Hello Calgary – Shaw,
As spring approaches, our government has been busy making life better for Albertans on many levels. At the very end of February Finance Minister Joe Ceci provided Albertans with the third quarter fiscal update. Alberta’s economy is leading the country with growth in nearly all sectors. In the third-quarter fiscal update, GDP growth is revised up to 4.5 per cent and the deficit dropped by $1.4 billion. This is partly because we have taken significant steps to find savings while protecting the services Albertans rely on. For example, health care costs were reduced by $100 million over three years by reducing generic drug prices and $28 million in 2017-18 from the operational best practices review. Furthermore, cutting the salaries and eliminating bonuses for the highest-paid executives of Alberta’s agencies, boards and commissions, will save nearly $16 million annually.
At the end of February, Alberta Transport hosted 2 information sessions to share updates on the South West Calgary Ring Road. In an effort to provide updated information and for residents to view plans and progress, we hosted over 500 people over 2 days who came out to get information and connect with our partners and stakeholders.
On March 9th, I was pleased to host Associate Minister of Health, Brandy Payne in the Calgary Shaw riding for the day. We visited some of the many healthcare facilities in Calgary Shaw and learned more about how they are helping our community. It was inspiring to meet the frontline workers at the places we visited, and I am grateful for all the work they do to keep Albertans healthy.
As the spring session of the Alberta Legislature resumes, my office is open for questions, feedback and ideas. I can best represent Calgary –Shaw when I hear from you!
