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“I think making Renaye Wade happy and giving her the vigour to fight the terrible damage she suffered puts it at the top of my achievements,” he said after the bill unanimously passed third reading. “I hope no other young person goes through what Renaye went through.”

Wade, 18, suffered a severe brain injury and multiple fractures two years ago when her stalled car was struck by a vehicle operated by a distracted driver. Her vehicle was pushed into the path of a transport truck.

Amery said he was appreciative of the support the bill received from all parties and the police.

“I always had the confidence that everybody would vote for the bill because the idea for this bill really came from the public,” Amery said. “Hopefully this will help people save their lives and the lives of others.”

Amery said he saw first-hand how dangerous the habit can be. He said he was recently driving with friends when he was passed by a driver of a small car who appeared to be texting on her phone.

“I said at the time: ‘Look, she’s texting.’ ”

A few kilometres farther up the road he saw the vehicle in the ditch.

Amery remains hopeful police will place more emphasis on enforcement now that the offence carries a stiffer fine.

Photo by Calgary Herald/Files / Progressive Conservative Party o

Alberta Liberal leader David Swann commended the bill Amery introduced and said he was happy to see it receive so much support.

“I’m very pleased. I think it is progressive legislation and it will improve the compliance with what is safe and responsible driving,” he said.