The Member of Parliament for Hastings–Lennox and Addington-Tyendinaga is back in the riding for the summer, but Shelby Kramp-Neuman says her work doesn’t stop.
“A lot of people think I’m home for the summer, and it’s time to chill, but for me, it’s the exact opposite,” said the Conservative MP.
“It’s important for all Members of Parliament to stay grounded in the lived experience of the constituents. The more we can talk to people on the street, in our offices and out at community events and bring those realities back to Ottawa in September when Parliament resumes, I think that’s where our obligations and responsibilities are,” she added.
The MP also reflected on Question Period in the House of Commons and how opposition parties’ questions no longer get answered.
“It’s a pretty sad reflection of where we are as a nation. I know it didn’t used to be like that. There were always some theatrics, but it’s gone too far. The pendulum has swung, and it’s long past time to bring it back.”
The governing Liberals forced some Parliamentary committees to hold meetings behind closed doors late in the last sitting of the House, something Kramp-Neuman said takes away from the real work MP’s do for their constituents.
“The system we are in right now depends on transparency and accountability and restraint when it comes to executive power. Right now we are seeing the opposite of that, and I think there are some warning signs for the public, and it’s incumbent on government to earn legitimacy and not just assume it.”
She has also been named the party’s Ontario Special Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition as part of the party’s new Shadow Cabinet just announced today.
“Ontario’s priorities are Canada’s priorities, and I look forward to working with colleagues, families, stakeholders and all levels of government to ensure Ontario’s voice is heard by our leader and throughout our Conservative team.”
Calgary Heritage MP Shuv Majumdar has taken on Kramp-Neuman’s former role as Shadow Minister for Canada–U.S. Relations.
