Canada is facing a crisis of our economy and our unity. It is time for government to stop dividing, stop picking winners and losers and be a unifying force.
What can unify Canadians is a common cause and showing the world our country wants to play a critical role on the global stage especially regarding energy and food security.
Canada has a wealth of oil and gas. Our energy sector contributes more than 10% of our nominal GDP. We should all be proud of those who work in our energy sector and provide clean, environmentally responsible energy that respects human rights. We should strive for energy independence by getting ethical Canadian oil in all our refineries, not importing oil from despots and dictators.
It can be done if we stop pulling against each other and start working together.
One sector does not have to lose for another to win. As Canadians, we should be proud of all our industries: the auto sector in Ontario, fisheries in Atlantic Canada, agriculture in the Prairies and forestry in B.C.
At the same time, we are in the midst of a global food crisis. The Liberals are increasing the cost of groceries by hiking the carbon tax, putting a tariff on fertilizer and burdening Canadian farm families with red tape. Canada is the only country with a government, in a food security crisis, raising taxes on farmers and asking consumers to pay more.
Instead of the government offering relief to Canadians when they need it most, the Prime Minister is travelling around the world with no mask in sight when he thinks the cameras are turned off, while here at home he is punishing Canadians with his draconian mandates and travel restrictions, which are not in place in counties around the world.
The division has also added to the isolation and mental health crisis this country is facing. This is an area that should be beyond partisan politics because all families have seen the impacts the pandemic has had on mental health and wellness. We have seen this in higher depression rates in young people, high rates of suicide and addictions and eating disorders.
The Liberals are pushing forward with their reckless activist agenda while the Conservatives offer real solutions such as exempting the carbon tax from farm fuels, removing the GST on gas and diesel, and ending the travel restrictions.
Across the country, there are challenges, but there are also incredible opportunities. Canada is blessed with an abundance of resources and talented people. Canada is still the land of opportunity – let us never lose sight of that fact.
For the good of the country, to reach our full potential, we must stop tearing each other down and work together to get things done. Together we can once again be the country of big ideas and even bigger dreams when we complete nation building initiatives like an energy corridor. We need to put an end to the divisive rhetoric and policies stigmatizing Canadians. We need to bring our neighbours together in the spirit of what it means to be Canadian – proud, strong and free.
I am proud of our country and I am here to stand up not only for Canada, but the constituents of Foothills. Working together we can forge a vision for Canada focused on prosperity and affordability, on an economic recovery, on ending the divisive mandates, on improving our mental health and unity.
I still believe in Canada. I believe in my country.
John Barlow
MP for Foothills
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Security
For more information:
John.Barlow@parl.gc.ca
613-995-8471
