OTTAWA – Blake Richards expressed his gratitude after being named the official opposition shadow cabinet minister for tourism and western economic diversification.
Richards has served as the official opposition shadow cabinet minister for tourism since 2015. During the last parliament he served as the shadow cabinet minister for small business, export promotion, and democratic institutions.
"I look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners in tourism here at home and across the country," Richards said. "Tourism is a vital part of life in Canada and our tourism community is truly one-of-a-kind. I am proud to stand up for this dynamic and growing industry and community and to continue our work together. I know first hand that our tourism industry is full of potential and I will do everything that I can to help advocate for and realize that potential."
In Canada the official opposition shadow cabinet is composed of members of the main opposition party and is responsible for holding the government accountable and for developing and spreading the party's policy positions.
As for his new roles, Richards said it will give him another opportunity to fight for fairness for Alberta and to hold this Liberal government to account. He continued by saying it is time for the Liberals to start hearing and listening to Alberta's concerns and that can be done by listening to the MPs who Albertans duly elected. As Alberta's representative and shadow cabinet minister, he insists he will do just that.
Richards added he will not be sitting idle and he will keep busy meeting with Canadians, experts and industry leaders to develop a real path forward toward growing the economy, creating jobs, attracting new investment and getting the province back on its feet.
