WEYBURN – The year 2021 is ending with strains on the economy and challenges for the residents of Souris-Moose Mountain, said MP Dr. Robert Kitchen, as he looked back on what transpired this year.
The Liberals recently released their fall economic statement, and Kitchen noted that the national media has virtually ignored the massive national debt and high inflation caused by the Liberals policies, on top of the high taxes being passed on to middle-class wage-earners.
He pointed out that inflation is at a 30-year high at 4.7 per cent, which is hurting the pocketbooks of many residents.
“I have the utmost pride in my constituents of Souris-Moose Mountain for their continued commitment to persevering through adversity,” he said. “The start of 2021 marked the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 in Canada. This has been an extremely difficult time for many, and the Liberal government’s mismanagement of the pandemic, specifically regarding border crossings and closures, have only compounded these issues.”
He noted that many of his constituents have friends and family in the U.S., and he pledged to continue to take every opportunity possible to be a voice for those who are affected by the separation this has caused.
The rules and restrictions have been “all over map, and because of the confusion, there’s been a lot of confusion and concern in my constituents minds,” he said, pointing out that this government has been very inconsistent in their rules regarding COVID.
This last year was also hard for agricultural producers in Saskatchewan with widespread drought conditions, he added.
“Poor weather and drought caused a much lower than average crop yield, and fertilizer costs continue to skyrocket despite the federal government’s assurances that help is coming. Our farmers need real and meaningful action from their government, not placations and empty promises. I am impressed that despite all this, our farmers continue to produce some of the highest quality products worldwide, which is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the field of agriculture,” said the MP.
He also pointed out that the oil and gas industry continued to do outstanding work in 2021, despite a lack of support from the federal Liberals.
“I have a deep appreciation for those who do the work that allows us to heat our homes and drive our cars, and I will always represent and be vocal about my support for the energy industry, both in the House of Commons and at home,” said Kitchen.
He added that many people are being affected by the transition away from coal-fired power, and said he will continue to make representations to the federal government on their behalf to ensure they get the assistance they need.
“I was extremely grateful to spend most of summer 2021 out and about in the riding. After over a year of doing things virtually, it felt incredible to get out in the community and start talking to people face to face again. I attended some great events and was overjoyed to finally be able to speak to my constituents in person, something that I consider to be the best and most important part of being a politician,” said Kitchen.
A snap election called for October that nobody wanted, he said, and while the Liberals did not get the results they were hoping for, “I am honoured to have been re-elected as your Member of Parliament once again. Thank you for putting your trust and faith in me, and know that I am committed to representing you and your interests in Ottawa.”
At the end of 2021, Kitchen was re-elected as Chair of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates, and they held their first meeting in the week before breaking for Christmas.
Kitchen noted that this committee is able to keep an eye on what the government is spending money on, whether it’s provisions for PPE or buying F-18 fighter planes. The committee is comprised of five Liberals, four Conservatives, one NDP and one Bloc member.
“I am also proud of the Conservative Saskatchewan Caucus who fought for our province’s right for tax fairness through an amendment to the Constitution.
While the Liberals have shown no support for this motion thus far, we know that the tax loss to Saskatchewan as a result of this exemption would hurt provincial services,” he said.
“My Conservative colleagues and I will always be on Saskatchewan’s side, and we will use every tool at our disposal to move this motion through the House of Commons as quickly as possible,” he said, adding, “Overall, 2021 was filled with its challenges, but it also showed me just how resilient the people of Souris-Moose Mountain truly are.”
“As we move forward into the New Year, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my constituents for their optimism in the face of adversity.
Finally, as your Member of Parliament, I extend you my best wishes for a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year! May you enjoy your time with your loved ones for remainder of 2021, and all the best in 2022,” said the MP.
