Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wrights says he will listen to farmers, industry leaders and others to advise the government's approach to drought this year. (Bob Schneider/CHAT News)

By Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

MLA Justin Wright joins new drought advisory committee

Feb 8, 2024 | 4:51 PM

Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright said Thursday he joined the Alberta government’s new drought advisory committee because of the impact it has on the people who live in his riding and across the southern area of the province.

“Getting involved in this committee was something very important to me,” Wright told CHAT News at his constituency office.

“When I take a look at our region, especially the last couple of years, we’ve been hit pretty hard sooner and sooner [in the year] in regards to drought conditions,” he said.

“So this is a conversation that’s not going anywhere, and it was very important to support both the industries, the municipalities, as well as our agriculture sector down in this area to get involved and start talking water conservation.”

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After several dry years, Alberta’s winter snowpack is well below average, many rivers are at record low levels and multiple reservoirs remain well below capacity, according to provincial data.

Alberta’s environment minister Rebecca Szhulz is working to develop a water shortage plan with municipalities across the province and review water licenses.

Alberta kicked off negotiations Feb. 1 to create water-sharing agreements for the Old Man River, Bow River and Red Deer River basins.

READ MORE: Historic water-sharing negotiations to kick off this week in Alberta

Provincial officials said if a severe drought occurs, the agreements would see major users use less water to help others downstream, helping to mitigate the risk of drought.

The province relies on melting snow and rain for all its water. Officials said this winter the snowpack is below average, rivers are at record low levels and multiple reservoirs are below capacity.

This is the first time since 2001 that the Drought Command Team received authorization to enter negotiations.