There’s nowhere else better to call home

By Lethbridge Herald on December 24, 2022.

AT THE LEGISLATURE
Shannon Phillips – NDP MLA for Lethbridge West

It’s December again, and with that comes a mixed bag of dramatic weather, hectic schedules, and holiday cheer. The bitter cold we’ve been experiencing in Alberta this week often elicits demoralized cries of, “Why do we live here?” 

But while I’ll readily admit to muttering more than a few choice words to myself as I scrape off my car in subarctic temperatures, I have to say there’s nowhere else I’d rather call home.

Lethbridge is a terrific place to live, not only because of the endless skies and quiet coulees, not just due to the sanity-saving Chinooks and long summer nights, but because of its people.

I think about neighbours who brave early morning winters to shovel walks, who bring our kids safely home from school, and who stay out too late chatting at the end of the driveway. I also think about organizations like SAGE Clan who seek out and provide comfort to those most in need, as well as businesses like Analog Books who have thrown fundraisers for what I think must be half of the city in just a few years of operation.

 And of course, in the shadow of the last two-and – a-half years, I think about our health care workers who, despite everything that this UCP government has thrown at them over their term, continue to care for us in our most vulnerable moments as well as the first responders who put their very lives on the line to protect ours.

I want to share with you a little about a first responder named Curtis Noble. Curtis was a Medicine Hat firefighter, a father, and a dear friend. As executive vice-president on the executive board of the Alberta Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association for the last four years, he fought tirelessly to improve the health and safety for his firefighter and paramedic brothers and sisters. 

Tragically, due to a sudden illness his life was cut short this month, just before Christmas.

 His legacy will live on through his daughters and in the ways his advocacy has changed our province to make the lives of his fellow first responders better.

As we look ahead to the coming year, I am committed to continuing my own fight for everyone in our community.

I will strive, like Curtis, to make Alberta an even stronger and more vibrant place to live. 

As a member of the NDP caucus, I am proud to stand with a party that is committed to putting people ahead of profits and that will invest in the services and supports that make a real difference in people’s lives and the health of our community.

If you or someone you know need some extra resources this holiday season, there are a number of services available to help.

If you are experiencing family violence, the province has an info line at 310-1818. If you are struggling financially and require assistance with income support, you can call 1-866-644-5135 to access the help you need. 

I know that the holidays can be an especially difficult time for many folks. 

If you need mental health support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the province’s Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.

Finally, I want to thank all of the wonderful residents of Lethbridge-West for another wonderful year representing our community and region. 

Thank you for your continued trust, support, and friendship. As always, you can call my office at 403-329-4644 or email us at lethbridge.west@assembly.ab.ca if you have questions or concerns.

On behalf of my family and myself, I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.