MLA Kasawski calls 2025 an "unprecedented" legislative year

This article was written by Theodora MacLeod and originally published by Postmedia in the Sherwood Park News.

From presenting his first private members’ bill to supporting local teachers throughout the strike and pushing back against policy change in the Legislature, 2025 was a busy year for Sherwood Park MLA, Kyle Kasawski and his colleagues in Alberta’s NDP.

“One of the most incredible things that’s happened this year is the involvement and action people are taking on their own initiative in our democracy,” explained Kasawski. “Nothing reveals that more than the Forever Canadian petition.”

Noting that more than ever, Albertans are paying attention to the events in the Legislature, 2025 has had no shortage of legislative activity. Amendments to the Public Health Act, Alberta Bill of Rights, Justice Statues, and Education Act are just a few of the legal changes made in 2025, many of which are far from typical and have been cause for concern from Kasawski and his fellow members of the NDP opposition. Chief among them, the use of the notwithstanding clause four times in the fall sitting.

“In the 43 years of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Alberta Charter of Rights and Alberta Bill of Rights, (the notwithstanding clause has) never been used in Alberta,” Kasawski said. “(The UCP is) totally cutting out any role for checks and balances that the courts create in our province and in our legislation. Elected officials give courts the opportunity as experts to be a sober second thought on legislation.”

Starting with the passing of the Back to School Bill in October, the government used the notwithstanding clause to mandate teachers on strike return to classrooms. Weeks later, the clause was used again three times with the passing of the Protecting Alberta’s Children Statutes Amendment Act, which addresses transgender youth and their access to medical intervention, identity in Alberta schools, and involvement in sports.

“Here is a government that passes a law and before the courts have a chance to review it, to eliminate that process, cut the courts out and just say, nope, no matter what this law is the law of the land,” said Kasawski.

Though challenges for the Alberta NDP have been plentiful, 2025 also marked exciting changes, including the addition of new leader Naheed Nenshi to the Legislature after winning the long-delayed by-election in Edmonton Strathcona and bringing with him a renewed energy.

“He (has) exceeded my expectations… the way he held Danielle Smith to account in the Legislature was so important because the provincial government brought in legislation that really needed to be shown to the public, to have them paying attention,” Kasawski said of his party leader.

Dedicated to continuing to advocate for all Albertans, Kasawski is looking ahead to 2026 with the same focus and determination he has carried through 2025.

“We keep momentum because we’re focused on Albertans’ priorities,” he said. “When we’re bringing our ideas to debate in the Legislature, it’s coming from our constituents because we know our job is to represent in the Legislature.”

Here at home, Kasawski has enjoyed seeing new traditions and festivals emerge while existing staples continue to grow. Noting the impressive arts culture in Sherwood Park, the MLA said he has been pleased to see the many talented artists in the area receive recognition both at home and across the world.

In the new year, Kasawski said he hopes to see carbon capture technology grow in Alberta and continue the conversation about expanding the Strathcona Community Hospital.

“Let’s take care of each other and have a good 2026,” said Kasawski, wishing all residents of Strathcona County and beyond a Merry Christmas.