By Parry-Sound Muskoka MP Scott Aitchison
In public life, there are two values that are always top of mind for me: respect and results. I am humbled every day by the support that Parry Sound–Muskoka has shown me, and I am always aware of why I am a Member of Parliament. I was sent to Ottawa by the people of this magnificent region to help improve their lives – every day, and to solve problems they face—every day. But results and solutions to the problems we are facing are a rare occurrence in Ottawa these days.
Government service delays have impacted Canadians all across the country. No more so than delays with passport applications, and renewal requests. My all-star constituency staff have been working with constituents across the riding to get their passports completed on time, in a system that has become a disaster. I am so thankful to have them on my team.
The severe delays at Canada’s passport offices are just one symptom of a larger illness in Ottawa. The lack of results for Canadians. Our country is facing monumental challenges. Inflation is making everything more expensive. A stable financial future for Canadian kids is in jeopardy.
The housing crisis in this country is leaving too many Canadians without a safe bed to sleep in, and forcing many to give up the dream of home ownership. Supply chain issues mean that Canadians and businesses are not able to get the right products at the right time. Those of us in rural areas are still facing a lack of access to reliable high-speed internet. I am hearing about these issues, and more, from constituents across our community, and our country.
The wheels of government seem to have come to a standstill. The federal government is not meant to be all things to all people, but it is expected to be able to solve the big problems of the times we live in. Ottawa is desperate for real leadership, and a problem-solving attitude. Ottawa needs a culture change. One that is results-oriented, and relentlessly driven to deliver the services that Canadians deserve and rely upon.
Mayors and municipal staff across Canada embody this mindset every day. They are on the front lines of service delivery, and the level of governments that Canadians most often interact with. Making sure the garbage is collected, the streets are plowed, and that residents can register for recreational activities. Municipalities are where the rubber hits the road.
Ottawa could benefit from a little bit more municipal thinking. Removing red tape, driving efficiencies, and just getting the job done. Not getting bogged down in task forces and bureaucratic delays. A business-like, service-oriented culture is what is desperately needed in Ottawa.
People in towns across our riding, go to work, clock in, and get the job done every day, it is time that Ottawa started learning from them. I continue to work diligently every day on behalf of everyone in Parry Sound-Muskoka to deliver results in Ottawa. I will work with my Conservative colleagues, and I will work across the political aisle whenever I can if that effort will produce a better result for you. This was my commitment to you on day one of my time as your Member of Parliament and it always will be.
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Anna-Lise Kear says
Hi Scott; results do not require majority governments. It is harder work but not impossible.
You emphasize that a “get her done” attribute is useful in governing.
A person having been in municipal politics, is not a requirement to be an MP or an MPP. A political party benefits if its cabinet and caucus hold a multi-talented, multi-background education and experience – to better balance career politicians (e.g. those who have worked mainly or even singularly for a political party for their working lives, think PP). Municipal leadership can be an asset – it becomes less so when the majority of the cabinet can add little else to their work, education, experience merit.