering the province’s first tubeless insulin pump – the Omnipod 5. This pump automatically adjusts insulin in real time, reducing the daily burden of managing blood sugar levels, and providing a greater quality of life. This is all part of our government’s commitment to innovative and life-changing care, when and where Albertans need it.
Alberta’s stunning landscapes are catching the world’s attention. Netflix is currently featuring 28 locations across the province in popular film and television productions seen by millions of viewers around the globe. From mountain vistas in Can This Love Be Translated?, to Chestermere, featured in My Life with the Walter Boys, our province offers incredible settings for the big and small screen that are supporting local businesses, creating good-paying jobs, and fueling a growing tourism economy.
Getting goods where they need to go – without unnecessary barriers – is key to a strong Alberta economy. That is why our government has launched a new made-in-Alberta Canadian Trucking Regulations Hub. It gives drivers a simple online tool to understand the rules across provinces and territories. By putting route planning, permits, and safety requirements all in one place, the Hub will save drivers time and keep Alberta’s transportation system efficient and competitive.
Our government is also strengthening Alberta’s flood and drought resilience through a more than $28 million investment in water infrastructure, watershed health, and emergency preparedness. This will make sure communities across the province are prepared to keep homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure safe. When extreme weather hits, being ready has never been more important.
By keeping Albertans safe, supporting families and workers, and preparing for what’s ahead, we are building the Alberta of today and tomorrow.
Finally, I want to thank everyone who joined me this past weekend for the Coffee with MLA meetings. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback. Hearing directly from you about what matters most in our constituency helps guide the work I do. I am grateful for your openness and for the chance to listen and learn from your priorities.
As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with your feedback and questions (Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca).
(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)