Editor: To MP Blake Richards … Congratulations on your recent re-election as Member of Parliament. I am sure that your accumulated experience will serve well as you continue to represent the Banff-Airdrie riding.
However, when I read this quote in the Rocky Mountain Outlook, “I’m prepared to continue to work hard on behalf of my constituents, be their voice in Ottawa and hold the Liberal government’s feet to the fire and hold them to account and press hard for the issues that my constituents have given me mandate to press on; things like balanced budgets, lower taxes, a safe and secure country.
“It will be a new experience for me, but one that I’ll meet with the same kind of approach I’ve always had in my previous seven years in office.” (Richards survives Liberal surge, Rocky Mountain Outlook, Oct. 20) I became concerned that you are not attending those who did not necessarily contribute to your electoral success.
When you study the numbers, you will realize that there is a significant population in your riding subscribing to issues and conditions other than what you express in the quote. I am writing to remind you that you also represent us, that as the elected representative of this riding, you have a responsibility to all of us, many of whom do not hold lower taxes and balanced budgets as first priorities.
Many of us believe that addressing climate change, environmental health and social and physical health will lead to conditions that promote lower crime, steady economic conditions and greater public safety.
I believe we should cultivate a healthy cultural matrix in Canada, where fear is not the focus of political discussion, nor a tool of political persuasion. A few examples of topics about which I expect you to be well-informed and supportive, are: 1. Climate change cannot be separated from questions of environment (clean air, clean water, industrial and agricultural practices that consider environmental outcomes over shareholder gains). This trumps myopic focus on economic growth. There is no point to a (so-called) robust economy if the planet is not healthy. 2. First Nations must be treated respectfully in all areas of question. It is far past time for culturally meaningful social programming enabling reliable education and health care for First Nations communities, no matter where they are, meaningful investigation of the disappearance and/or abuse of women and children everywhere, infrastructure and technology to secure fresh water and establish healthy living opportunities in communities. 3. Many in your constituency care about supporting refugees and immigrants, helping homeless, social conditions that promote emotional well-being for everyone – children to geriatrics, access to learning and a long list of other issues.
Economic and physical security will surely devolve from attention to the broad background of environmental and social policies.
It is important to me that you understand this: I pay taxes and taxes pay your salary. The way that you represent all of your constituents could inform your party, shape your party policies and priorities. You are responsible to all of us in your riding: babies, teenagers, developers and environmentalists, seniors living on assistance, shopowners and snowplow operators, university faculty and people who are unemployed, those who voted for you and everyone who cast a ballot for someone else.
Lastly, I expect that every discussion, dialogue and interaction you enter on behalf of all of us, your constituents, is respectful. I expect you to listen carefully and to respond meaningfully, without bluster, obfuscation, or stubborn expression of political ideology. Every time you speak as the elected representative of Banff-Airdrie, I expect you to be well informed, honest and respectful.
Please spend some time and energy to find out who we are, what our values are and what we expect from you as the MP for all of us in the Banff-Airdrie riding.
Colleen Campbell, Canmore
