A Year-End Message for 2023
By Damien Kurek
BattleRiver-Crowfoot MP
As we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of 2023, I am reminded of the resilience and unity of Canadians in the face of adversity. While political debates and controversies shaped the year, they also reflected the democratic values that underpin Canadian society. A freedom that we enjoy and must do everything we can protect within our borders and beyond.
This year has been outlined by many significant, history-making events: two major conflicts in different parts of the world, we coronated a new King, war against two of our allies overseas, another election in Alberta, and a divided country under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Not to mention some instances in Parliament, including the first ever time a Speaker of the House of Commons (Anthony Rota) resigned, followed by calls for the next speaker, Greg Fergus, to resign less than two months following his election because of a trend of overtly partisan activity.
Throughout it all, major issues have been top-of-mind for Conservatives. To name a few: the impacts of the carbon tax, the increased cost of living, firearms rights which are under attack, housing prices that have doubled, NHPs, and the continued work to bring accountability to Ottawa.
Though the NDP-Liberal coalition continued to block Conservative attempts to bring common sense back to our nation, we did have a number of accomplishments throughout the year.
A few examples include:
Introducing the Build Homes, Not Bureaucracy Act to bring home more affordable housing in Canada,
Passed Common-Sense Conservative Bill C-280, which will protect Canadian produce farmers,
Passed Common-Sense Conservative Bill C-294, which will support the rights of consumers and small businesses,
Forcing votes to pressure the Government into axing the tax to lower prices for all Canadians,
Passed Common-Sense Conservative Bill C-318, which will deliver EI parity for adoptive and intended parents, and,
Led the efforts to implement the three-digit suicide prevention hotline, 9-8-8, to become active starting November 30th of this year. Help should only be three digits away.
Many instances where, in Parliament and Committees, Conservatives were able to ensure Canadians’ voices were heard.
After almost a year and a half of the Conservative Party of Canada under Pierre Poilievre, we are in a better position than ever to hold the Government to account and win the next election. I am looking forward to continuing my work in the House of Commons come the resumption of the 44th Parliament at the end of January.
I will leave you with this; 2024 will no doubt have its challenges, but I remain hopeful about the future of our region, our province, and our country. There is still a lot of work to do but know Canada’s Conservatives are working for you.
Thank you for the honour of being able to work on your behalf in Canada’s Parliament. I am proud and deeply blessed to continue as the Member of Parliament for Battle River—Crowfoot as we begin 2024. From my family, my team, and on behalf of the Parliament of Canada, I wish everyone many blessings in the year to come.