By Medicine Hat News Opinion on January 24, 2020.
With the beginning of a new decade comes a fresh opportunity for new ideas and a renewed sense of optimism. As the MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat, I am going into the new year with a laser focus on fulfilling the promises that I made to you, my constituents, and ensuring that our government implements the suite of commitments that we made to you all in the 2019 election. Last year saw a massive victory for conservatives in Alberta, but also saw challenges on the federal front with the election of another, albeit minority, Trudeau government. While many of us are rightly frustrated with the outcome of that election, there is a major opportunity for our government to take a proactive, pragmatic and thoughtful approach to promoting Alberta’s interests. I was proud to see that our premier acted swiftly to appoint a Fair Deal Panel, examining ways to strengthen Alberta’s place in confederation as well as travelled to Ottawa to promote Alberta on the national stage and to other jurisdictions around the globe, drumming up investment. My priorities for 2020 are simple: Promote southeastern Alberta as the best place to do business, live and raise a family. If you were born in southeastern Alberta, like me, or have chosen to make this your home, it is abundantly evident that we have a great deal to be proud of. Our communities are strong, our people are generous and our industries are innovative. Through boom or bust, whether they are urban or rural, our communities go the extra mile and deserve principled representation and promotion. All of this is not possible without feedback from you, the constituents. I know that you all have important perspectives to share – my office is willing and ready to hear from you and take the time to engage with constituents on matters of importance, big or small. In the spirit of community consultation and democratic engagement, I plan to hold town hall style meetings before returning to the legislature so that I can take your concerns with me to Edmonton. It is an honour to be your MLA. I look forward to our continued dialogue and conversations in 2020 and beyond. Michaela Glasgo is MLA (UCP) for Brooks-Medicine Hat constituency. 7