Banff-Cochrane MLA Cam Westhead wants the government to strengthen water protection in his riding.
Banff-Cochrane MLA Cam Westhead wants the government to strengthen water protection in his riding.
His private member's motion reads, “Be it resolved that the legislative assembly urge the government to increase its efforts to conserve and manage public lands in Alberta's headwater regions to optimize downstream water security for future generations of Albertans. ”
“First and foremost, water is a common denominator that we can't ignore. It's something that I've heard a lot from my constituents - because of the nature of the constituency a lot of the water that serves southern Alberta starts its journey in Banff-Cochrane, ” Westhead explained.
Westhead said there is no set date for him to present his motion to the assembly though they are discussed on Mondays. The last sitting for the spring session of the provincial legislature was held this week so he will hold off until it resumes.
“Having a healthy watershed results in having good quantity and quality of water in the future. So I know that people want to see us act as stewards of the environment in general but also because water is something that we all need for basic human life, industry, and economy, ” Westhead said.
Westhead said he can't comment on how the motion would be enacted as that decision is left up to the provincial government if it is passed by the legislative assembly.
“The discussion of the motion in the legislature will be about whether to accept the motion or not. The debate will be about the merits of the motion itself, ” Westhead explained.
Westhead anticipates the motion will be passed but he will be holding public consultations over the summer. Until he sets dates for that, he welcomes written submissions addressed to his office providing feedback on the subject.
