For Banff-Cochrane NDP MLA Cam Westhead, there is little time to waste in his preparation to represent the issues faced by his constituents.
“We ran a campaign based on values, which reflected what Albertans were looking for,” said the 37-year-old elected official, noting that ‘fairness, equality and representing vulnerable Albertans’ were among top priorities for Albertans seeking new leadership.
Westhead took part in the first caucus meeting last week, as well as an orientation at the Legislative Assembly of Alberta; further group orientations, setting up a constituency office and hiring staff are priorities over the next two weeks.
The Bragg Creek resident brings his experience in health care to the table — as a 10-year registered nurse who worked at Foothills Hospital.
He confirmed that the NDP, who campaigned for improvements to the health-care system, including senior care and an increase in long-term care beds across the province, would be supportive of any facilities managed by the province or a non-profit.
This would pertain to the April announcement of $6M in grant dollars to go toward Phase 2 (63 supportive living units) in Canmore through Bow Valley Regional Housing and $5.5M toward the Points West Living supportive living facility, slated to open Phase 1 in 2017 in Cochrane’s Fireside community (114 supportive living spaces).
Flood mitigation remains at the top of Westhead’s priorities list, where communities such as Benchlands, Bragg Creek, Canmore and Redwood Meadows come to mind.
“The NDP does not support the SR1 (Springbank Dam)…we do support working on the McLean Creek option,” he confirmed, adding that there are short-term levies that the government explore in Bragg Creek as work is done on the McLean Creek option.
“I’ve said all along and I maintain that flood mitigation is a top issue because it’s a life or death issue.”
The hot button topic in Cochrane remains the dreaded intersection at Hwy 1A and 22.
“Mayor Brooker has continued to press that issue and I will be bringing it forward to caucus,” he said, adding that he would ensure the intersection finds it’s way onto the NDP’s promised ‘infrastructure sunshine list’ — which would publicize a list of government capital projects with an explanation and anticipated timeline.
Westhead said he has full confidence that the 54 NDP seats won will be fairly represented by its elected representatives — amid speculation over the level of experience, or lack thereof, that will fill the legislative assembly under the new government (with a median age of 36).
“I don’t foresee any problems with these MLAs getting up to speed…it’s a fresh set of eyes and regardless of age, these candidates were elected and elections give voters a chance to elect those individuals they feel will best represent (their values and concerns).”
Westhead noted that the Legislative Assembly is comprised of more ethnic diversity and female representatives than ever — another clue that Alberta is ready for change.
To get in touch with Westhead, he can best be reached via email at [email protected].
