The majority of residents in the riding of Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek who want a change in government know the Conservative Party is the only alternative that can defeat the Liberals, according to Kelly Block, the Conservative MP representing the constituency.
“I recognize that discontent with the Liberal government is high in western Canada,” said Block. “I’m in close contact with my constituents on a daily basis and I know they’re frustrated with the policies and actions of the current government.
“I believe at the core, they understand that in order to change who is sitting in the seat of government at the federal level, the only viable alternative is the Conservative Party of Canada.
“I will always work for the best interests of my constituents, and the party I’m representing is a national party.”
Block said while many observers are predicting a federal election as early as this fall, that doesn’t change her focus.
“In a minority Parliament, we always have to be ready for an election at any time,” she said. “We have a three-pronged approach: there is the work we do in Parliament, there is the ongoing constituency work; but we’re always preparing for an election.”
Block, who is currently in her fourth term as MP for the riding, said if the Liberal government forces an election, the Conservatives will be ready.
“We have been working on our platform, which will be made public at an appropriate time,” she said. “We’re paying attention to what Canadian are telling us about the things that concern them the most.”
She said people are concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the economy, on individuals, on families, and on small and medium size businesses. They also want to see the federal government held accountable for its questionable policies and actions over the past 18 months, she added.
She conceded that hard questions about the federal Conservative Party’s policy on the carbon tax are likely to be raised by voters.
“Many constituents were disappointed with the announcement by our party when it came out,” she said. “But it needs to be viewed for what it is, which is a part of a more comprehensive plan.”
Block said over the past year, she and her colleagues have followed public health guidelines while staying in touch with constituents.
Now that most restrictions are being lifted, there’s a “huge sense of relief” in those communities, she said.
“I welcome the opportunity to get out on the road and start knocking on doors,” she said. “I’m looking forward to being a candidate in the upcoming election, whenever it is called.”