ONE YEAR
LATER
Now that the
first anniversary has passed since the 2015 federal election, I’m often asked
how I like being your Member of Parliament. Great question!
Every time I
walk to Parliament Hill and see the Peace Tower, my place of work and home to
Canada’s House of Commons, it still has the wow value. It is such an
honour to be serving the citizens of Kootenay–Columbia!
What I like
best is learning more about our communities in Kootenay-Columbia and
communities across Canada every day. I learn about the challenges facing those
who live in our riding, and the frustrations they are facing with various
federal government departments.
I work hard at
resolving these concerns because the public service aspect of my role is
important to me. I have travelled the riding listening to your concerns about
climate change, democratic reform, food security, protecting our rivers and
lakes, small business challenges and national parks. By understanding your
concerns about these and many other issues, I will continue to be your strong
voice in Ottawa.
My team works
hard to keep you informed through news releases, articles like this one, monthly
enews letters, issue-based mail-outs, and quarterly householders sent to every
mailbox in the riding. Collectively we respond to thousands of emails, and
hundreds of phone calls and social media messages every month. I love how
interested you are in what’s happening in the riding and in Canada - for
example we received almost 700 mail back responses on Democratic Reform alone!
The House of
Commons sits for six months of the year, and during the other six months I
spend a lot of time visiting the amazing places we get to call home here in
Kootenay-Columbia. All MPs struggle with striking a healthy work-life balance.
We never get used to missing family events like birthdays and anniversaries, or
cancelling out on going to the symphony or to WHL or Junior hockey games with
family and friends.
That is the
price that all members of Parliament pay, particularly if they are from large
rural ridings far from Ottawa. Ours is 64,336 sq. km, serves 107,589 people,
and is a seven hour drive corner to corner! Every flight between Cranbrook and
Ottawa takes 8 to 10 hours one way.
You sent me to
Ottawa to work collaboratively to build a better Canada, and I am proud
to have developed friendships with Members from all parties. When
personal or national tragedies occur we stand united in our support and in our
belief in public service, and you expect no less.
There are three
years to go in the life of Canada’s 42nd Parliament and I look forward to
meeting many more of you. Thank you for being such great constituents – your
interest and caring for our home in Kootenay–Columbia is very much appreciated!
Wayne Stetski
Member of
Parliament
Kootenay–Columbia
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