As 2016 ends, Banff- Cochrane MLA Cameron Westhead looks back at the year and ahead to 2017.

A highlight for Westhead was hearing approval of two new pipelines made possible by the Climate Leadership Plan which will help Albertans gain access to new energy markets while keeping prices in check.

"In 2017, there is still a lot of work to do getting those pipelines built and we'll be continuing to talk to Albertans and Canadians about how important it is to have that pipeline and to continue to work on that and hope to get shovels in the ground."

Diversifying the economy, adds Westhead, will help to get Albertans back to work, which is a top priority for the NDP.

"We know that Albertans are suffering due to the low price of oil, a couple projects going ahead is the petro chemical diversification program and that is going to create thousands of jobs. That program deals with turning raw products like natural gas into things like plastics and fertilizer. There is an incredible value added component there; it not only creates jobs but gets a better return on our energy products on things like natural gas."

Infrastructure across the province will remain at the top of the list, as well, says Westhead.

"That is expected to create about ten thousand jobs per year and getting Albertans to work on building the schools, roads, bridges and hospitals we all need."

Of course road infrastructure remains top of mind for many Cochranites, as community members are hopeful of monetary news in the springtime budget to fix traffic woes at Highway 1A and 22.

"Every year when the budget comes out we update our capital plan and I continue to work with the Town and Minister of Transportation to make the case of how important that is for not only Cochrane but all of southern Alberta."

Westhead says in 2017 he will continue to work on stability for public services as he knows the importance of maintaining and continuing service during economic hard times.