Blake Richards MP talks pipelines, budget and hot springs

In the first ever tele-townhall for the Wild Rose constituency, member of Parliament Blake Richards answered questions from residents on Monday (Jan. 21) concerning a variety of issues such as natural resources, privatization of local hot springs and the federal government’s commitment to achieving a balanced budget.

Using Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology, the MP engaged in a public question period where more than 3,700 people from across the constituency were contacted and asked to participate. Submissions sent via e-mail were also addressed in the hour-long conference.

Several of the questions put to Richards during the conference dealt specifically with the country’s natural resources, predominately the oil and gas industry and potential impacts on the environment. Read the full story at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

2013 Banff Blake Richards First Nations Idle No More January MP protest

MP responds to Idle No More protest in Banff

Since forming at a general educational session in Saskatoon this past November, Idle No More protests by members and non-members of First Nations across the country have been both peaceful and, at times, disruptive.

The protest that occurred near Cascade Mall in Banff last weekend was peaceful, however, another in Calgary led to the closure of a bridge with police still to determine whether charges will be laid.

Wild Rose Member of Parliament Blake Richards responded to the recent local protest before meeting on Wednesday (Jan. 16) with three chiefs from the Stoney Nakoda First Nation to discuss economic development opportunities. Read the full story at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

2012 Brian Storseth January MP Pension St. Paul Journal

$25 billion in pension liabilities on the books, according to MP

A report released by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) a few weeks ago has asked Members of Parliament to shut down the current pension scheme that has been creating hoopla in Ottawa. Last week, local MP Brian Storseth said the pensions are only part of a much bigger issue. Read the full story at The St. Paul Journal.

2012 hammered dulcimer January St. Paul Journal

Local musician building his way back to Ukrainian heritage

After retiring several years ago, St. Paul resident Russell Paziuk decided to play it by ear, literally, and followed his passion while at the same time preserving some of his Ukrainian heritage. Read the full story at The St. Paul Journal.