Dear friends,

Happy summer! Like so many of you, I’m a big fan of this season, and I’m looking forward to spending time out in the sunshine, taking in all that our communities have to offer in the warm summer months. 

I’m writing this in mid-May, at a truly pivotal time for our province and our community. The Legislature is about to wrap up for the summer, we’ve just been through a historic federal election, and the city is gearing up toward the upcoming fall municipal election. 

It’s been a challenging time in the Legislature, to be honest. The UCP government rammed through a lot of legislation that hurts our communities. Whether it’s legislating further privatization of health care through Bill 55 or undermining our democracy and attacking Indigenous rights through Bill 54, this is a government that has its priorities all wrong. And they’re doing this all while further dividing Albertans through pushing a separation agenda.

At a time when there is so much important work for us all to do, let’s remember how much more we can get done when we work together and lean on each other. As we focus on building our connections as a team working toward a common goal, we can keep in mind how much stronger we can get by finding joy together as a community. Times are tough for so many of us, and I am always so impressed by the care that neighbours in Boyle Street and McCauley show for each other. 

Let’s make sure, even in the midst of the challenges we’re facing together, to take time to restore our energy and strengthen our bonds by having some fun this summer. There is no shortage of summer activities to be found in Edmonton, and I’m especially looking forward to connecting with you all at events throughout our communities.  

This summer, let’s celebrate all the ways in which our community comes together. When you spot me out in Boyle Street, McCauley, or elsewhere, please say hi! I’d love to catch up, or to meet you if we don’t yet know each other. And, as always, whether it’s on housing, health care, education, or any issues that are top of mind for you, I want to hear from you. Please reach out and know that, as always, I’m here. 

Take good care of yourselves and each other.

Janis Irwin, MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood
Email: Edmonton.HighlandsNorwood@assembly.ab.ca
Phone: 780-414-0682
Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood Constituency Office: 6519 112 Ave NW