MP Report: A strong Canada needs a strong Alberta

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on December 6, 2019.

Since October’s federal election Canada’s Confederation appears more fractured than ever with large splits in different regions of our great country. The return of the Bloc in Quebec, the strength of Conservatives in the West, and Liberals in Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Splits along cultural, geographic and economic lines driven by a divisive Liberal campaign that wedged the West’s economy against social issues in Quebec.

When faced with an angry electorate, Trudeau turned the West into the villain in an attempt to score cheap points in Eastern and Central Canada. Sadly, and to our detriment, he succeeded. But let’s be clear, Ontario and Atlantic Canadians didn’t vote against the West, they voted for what they saw as important, just as we did. It is not voters or regions who are working against each other – it’s Liberals and their policies pitting one region against another for political gain. It is not East vs. West.

I understand for Albertans things are bad, people are angry, frustrated and fearful. I share in that anger and frustration and am very concerned with Ottawa’s indifference to Alberta’s current adversity. I refuse to believe and will not accept that Western separation is the solution. As Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister has stated, “we do not strengthen our relationships by threatening to leave or quit.” Turning away from Canada is not a reasonable approach or the answer. Alberta and Canada are better off with Alberta part of the Confederation. A strong Alberta means a strong Canada.

Alberta’s situation is far more than about our energy sector and getting our resources to market. It’s about getting fair market value for resources. It’s about the inequity and lack of fairness with equalization. It’s about stopping the gravy train to provinces that block our economy, yet take our equalization money. It’s about addressing serious issues in our agricultural sector that is leading to higher rates of forced farm sales, defaults, serious economic and mental hardship, and higher rates of suicide among that community.

It is incumbent upon Conservative’s to press the issue and open people’s eyes to the realities being experienced in the West. We need Canadians to understand that it’s not just a few jobs lost, but entire communities are suffering. Companies are leaving. Workers are being forced to move because there is no work. I believe when Canadians actually hear our reality, they will begin to understand and change their perceptions.

Conservatives will be pressing the Liberals at every opportunity, using every responsible tactic, and questioning every dollar spent. We will not allow the Liberals to continue to alienate Alberta or the West from the rest of Canada. I see this as a fight not only for my party, but for my community, my riding and to keep my country together.

Glen Motz is Member of Parliament (CPC) for Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner.

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