MLA Rick Wilson: Canada Day marks start to a busy summer

MLA Rick Wilson: Canada Day marks start to a busy summer Published 12:30 pm Thursday, July 16, 2026 There’s so much to celebrate! Let’s start with the rain finally letting up enough for us to enjoy this beautiful season!

MLA Rick Wilson: Canada Day marks start to a busy summer Published 12:30 pm Thursday, July 16, 2026 There’s so much to celebrate! Let’s start with the rain finally letting up enough for us to enjoy this beautiful season! I do always look forward to summer.

I was delighted to take part in the Canada Day festivities in Wetaskiwin again this year. I am a proud Canadian and Albertan, so celebrating this great country alongside my constituents always feels like the perfect unofficial start to summer for me. What a fantastic turnout and show of community spirit at the parade!

It was great to see so many smiling faces lining the streets and celebrating Canada. I was pleased to continue the day at the Legion in Wetaskiwin, appropriately taking some time to reflect on the sacrifices made by brave men and women who served our country. I have such respect for this tradition; the freedoms we enjoy were earned through courage, service, and sacrifice.

It is important we never forget those who gave so much for this beautiful country. A huge thank you to the organizers and the participants who made sure the celebrations went off without a hitch. These events rely on the dedication of so many kind, helpful, and organized community champions – thank you to everyone involved.

And on the topic of community champions, I must take a minute to highlight the successful efforts of a committee of dedicated volunteers whose vision, determination, and countless hours of hard work and fundraising brought a new spray park (Manluk Park) to Wetaskiwin. This addition to the community will encourage families to unplug, get active, and spend quality time together. Time outside doesn’t just build healthy bodies; it lifts spirits, reduces stress, sparks imagination, and creates lasting memories.

It helps nurture children’s mental well-being, their happiness, and creates stronger community. Bravo to all those involved with this project – you’ve created something truly special and it is sincerely appreciated. Have I mentioned before that around my constituency office we call summer ‘parade season?’

The Canada Day parade is already in the books, as well as another of my favourites, the Ma-Me-O Days parade (July 18). If I missed you at either of these, the good news is that I’m scheduled for at least five other parades before summer’s end: July 30 – Camrose Kickin Country Parade Aug. 1 – Mulhurst Daze Parade and Car Show Aug. 8 – Winfield Parade Aug. 29 – Millet Harvest Days Parade Sept. 5 – Lakedell Ag Society Parade There will be loads of candy, plenty of opportunities to spread some warmth and happiness, and lots of community spirit to share.

Folks in Millet were recognizing 100 years of service by the Royal Canadian Legion on July 18. I was honoured to be invited by the organizers to represent the Government of Alberta at their celebration. The Royal Canadian Legion has served as a pillar of remembrance, support, and community service.

Through its advocacy for veterans and their families, its commitment to remembrance, and its tireless work in communities across this country, the Legion has helped preserve the legacy of those who have served Canada. Thank you to the members and volunteers whose diligent work made the celebration in Millet such a meaningful event. The cenotaph was beautifully renewed for this occasion to include recognition for veterans of the Gulf War, the Afghanistan mission, and Canada’s peacekeeping efforts.

This addition ensures that the contributions of more recent generations will also be remembered and honoured. This milestone anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion was the ideal occasion to re-dedicate the updated monument in Millet and to pause in remembrance of the brave men and women who answered the call to serve. Many made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom, democracy, and peace.

Many more returned home, carrying the physical and emotional burdens of service. We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who served, and to their families whose support and sacrifice made that service possible. The work of remembrance is never complete.

Each generation has a responsibility to learn stories of those who served and to pass those stories on. The restored cenotaph in Millet will help current and future generations understand both the cost of freedom and the importance of serving something greater than ourselves. Congratulations to the Royal Canadian Legion #229.

The Canada Strong Pass is back for summer 2026! Until Sept. 7, the Canada Strong Pass makes exploring this incredible country more accessible than ever, by providing free admission to some sites, and reduced prices to others. (Be sure to check online for a full list of conditions and eligibility.)

The Canada Strong Pass is not a physical pass that you need to purchase, sign up for, or collect. Simply visit any participating Parks Canada site, museum, gallery, or VIA Rail to benefit from free admissions or discounts. In Alberta, this means free admission at Jasper National Park, Elk Island National Park, Banff National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, Banff Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, Cave and Basin National Historic Site and Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site.

As part of the Canada Strong Pass program, all Alberta government historic sites and museums will be offering free general admission to anyone aged 17 and under, and half-price admission to anyone aged 18-24. This provincial extension to the federal program makes it easier for Albertans, especially youth and families, to explore our beautiful province and connect with the rich history and culture that has shaped it. There are 15 provincial sites in Alberta participating in this promotion, including Wetaskiwin’s own Reynolds Museum.

(A complete list is available online.) Summer is a season for making memories with loved ones, celebrating community, and appreciating all the things that make Alberta such an incredible place to live. It’s a privilege to serve as your MLA.

Happy summer! Hon. Rick Wilson is the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin.

His constituency office can be reached by email at Maskwacis.wetaskiwin@assembly.ab.ca, or by phone at 780-360-8003.