Focus on fixing Alberta’s health care
By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA
2023 saw Alberta government’s strong economic policies working to balance the budget, attract investment, create jobs, diversify the economy, and keep life affordable – all while maintaining the lowest taxes in the country for families and businesses.
Last year also saw our government undertake efforts to fix longstanding issues in Alberta’s health care system. We have heard loud and clear that the current system centered around AHS is complex and uncoordinated, and we are moving swiftly to refocus the system around patients and their families, alongside our world-class health care workers who understand the system and its challenges better than anyone.
In 2024, our United Conservative government will continue standing strong against unaffordable and unconstitutional ideas from the NDP-Trudeau Alliance, and we will be unrelenting in our advocacy for our province. This year will offer more opportunities to attract investment, create jobs, grow and diversify the economy – with most economic forecasts suggesting Alberta will once again lead the country in economic growth.
Here are some updates for this week:
Albertans are encouraged to nominate remarkable community members, leaders, and innovators for membership in the Alberta Order of Excellence. For more information on previous nominees and on how to nominate someone, please visit the Alberta Order of Excellence website (alberta.ca/the-alberta-order-of-excellence).
Our Government is highlighting the many opportunities that are available for outdoor winter activities like camping and other recreation opportunities including cross-country skiing, skating and trails for winter walks through the woods. Through Budget 2023, the Alberta government is investing $211.3 million over three years to improve and expand recreation and amenities.
Alberta has launched a new naming policy for government buildings. According to the policy, the naming of buildings should reflect a deep understanding of Alberta’s rich history and diverse cultural and natural heritage and should be used as an opportunity to highlight the significance of people, events and natural heritage that have contributed to Alberta’s history. This applies to facilities owned and run by Alberta’s government, including existing, under development or future buildings and designated spaces like gardens and plazas. Details can be found online (open.alberta.ca/publications/building-naming-policy).
Friends, as we embark on a new year, let’s do so with hope, optimism, and the same can-do spirit that has always made Alberta the best place in Canada to live, work, play, start a business, or raise a family.
Our best days are still ahead!
(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)