*Helpful newsletter hint* double click the bolded blue words/phrases…but not this one…

Welcoming Words from our EDA President, Dr. Jia Hu…

Hello Calgary-Buffalo NDPers!

You may remember me from such newsletter features as May the Force be with You, Calgary-Buffalo. I wanted to extend a warm welcome to all our new members - as of this month, we have over 2,200 members in our riding, which is truly remarkable and a testament to the strength of our party. As a physician and President of the riding association over the past 5 years, I am extremely concerned about the UCP's handling of the healthcare system, a sentiment that is undoubtedly shared by many of you. 

While there are some exciting provincial events just around the corner, including Notley's Legacy Gala and the Alberta NDP Leadership Premiere, Calgary-Buffalo is hosting some of its own exciting events including a July 7 Stampede Breakfast (details below). Keep your eyes on this space for a volunteer social and an open EDA meeting this summer, and a FUNdraiser in the fall!

We'd love for you to get involved with the riding association - we need your help to win in 2027!  Please email [email protected] if you're interested in joining and helping out and I look forward to meeting you all soon. 

In solidarity,

Dr. Jia Hu

How to vote:

Step 1: Check your mail

If you are a member with the ABNDP and did not get a voting package in your mail, please call 1-800-465-6587 or email [email protected] ASAP!

Step 2: Open NDP mail, do not recycle (yet)!

Darn, did you recycle all your unopened mail? We forgive you, recycling is important. However, we also want to count your vote! So reach out to one of the contacts above if you need to.

Step 3: Pick a way to vote- double check the deadlines!

You can vote by internet (abndp.isivote.com) or phone (1-888-359-7457), using your personal PIN (in your voting package), up until June 22 @ noon. Too tech for you? Do a digital detox with your vote and vote by mail before June 17th. If this is your preferred approach, I strongly suggest you stuff that return envelope and find your neighborhood mailbox tomorrow, just in case that snail mail earns its name.

What’s happening on June 21 and 22 and who is the crew, you ask? Well, let me tell you! June 21 is the the Notley Legacy Gala (details below), and June 22 is the last day of online and telephone voting (ends at noon), the announcement of our new leader, the Alberta NDP Leadership Premiere (details also below), and the Forward Together Social (you guessed it, details👇🏻).

Who’s the crew? My EDA! Not all of our crucial members can make it out, but our accomplished EDA president, Jia, and other members of the EDA executive including our engaging Volunteer Organizer, Kat; my knowledgeable Constituency Assistant, Kelly; and our charismatic Voter Outreach Coordinator, Ryan; will be checking things out. Of course I’ll be at all of these events - please feel free to come up and say hello.

As we approach Canada Day, it is important that we balance our Canadian pride with our history of colonialism and legacy of the residential school system, and deeply consider what a future of stronger relations with Indigenous People may look like. National Indigenous History Month encourages us to take the opportunity to learn more about the histories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people; celebrate their rich heritage and essential role in shaping this nation; and better understand our own responsibilities in the ongoing process of reconciliation.

To aid in this process, please check out these events around our fine city.

Stampede Breakfast Anyone?

Grab your hat and boots and join us on July 7th for our annual YYC ABNDP pancake breakfast! It’s a great opportunity to two-step into that stampede spirit, meet some like-minded folks, and have some flipping good fun! I hope to see you there, rain or shine.

8:00AM - 11:00AM at the Haysboro Community Centre 1204 89 Ave SW.

Bill 211 - Arts and Creative Economy Advisory Council Act 2024

At the end of May I had the opportunity to table my Private Member's Bill 211. After extensive consultation with individuals and organizations in Arts and Culture, the feedback was overwhelming: artists, non-profits and other stakeholders want a seat at the table.

If Bill 211 is passed in the fall sitting of the Legislature, the Advisory Council would be made up of at least seven members who have experience in a variety of the arts, culture and nonprofit sectors who would examine existing government funding, identify possible changes, enhance cooperation and coordination through recommendations to the Minister. It would focus on talent retention and development, coordination of provincial marketing and looking for ways to sustain and grow the industry.

Local Events

Reading in the Wild

Who doesn’t love a good book? Such a wonderful and simple pleasure. So Calgary-Buffalo friends and neighbours, roll-up your favourite picnic blankets, hop on your bikes, and head down to Memorial Park on June 25th for YYC’s first annual outdoor Read-A-Thon! No book? No problem! Our riding is full of little free libraries, and Memorial Park has a lovely public library to meet all your reading needs.

Thank you for your support! Happy trails, everyone.

Joe

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