My recent tour throughout Yorkton-Melville provided a great opportunity to visit with the gracious people who live in our constituency.

During the weeks of February 15 and 22, I travelled to some 40 villages, towns and cities in our riding to get an update on important federal issues. The concerns differed somewhat according to the regions I visited. While it was good to hear from so many people from far and wide, I was not surprised to learn that most of your concerns are my concerns – after all, I’m one of your neighbours.

I spoke with many seniors who made clear cases for increasing the Old Age Pension. Many seniors on fixed incomes have received increases that were so small they didn’t keep up with inflation. As the cost of living escalates, seniors are forced to scrimp more and more. I have presented their sentiments to the finance minister in the past, and I will do so again.

Many people of all ages told me they are concerned about crime and the leniency of the court system in handing out appropriate penalties. They said the Youth Criminal Justice Act needs amending because too many young offenders are treating the court system like a joke.

I also heard from farmers who are displeased with cattle and grain prices. Many suggested that current federal farm programs were not helping them very much. I meet with Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food each week when Parliament is in session, and I will present their comments to him.

There were many people who wanted an update on the Private Members’ Bill to scrap the long-gun registry. I was pleased to tell them that Bill C-391 has passed second reading and should be coming up for debate at the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security this spring.

In the northern reaches of the riding around Hudson Bay, local people want a fair opportunity to provide coal to the province for energy. The coal in this area has nearly twice the energy of the product found in many other places, and mining in the north that is environmentally responsible would help the local economy.

Many people are concerned about improving local infrastructure – some roads, bridges and sewer systems are past their due date, and will need fixing without increasing the national deficit. And many people noted they would rather cut government spending than raise taxes. I always enjoy travelling around the riding – many thanks to those who came out for coffee and conversation.

If you have concerns and missed me in February, please feel free to drop me a line at the House of Commons, Ottawa ON, K1A 0A6 – no postage is necessary.

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