Minister of Transportation
In June 2021,Sawhney was appointed Minister of Transportation in a large cabinet shuffle. Sawhney held this position until she stepped down in June 2022 to run for the United Conservative Party leadership. [8]
As Minister of Transportation,Sawhney oversaw a number of major construction projects. These included the opening of the remainder of the Southwest Calgary Ring Road to traffic on October 2,2021;completion of Northeast Stoney Trail widening in July 2021;and the start of construction on the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) project in February 2022. SR1 is a 3,700-acre dry reservoir that,together with the Glenmore Reservoir,will protect Calgary and Southern Alberta from future major flooding events. [9]
In March 2022,Sawhney introduced the Traffic Safety Amendment Act,which was passed by the Alberta Legislature on March 30,2022. The Act responds to calls from Albertans and sector workers for improved safety protections for roadside workers,including snowplow operators and highway maintenance workers. [10]
In another safety-related initiative,the ministries of Justice and Transportation released changes to how photo radar is used by Alberta municipalities,responding to public sentiment that automated traffic enforcement was being used as a "cash cow." [11] On November 30,2021,Sawhney stated that the "changes respond to public concerns requesting the elimination of 'fishing holes' or speed traps,while maintaining high levels of safety standards." [12]
Based on 2019 data,it has been estimated that Alberta will experience a shortage of approximately 3,600 commercial truck drivers in 2023. [9] To help address this potential shortfall,the Government of Alberta,through Transportation,introduced the Driving Back to Work Grant in November 2020 to provide financial support for Albertans to conduct Mandatory Entry Level Training. Budget 2022-23 provided additional funding for the Driving Back to Work Grant program. [13]
Under Sawhney,Transportation also announced an initiative to lease public land for private development,to develop up to 18 commercial safety rest areas along major highways. In February 2022,she was quoted as saying that commercial truck drivers "deserve better amenities." "Albertans,truckers and visitors do a lot of travelling on our highways,and they need safe places to pull over,rest and have a meal." [14]
Working on the feedback from stakeholders from the trucking industry and public complaints regarding the state of roadside washroom facilities,Minister Sawhney approved $1.5 MM for the conversion of 10 outhouse-style washrooms with pump-out pits on provincial highways to flush toilet facilities. Sawhney had stated that "motorists deserve to have safe,clean,modern and dignified washrooms as they travel our province's highways. Converting 10 outhouse-style washrooms to flush toilets will benefit the travelling public,tourists and commercial drivers" [15]
In May 2022,as part of the Alberta recovery plan,a new interchange at Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Highway and 65 Avenue in Leduc was announced that would support more than 470 construction jobs and improve access to key cargo hubs. [16] Sawhney quoted "The QEII is the busiest stretch of highway in Alberta and a critical economic and trade corridor. The Edmonton International Airport is growing as a significant cargo hub. This project supports hundreds of jobs while providing carriers,commuters and consumers safer and more efficient access to the area." [17]
In another announcement in May 2022,Minister Sawhney stated that the 72-year-old Athabasca Highway 813 Bridge will be replaced by a new,$70-million structure. She quoted that "The existing bridge is old,too narrow and has served its useful life. The new bridge will support economic development,improvements to safety and commuter traffic in and around Athabasca,and provide a connection for area Indigenous communities." [18]
As Minister of Transportation,Rajan Sawhney oversaw a funding project to update a non-transportation project,the Sundre Wastewater Plant. Why this fell under Transportation and not Environment or Infrastructure was never explained. $7.5 million was allocated to the town of Sundre to create a pilot project to test new technology and update the outdated wastewater infrastructure of the town of Sundre. The funding created a pilot project that would end in 2023 and created 69 construction jobs. Minister Sawhney was quoted as saying,"Water is our most precious resource. Alberta's government is pleased to support Sundre and other municipalities in their work to modernize core facilities,plan for future growth and meet the environmental standards of today and tomorrow." [19]
In April 2022,Sawhney announced $17.5 million for the building of a wildlife overpass crossing the Trans-Canada Highway in the Bow Valley area. [20] Minister Sawhney stated that "This overpass will drastically reduce the chances of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The overpass will not only increase safety for the travelling public and wildlife,but it will also save thousands of dollars each year in property damage caused by collisions." [21]
Providing financial fuel for Alberta's municipal transit system,Minister Sawhney announced $79.5 million in provincial funding,which,after being matched by the federal government,provided a total of almost $159 million to support 26 Alberta municipalities. This funding was provided under a new program called Alberta Relief for Shortfalls for Transit Operators (RESTOR),as a top-up to assist municipalities that were feeling the financial pinch from low ridership over the last two years due to COVID. Minister Sawhney was quoted as saying,"Public transit is an essential service,in particular for students who are returning to on-campus learning,seniors and other vulnerable populations who may be re-entering the workforce to get to and from work or re-engaging in social activities. Alberta's government is proud to step up and recognize how important transit services are to our communities." [22]
In February 2022,Minister Sawhney announced $7.5 million grant to expand infrastructure and services at Red Deer Regional Airport. Minister Sawhney was quoted as saying,"The aviation sector is a vital part of Alberta's Recovery Plan,and this project will be a great boost to the Red Deer and central Alberta economy. This airport funding will attract more investment and new opportunities for residents and businesses." [23]
Minister Sawhney served as the Chair for the Western Transportation Advisory Council (WESTAC) Fall Forum in 2021. The theme of the forum was "A Legacy in the Making:The Impact of Critical Decisions on Canadian Prosperity." This forum provided Sawhney with an opportunity to hear from select WESTAC members about issues facing the transportation sector and their businesses. [24]
On June 13,2022,Sawhney announced her candidacy in the 2022 United Conservative Party leadership election. [25] She stepped down from her role as Minister of Transportation to compete for leadership of the UCP. She came sixth in the election.
