Inaugural speech thanks those who paved the way
By Lethbridge Herald on April 25, 2025.
Rob Miyashiro
Lethbridge West MLA
On March 27, I was pleased to deliver my maiden speech, the first major speech made by a newly elected MLA. Even though I had asked some questions and made a Members’ Statement on coal already, this first major speech allowed me to reflect on the people who helped along the way and pay tribute to them and the constituency. Below I have edited that speech to fit in this column:
I rise today to deliver my maiden speech as MLA for Lethbridge-West and greet this Assembly with: oki. In Blackfoot “oki” means “hello,” and it’s the official greeting of the city of Lethbridge.
My constituency is located in Blackfoot country, the land of the Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika nations. We are also home to the Métis of Alberta. There are a number of people I need to thank because I definitely didn’t get here on my own.
To my mother, Geri, who has aged in a way to which we should all aspire. She was much beloved as an elementary school teacher, has an active social life, regularly travels, and lives in her own home. I am grateful for the many road trips my mom and dad took to watch me play baseball and hockey, from Vermilion to Emerson, Manitoba, and points between. My mom has always been there for me and my sisters, and I can never repay her for all that she’s given me.
To my father, Seiko, who passed away in 2005 but at times seems like he’s never left. His quiet wisdom and love for family left an impression on me. Seiko taught me to never ask someone to do a job that you weren’t willing to do yourself, which I carry with me throughout my career.
To my wife and partner, Erin, who has stood with me through five elections, provides me with the support I need, and keeps me grounded by being my most honest critic.
To my adult children and their partners, to my beloved grandchildren, to my sisters and their partners and families, and to Erin’s family: thank you for bringing your joy and support and for making it all worthwhile.
To Shannon Phillips, our three-time MLA, who began to strengthen the Alberta NDP in Lethbridge- West in 2011 with her small band of supporters and volunteers, building support for our party one door at a time. She was elected three times in a row and showed us that the way to win was through hard work. She has been a friend and a mentor, and I will be forever grateful for her support.
To our many volunteers who worked our campaigns and continue to support us and to the many voters in Lethbridge-West who have put their trust in me and honoured me with this position.
I mention these people because they’re the ones who shaped me and continue to do so. Growing up in Taber, I was fortunate to participate in sports year-round. It was through sports that I developed lifelong friendships and learned the value of working together towards a common goal.
Working together also became a theme throughout my adult life, and in my 40-year career as a human services professional I’ve been involved in over 60 boards, committees, and working groups, not including the ones during my two terms on Lethbridge city council.
Mr. Speaker, I speak of these things to provide perspective on why at my age I stand before you as a first-time MLA. In retrospect much of my life has been dominated by service to the community.
My role as MLA amplifies this service and will allow me to bring issues to the public and take actions that I likely could not by any other means.
I need to bring the fight about coal mining in the eastern slopes directly to the government, in this Assembly. I need to raise awareness about the dire state of the primary health system in my community, in this Assembly.
People in my community that are fighting for an education system that is inclusive for all students, is a safe place to learn for all students in safe buildings, a system that has an age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate curriculum need to know that I will bring that fight to this Assembly. People in my community need to know that I will advocate for their needs, regardless of their politics, in this Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, the most marginalized people in my community – Indigenous people, those living in poverty, people with disabilities, newcomers, especially newcomers of colour, and seniors – know that I’m going to fight for them- in THIS Assembly.
The strength of Lethbridge-West is not just the University of Lethbridge, our revitalized downtown, or our thriving business community. Our strength is not just our wide variety of neighbourhoods, our wonderful parks and trail system, including our amazing river valley and coulees. Our strength is the people. Our diverse population of well-established ethnic communities, combined with many newcomers from around the world, has created a dynamic that is exciting. We’re home to the largest Nepali Bhutanese community in Canada. We were a leader in receiving Syrian refugees. We experienced a surge in residents from a number of African countries, and our community stepped up to take in many Ukrainians displaced by war.
Mr. Speaker, I will do my best in this Assembly for ALL the people of Lethbridge-West.
I can be reached at Lethbridge.west@assembly.ab.ca or by phone to 403-329-4644.
21-20
Congrats on winning the post Mr. Miyashiro. Raising the coal mine issue in a brief speech is not enough. Each UCP member has to be convinced on a one on one basis that this is a real threat to the water for farmers, industry and the people of Lethbridge and surroundings.
The mine should not go ahead because of the fear of lawsuits because the cost in the future will be much more. More mines will follow. The UCP should cancel this huge mistake and take on the lawsuits in the courts. I am confident that they would protect Albertans instead of handing over our land to foreigners.
Thanks (no thanks) for the “history” lesson. You, like your predecessor (Shannon Phillips) have been distinctly silent and non-present, post election! Even when your “leader” (Nenshi) was in town a few weeks ago and provided an interview to the Lethbridge Herald, there was no mention or sign of you?????
You take note in “praising” Shannon Phillips who dropped us like a rock after she saw the “writing on the wall” that Nenshi was to win the NDP leadership while she vehemently supported Ganley…….
Mr. Miyashiro, it is unfortunate that the electorate chose you over a true leader, John Middleton-Hope, however four years will pass quickly and then Lethbridge West will make a better choice.