Navigating an uncertain future

NAFTA, TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE CAUSE FOR CONCERN

I recently read a headline in a major newspaper that asked the question: “Was last week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s worst week yet?”

Of course, the headline was referring to the fact that, due to the pipeline mess and the current state of NAFTA negotiations, Canada is stuck in one of the most uncertain and potentially volatile times it has faced in years.

The House of Commons resumes on Sept. 17 and as I prepare to return to Ottawa where I will use my voice to stand up for the interests of my constituents, I find myself reflecting on the year that has passed and the one that is ahead.

Arguably, the last time our country faced this level of uncertainty and apprehension was in the 1990s when our country was engaged in intense unity debates that culminated with the 1995 Quebec independence referendum.

Now, more than 20 years later, we are faced once again with intense feelings of fear and apprehension. Big things are happening in the political world and the impact is felt in Lethbridge.

This summer I had the opportunity to chat with many of you — either at community events or in my office — and the three issues that were brought up the most were NAFTA negotiations, the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, and Bill C-71, along with rising rural crime rates.

NAFTA is top of mind for many. Hundreds of thousands of jobs and the overall health of our economy are at stake. I heard from many Lethbridge residents who are concerned about what could happen to local businesses and the availability of jobs if negotiations go sideways. Because the United States is our largest trading partner, one in five Canadian jobs is dependent on NAFTA. Most local agriculture producers are highly dependent on our southern neighbours. Already, local producers and businesses in the city are feeling the impact of the U.S. tariffs placed on steel and aluminum, the tariffs that India has placed on pulse crops, and the fact that Saudi Arabia has stopped purchasing our wheat and barley.

Canadians are looking to Trudeau and the trade minister to negotiate a good deal for Canada. The government has until the end of September to do so. My Conservative colleagues and I have made it clear from the beginning that we will do all that we can to work with the governing party to negotiate a deal that is in the best interest of Canadian families, workers and businesses. As we head back this fall, we remain committed to this promise.

Last week, the Federal Court of Appeal found that Trudeau had failed to consult Indigenous peoples on the Trans Mountain Expansion before overturning his approval of the project. It was a very sad day for all Canadians and another setback for Alberta.

Canadians have every right to be angry about this. When the Liberals announced that they were nationalizing the existing Trans Mountain pipeline, Canadians were told that their $4.5 billion would allow construction to begin immediately. To date, the Liberals have failed to put forth a plan for construction. Now, taxpayers are the shareholders of this failed experiment that has only resulted in wasted money and job loss. As my colleagues and I head back to Ottawa, we’ll be calling on Trudeau and his government to outline a concrete plan to ensure the expansion project is completed and our energy sector is able to flourish.

The third issue that seems to be top of mind among local residents is the Liberal’s new gun law, Bill C-71, and with it, the topic of rural crime. Bill C-71 slyly brings back the long gun registry and serves as a targeted attack on hunters and sport shooters, while doing nothing to address the real problem: gang violence and organized crime.

Ironically, while the Liberals are going after law-abiding gun owners, they are refusing to acknowledge sky-rocketing rural crime rates. I sat with a number of constituents this summer who have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment and materials. But the loss of material objects accounted for only a small fraction of their distress. Their real concern was for the safety and wellbeing of their families.

Over the last six months I’ve engaged in numerous one-on-one discussions, and I’ve held a number of round-table meetings with regard to rural crime. As I head back to Ottawa my Alberta colleagues and I are prepared to present a report in the House of Commons where we’ll be calling on the federal government to take action.

In the midst of significant turmoil and uncertainty, I am extremely proud of the irrepressible spirit and get’r-doneattitude held by local residents. It is a tremendous honour to represent you in our nation’s capital.

Thank you to those of you who have taken time to write me a letter, drop me an email, call my office, or chat with me in person. Effective representation starts with listening, and is followed by action. I look forward bringing your stories, concerns, hopes and suggestions to Ottawa. This fall promises to be a defining period of time in our nation’s history and you and I get to be part of it.