Thinking of CFB Wainwright
By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA
Albertans continue to mourn the loss of four Canadian Armed Forces members, Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding, and Private Hayden Lykkemark, who lost their lives during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright on Oct. 17. Our hearts are with their families, loved ones, fellow service members, and the many affected by this painful loss. We also continue to keep the 39 injured members and their families in our thoughts.
Amid these difficult days for so many Albertans, voters made an important decision about our future in the Oct. 19 referendum. Albertans have spoken clearly: they want Alberta’s future to remain within a strong and united Canada. At the same time, they want a greater say in the decisions that affect their communities, livelihoods, and future. Alberta’s government respects that democratic decision and will continue standing up for Alberta’s constitutional rights while pursuing a fair deal within Confederation.
Our government is delivering results by defending Alberta’s economic interests, advancing projects like the Pacific Link pipeline, and attracting new investment that creates good-paying jobs and supports economic growth. After years of federal policies that held Alberta back, there is growing recognition across Canada that Alberta’s energy, agriculture, and natural resources are essential to the country’s prosperity. Now is the time to come together and build on Alberta’s momentum. Regardless of how Albertans voted, we all share a desire for a prosperous, free, and successful province.
As the 2026 harvest season nears its end, most Alberta farmers have their crops in the bin despite challenging weather conditions. Rain, frost, and snow have delayed work in some areas, but crop yields are estimated to be above average, particularly in central and southern Alberta. Soil moisture and pasture conditions are also encouraging as farmers prepare for winter. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Alberta’s economy, and our farmers play an essential role in putting food on Albertans’ tables and on tables around the world. Their hard work keeps our communities strong and ensures Alberta remains a global leader in food production.
Alberta’s government has introduced clearer guidance to help students receive the support they need to succeed in school. The new Student Support Policy Framework will help teachers and school boards identify students’ learning, behavioural, and mental health needs earlier. It will also determine what support is appropriate for each student. The framework reinforces the important role of parents in making decisions about their children’s education and encourages schools to assess whether the support provided is working. The framework lays the groundwork for updating provincial student support standards that have been in place for more than 20 years, while allowing schools to respond to individual student needs.
Our government is also investing more than $6 million to improve security at 10 courthouses across Alberta. The upgrades will improve building access, emergency systems, security technology, and areas used to move people in custody. These improvements will help protect judges, court staff, peace officers, and members of the public who access court services across the province. These upgrades are expected to be completed in 2027.
As we reflect on the loss felt across Alberta last week, our government remains focused on strengthening our communities, creating opportunities, protecting Alberta’s interests, and continuing to build a strong Alberta within a united Canada.
As always, please free to reach out to my office with your feedback and questions
(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)