On February 26, Finance Minister Nate Horner rose in the Alberta Legislature to present Budget 2026. I want to be straightforward with you: this is a challenging budget. Alberta is forecasting a $9.4 billion deficit, driven by weak oil prices, unprecedented population growth, and economic headwinds outside our borders. Minister Horner was direct about that reality — and so will I. But a difficult fiscal environment does not mean standing still on the things that matter most t

Three years of advocacy delivers local prenatal care for expectant families On January 29, 2026, something I promised the people of Cypress-Medicine Hat three years ago became real. The Family Medicine Maternity Clinic at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital opened its doors once more — and is now accepting new referrals. I have been asked many times over the course of this journey whether we would actually get there. My honest answer was always the same: I don’t know when, but I

When constituents see headlines about MLAs traveling to conferences, it's fair to ask: why? What does this mean for our community? This month, I want to explain an important international partnership that directly benefits southeastern Alberta—the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, known as PNWER. PNWER is an economic development organization that brings together five U.S. states (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana) and five Canadian jurisdictions (British Columbi

As December arrives and our community prepares for the holiday season, I'm reminded of the diverse tapestry of traditions that make Medicine Hat and our entire constituency so special. Every family creates traditions that reflect their values and strengthen the bonds between loved ones. Whether gathering around a holiday table, lighting candles, exchanging gifts, volunteering in our community, or simply spending quiet moments together, these cherished customs form the heartbe

Our government's Acute Care Action Plan represents decisive action to strengthen Alberta's healthcare system. With 1,000 new hospital beds, 50,000 additional surgeries, and immediate relief funding of 1.5 million, this comprehensive strategy addresses urgent pressures while building for the future. While headlines focus on new towers at Edmonton and Calgary hospitals, the real story for rural Alberta is how these investments create positive ripple effects throughout our entir

Every two years, our community pauses to do something profoundly important: we celebrate the people who make Medicine Hat extraordinary. While the Community Spirit Awards are a municipal initiative organized by the City of Medicine Hat, I want to take a moment as your provincial representative to highlight why this recognition matters so deeply to our community's fabric and future. Since 1979, these awards have honored more than 130 individuals and organizations who embody wh

I had an entirely different report I was going to submit this month, but I thought it prudent to pause on that one. I have talked frequently with friends, neighbours, and members of our community in casual conversation about the transition of society from the “bell curve” into the “bell and well curve”. You might ask, "What does that mean?” In the bell curve, the majority of individuals were in the middle, communicating, disagreeing, and making concessions, while the radicals

Last week, as we celebrated Local Food Week from August 11-17, and this past weekend's Open Farm Days on August 16-17, I was reminded once again why Alberta stands as Canada's agricultural powerhouse. From endless seas of prairie wheat to rugged ranchlands, Alberta has always been a place where hard work, innovation, and pride in what we produce go hand in hand. Alberta farmers, ranchers, and processors feed not just families in our community, but Canada and the world. This p

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 imp

As we recently celebrated Alberta Seniors Week, June 2-8 th , I want to take this opportunity to recognize the incredible seniors in our community and the dedicated professionals who support them every day. Our riding is home to exceptional long-term care facilities and senior programs that truly embody the spirit of compassionate care.  These local facilities and organizations don't just provide services – they create communities where our seniors can thrive with dignity and

As your MLA, I've seen firsthand how our government's spring session has delivered real results for everyday Albertans. Walking the halls of the legislature these past months, I've felt the energy and determination as we passed 19 substantive bills that will make Alberta an even better place to call home. Folks in our riding tell me constantly about their struggles with the rising cost of living. That's why I'm particularly proud that we delivered on our promise of tax relief

As we move through the first session of Alberta's 31st Legislature, our government has introduced a comprehensive suite of legislation designed to modernize our regulatory framework, strengthen our economy, and enhance services for Albertans. These bills represent our commitment to delivering practical solutions to the challenges facing our province today. Reducing Red Tape and Enhancing Efficiency The Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 38) continues our governme

As your representative in the Alberta Legislature, I'm pleased to report that Budget 2025 delivers significant investments dir ectly benefiting Medicine Hat and area residents.   Infrastructure and Transportation Investments The City of Medicine Hat will receive substantial funding for critical infrastructure. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Flood Protection Project has been granted $3.25 million to enhance our resilience against flooding events. Through Municipal Affairs fund

As your MLA and Chair of the Alberta Water Advisory Committee, I'm excited to share a significant development in our ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable water management for our region. Our government has recently committed nearly $4 million to an ambitious groundwater mapping initiative in Southern Alberta, a project that will be crucial for our community's future.   Water is the lifeblood of our region. From our farming families to our growing urban centers, access to rel

As your provincial representative for Cypress-Medicine Hat, I am filled with optimism as we begin this new year together. Our community's strength lies in the connections we forge, and I am deeply humbled by the trust you have placed in me to serve as your voice.   In the coming months, we are planning several events designed to enhance our community dialogue. This March, we will host a townhall meeting where residents can share their vision for our region's future. Understan

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

Under a remarkably beautiful Southern Alberta sky, Medicine Hat gathered this Remembrance Day in a display of unity and remembrance that touched all who attended. The unseasonably pleasant weather seemed a fitting blessing for such a meaningful occasion, allowing our community to come together in perfect conditions at the Robertson Memorial Legion's ceremony.   The sunshine that graced our gathering served as a reminder of the bright future our veterans fought to secure for u

As we reflect on the recent Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, I find myself filled with immense gratitude for the privilege of serving the charming constituency of Cypress Medicine Hat. This past year has brought numerous developments that underscore the positive growth in our region and the dedication of our government to improving the lives of Albertans.     Investing in Our Future   I'm thrilled to share that Alberta's government is making a historic $8.6 billion investment i

As I stood at the podium to open our Fourth Mental Health Summit last week, I was struck by the palpable energy in the room. Since launching these summits, and watching them grow in number of attendees, in December 2023, I've witnessed firsthand the continued commitment to mental health in our community. This latest gathering, centered around the theme H.E.L.P. (Healthy Experiences, Lasting Positivity), was no exception.   The summit brought together an impressive array of ex

I am thrilled to share with you the remarkable progress Alberta has made in recent months. Our province stands at the forefront of Canada's economic landscape, setting new benchmarks in job creation, capital investments, and innovative growth. As your MLA , I am committed to ensuring that Alberta's competitive edge not only endures but thrives for generations to come, here in Cypress Medicine Hat and across Alberta.  Record-Breaking Job Creation The latest data from Statistic