Raitt talks Conservative goals in House of Commons
Deputy leader visits New Glasgow to speak with Conservatives and supporters
Lisa Raitt, deputy leader of the Conservative Party sees “a powerful voting opportunity” in Atlantic Canada for the Conservative Party, and is optimistic about what the Conservative Party can accomplish in the House of Commons. Raitt spoke optimistically and about the party’s plans, and what she and the Conservatives see as the shortcomings of the federal government, as the fall sitting of the House of Commons is about to begin. Rait said, at the meeting with Conservative Party members and supporters, at Summer Street Industries, that while it’s important to be critical of the federal government, she believes the Conservative Party must work to have a positive voice in the House of Commons. “We’re no longer critics,” said Raitt, “We’re shadow ministers, because we want to take out the negativity from what we’re trying to do. We want to communicate a positive conservative vision and make sure people understand that we have a plan as well — and that conservative policies lead you to prosperity and lead you to opportunity.” A focus on positive accomplishment is necessary, Raitt said, given that “we know (the federal government) hasn’t been able to push through legislation. They haven’t really accomplished anything other than raising a furor in the country.” That position will constitute a major plank of the criticism the Conservatives plan on using in parliament. Raitt discussed the Conservative Party’s strategy, saying members will “oppose the government on policies we find aren’t acceptable,” a process that she says they will do through, “strong, principled questions that hold (the federal government) to account.” Matters the Conservatives intend to tackle in the House of Commons include some of the most contentious issues in contemporary Canadian politics. These include the criticism of an overspending government and what they see to be an unrealistic timeframe for getting the country out of a deficit. Another issue will be the upcoming legalization of marijuana — something the Conservatives are criticizing as too rushed. Raitt said the Conservatives will also question the federal government about its proposed tax changes for small businesses — and the widespread condemnation it has roused among business owners throughout the country. A particular concern Raitt has for the proposed tax changes is that they will punish doctors who operate their own business, and anything that makes it more difficult for doctors to run their business will further problematize health care in Nova Scotia, where there is already a dire need for more doctors. Raitt said she hopes to see “good bills come to the table for negotiation and for debate,” praising the team Party Leader Andrew Scheer will be bringing to the fall sitting. Guests in attendance voiced a number of concerns and perspectives. One guest in attendance spoke of how damaging the proposed tax reforms would be for their business. Another guest shared an anecdote about how those changes are already driving doctors away from Canada. Other matters discussed between Raitt and guests included trade laws, and how Canada should navigate them in the age of Trump and upcoming North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) talks; potential legal and health problems that could arise with the legalization of marijuana and the need for the Conservative Party to become one that is more friendly to young voters.