Martin Long has served as the MLA for West Yellowhead since 2019, earning the trust of residents across Jasper, Hinton, Edson, Grande Cache, and Whitecourt. Now in his second term, he continues to focus on the issues that matter most: reliable rural health care, wildfire response and recovery, safer communities, and strong local jobs. Whether helping Jasper rebuild after the wildfire, supporting health-care teams across Hinton and Edson, or working with leaders in Whitecourt and Grande Cache to strengthen local services, Martin remains committed to delivering real results for West Yellowhead.
1. Strengthening Rural Health Care
◉ Improving Access to Doctors, Nurses, and Emergency Services
Since first being elected, Martin Long has focused on making health care easier to access in West Yellowhead. As Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health, he supported programs that bring more doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners to rural communities. These programs help fill long-standing staffing gaps in hospitals in Hinton, Edson, Jasper, and Grande Cache.
Martin also works with local health teams to understand what slows emergency response. By raising these issues with the province, he helps improve EMS planning and support. His goal is simple: make sure rural hospitals stay open and have the staff they need.
◉ Engagement With Municipal Councils and Healthcare Workers
Martin meets often with frontline workers and local leaders. These conversations help him understand the real challenges people face, such as long wait times and limited mental health services. By bringing these concerns forward, he ensures rural voices shape Alberta’s health decisions.
Sources:
Town of Hinton; Alberta Health rural initiatives; regional health-care reporting.
2. Wildfire Response and Community Recovery
◉ Supporting West Yellowhead Families Through Evacuations
Wildfires have hit West Yellowhead hard, most notably the 2024 Jasper wildfire, which forced the evacuation of the entire town and damaged homes, businesses, and public buildings. During the evacuations in Jasper, Edson, and across Yellowhead County, Martin Long worked with provincial officials and local leaders to help ensure residents had clear information, access to supports, and safe routes back into their communities as conditions allowed. His focus has been on keeping people informed, supported, and safe during some of the most stressful days West Yellowhead families have faced.
◉ Helping Jasper Rebuild Homes, Services, and Schools
The Jasper wildfire damaged a large number of homes and public facilities, leaving many families without housing and creating serious financial pressure for the municipality. As MLA for West Yellowhead, Martin advocated and supported provincial measures to help residents and businesses recover, including a commitment to provide modular homes for displaced Jasper residents, which he described as “crucial” to helping people rebuild their lives in the community. The province also announced relief funding for Jasper, including support for tax relief, municipal revenue stabilization, and transit service to Hinton to help residents access essential services.
The wildfire also disrupted education. Jasper’s three schools—Jasper Elementary, Jasper Junior/Senior High, and École Desrochers—were unable to open on time because of smoke and fire damage, forcing the start of the school year to be delayed and prompting contingency plans to move students if buildings were not ready. After extensive cleanup and safety work, classes resumed in mid-September, and attendance quickly returned close to normal as families came back and schools reopened. Martin’s role has included advocating for the supports needed so that students could return to the classroom in Jasper rather than being permanently displaced to other communities.
◉ Long-Term Recovery, Mitigation, and Emergency Preparedness
Recovery from the Jasper wildfire is an ongoing process. A dedicated Jasper Recovery Coordination Centre was created to restore services and support residents and businesses as they rebuild. Martin continues to support long-term recovery efforts and wildfire-mitigation work, including better emergency planning, infrastructure repair, and mental-health supports for evacuated families, frontline workers, and local businesses. His focus is on making sure that communities across West Yellowhead—not just Jasper, but also Hinton, Edson, Grande Cache, and surrounding rural areas—are more resilient and better prepared for future wildfire seasons.
Sources: Parks Canada – Jasper Wildfire FAQ; Municipality of Jasper – Wildfire Recovery Information; Alberta government and media reporting on 2024 Jasper wildfire relief, modular housing commitments, and Jasper school reopening.
3. Delivering Infrastructure That Supports Rural Communities
◉ Highways, Health-Care Facilities, and Local Projects
Infrastructure is essential for the safety and growth of rural communities. Martin Long has supported many upgrades along Highway 16 and other key routes across West Yellowhead. These improvements help reduce travel risks, support tourism, and strengthen the local economy.
He also works with Alberta Infrastructure to support upgrades to hospitals, water-treatment plants, schools, and municipal buildings. These projects give communities the modern facilities they need and help prepare the region for future growth.
◉ Appointed Minister of Infrastructure
Martin’s appointment as Alberta’s Minister of Infrastructure gives West Yellowhead a stronger voice in provincial decisions. In this role, he oversees major capital planning and construction projects across the province. His leadership helps ensure that rural priorities — including roads, public buildings, and health facilities — remain part of Alberta’s long-term infrastructure planning.
Sources:
Alberta Government Cabinet Directory; Alberta Infrastructure project updates; municipal reporting across Hinton, Edson, Jasper, and Yellowhead County.
4. Supporting Jobs, Industry, and Economic Diversification
◉ Forestry Sector Stability and Workforce Support
Forestry is one of the main industries in West Yellowhead. Martin Long has supported provincial efforts to keep this sector strong during global market challenges. He works with local mills, industry leaders, and workers to make sure the region’s needs are heard. These efforts help protect jobs and support long-term stability for families who rely on forestry.
◉ Growing Tourism and Supporting Local Business
Tourism is another major part of the regional economy. Martin meets with business owners, tourism operators, and community groups to highlight provincial programs and support local growth. These efforts help strengthen the tourism sector in Jasper, Hinton, Edson, and Grande Cache, while also promoting new business opportunities across West Yellowhead.
Sources:
Alberta Forestry updates; Alberta Energy transition programs; regional economic reporting; Travel Alberta tourism updates.
5. Community Leadership and Advocacy
◉ Engagement With Seniors, Veterans, and Local Organizations
Martin Long remains active in communities across West Yellowhead. He takes part in seniors’ events, veterans’ ceremonies, and local gatherings throughout the year. These visits help him understand the day-to-day concerns of residents and the needs of local organizations. By staying involved, he makes sure community voices are represented in provincial discussions.
◉ Championing Rural Alberta Within the Legislature
In his work with the UCP Caucus and now as a cabinet minister, Martin brings a strong rural perspective to the Legislature. He raises issues related to affordability, rural infrastructure, public safety, and community services. His focus is on making sure rural communities get the attention and resources they deserve, and that policies reflect the realities of living in West Yellowhead.
Sources:
UCP Caucus communications; Legislative Assembly records; regional community reporting.
