Friends,

I write to you on a mild day here in our Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood constituency. Despite the warm temperatures, I know that this winter has been tough for many Albertans, especially our unhoused neighbours who have endured frigid weather and harsh conditions. 

We’ve seen heartbreaking statistics of increased frostbite amputations in our community, and I’ve heard from so many of you who are deeply concerned about the safety of our neighbours. Please know that these concerns are always on my mind as your local representative, and that I remain unequivocally committed to advocating for better - because every Albertan has the right to safety, dignity, and a place to call home. 

I continue to be so proud to represent the Boyle Street and McCauley neighbourhoods in the Legislature and be part of an NDP Caucus team that puts forward tangible solutions to address the issues that you’ve told me are important: access to healthcare, affordability, education, and housing. And as our spring legislative session commences at the end of February, these issues and more will be top of mind.

Last session we put forward legislation to lower household bills, protect workers’ rights, raise the minimum wage, and strengthen our health care and education systems. Disappointingly, the UCP government moved in a completely different direction and voted down all of our proposed legislation. 

They also forced teachers back into overcrowded classrooms, restricted the human rights of trans Albertans, and approved legislation that will cut benefits for disabled Albertans. But as an optimist and believer in change, I want you to know that I remain fully committed to demanding better policies and action from our government, and I won’t stop fighting for the things that matter to you.

Remember, friends, even when things seem dark and hopeless, there is power in community, in solidarity, and in showing up for each other. I promise to keep fighting because I know more than ever that better is possible here in this province and community I love. 

I hope to see you out and about, especially as we get closer to spring. Please continue to share your priorities and concerns with me and my team – we are just an email or phone call away.

Take care of yourselves, and each other.

Janis Irwin, MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood
Email: Edmonton.HighlandsNorwood@assembly.ab.ca
Phone: 780-414-0682