Wild Rose MP Blake Richards will hold pre-budget consultations to gather input from his constituents on the federal government’s 2013 budget.
“Over the past four years,” said Richards, “I have found that the best suggestions for the federal budget come directly from constituents. I’m also proud to report that the majority of the priorities set by Wild Rose constituents have been included in the federal budget.”
Richards highlighted five examples of local suggestions utilized by his federal government, and they include: the one-project, one-review approach for natural resource developments; employment insurance reform; improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to address skilled labour shortages in Alberta; focusing future agriculture funding on research; and, downsizing the public service through attrition.
This year, Richards said he is seeking input on four specific areas: strengthening the economy; solidifying the economic recovery; improving government efficiency; and, encouraging private sector growth.
Budget consultations will begin Jan. 9 in Olds and Airdrie, then move to Canmore and Cochrane on Jan. 10 – visiting Cochrane’s Royal Canadian Legion from 8-9 p.m.
“I am seeking your input on the budget and these specific topics,” said Richards, “because I know these are the issues that will define our nation for years to come.”
