In May 2020, Sawhney, as CSS Minister, after reviewing applications from across the province, provided $30 million in funding to over 460 charities, not-for-profits, food banks and civil society organizations.

Critical Workers Benefit, a one-time, $1,200 payment as an extra support to vulnerable communities affected by COVID, was also provided in public healthcare, social services, and education sectors.

These included the opening of the remainder of the Southwest Calgary Ring Road to traffic on October 2, 2021; completion of Northeast Stoney Trail widening in July 2021; and the start of construction on the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) project in February 2022.

[11] In another safety-related initiative, the ministries of Justice and Transportation released changes to how photo radar is used by Albertan municipalities, responding to public sentiment that automated traffic enforcement was being used as a “cash cow.”[12] On November 30, 2021, Sawhney stated that the “changes respond to public concerns requesting the elimination of ‘fishing holes’ or speed traps, while maintaining high levels of safety standards.”[13] Based on 2019 data, it has been estimated that Alberta will experience a shortage of approximately 3,600 commercial truck drivers in 2023.

[10] To help address this potential shortfall, the Government of Alberta, through Transportation, introduced the Driving Back to Work Grant in November 2020 to provide financial support for Albertans to conduct Mandatory Entry Level Training.

In February 2022 she was quoted as saying that commercial truck drivers “deserve better amenities.” “Albertans, truckers and visitors do a lot of traveling on our highways, and they need safe places to pull over, rest and have a meal.”[15] Working on the feedback from stakeholders from trucking industry and public complaints regarding the state of roadside washroom facilities Minister Sawhney approved $1.5 MM for the conversion 10 outhouse-style washrooms with pump-out pits on provincial highways to flush toilet facilities.

Converting 10 outhouse-style washrooms to flush toilets will benefit the travelling public, tourists and commercial drivers”[16] In May 2022, as part of the Alberta recovery plan a new interchange at Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Highway and 65 Avenue in Leduc was announced that would support more than 470 construction jobs and improve access to key cargo hubs.

This project supports hundreds of jobs while providing carriers, commuters and consumers safer and more efficient access to the area.”[18] In another announcement in May 2022 Minister Sawhney stated that the 72-year-old Athabasca’s Highway 813 Bridge will be replaced by a new, $70-million structure.

Alberta’s government is pleased to support Sundre and other municipalities in their work to modernize core facilities, plan for future growth and meet the environmental standards of today and tomorrow.”[20] In April 2022 Sawhney announced $17.5 million for the building of wildlife overpass crossing the Trans-Canada Highway in the Bow Valley area.

This funding was provided under a new program called Alberta Relief for Shortfalls for Transit Operators (RESTOR), as a top-up to assist municipalities that were feeling the financial pinch from low ridership over the last two years due to COVID.

Minister Sawhney was quoted as saying “Public transit is an essential service, in particular for students who are returning to on-campus learning, seniors and other vulnerable populations who may be re-entering the workforce to get to and from work or re-engaging in social activities.

This airport funding will attract more investment and new opportunities for residents and businesses.”[24] Minister Sawhney served as the Chair for the WESTAC (Western Transportation Advisory Council) Fall Forum in 2021.