There has been a lot of information in the news lately, and I am happy to provide some clarity on the measures that our government is taking to improve our communities.
I want to assure you that there have been, and will be no attempts by our government to lower the general $15 per hour minimum wage. Retaining this minimum wage was a promise included in the UCP election platform.
I have also heard concerns from some constituents about the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act, or Bill 1. The constitutionally enshrined right to protest is an important one in our democratic society. This right does not extend to being able to prevent your neighbors from getting to work and putting food on the table, or threatening the security of workers on critical infrastructure sites like railroads and pipelines. Our government will defend both the right to assemble and protest, while ensuring that there are consequences to those who take illegal action and target the infrastructure that keeps our economy moving.
On the topic of infrastructure, I am pleased to share that a 36-kilometre stretch of Highway 40 will be widened. This $50 million project, which runs between Wildhay River and Pinto Creek, and north and south of the Berland River, will create more than 250 jobs in our region and addresses traffic safety issues associated with narrow segments along this busy corridor. I know that this is one of several stretches of highway deserving attention in West Yellowhead. I am pleased that sections of Highway 16 are already receiving some much-needed repairs. I will continue to advocate for projects that make life better for our residents and industries.
As our province invests and rebuilds, so will businesses. CN has announced a $305 million investment in Alberta. This will spur on major projects like the construction of five miles of double track near Hinton, as well as maintenance work on level crossings, bridges, culverts, signal systems and other track infrastructure in our region and across Alberta. This is good news and shows that Alberta is viewed as a stable and friendly place to invest and do business.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, face-to-face meetings between myself and constituents have been largely postponed. However, I look forward to visiting as much as possible as we continue our Alberta Relaunch Strategy. Over the summer, I will be travelling throughout the constituency and look forward to seeing you and your families as we all enjoy warmer weather.
Martin Long
MLA for West Yellowhead
[email protected]
