Now that I am in politics, the end of summer has a new meaning beyond sweaters and cooler nights. In the fall, each political party comes together at a national caucus meeting to review the summer and plan for the upcoming fall session. For me, this is a time to provide feedback to my colleagues on what I heard on the streets of Charlottetown over the summer, but also to watch the interaction of so many colleagues with decades of experience as they navigate the upcoming session’s strategy.
I am currently in Montebello with the Liberal Caucus and our upcoming leadership race has been leading the discussion, as well as last night’s Quebec Election. I want to extend my condolences to the victim’s family of last night’s shooting. In our democratic society, we need to feel we are in safe environment when we express our opinions. What happened last night should never occur in a free and open society.
I suspect that many Canadians are in a guessing game as to what the major issues we will be dealing with this fall since much of the Conservatives platform was crammed into the Omnibus Budget Bill. I feel the changes to EI and the loss of frontline service of many federal departments will have the biggest impact on Islanders.
I very much enjoyed my time at home this summer and spent a number of days going to door to door, listening and talking to constituents about their ideas and concerns. I was very pleased with the large turnouts at my summer socials and enjoyed catching up with many of you. Again, I will work hard and do my best to represent the views of the people in Charlottetown and keep you up to date on what is taking place in Ottawa.
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