“The most important win for a Member of Parliament, locally, is the impact we have been able to have on personal case files from constituents who have come through our office doors.”
Those were the words of Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Conservative Member of Parliament for the riding of Hastings–Lennox and Addington–Tyendinaga.
“That’s the sweet spot and that’s what nobody talks about. Often, people who come through the doors of a constituency office don’t want to talk loudly about their issues so we don’t celebrate publicly the work that is done in the offices, but that’s really where the magic is and the most satisfying.”
The MP said 2025 went very quickly and reminded her that progress takes time.
“Democracy is often messy and loud and it’s human. We need to remember to show the human side to this because there is so much public unrest and a lot of hard conversations have been held. It really highlighted the fragility and at the same time the resilience of our political system.”
She added the politics of 2025 leaves everyone with a clear message, one of working together for the greater good.
“Engagement matters, especially when times are unsettled. I am thrilled there are as many people as informed and engaged as there are right now; it’s more than normal. I applaud people for being aware and asking questions. I think that’s what it’s all about.”
The Conservatives have been wounded with a pair of MPs crossing the floor to the governing Liberals, something she exclaimed isn’t healthy for democracy.
“Political change never arrives quietly. It happens through conflict, it happens through debate and it seems there has been weeks of months of upheaval recently. It has been divided at times and I remain hopeful, but floor crossings aren’t a true representation of what democracy is all about.”
Neuman-Kramp said affordability will remain top of mind for her in 2026 along with the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the US.
“The cost of living, the continued economic hardship, rising prices, it comes up in every conversation I have with people when I’m at the grocery store. The ongoing trade tensions with our neighbours will continue to be front and centre with CUSMA coming back on the table, that’s a significant concern.”
She said trade doesn’t need to be an either/or situation, meaning working on a fair deal with the US can go hand in hand with growing new markets across the globe.
