Local MLA Ron Orr says it's unfortunate that Red Deer won't be getting a new hospital, considering doctors from Ponoka, Rimbey, and Lacombe have come to him stressing the importance of that project to their communities.

Orr says he believes Red Deer was once again passed over because the people planning the hospitals reside in Edmonton, and that some local officials are staying silent.

"I think that some of the AHS staff for Central Alberta are more inclined to follow the AHS top down line, than they are to advocate for their residents. This is on their watch. They need to advocate for Central Alberta. They need to speak up for the people that are under their care. I'm not entirely convinced that they've done that in their internal systems."

In the meantime he'll continue to attend local rallies, and try to convince the government that Red Deer needs health infrastructure included in next year’s budget.

On the positive side though, Orr says its great news for Central Albertans that Red Deer will be getting a new courthouse, but that's only half the battle.

Orr says justice is the biggest issue facing his constituents, and new infrastructure is important but they'll need a full complement of judges, crown prosecutors, and clerks

Adding the Justice issues in Ponoka may be even more severe than those facing Red Deer.

"The court in Ponoka is so backlogged, that it's the second highest in the Province for increase in cases and decrease in ability to complete the cases. And that's not the fault of the people working there, it's the fact that there aren't enough people working there."

He is however, glad to see that court cases won't be held in a Red Deer hotel for much longer.