Despite being in his last term in federal politics, Westlock-St. Paul MP Brian Storseth says he is very much looking forward to 2015, and believes it will be even better than the last year.
Storseth said the Government of Canada is aware of the “tough economic times coming ahead,” but the Conservative government plans to keep moving the country forward.
“We have to tighten our belts,” he said, but he also acknowledged that to keep the country moving forward, investment into core infrastructure must continue.
The dipping oil prices are “definitely a concern,” Storseth said. Management of the Canadian economy is something the government has been focusing on, and “we will have a plan moving forward.”
Storseth said that despite going into a deficit three years ago, the government has been able to return to a surplus.
“It’s great news to be able to do that a year early,” he said, adding that although he is optimistic about the nation’s economic situation, “It’s something we need to keep a close eye on.”
One of the topics that seemed to come up regularly in 2014 was the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which Storseth spoke to numerous times throughout the year. He said he believes there will be some positive outcomes in early 2015 in regards to the TFWP.
One national event that is sure to be recorded in history was the shooting at Parliament Hill on Oct. 22; A lone gunman fatally shot Cpl. Nathan Cirillo as he stood guard at the National War Memorial. The gunman was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire in Parliament’s Centre Block.
“I think the event only solidified the way Canadians feel about our country,” said Storseth, as he reflected on the event.
He said the country needs to continue to make sure these radicals are stopped.
He admitted the shooting was a traumatic experience to go through, but it’s important to move forward and continue to do government “business as usual.”
Storseth said another success he’s seen in 2014 is the work being done with local municipalities.
“We’ve put a focus on working with our local councils,” he said, adding having a combined vision for the area has been beneficial.
With a federal election slated to happen in October 2015 and a recent boundary redistribution taking place, the Westlock area will fall into the new Peace River-Westlock riding.
He added that in uncertain economic times, it is important that all Conservatives work together.
