On Thursday (January 26), MP Blake Richards shared an open letter to Finance Minister Bill Morneau through his Richards Report newletter.

The letter came on the heels of a series of pre-budget consultations done by Richards around his riding and online, and highlighted the concerns of his constituents. 

Richards said the message from his constituents was striking.

"It was telling the federal goverment, look, we're hurting here in Alberta right now, and we need to see a government that shows some support for our energy industry that would put people back to work."

Richards said the message his constituents are getting is a far cry from the one they hope for.

"What they're seeing instead is what people are calling a kick while they're down, which is more taxes being piled on."

Besides taxes, Richards said his constituents are concerned about the energy sector and government spending. He says he'll continue to do his best to keep those worries at the forefront of the agenda.

"That is my job, to speak up and be the voice of the people of our riding and that's clearly what they're saying. They are saying, we need you more than ever to speak up and let this be known, and that's exactly what I'll be continuing to do."

 

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com