MP Report – infrastructure dollars and other projects

This summer, I have been busy visiting communities right across the vast Bow River riding. I have had the opportunity to interact with many constituents, attend many summer events and continue to do so. A number of common themes have come up across the riding, and I would like to share some of them with you.
One of the big issues that many municipal officials in Bow River raised with me was the ever-growing need for infrastructure money. With that in mind, the Alberta government will within the next few weeks be releasing the list of projects which will be receiving federal infrastructure dollars, and we will be monitoring carefully to see what kind of money comes to Bow River communities.
With respect to our very important agricultural sector, I have heard concerns about trade issues as well as labour issues, such as shortages. I know that this is an ongoing problem and urge the federal government to act on it.
Pipelines continued to be an issue, and I have heard concerns that neither government, federal or provincial, was doing enough to ensure safe new pipelines are approved for construction, which would result in a much needed boost to our economy.
I heard concerns from many law-abiding hunters, ranchers, farmers, and sports shooters, about recent gun law and regulatory changes. There is Bill S-223, which I hope will die in the Senate and am continuing to monitor. There are also changes to the Ruger 10/22 rifles, that are quite frankly unacceptable. I wrote a letter to the Public Safety Minister recently to ask that an amnesty be granted so that those who are law-abiding citizens are not made into criminals overnight. I often write letters to Ministers on issues pressing to my constituents, and when the House of Commons is in session I typically hand deliver them directly to the Minister in the House Chamber.
I have also heard concerns about the provincial and potential federal carbon tax, which most said was inappropriate at this time, in this economy.
I heard many concerns about the government wanting to change the way you elect MPs, and I urge you to watch for my householder which contains a survey on this issue. It should be hitting your door any day now, so please fill in and mail the reply card, postage free, back to make sure your voice is heard!
I also heard about ongoing immigration issues of various kinds, which affect Alberta’s economic situation.
Should you have any questions or comments for me, I invite you to contact my Brooks Office at 1-844-241-0020 or martin.shields.c1@parl.gc.ca or my Ottawa office at 613-992-0761 or martin.shields@parl.gc.ca.