Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr says he has received his official mandate as Alberta’s Parliamentary Secretary for Transportation and Strategic Development, setting out the priorities he will help advance on behalf of the provincial government.

Cyr, who was sworn into the role on May 21, said the mandate letter from Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen provides a roadmap for the work ahead.

“This role is about more than building transportation infrastructure,” Cyr said. “It is about strengthening the connections that support Alberta’s economy, communities, and future growth.”

Three key priorities

According to Cyr, the mandate focuses on three primary areas:

• Supporting the continued advancement of northern economic corridors, including Highway 686 and Highway 35.
• Working with stakeholders to identify transportation needs associated with the future growth of 4 Wing Cold Lake while continuing to advance improvements along the Highway 28 corridor.
• Identifying opportunities to strengthen Alberta’s short-line railway infrastructure and services.

Cyr said those priorities recognize the important role transportation plays in supporting economic development, trade and national defence across Alberta.

Highway 28 remains a focus

One of the priorities most relevant to the Lakeland is the continued development of the Highway 28 corridor.

Cyr said its inclusion in the mandate reflects the highway’s importance to both northeastern Alberta and the province’s broader transportation network.

“The inclusion of the Highway 28 corridor in my mandate reflects its importance to both our region and Alberta’s broader transportation network,” he said.

Highway 28 has been a long-standing focus for Cyr, who has repeatedly advocated for upgrades, safety improvements and the eventual twinning of sections between Bonnyville and Cold Lake.

Supporting growth at 4 Wing Cold Lake

The mandate also includes planning for transportation infrastructure needed to support the future expansion of 4 Wing Cold Lake.

The military base is expected to see significant growth as Canada transitions to the F-35 fighter fleet, bringing increased economic activity and additional demands on regional infrastructure.

Cyr said understanding those future transportation needs will require collaboration with municipalities, Indigenous communities, industry and other partners.

Listening to communities

Cyr said much of his work over the coming months will involve meeting with stakeholders across Alberta to better understand regional priorities.

His responsibilities include working with municipalities, Indigenous partners, industry representatives and community leaders to gather input and provide advice that supports long-term transportation planning.

“Working collaboratively with communities and partners is essential to achieving meaningful progress,” Cyr said.

Looking ahead

Cyr thanked Premier Danielle Smith and Minister Devin Dreeshen for their confidence in appointing him to the role.

“I approach this opportunity with humility, a strong sense of responsibility, and a commitment to working hard every day to deliver meaningful results for Albertans,” he said.

The appointment gives Cyr a province-wide role in transportation planning while maintaining a particular focus on projects affecting northeastern Alberta, including Highway 28, northern economic corridors and infrastructure supporting the continued growth of 4 Wing Cold Lake.