2022 a year of growth and change for Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf

Neudorf says it has been quite the adjustment in the two months that followed but one that has been rewarding and worth the effort.

“I’m very excited and pleased that Lethbridge has a seat at the table in the highest government within in the province for some very key conversations we need to have about our economic diversity and growth in the south, our agricultural commodity and food processing. It’s very difference than many other areas in the province,” says Neudorf.

Prior to entering politics through the 2019 provincial election, Neudorf worked in commercial construction for 28 years. He believes that this experience has allowed him to smoothly transition into the role of infrastructure minister.

Neudorf tells LNN that he is working on several matters that will positively impact the trades.

“We’re looking at standardized contracts, we’re looking at prompt payment legislation to include the Government of Alberta, we’re looking at procurement packages and different models of procurement, and we’re looking at building a lot of really great projects in the years ahead, so setting out processes that work for all stakeholders is a win-win,” says Neudorf.

He has also had to get used to working under the leadership of a different party leader and premier after Jason Kenney stepped down in the fall.

Neudorf says Kenney and Smith each bring something different to the table.

“Jason Kenney brought a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge and intellectual ability to the role. He set up numerous initiatives and projects and legislation that really built a very strong foundation for us as a province to get back to some conservative ideals that we’ve long held, including leading the way to get to a balanced budget,” says Neudorf.

Speaking about Smith’s leadership style, Neudorf says, “Her emphasis would be more on collaborative leadership, making sure that every voice at the table in our democracy is heard from the smallest rural representation to the largest metro representation, and that collective teamwork approach is also greatly appreciated by Albertans.”

The minister believes that one of the biggest challenges Albertans faced in 2022 was healthcare capacity.

Although the COVID-19 situation has cooled down across the province, Neudorf says other issues arose and put increasing pressure on the health system.

He added to the City of Lethbridge’s calls for an academic teaching clinic at the University of Lethbridge, which would allow more doctors and other healthcare professionals to be trained in the city.

“Where someone trains, they’re more likely to practice, particularly in healthcare,” says Neudorf. “If you go to a big metro centre and you do seven, 10, 12 years of study, you’re probably fairly established in your life at that point, but if you can do that in a more rural setting like Lethbridge, like Grande Prairie, or other areas [such as] Red Deer, you’re more likely to be plugged into a community of that size.”

Neudorf says the health system also needs better financial management so the government can continue to expand capacity without breaking the budget.

Speaking of breaking the budget, the MLA adds that he is very concerned about the rising cost of living in Alberta and across the country. That is why he is looking forward to the implementation of measures under the Inflation Relief Statutes Amendment Act.

One of the first components of the legislation came into effect on January 1, 2023, which saw the entire provincial fuel tax suspended for a period of six months.

Another top priority for Neudorf in the first half of this year, as with all members of the Government of Alberta, will be the provincial election.

The vote, set to be held on May 29, 2023, will see Neudorf run for re-election for the first time.

He says it is natural for him to feel nervous, but he remains confident that his record will speak for itself.

At the time of publication, Neudorf and the NDP’s Rob Miyashiro are the only confirmed candidates in Lethbridge-East.

by David Opinko

2022 a year of growth and change for Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf

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