Sorenson focuses on federal budget

Justin Seward

Times Reporter

 

Minister of State Finance and Crowfoot MP Kevin Sorenson made a stop in Strathmore on Jan.16 to meet with local businesses and citizens. Topics of discussion included how the government can assist in supporting family, business development, increasing trade and balancing budgets. Sorenson’s main focus was to speak about how government is going to maintain the budget for 2015 and have a plan for additional savings. “The first thing I have as Minister State of Finance is doing pre-budget consultations all across the country. So we’ve done them in the major centers in Toronto, Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary,” said Sorenson. “As we prepare for this budget, we want to listen to Canadians to see the issues that they are dealing with on a daily basis and also things they believe we should do in this next federal budget.” He believes it is very beneficial to be an MP representing Strathmore and to be able to effectively communicate issues with his constituents. “As the MP from Strathmore and from this constituency, I am responsible for my constituents and it’s especially good when I can come host (one) of those meetings right here,” said Sorenson. “This morning we were fortunate to do one in Strathmore. It’s good to be back in Crowfoot, (and) to hear the concerns those municipalities, moms and dads, the Elks and the Legion have. That’s what we were doing, asking them the four questions.” The questions that he asked the businesses were related to the topics that were talked about throughout the meeting. “What can the government do to help with the high cost of raising a family, are there issues we can bring forward in a budget and solutions that we can bring forward in a budget to help mom and dad. The other thing that we’ve done in this budget, is what can we do to help create jobs, how can we help with workforce skill development,” said Sorenson. Now that we’re well into 2015, the New Year brings new budgeting strategies for different natural resources and Sorenson will keep a close eye on Alberta’s natural resources. “I think time will tell on agriculture, if we get good weather and bumper crops, that’s very much a positive. The cattle industry was very strong – typically I would say agriculture in this constituency is one of my main focuses, but we’ve had reasonably good years in those industries,” said Sorenson. Other than the agriculture, he will oversee the day-to-day progression of immigration issues, labour issues and trade.