2020 was a year where we witnessed a pandemic grip our world that has had serious health implications, led to millions of lost jobs, and held our nation hostage for close to a year. That said, Canadians have always stood strong in the midst of adversity and I am optimistic our nation will bounce back 2021.
With all that transpired in the past year, we found all levels of government providing assistance at an unprecedented rate. Although it has not been without many challenges, I was proud to have worked to ensure aspects of the Federal Government’s programs were adjusted to better serve Battle River-Crowfoot. Additionally, my offices in Camrose, Consort, and Ottawa have helped thousands of constituents in their time of need.
Some things do not change, and unfortunately for Canadians, this goes for the Liberals’ incompetence and corruption. In addition to how the pandemic was handled from the beginning, we have seen numerous scandals emerge from the WE Charity scandal, to lucrative contracts being given to former Liberal MPs, to the most recent attack on law-abiding firearms owners. Amidst the struggle between everyday Canadians and COVID, our livelihoods, and our freedoms, the Liberals chose their friends and ideology over helping the people they are supposed to serve.
For Conservatives, 2020 was also the year where we named a new leader, the Hon. Erin O’Toole. Erin earned the respect of Conservatives with his resolve, military background, and never quit attitude. Erin has shown leadership at a time when it has been needed most, and it is no accident that as soon as Erin and the Official Opposition brought something up in the House, the Government was quick to respond, defend, and in some cases even backfill their responses to save face. The future of Canada’s Conservatives is a bright one. We are a Government in waiting that will represent the best of our nation, always fighting for the unity and prosperity of Canadians.
We are working diligently each day to ensure that good governance returns to our nation, while the Liberals plan to “reimagine the economy,” take advantage of the pandemic to provide “a great reset,” expand the size of government, drown our nation in debt, and fail to show leadership around the world. Canadians didn’t vote for that, and Conservatives remain ready to lead with the prospect of a snap election possible at any time. In the interim, we will remain hard at work as the Official Opposition.
Things may not seem as upbeat today as they once were… but when I speak to the people of Battle River-Crowfoot I am continually reminded of the potential we have. It is an honour to be able to serve you in Canada’s Parliament and I look forward to continuing to work for you in 2021.
My family and I would like to wish everyone in Battle River-Crowfoot a very happy, healthy, and bountiful New Year.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, text 403-575-5625, or e-mail damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with Damien by following him on social media @dckurek. If you are in need of assistance regarding a Federal Government program, or need assistance and don’t know where to turn, feel free to reach out to MP Kurek’s office.
