The Member of Parliament for Hastings–Lennox and Addington–Tyendinaga said her party will focus on issues within its control during the fall sitting in the nation’s capital.
Shelby Kramp-Neuman said the Liberals have a majority government, but the official opposition must contribute to important conversations.
“The more we can add different perspectives, the healthier it is. But there are a lot of issues, whether we talk about the European Union or the United States. We want to continue to have strong trade, security and defence relationships with Europe, but I don’t think partnerships like that mean we surrender Canadian decision-making.”
She added Canada should continue to cooperate with the EU where our interests align but at the same time keep Canadian sovereignty firmly in the hands of Canadians. Despite international affairs getting a great deal of attention in the media, Kramp-Neuman said the number one issue on the minds of her constituents remains affordability and the cost of living.
“I had conversations every day with people worried about paying their bills, raising their families, the cost of gas and groceries and the likelihood of housing becoming attainable again for young Canadians. Those conversations are still front and centre.”
She said the Canada/US relationship also comes up because there is so much uncertainty and concern about where it is headed.
“The relationship we have with the US is the most important economic connection we have. I really think we need to negotiate from strength and put the focus on defending Canadian industries and workers. I don’t think Canada needs to choose between the US and Europe. We can do both.”
