The need to mitigate the devastating effects of activist policies, including the cancellation of Keystone XL and the need to lay the groundwork for an economic recovery that supports Canadians businesses in the fight against COVID-19 and moving forward, my colleagues and I in the Official Opposition have a big job ahead of us when Parliament resumes January 25th. That said, I am optimistic that Canadians will remain resilient and that our Conservative caucus is up for the challenge to hold the Liberals to account.
The cancellation of the KXL Pipeline has impacted around one thousand folks from Battle River--Crowfoot who were laid off when the new US President, Joe Biden, signed an executive order cancelling the permit. While the case for this nation-building energy infrastructure project is clear, we see the Liberal Government treat this economic sanction against Canada differently than when the former US administration levied sanctions on other industries such as steel and aluminum or when major manufacturing job losses led to immediate responses. A prosperous future for Canadians should not be treated like a partisan or political issue. The Liberals’ actions are sowing seeds of deep division that threaten to tear Canada apart. As Parliament returns, I will be making the case that Prime Minister Trudeau has failed Alberta and all of Canada by “acknowledging” and “respecting” the United States' decision.
January 25th marks a grim milestone: it has been one full year since the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in Canada. There has been endless debate and discussion around how the various levels of Canadian government have responded in comparison to other nations around the world. One year later, we witness how the current Liberal Government’s mismanagement and ideology have hindered Canada’s ability to be a global leader in combating COVID-19. As the House of Commons resumes sittings, Conservatives will be leading the conversation on recovery.
Canadians have sacrificed so much over the last year. Although there are still challenges ahead, folks deserve a plan that gives them certainty -- certainty that vaccinations and other response measures will contain COVID-19 and that Canadians and businesses can plan in the short, medium and long term.
Unfortunately, the Liberals have attempted to use current uncertainty to their political and personal advantage and have even let it slip that they very well may force an election. Conservatives are wholly focused on making sure Canadians have a reason to be optimistic about our future. We will be collaborative when needed, will critique when required, and show leadership at a time when Canadians need it most.
It is an honour to serve as the Member of Parliament for Battle River--Crowfoot. If you have any questions about how I am serving you, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, text 403.575-5625, or e-mail damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with what Damien is up to by following him on social media @dckurek.
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