You may have heard the Liberals complaining over the last few weeks that too many infrastructure projects (water systems, arena upgrades, roads, etc) are being built in ridings that are represented by Conservative MPs.  They are complaining that the money isn’t going where they want it to go. Yet, “during Chretien’s tenure as Prime Minister, there were years when his riding got more Ottawa money than did the Province of Alberta–or half of Africa,” according to columnist Diane Francis.

Infrastructure money is divided fairly among the provinces using a “per person” funding formula.  This insures that one province won’t be favoured over any of the other nine provinces.

Members of Parliament work with both local governments and the federal and provincial departments involved to make sure the best projects are selected. Our Liberal critics don’t mention that projects are submitted by local governments and reviewed by both the provincial and the federal government.

Like many other MPs, I try to find out about all the projects in my constituency and do what I can to see that the best projects for my constituency are approved. Unlike the Liberals, the Conservatives have taken care to make sure that rural Canada has not been forgotten.  We ensure that when money is spent in Saskatchewan, it goes to the whole province and not just to Ralph Goodale’s Liberal riding in Regina.

If the Liberals truly think that too many projects have been placed in Conservative ridings (and in rural Canada) they should state which projects they are opposed to. Are they opposed to funding upgrades to the Multiplex in Humboldt? What about the water mains in Muenster, or arena improvements in Wakaw, Watson and Englefeld? If so, they should come out and say it directly.

I for one am unapologetic about my work for Saskatoon-Humboldt. I’m glad for the towns that received grants this year, and I will continue to work for the towns that missed out this year.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt.  You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt Tuesday and Wednesday. I always appreciate your feedback.