“My best wishes to everyone in Alberta and around the world celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Ox over the next two weeks.
“After a tumultuous Year of the Rat, the Year of the Ox dawns with new hope. Characteristics of the ox include diligence, hard work and positivity, all attributes that perfectly describe Albertans!
“Though we are unable to gather with family or community, this is still the time to refresh ourselves by sharing good wishes and focusing on reasons for optimism - like vaccinations for our loved ones in long-term care homes, an eventual reopening of businesses and the gradually diminishing threat of the pandemic that means friends and family can be together again in the months to come.
“I urge everyone to ring in the year safely and keep following public health measures. Happy Year of the Ox!”