The re-elected Liberal government laid out its plan for the country during its next mandate in last week’s throne speech.
The speech explained how the minority government will tackle issues like combating climate change, strengthening the middle class, reconciliation, crime, and healthcare.
First time MP for Dauphin-Swan River- Neepawa, Dan Mazier, said that he is disappointed that the throne speech didn’t lay out plans on how to boost agriculture or support the rural way of life.
“There were many things that were missing in the throne speech, they didn’t mention rural Canada at all, and that was just the beginning of it,” said Mazier. “Out of all of what they had to say, they really didn’t say anything about our riding.”
Other things that Mazier was disappointed about were the omission of rural internet and cell phone connectivity, and the buy-back program for firearms that was mentioned.
“They talked about lowering cell phone prices, but what good does that do to areas that don’t have any cell service?” said Mazier. “The only part of the speech that will have any impact on my constituents, other than increasing taxes and making life less affordable, was their plans to take away firearms.”
Mazier pointed out that hunting and sport-shooting is a part of life in the riding, and argued that the Trudeau government took the lazy approach of taking guns away from law-abiding citizens, instead of targeting gangs.
Mazier said he is not giving up hope and will continue to fight for the riding. He is currently working on drafting proposals and recommendations to put forward to the government, including a call to remove carbon tax from grain drying costs.
Members of Parliament will now have a six-day debate period to discuss and debate the throne speech, before proceeding to vote on it.
The Conservatives and the NDP’s have both said that they will not support the throne speech, while the Bloc has said they support it fully.
If the speech doesn’t get approved, there will be a confidence vote. If that vote results in a vote of no-confidence, Canadians will have to head back to the polls.
