Support for MLA Scott Sinclair and Advocacy for Northern Alberta
*To view the full letter, please click the following link: Support for MLA Sinclair and Advocacy for Northern Alberta.*
March 3, 2025
Dear Premier Smith,
On behalf of the Council for the Town of Slave Lake, I am writing to express our strong support for our MLA, Scott Sinclair,
and his advocacy for our region following the release of Budget 2025. As elected representatives of our community, we
share many of his concerns regarding the lack of equitable investment in Northern Alberta.
While we recognize the complexities of balancing provincial budgets, we cannot ignore the ongoing disparity in funding
allocations. Our region's economic contributions—driven by industries such as oil and gas, forestry, and tourism—are vital
to Alberta’s prosperity. Yet, year after year, we see significant investments flowing into Edmonton and Calgary while our
critical infrastructure, healthcare services, and education needs remain underfunded or overlooked entirely.
We echo MLA Sinclair’s frustration with rural communities' continued neglect. Our region has pressing infrastructure
demands, including the long-overdue completion of Highway 88 and essential upgrades to our regional airports. Our
healthcare system is in crisis, with ongoing emergency department closures, insufficient maternity services, and a lack of
surgical capacity. These are not luxuries; they are fundamental services that directly impact the well-being of our
residents.
It is disheartening to see billions allocated to urban transit, recreation projects, and administrative expansions in
significant cities while Northern Alberta struggles with essential service delivery. If the province is prepared to run
deficits, we expect to see meaningful investments in the regions that generate much of Alberta’s wealth. Rural Alberta is
not asking for special treatment—we are simply asking for fairness.
MLA Sinclair has demonstrated unwavering dedication to his constituents by speaking out against a budget that does not
reflect Lesser Slave Lake's priorities. As a municipal government, we stand behind him in calling for a more balanced
approach—one that ensures our residents receive the services and infrastructure they deserve.
We urge your government to reconsider this budget and make the necessary adjustments to equitably support Northern
Alberta. We look forward to continued dialogue and working together to ensure a stronger, more united Alberta.
Sincerely,
Mayor Francesca Ward
Town of Slave Lake
frankie@slavelake.ca
On behalf of the Town of Slave Lake Council
To view the full letter, please click the following link: Support for MLA Sinclair and Advocacy for Northern Alberta.