Alberta back on track
By Leela Sharon Aheer Chestermere-Strathmore MLA
Hello Chestermere-Strathmore readers. Did you know that Alberta is on track to surpass the GDP levels of 2014? What does that mean exactly? Well, here is the Cole’s notes version: the GDP is basically a measurement of what we produce inside our provincial boundary. We measure the market value of our produced goods and services over a set period. It is how we look at our economic health. In 2020, we had the most severe economic contraction (7.9 per cent), the largest seen in 40 years, that’s what makes Alberta’s rebound so sweet.
This rebound is all about you, each and every Albertan. Your resilience, your generosity and your never give up, get ‘er done attitude is what gets us here every time. Here is some of the breakdown. Generally, oil and gas are our largest industry and contributes 16 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP); we also have tremendous contributions from so many other sectors, from education to construction, forestry to agriculture and manufacturing. Considerable changes in arts and entertainment and the accommodation and food services sectors have contributed greatly. Also, the growth opportunities are real. We saw over a 6 per cent rebound last year and we are on track to see over 4 per cent in economic activity this year. You should be so proud.
We have so much momentum leading us forward and though a labor shortage. I want to highlight the Phyto Organix company, who is building a $225-million net-zero pea processing plant in Strathmore. This is an emerging market with an expected $120 million in GDP. The isolates from this process will create vegetarian options for meat products and dairy alternatives, and with Strathmore and area producing 40 per cent or so of the yellow pea crop in Canada, this is a real-life success story of diversification, teamwork and expertise. They will use recycled water and natural gas for heating, as well as a recapture process to tap into renewable energy. Thank you to Chris Theal and his team for investing in our communities.
The Langdon Junior and Senior High School is becoming a reality as construction began on May 18 and announcements on that project are just around the corner. Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to bring this school to Langdon. It has been a labour of love for so many.
Thank you to Camp Chestermere for their incredible contributions to our community. This past weekend we saw the “family fun weekend” and the renaming of the cabins. Camp Chestermere is an institution that has survived floods, downturns, economic upheavals, and many other situations. It has been part of our community since 1953. Thank you to Shannon Dean and your family, volunteers, staff, councillors, donors, friends and the City of Chestermere! You are hope for now and hope for the future. You are truly a “place to belong.”
Finally, I want to congratulate all the 2022 Grads. Wishing you the best in the future and remember to always be strong, confident and kind.
As always, we love to hear from you.
(Leela Sharon Aheer is the MLA Elect for Chestermere-Strathmore)