Return of Parliament: MP Martin Shields

The Newsy Neighbour
October Issue 108
by MP Martin Shields

As Parliamentarians return to the House of Commons and Senate this month after the summer recess, I look forward to a very productive fall session working for the people of Bow River.

Kids have returned to school and their regular routines as they get back into groove of their studies. That means that parents are also getting back into the routines and figuring out the busy hustle and bustle of getting their kids to school, preparing lunches, making sure they have all the school supplies they need, and everything else. School is exciting for students, and it also means that parents are back at helping with extra-curricular activities like sports, music, dance, and other things. 

The harvest is well under way and our agriculture sector is running full steam ahead. I understand that this is a very good year for our farmers, and I hope that as winter approaches, the next crops will be just as fruitful. The previous federal government placed a big emphasis on opening markets for our farmers, and I think the current government may not have as much of an interest in this issue. The Conservatives will continue to pressure the government to make market access a main plank of their agricultural policy. 

I look forward to a fruitful fall session of Parliament. There are many issues that we will be facing and holding the Liberals to account is going to be very important. The most important ones for our region, in my opinion, are the state of the economy, natural resources issues with respect to pipelines especially, and finally electoral reform. Electoral reform has been a major issue for many constituents, who are concerned that the government is going to make a decision about how they vote without first asking them if they are satisfied with the current system. That is why the Conservatives have continued to demand a referendum. Polling has consistently said that at least 2/3rds of Canadians want a referendum before the government makes a decision. It is our duty as legislators and as proud Canadians to accept nothing less than what this large majority of our fellow citizens really desire.

I will continue to serve proudly as your representative in the House of Commons. I will continue standing for the issues that matter to the working families right across Bow River constituency. Should you need to contact me, my Ottawa office can be reached at 613-992-0761 or martin.shields.gc.ca, or my Brooks office at 403-793-6775/1-844-241-0020 or martin.shields.c1@parl.gc.ca.