With the first sitting of the Spring Legislature sitting set for Wednesday, newly sworn-in Grande Prairie MLA Tracy Allard is getting used to life in the capital.
“There are a lot more forms and systems than I’m used to, I’m used to just calling in an idea and doing it. I’m also learning a lot about the process and parliamentary procedure, and getting to know my colleagues they’re a fantastic team.”
Allard says on top of the learning curve, she is also getting used to correspondence with constituents in her home riding, with both the twinning of Highway 40 and the often delayed construction of the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital remain top of mind.
She says the recent court-ordered release of funds to pay off contractors is a good first step, but the issue is far from over.
“I think it’s really important for people to know they can count on us to get paid. It’s not the end, but at least it’s an olive branch to get the process started.”
Allard says she hopes the partisan divide from the election remains in the past and hopes the ability to work with colleagues across the aisle in a non-partisan way will be the key to a successful term not only for her but for the UCP government.
“They were very welcoming, and the outgoing speaker was wonderful to talk to and very encouraging about next steps for us. I’m excited to get to know them, and hopefully to work collaboratively more than anything.”
The spring session in the legislature will kick off with the speech from the throne scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday.