MLA Sinclair Pushes for HWY 88 Commitment

Province and Local Leaders Unite on Critical Upgrades

For the residents of the Lesser Slave River region, Highway 88 is more than a transportation corridor; it is a vital economic lifeline. Now, thanks to a constructive partnership among the Province, the MD, and regional leaders, it is set to become a model of infrastructure modernization.

Independent MLA Scott Sinclair returned to his signature issue in the Legislature this week, pressing the Minister of Transportation for guarantees on the Highway 88 project.

This week in the Legislature, Independent MLA Scott Sinclair and Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen showcased how collaborative governance is delivering results. During a Question Period exchange on November 27, 2025, both leaders highlighted significant progress on the Highway 88 project, marking a shift from historical challenges to a future of shared investment.

Sinclair acknowledged the corridor’s history while emphasizing the positive momentum.

“Highway 88 is a project that has long needed attention to address the concerns of northern Albertans. People in Lesser Slave River are grateful that meaningful construction has finally begun and look forward to the significant progress in 2026.”

Click below to watch the discussion between MLA Sinclair and Minister Dreeshen on the collaborative future of Highway 88 (timestamp 2:25:10).

View the Question Period

Responsive Governance: Listening to Local Needs

The dialogue in the Assembly highlighted the Province’s willingness to adapt its plans based on local expertise. While initial discussions years ago focused on a standard paving schedule, Minister Dreeshen confirmed that the government has expanded the scope to a comprehensive widening of the highway; a move he credited largely to feedback gathered by MLA Sinclair and local councils.

“We had discussions years ago about doing a simple paving job. But [MLA Sinclair] spoke with residents who knew that it needed to be widened, so now we’re going through that process.”

— Minister Dreeshen

This responsiveness from the Province, coupled with relentless pressure from regional leadership, has resulted in a clear, provincially-funded path forward:

Active Partnership: Utility relocation work officially commenced in 2025.
Funding Secured: The Province has allocated $6 million specifically for the 2026 construction season.
Strategic Phasing: The project will be executed in three segments, a strategy designed to balance construction speed with the safety of local families and industry.

A Shared Vision for Economic Corridors

The enhanced scope of the Highway 88 project illustrates the success of a “One Voice” approach. MLA Sinclair credited the breakthrough to the unified advocacy of Councillor Norm Seatter (MD of Lesser Slave River) and Mayor Frankie Ward (Town of Slave Lake), who worked closely with the Province to redefine how infrastructure value is calculated.

Together, the Province and local leaders explored the use of “resource revenue maps.” This collaborative model ensures that budget decisions account not just for population density, but for the economic contribution of the region’s industrial traffic.

Minister Dreeshen affirmed the government’s alignment with this vision, confirming that he had taken this data to the Treasury Board to secure the necessary capital. The result is a robust commitment to the north: 16 projects worth $169 million are now earmarked for the Lesser Slave River region.

“The north is so important. We have to make sure that the billions of dollars coming from our oil & gas industry and the road network that makes it viable are well funded.”

Looking Toward 2026

With utility work underway and “significant progress” confirmed for 2026, the Highway 88 project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when the Province and local leaders work in tandem.

By moving past the “pothole politics” of the past and focusing on constructive dialogue, the MLA, the MD, the Town of Slave Lake, and the Ministry of Transportation have aligned their efforts to deliver a safer, more robust corridor for all Albertans.