Thanks to everyone who worked with me over a busy summer to shrink the distance to Ottawa. Ministers and other MPs came to our riding to work with constituents and me on pressing national issues that affect us here, where we live. We also saw developments in responsible resource development, a theme which increasingly affects us all.
Key ministers that worked with us over the summer were Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development; Transport Minister Lisa Raitt; Fisheries Minister Gail Shea; and Colin Carrie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Environment Minister. The common themes of relevance and responsiveness characterized their work.
In his attempt to ensure the Temporary Foreign Worker Program best suits the needs of British Columbians, Minister Kenney met with leaders in the entertainment sector, business owners, tourism promoters, and Chambers of Commerce. These leaders in job creation are involved in ongoing discussion with me, trying to ensure Canadians get hired first and employers find the staff they need.
A former Harbour Master herself, Minister Raitt listened to our constituents concerns and related, among other things, her work on creating world class standards in marine safety.
I was especially grateful to constituents who have helped me approach Minister Shea and Parliamentary Secretary Carrie with proposals to create a Fisheries Centre of Excellence, as supported by my fisheries advisory group, and to support a long-term plan for Howe Sound, as initiated by the Future of Howe Sound Society.
Throughout the summer, conversations at backyard barbecues and coffee gatherings often related to responsible resource development. "The Environment IS the Economy," is the message I am increasingly taking to Cabinet and other leaders.
Most constituents tend to favour resource development that is "responsible" in promoting positive social, environmental, Aboriginal, and economic development. In reviewing such things, we need to ensure the integrity of independent, science-based processes, with plenty of opportunity for effective public engagement.
A high level of public engagement - that's what I witnessed all summer long in the area where we live, "The Most Beautiful Place on Earth."
