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Minister Rick Wilson: community update

Hello Everyone. I’m glad to have the opportunity to bring you an update.
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Hello Everyone. I’m glad to have the opportunity to bring you an update.

I’ve found that it’s a good practice to stop and count my blessings from time to time. In this line of work — and I suppose, in life, generally — it’s easy to allow ourselves to get overwhelmed by many of the difficult situations we must navigate. But balance is good so let me start by taking stock of the many good things happening in our constituency.

Volunteers in Pigeon Lake held a successful fundraiser for the South Pigeon Lake Fire Department and Bosom Buddies. The Seventh Annual “Taste of Summer” event featured tasty food, great company and music by a local group, Midnight Voodoo. What a terrific event!

Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kaycee Madu spent some time in our constituency discussing Indigenous Policing, Restorative Justice, RCMP, Crime and Victim Services. My thanks to him and to all the attendees for their participation. These discussions and local input are invaluable.

Minister of Service Alberta, Nate Glubish, also spent a day with us. Rural broadband was the hot topic with local governments and community leaders. In addition, we visited the fabulous Reynolds-Alberta Museum and got a quick lesson in tanning hides at the Hide Camp in Pigeon Lake. What a memorable experience. Warm thanks to everybody who helped make the day so interesting.

The Millet Harvest Fair was an absolute blast! The Millet Museum commemorated their 36th year. They launched a Painting Alberta Exhibit by artist Sabine Lecorre-Moore, and officially opened their Red Wagon Gifts shop. There was a parade, and all kinds of activities including a demonstration from the Millet Fire Department that was a real crowd pleaser. Later, it was my pleasure to recognize the lifetime accomplishments of five extraordinary people. Berta Briggs, Alma Cochrane, Arlene Lessing, Gertrude McDonald, and Bill Kemp are remarkable folks who really embraced the idea of community spirit and made lasting, positive impacts on the town.

The Wetaskiwin District Heritage Museum Centre & Star Store was recently recognized for its work to integrate social responsibility into all aspects of museum practice, and for being a welcoming gathering space that grows with the community it serves. I’m so pleased to extend my congratulations to the Museum for receiving the prestigious Robert R. Janes Award for Social Responsibility. Well done!

I also invited my good friend and colleague the Minister of Community and Social Services Jason Luan to spend some time in our constituency. His ministry helps Albertans access disability services, financial supports, services for the homeless, and other social-based programs. Minister Luan has over 30 years of experience in the field; he truly brings a wealth of experience, wisdom, and compassion to the table. We met with some fantastic folks from Horizons Centre, Inclusion Wetaskiwin, and Inclusion Alberta who advocate for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Minister Luan was also involved in some comprehensive discussions on the status of Wetaskiwin’s homeless population. Many thanks to Wetaskiwin RCMP Detachment, Central Zone Medical Office of Health, Wetaskiwin Family and Community Support Services, City of Wetaskiwin, and the Camrose Open Door Association for taking part in the discussions and for your continued commitment to helping the most vulnerable.

—MLA Rick Wilson