Local MP reflects on 2023

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As 2023 begins to wrap up, Bow River Riding MP Martin Shields reflects back on the past year, continuing his service in office for his constituents. 

“From a constituency viewpoint, I think the oil and gas sector was a little more positive this past year, with the increase in value of the commodity, which had been down to almost nil,” he said. “The resource sector is suffering in some ways what other industries are and that is the shortage of labour. Whether you’re in agriculture or the resource sector, private sector, I have often heard it’s there’s just a shortage of people to do the work, to do the jobs. So, that’s something that, that crossed a lot of the people in the sense of whatever industry you’re in.”

Shields added the drought experienced in Alberta, particularly during the summer months, was massively impactful for a number of his constituents, many of whom are deeply involved in the agriculture industry. 

This discussion, he explained, carries into the House of Commons via continued advocacy for carbon tax rebates and more supports for farmers needing to make use of irrigation for their crops. 

“The amount of energy it takes to run an irrigation system, and then the carbon tax that comes with that, is a significant challenge,” he said.

Additional challenges faced in relation to local agriculture include the shipping and transportation of livestock. 

This issue in this area, is largely in regards to the amount of time drivers are able to spend on the road, versus being able to get livestock where they need to go safely and appropriately. 

“(Transporters) may not be at the place they need to be when their logs run out and they have got livestock, so they either shut down at an inappropriate place with livestock, or they break the law and can be fined,” he said.

Shields and his team have been advocating to adopt a more American style approach which implements a leniency zone in order for drivers to reach appropriate stopping locations at the end of their daily logs without incurring fines upon themselves.

Additionally, Shields continues to be a champion for localized journalism and community news, hoping to see more attention and funding delegated to supporting such organizations.

“We really have a value of communication in rural Canada that is under serious threat. Just further supporting big legacy media is not going to resolve that issue. There needs to be a different way of looking at how important media is in rural communities,” he said.

Also included among Shields’ priorities continuing into 2024 are adequate housing for Canadians, and safety for young athletes participating in organized sport.