Since January, I’ve completed a few tours of the local coffee shops to try to get a feeling of what’s important to people all over the riding. You may have seen some of these tours advertised in the papers and on radio, as they had set times. Other visits have been much more informal. I have tried to do this to keep up with what’s important in Saskatchewan rather than what’s up in Ottawa. So here’s a report of the issues and concerns that people brought up to me.

At the end of January, the provincial government had just announced its brand new smoking policy in regards to bars, hotels, etc. I had not really been following the debate. Being in Ottawa, I hadn’t thought it was that important. I sure was wrong. People brought this issue up to me all over the constituency. There were two major concerns: First, a lot of people were worried about the effect on businesses, particularly rural hotels and bars. Secondly, there was a lot of concern that the Aboriginal-run casinos were getting special privileges. A considerable number of people made a very valid point: What’s fair for one should be fair for all.

Another big item of concern that I heard about was the marriage issue. Almost everyone who spoke to me was opposed to the government reinventing the definition marriage. Most of you already knew that I had spoken out on the issue, but for the few who weren’t sure, I re-stated my steadfast opposition to “gay marriage.”

The continual problems with agriculture were also a main concern — particularly the U.S. border closure to live cattle. Everyone was still wondering when (and some were wondering if) the U.S. would open the border. It was agreed that despite all the government announcements, not a lot of money was getting to the people who were really hurting.

I really appreciated people giving me their input on these issues. It helps me to focus my efforts for you in my job as your MP.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament. I welcome your feedback. Write or call my offices.