Archive for June, 2012

This marks my last newspaper column before the summer recess. I write columns to communicate issues that I feel are interesting and important to voters in Saskatchewan.

Like most Members of Parliament, I use a variety of techniques to communicate with constituents, not just columns, radio broadcasts and mailers. This summer I will be riding in parades, going to BBQ’s and spending time meeting people throughout the constituency one-on-one.

In short, I will be doing what MPs all across the country will be doing: trying to find out what matters to the men and women of Saskatoon-Humboldt.

But to do our job properly, MPs need feedback from their constituents. We need you to call, email, or drop by our offices. Give us your input on what we’re doing wrong and also what we’re doing right. Have a great summer. I hope to see you before the fall.

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

Last week, the federal government introduced the Safe Food for Canadians Act. The purpose of this bill is to protect Canadian families from potentially unsafe food.  Food in Canada is currently regulated under four different statutes that were created at various times over several decades.

While these food statutes have served Canadians well, risks to food, (both imported and locally produced) need to be taken seriously.

This is why the new bill will:

• Implement tougher penalties for activities that put the health and safety of Canadians at risk;
• Provide better control over imports;
• Institute a more consistent inspection regime across all food commodities; and strengthen food traceability.

It will also help our farmers and food importers by aligning Canada’s food safety system with our key trading partners.

Safe food, healthy food both home and abroad: that’s what we all want for all Canadians.

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

A couple of weeks ago, a well meaning colleague of mine was quoted in the press as saying there wasn’t much one MP could do.

While I know what he meant, my experience has been different.  One MP can make a difference, and the long gun registry proves my point.

When Yorkton-Melville MP Garry Breitkreuz launched his fight against the long gun registry, he was told it was a lost cause. Even people in the Reform party told him he shouldn’t keep up the fight.  Remember: it wasn’t just the Liberals who had supported the long gun registry. Even Stephen Harper voted for it at one time.

But Garry persisted; and 17 years after it came into law the long gun registry was abolished.  So, next time you hear somebody say that one MP doesn’t matter, ask them about Garry.

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