MLA visits local Rotarians

Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Maureen Kubinec address the Morinville Rotary Club June 20. - Stephen Dafoe Photo

By Stephen Dafoe

Morinville – Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Maureen Kubinec visited the Morinville Rotary Club June 20 during the group’s weekly breakfast to bring an update on what’s happening locally and how she is adjusting to her new role as MLA.

The politician spoke for about 10 minutes and fielded some questions on the transfer of Ecole Georges P. Vanier to Sturgeon School Division and the hold up on the Cardiff Road overpass.

Tough decisions and road blocks

Kubinec said the school decision was a difficult one, but she praised the three school boards for the level of respect they have shown to one another during the discussions. “They only spoke with the most respect about their situation and to each other,” Kubinec said of the boards. “I am hopeful this is going to be a fairly smooth transition. It’s not an easy one, but the decision had to be made and it is a tough one. Now we will go on.”

The politician said she has cautioned her government the modulars must be there in time for the start of school this fall. “If you are going to have those portables there, make sure they are there,” Kubinec said. “Don’t tell them that they’re coming and they’re not coming. Just be sure they are there. They’ve assured me they are going to be there.”

On the Cardiff Road overpass, Kubinec told Rotarians she is waiting to get a meeting with Alberta Transportation to ask questions on the project and its hold up. The politician said Highway 63 needs to be a focus, but it cannot be the only focus. Other infrastructure in the province must continue as well. “This [overpass] is right up there to make sure that gets pushed forward,” she said, adding the hold up in the project is the acquisition of land.

Enjoying the job so far

Kubinec said she is enjoying travelling around the constituency attending events. “It affords me the opportunity to meet and greet the Albertans who have honoured me their support and elected me as their MLA,” she told the Rotarians, adding she plans to take her duties seriously. “Albertans have put their faith and trust in me and I will spend the next four years earning that faith and trust.”

The politician said each day since the election she has learned more about the villages, towns and counties in her constituency as well as the diverse organizations operating within it. Kubinec praised the Rotary Club and others throughout the region for their work on a local, regional and international level.

The MLA compared the work of the local service club to that of the PC government and Albertans in general. “Rotarians, like Albertans, look to the future with hope and confidence and see opportunities to build the best lives possible for themselves, their families and members of the thriving communities,” Kubinec said, adding her government is working on policies and programs to reflect those goals.

On a personal level as MLA, Kubinec said she has made a member statement on 4H and asked her first question in the Legislature. Additionally, she currently sits on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, Resource Solution Committee, and the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

Kubinec will be in Morinville with her grandchildren to attend St. Jean Baptiste Festival celebrations.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email