MLA Report: 2024 year in review

By Justin Wright on December 18, 2024.

Mental health and social advocacy

Mental health advocacy has been a central pillar of my work throughout 2024, addressing not just traditional mental health services but the broader spectrum of community wellbeing. Starting in December 2023, I launched a series of Mental Health Summits that progressively expanded in scope and impact:

• Our February summit marked a significant milestone with the presence of Premier Smith and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, leading to concrete discussions about resource allocation and policy improvements.

• Our May summit also again included Premier Smith and was integral to helping those in the Mental Health sphere connect with others in the sector.

• The September summit introduced the H.E.L.P. (Healthy Experiences Living, Lasting Positivity) initiative, bringing together:

• The Palix Foundation’s groundbreaking work on early childhood development and mental health

• McMann/Alberta Recovery’s comprehensive approach to addiction support and recovery

• Global Village Center from Brooks, highlighting the importance of culturally competent mental health care

• Homeless advocacy groups and housing organizations working to address the interconnected challenges of mental health and housing security

These summits evolved into comprehensive forums addressing the full spectrum of community wellness, with over 100 attendees representing 35 organizations working collaboratively to create lasting solutions.

Economic development, regional growth

This year has been transformative for our region’s economic landscape. I’ve had the privilege of meeting with numerous companies exploring investment opportunities in the Medicine Hat/Cypress County region. These discussions have covered diverse sectors including:

• Emerging technology and innovation

• Agricultural processing and value-added agriculture

• Clean energy initiatives

• Manufacturing and industrial development

• Transportation and logistics

Alberta’s economic achievements include:

• Record-breaking job creation with 46,400 new full-time positions added in a single month.

• Surpassing British Columbia in venture capital investment, raising $383 million across 41 deals.

• Significant progress on the “Ports to Plains” economic corridor, positioning Medicine Hat as a crucial transportation hub.

• Advancement of Highway 3 construction and Highway 41 design phase.

Expanding presence in growth sectors including:

• Agrifood processing.

• Aviation and aerospace.

• Hydrogen production and distribution.

• Helium extraction and processing.

• Clean technology initiatives.

Military liaison role, veterans’ initiatives

As Alberta’s Military Liaison to the Canadian Government, I’ve worked diligently to strengthen the connection between our province and our military community. This role has yielded several significant achievements:

Veterans’ Mental Health Summit

In May, we hosted our landmark Veterans’ Mental Health Summit, which:

• Brought together over 20 organizations from the veterans sector.

• Engaged more than 50 participants from across Canada.

• Facilitated crucial discussions on veteran care and support systems.

• Created new partnerships between service providers.

• Established frameworks for ongoing collaboration.

Military recognition initiatives

Working with Minister Fir, we successfully established Canadian Armed Forces Day, to be celebrated on the first Sunday of June in perpetuity. This achievement represents our commitment to honoring service members’ sacrifices and contributions.

Key partnerships

Throughout the year, I’ve fostered strong relationships with essential organizations:

• No Stone Left Alone: Strengthening remembrance education, memorial activities.

• Homes for Heroes: Addressing veteran homelessness through innovative housing solutions.

• Edmonton Garrison Family Resource Center: Supporting active service members’ families.

• Local Legion branches: Enhancing community support and veteran services.

Remembrance Day 2024

A particular highlight was the Remembrance Day ceremony in Medicine Hat, featuring:

• Record attendance at the Robertson Memorial Legion ceremony.

• Premier Smith’s participation, underscoring provincial support.

• Intergenerational engagement between veterans and youth.

• Enhanced community participation in remembrance activities.

Local health care enhancement

Worked closely with regional health authorities to:

• Improve access to mental health services.

• Expand addiction treatment options.

• Strengthen primary care networks.

• Support long-term care facilities.

Community engagement and public outreach

Maintaining strong connections with constituents remained a top priority through various initiatives:

Town halls and public forums

Hosted two major town halls with Premier Smith:

• First and second events reached maximum capacity.

• Third event required larger venue due to overwhelming response.

• Facilitated direct dialogue between constituents and government leadership.

• Addressed key community concerns and gathered valuable feedback.

Stakeholder engagement

Conducted extensive meetings with diverse groups:

Education sector:

• Discussed implementation of $8.6 billion School Construction Accelerator Program.

• Collaborated on educational priorities

• Addressed resource allocation and modernization needs

Healthcare providers:

• Long-term care facility improvements.

• Mental health service expansion.

• Addiction treatment resources.

Housing organizations:

• Affordable housing.

• Homeless support services.

• Development projects.

Business community:

• Economic development opportunities.

• Infrastructure needs.

• Regulatory concerns.

Ministerial visits

Co-ordinated visits from 12 ministers throughout the year:

• Facilitated direct discussions with local stakeholders.

• Addressed portfolio-specific concerns.

• Created connections between provincial leadership and community needs.

• Generated actionable solutions for regional challenges.

Committee leadership and regional advocacy

My committee work has focused on advancing key priorities for our region:

Committee chair

responsibilities

Water Advisory Committee:

• Led discussions on water management strategies

• Developed conservation initiatives

• Addressed regional water security concerns

• Coordinated with municipal partners

Search and Rescue Committee:

• Enhanced emergency response capabilities.

• Strengthened coordination between agencies.

• Improved public safety protocols.

• Advanced training and resource allocation.

Legislative committee

memberships

Active participation in:

Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee:

• Reviewed and updated ethical guidelines.

• Strengthened governmental accountability measures.

Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future:

• Advanced regional economic development initiatives.

• Supported innovation and growth strategies.

Standing Committee on Private Bills:

• Ensured thorough review of private legislation

• Protected public interests

Regional collaboration

As a member of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Working Group:

• Fostered cross-border economic partnerships.

• Promoted regional trade opportunities.

• Advanced shared infrastructure priorities.

• Developed sustainable growth strategies.

Looking forward

As we move into the next year, I remain committed to:

• Expanding mental health and social support services.

• Attracting new economic investment to our region.

• Strengthening veteran support programs.

• Enhancing health-care accessibility.

• Fostering community engagement and dialogue.

• Advancing regional infrastructure projects.

The progress we’ve made this year across all sectors demonstrates the strength and resilience of our community. Through continued collaboration and dedicated effort, we will build on these achievements to create an even stronger, more prosperous Cypress-Medicine Hat.

Justin Wright is the MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat

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