Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Chantelle de Jonge will be hosting a series of coffees and chats around the constituency for the next few weeks.

The first one took place today (Jan. 26) at Rockys Bakery in Strathmore.

The purpose of a coffee connection is to create a casual way for community members to connect with their MLA and voice any questions or concerns they may have.

“An MLA doesn't go to Edmonton to advance their own personal interests and priorities, but they go to advance the interests and concerns of the constituency they were elected to represent,” de Jonge said.

She invites those who have concerns or feedback for the provincial government to come out and share that with her over coffee.

“There is no set agenda of topics; I want to discuss and listen to whatever is on citizens minds."

Some of the main concerns brought up by citizens at the event at Rockys Bakery were regarding Alberta Pension Plan, nuclear energy, and economic growth and development in the area. 

“I've been hearing a lot of concerns from citizens about the continual overreach of the federal government and how, as a province, we must continue to stand up for Alberta and for the life and livelihood of Albertans."

de Jonge believes it is important for an MLA to have a strong relationship with citizens in the constituency, and if you are unable to make it to any of the coffee and chat events, there are other ways to communicate with her.

“I work for those whom I am inviting out for coffee. I am here to advocate for the people of the constituency. There are a lot of ways folks can connect with me, through email, booking a meeting at the constituency office, or I am always open to grabbing a coffee at the local Tim Hortons or meeting someone at their business to chat one-on-one,” de Jonge said.

If you were unable to attend the coffee and chat at Rockys Bakery in Strathmore but have questions or concerns for de Jonge, she will be hosting more of these events in other parts of the constituency in the upcoming weeks.

The scheduled events are:

  • Langdon: Feb. 2 (Friday), 8:30 a.m.–10 a.m. at Prairie Grounds Coffee House (335 Centre Street, #115 Langdon)
  • Chestermere: Feb. 9 (Friday), 9 a.m.–11 a.m. at Tim Hortons (120 Chestermere Station Way)
  • Lyalta: Feb. 16 (Friday), 9 a.m.–11 a.m. at Muirfield Lakes Golf Club (612 Muirfield Crescent)
  • Carseland: Feb 23 (Friday), 9 a.m.–11 a.m. at Carseland Restaurant & Lounge (104 Main Street Unit A)

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