By MP Todd Doherty
Another year is coming to a close. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas season filled with family, friends, joy, and good food.
As we enter the New Year, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect upon the highlights and challenges of 2023. It has certainly had its bright spots. My long and arduous fight to finally bring a national three-digit suicide prevention hotline to Canada came to fruition with the launch of 9-8-8 in November. Now, everyone in Cariboo — Prince George (and across Canada) can access compassionate and non-judgmental suicide counselling at their fingertips.
I’m also proud to say that my private member’s bill, Bill C-321, went through the Justice Committee and is on its way to Third Reading in the House of Commons.
When passed, it will serve as a strong deterrent to those who think it’s okay to assault and harass healthcare workers or first responders.
In 2023, I also met with countless local organizations like the Takla Nation, the BC Independent Contractors and Businesses Association, the BC Real Estate Association, the Prince George Regional Kerala Cultural Association, the BC Snowmobile Federation, and many more to discuss regional concerns and how I can work to make our community stronger and more prosperous.
But despite these achievements, the day-to-day hardships affecting British Columbians and all Canadians don’t look to be going away anytime soon. The cost of living issue has ballooned into a crisis. This crisis is hitting Canadians hard; whether at the grocery store, the gas pumps, or when you get your utility bill at the end of the month.
Every Canadian who needs to drive, house themselves, or heat their homes is feeling the pain of the Liberal-NDP government’s reckless deficits, deficits which have led to a 40-year high in inflation and have forced the Bank of Canada to increase interest rates 10 times in just 19 months.
The housing market is just as bad, if not worse. Mortgage costs for the average Canadian household have doubled in the eight long years of this Prime Minister’s tenure. In 2021, he encouraged people to buy homes because “interest rates are at a historic low”.
Less than two years later, thousands of Canadians are regretting listening to his advice, as Bank of Canada interest rates have increased.
The situation is dire, yes, but it’s not all doom and gloom. For myself and the rest of Canada’s Conservatives, affordability is our number one priority. From the seniors who can’t afford both groceries and rent, to the parents struggling to enroll their kids in sports while simultaneously trying to pay the utility bills, to the young Canadians whose dream of home ownership is slipping away before their eyes — we hear you, and we will fight for you.
I wish everyone a Happy New Year! 2024 represents a renewal of my commitment to always fight for the interests of the people of Cariboo — Prince George.
Todd Doherty
MP, Cariboo — Prince George
