Standing up for common sense: a Year in Review

By David Bexte Member of Parliament Bow River Riding

A First Year Serving
Bow River

As the new year begins, I want to look back on my first year serving as your Member of Parliament for Bow River. Being sworn in and standing in the House of Commons for the first time was humbling. It reminded me who I work for: the families, farmers, workers, seniors, and veterans who call this place home.

One of my first speeches in Parliament was about Bow River itself. Like the river, our communities don’t wait for Ottawa’s permission to move forward. We work hard, we look after each other, and we get things done even when government gets in the way.

That speech set the tone for my work this year: common sense, real results, and standing up for our way of life.

Fighting for Canadian Energy and Jobs

This year, I served on the Environment Committee, where I pushed back against the Liberal government’s emissions cap, carbon tax, and electric vehicle mandate.

Experts told the committee that these policies are based on bad data and would hurt Alberta and Canada. Studies warned they could cut oil and gas production, kill investment, and cost tens of thousands of jobs. The Parliamentary Budget Officer confirmed the emissions cap would shrink Canada’s economy and put people out of work.

We also heard that if Canadian energy is replaced by foreign oil, global emissions could actually go up. Other countries have weaker standards than Canada. That means we lose jobs, and the environment gains nothing.

Speaking Up in the House
of Commons

In Parliament, I spoke out against reckless spending that is driving up inflation and making life more expensive.

I also called out the Liberal government for blocking pipelines. They cancelled major projects like Northern Gateway and Energy East, trapping over 90 per cent of Canadian oil with no way to reach world markets. As a result, Canada is now stuck selling almost all our energy to the United States, often at lower prices.

At the same time, our allies like Japan, Germany, and Taiwan asked for Canadian energy and were turned away. That is not just an economic mistake. It is a national security failure.

Canada needs a pipeline to tidewater. It would create jobs, strengthen our economy, and help our allies. Endless studies won’t build anything. It’s time to start building.

Standing Up for Farmers and Ranchers

I also spoke against unfair trade rules in Bill C-13. While Conservatives support free trade, the Liberals are letting the U.K. block Canadian beef and pork with unscientific rules.

Canada exported zero dollars of beef to the U.K. last year, while British imports into Canada kept growing. That is not fair trade. It puts family farms and rural jobs at risk.

The Failed Gun Buyback

I raised serious concerns about the Liberal gun buyback program. A pilot project in Cape Breton collected as few as 25 firearms, far below expectations.

Despite this failure, the government is pushing ahead with a $742 million program. Only a fraction of that money goes to firearm owners. Most is eaten up by bureaucracy.

Police have been clear: licensed gun owners are not the problem. In Toronto, nearly 90 per cent of crime guns come from the United States. This money should be spent on border security, police, and stopping illegal guns — not targeting law-abiding Canadians.

Defending Freedom at the
Justice Committee

At the Justice Committee, I fought against Bill C-9, which removes long-standing protections for freedom of religion and expression.

Faith leaders and civil liberties groups warned that this bill could criminalize people for peacefully expressing their beliefs. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and many others all raised the alarm.

Violence and hate crimes are already illegal. This bill goes further by targeting belief and conscience. That is wrong, and Conservatives will keep fighting it.

Working with the People Who Build Canada

Outside Ottawa, I met with farmers, energy workers, and industry leaders. They all said the same thing: Canada has what it takes to succeed, but red tape and ideology are holding us back.

I will keep bringing their voices to Parliament.

Looking Ahead

In the year ahead, I will keep fighting for Bow River, for rural Canada, and for common sense. I look forward to introducing my Private Member’s Bill and continuing my work on the Environment Committee.

The best conservation doesn’t come from downtown boardrooms. It comes from farmers, hunters, fishers, and people who work the land every day.

Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. It is an honour to serve you.