Lethbridge Herald: When the government spends, you pay

Breakfast is by far my favourite meal of the day. My go-to menu item is eggs and bacon, or an omelette with a side salad. I love a classic breakfast! I used to be able to eat at a local pub or breakfast spot for as little as $6.00.

That’s not true anymore — and for good reason. The cost of groceries has skyrocketed!

The price of bacon has increased by 20 per cent; the price of eggs by 7.4 per cent; and the price of butter by 5.5 per cent.

This isn’t just bad news for me. It’s bad news for everyone.

But you didn’t need me to tell you that. If you’ve shopped at a local grocery store, eaten at a restaurant, paid a home heating bill, or filled your tank with gas, you already know that life is getting more and more expensive.

So, why is that?

The name of the bad news is inflation and it’s driven by awful government policy.

Due to inflation, the cost of living is rising and it’s causing the chasm between the rich and the poor to widen. Prime Minister Trudeau promised to grow “the middle class,” but in reality, his policies are making it more and more difficult for Canadians to make ends meet, let alone make financial gains.

A recent poll found the number one concern for 78 per cent of Canadians is the rising cost of living.

Those who are hurt the most by the government’s decision to spend money it doesn’t have, are Canadians who live paycheque to paycheque.

Food banks are finding it difficult to keep up with the level of need they’re seeing. One of the biggest changes over the last year has been the rise in use by those who are employed and normally able to get by.

The prime minister says he doesn’t think much about monetary policy. It shows.

He handed himself a blank check in spring 2020 and has been printing and spending money ever since.

The level of debt amassed by Mr. Trudeau not only surpasses that of any one prime minister in our nation’s history, but actually exceeds all previous prime ministers combined!

Instead of reining in spending and living within their means, the Liberals have been printing money non-stop to pay their bills.

Mr. Trudeau has handed out exorbitant amounts of money in the name of “emergency income,” but the books show the personal disposable income of Canadians has actually increased during the pandemic. Earned income has dropped significantly, but enormous government handouts have more than covered the loss.

As a result, there is tons of extra money flooding the economy, but the same or fewer number of goods.

The outcome is higher prices because an endless supply of printed money combined with limited goods drives up their price tag. The sad thing is, it’s the wealthy that benefit when prices increase, because it adds to their profit line.

Meanwhile, low-income wage earners must make their dollars stretch further to pay for the increased cost of groceries, clothes, and gas.

All the while the government is bloating in size not only by spending all this extra money, but by raking it back through taxes.

Once government supports are factored in, Canadians are bringing home more money than before the pandemic.

However, because the cost of living is growing astronomically, your money doesn’t stretch as far as your smaller paycheque once did.

One dollar used to be worth one dollar. Now, due to Mr. Trudeau’s decision to print money, your dollar is only worth 95 cents.

If the government were to increase taxes by five percent, there would be massive outrage.

But the government isn’t imposing a five per cent tax. It simply comes with a new name: inflation. Hence, the term “inflation tax” is often used to describe what’s happening.

A single mom on a $45,000 salary is finding it more difficult to fill up her pantry and buy clothes for her kids.

Seniors on a fixed income have the burden of making their dollars cover the increasing cost of necessities. Those who live with a disability are having to spend more of their small stipend on groceries and shelter.

It didn’t have to be this way.

As Conservative Finance Critic, Pierre Poilievre, has pointed out, “countries that are not printing money to pay their bills have maintained a low cost of living and an affordable life for their citizens, and those countries that are flooding their economies with cheap cash are driving up the cost of living for their people.”

Reining in fiscal spending would necessitate limited government. This, of course, is a horrible restraint for any political party that only attains or maintains power when people are reliant on government programs and handouts.

The government is choosing to be fiscally irresponsible for the sake of political advantage and it’s putting our economic future in jeopardy.

In this cunning sleight of hand, Mr. Trudeau presents himself as Canadians’ caretaker.

In doing so, he is stealing money from the next generation to stuff the pockets of Canadians today. Meanwhile, our savings are depreciating in value.

So, what’s the solution?

To start, the government needs to stop printing money — now!

Lethbridge Herald: The Throne Speech that should be

At the opening of every new session of Parliament, the Prime Minister is given the unique opportunity to share his vision for Canada and what he and his government aim to accomplish over the coming years.

This roadmap comes in the form of a Speech from the Throne delivered by the Queen’s representative, the Governor General.

As ministers, policy writers, and advisors are undoubtedly working on this speech right now, I would like to offer some thoughts as to what I believe should be prioritized and communicated in this anticipated plan for Canada.

Though the Speech from the Throne signals a fresh start, it is imperative that it stays anchored in the core principles of our parliamentary democracy and stays true to the fundamental role of the federal government.

Namely, the federal government should focus on four primary things: keeping the country united; ensuring Canadians are kept safe and secure; facilitating an environment of economic prosperity; and advancing Canada’s place on the world stage.

Firstly, in his throne speech, the Prime Minister should outline his plan for creating a united Canada. As Publilius Syrus famously said, “where there is unity there is always victory.”

If we wish to step into our full potential as a country, we must stand united. Mr. Trudeau must stop pitting one region against another; one religion against another; and one people group against another. We must unite around our common identity as Canadians and our inherent worth as people, while simultaneously honouring and celebrating the uniquenesses that exist among us.

Secondly, safety and security should be top of mind for the Prime Minister.

The government must ensure our borders are secured and Canadians are kept safe from security threats at home and abroad.

Cybersecurity threats are real and severe. Canada must bolster its online security systems and take a realistic approach when dealing with foreign actors that have proven to be untrustworthy in the past.

The Chinese government poses a grave threat, especially through its reach into Beijing-based telecommunications company, Huawei.

Canada should join with its Five Eyes intelligence alliance partners and place significant limitations on Huawei’s access to Canada or ban the telecommunications giant altogether.

Increased investment in the Canadian Armed Forces is a must. We need to ensure that adequate and appropriate military equipment is procured.

These men and women stand on the front lines of defense and they must have equipment that is safe and effective.

For example, used fighter jets won’t cut it!

Misogyny and sexual misconduct within the Canadian Military must be addressed.

It’s time for Mr. Trudeau and his cabinet to stop making excuses, take responsibility for the role they’ve played in the current cover-up and clean things up. The brave women who have come forward with their stories deserve this much at least.

While we must be on guard against foreign threats, we also need to be aware of the many dangers within our own country.

Human trafficking is tragically rampant in Canada and any Prime Minister who claims to care about the most vulnerable must not overlook this grave situation. A plan must be put in place to keep young women and girls safe from predators.

Thirdly, Mr. Trudeau must return to a balanced budget and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. It is undeniable that our economy is currently standing on fragile footing as the country is shouldering unprecedented debt levels.

As a consequence of the Canadian government spending more than any other G20 country in its pandemic response, our deficit has reached epic proportions, and inflation rates are getting dangerously high.

As a result, the cost of living is rising and the number of people living in poverty is growing because of it.

We need to get government spending under control and stop borrowing what we don’t have.

We need to invest in the revenue-generating sectors of our economy and get Canadians back to work.

Unleashing the power of our workforce is the only shot we have at rebooting our economic engine.

Canadians are incredibly creative, inventive, and entrepreneurial. We need to reward innovation and stop penalizing those who are successful and bring jobs and growth into our economy.

This government needs to let Canadians thrive by reducing red tape and regulation and getting out of the way.

It should go without saying, but unfortunately it must be stated explicitly: the government needs to commit to the development of Canada’s energy sector.

Canada has been blessed with the third largest oil reserve in the world, plus we adhere to the highest environmental regulations on the planet, and we respect human rights.

Even while we transition to alternative energy sources, the need for oil and gas still exists.

When we refuse to develop Canada’s industry, it simply means we must bring oil and gas in from places like Saudi Arabia, where there are zero environmental standards and human rights are abysmal.

In other words, by neglecting our industry, Prime Minister Trudeau has an opportunity to support Canada’s ethically sourced oil, or he can use taxpayer’s money to support a foreign dictator and purchase unethical blood oil that was produced with zero regard for the environment.

The fact that Mr. Trudeau has appointed a former environmental activist who has been arrested for his anti-oil and gas antics is certainly alarming.

Fourthly, after giving careful attention to the local affairs of our country, we can once again look to have a respectable presence on the world stage. It is undeniable that Canada has taken a backseat when it comes to forming alliances in security, trade, and intelligence. This is largely a result of our failure to take a stand within our own country. If we are not defenders of freedom and democracy within our own borders, then how can we export these values globally?

The only way this country can propel forward with strength is by standing united. This is the preeminent role of any national leader — that the people he serves stay united under a national banner. If Prime Minister Trudeau genuinely wants this country to succeed, he must adjust course and stop stoking the fire of animosity between Canadians.

In light of Remembrance Day on November 11th, when we will pause to remember and pay tribute to the men and women who have served this country, I cannot help but feel an incredible responsibility to preserve the very principles on which Canada is founded in order to honour the sacrifices made by Canada’s veterans.

We must continue to stand united as Canadians in defense of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

The speech from the Throne should align itself accordingly.

Lethbridge Herald: Thanks to Lethbridge Constituents

Dear Lethbridge constituents:

From the bottom of my heart, I wish to say thank you for once again trusting me to be your voice in Ottawa. This is a weighty role deserving of hard work, dedication, a listening ear, and dogged determination to fight for the things that serve our region best. I am committed to doing these things to the best of my ability.

During the election, my team and I were committed to knocking on as many doors as possible in order to hear from you and learn more about your concerns and hopes for our community.

Overwhelmingly, I heard from you that this election was senseless and largely unwanted. Some of you were frustrated, some were grieved, and others were outright angry.

Despite witnessing a heightened level of division and animosity in this constituency and across the country, I still gathered threads of hope and optimism for what our future could hold.

I felt there was a strong desire for this nation to be united and at peace. I heard from many of you that you want Canada to be a more devout champion of freedom here at home and around the world.

With the recent return of the two Michaels from being imprisoned in China, I can’t help but sense a yearning in the Canadian people for us to stand up once again to those who would attempt to mistreat our fellowman for political or economic advantage.

John Diefenbaker famously said,“We must vigilantly stand on guard within our own borders for human rights and fundamental freedoms which are our proud heritage…we cannot take for granted the continuance and maintenance of those rights and freedoms.”

As I take my seat in Canada’s 44th Parliament, I am committed now, more than ever, to take a stand for what have historically been known as Canadian principles.

I will defend your right to speak freely, to express yourselves appropriately without reprisal, and your freedom of conscience and belief.

I will work to form tighter relations with our allies in defence of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

I will advocate for policies and laws that limit the size of government so that you can live your lives without excessive state intervention and keep more of the money you work hard to earn.

I take my election result as a mandate from you to stand up for these principles.

As a member of the Official Opposition, I will push the government toward greater fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency; and a higher standard of ethics.

My role in opposition is to challenge the government to be the very best it can be for the Canadian people.

It is a position I deem valuable and a role I do not take lightly.

Even though I am your elected representative, it is my firm belief that you are the ones who are going to turn things around in this country. I continue to believe the power to change truly lies with the people, not with the government. I have said it before, and I will say it again, it is Canadians who are the problem-solvers, the solution-makers, and the wealth-generators, not the government.

I recognize there has been a shift in power in recent years.

More power and control is in the hands of government than with the people. This is an error, and it must be rectified. In a democracy, it is the people who are to hold the levers of power.

I will continue partnering with you to bring stability and prosperity to the riding of Lethbridge.

Together, we can work to make our community the very best it can be. We can unleash the potential that exists here for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We have the power to build something great!

It is with great humility and gratitude that I will once again take my seat in the House of Commons in the coming weeks. Thank you for this tremendous honour!

Regardless of who you voted for or the political stripe you wear, my team and I remain committed to serving you.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us.