MLA Report: Delivering Results: How We’re Building a Stronger Cypress-Medicine Hat Together

By MLA Justin Wright on July 16, 2025.

When I first ran to represent Cypress-Medicine Hat, I made a commitment to be your voice in Edmonton and to fight for the investments our communities deserve.

Today, I’m proud to share the tangible results of that advocacy-over $250 million in funding flowing directly to our region since 2023.

Behind every dollar secured lies countless hours of relationship-building, strategic conversations, and persistent advocacy. While much of this work happens behind closed doors, the impact is felt in every corner of our constituency.

Strengthening Our Educational Foundation

Medicine Hat College has received unprecedented support with $115 million in combined funding over three years.

This includes $31.2 million annually in base operating grants, ensuring stable programming and student services. Additionally, we secured $3.2 million for critical sanitary and infrastructure renewal, and $1.3 million for capital maintenance. These investments strengthen our entire regional economy by ensuring skilled workers stay and thrive in our community.

While provincial base operating grants for post-secondary institutions have remained stable at 2024-25 levels, I’ve advocated strongly to maintain this funding floor during challenging fiscal times. The apprenticeship learning programs alone received nearly $4 million over three years, directly addressing the skilled trades shortage that local employers consistently raise with my office.

Equally important is our support for innovative collegiate programming through unique partnerships between Medicine Hat Public School Division, Prairie Rose School Division, Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education and Medicine Hat College.

Building on this success, we’re now advocating for the groundbreaking South Alberta School of Agriculture, which represents a $1.99 million investment in specialized agricultural education. This innovative program will address the critical workforce shortage in our agricultural sector, where 48 per cent of employers face challenges finding qualified workers. SASA will prepare students for over 123,000 agriculture jobs expected across Canada, combining hands-on learning with cutting-edge technology, including precision farming tools, drone operations, and agricultural robotics.

Supporting Our Most Vulnerable

Through persistent advocacy with seniors, community and social services, we’ve delivered $70.4 million in targeted support. This includes the $200,000 investment in the Veiner Centre through Healthy Aging Alberta, expanding home and community supports that allow seniors to age comfortably in their communities.

Crucially, we secured $1 million for the Medicine Hat women’s shelter, providing essential safe housing and support services for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Additionally, significant funding was allocated for the Medicine Hat community housing project, ensuring affordable housing options remain available for working families and vulnerable populations.

Building Critical Infrastructure

Working closely with Municipal Affairs, we’ve secured $51.5 million for essential infrastructure projects. The City of Medicine Hat received $2.55 million to rehabilitate 3.7 kilometers of storm water infrastructure and $250,000 for streetlight upgrades. Cypress County benefited from strategic transportation investments totaling over $900,000 through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program, funding critical culvert replacements that keep our rural roads safe and accessible.

The Work Behind the Scenes

These announcements represent just the tip of the iceberg. For every successful funding application, there are dozens of conversations with ministers, deputy ministers, and departmental officials. My office maintains detailed tracking systems, coordinating with recipients, managing communications protocols, and ensuring proper recognition for provincial partnerships.

We navigate complex approval processes, advocate for expedited reviews, and often serve as the bridge between community needs and government priorities.

Whether it’s ensuring the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital receives diagnostic imaging enhancements or advocating for urgent care centre development, this work requires building trust and maintaining relationships across government.

Your Voice Matters

These results don’t happen by accident. They flow from your input during town halls, coffee meetings, and office visits. When you share your concerns about healthcare wait times, infrastructure needs, or economic opportunities, those conversations directly inform my advocacy priorities.

Together, we’re not just advocating for funding-we’re building the foundation for generational prosperity. And this is just the beginning.

Justin Wright is the MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat

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