"What do you see as the main role of a Member of Parliament?" That question has an easy answer for me. I believe the primary role of all elected representatives is to be a voice for the people they represent. And you can't do that unless you first effectively consult with them.
During my first term as your M.P., I worked hard to make consultations with you my focus and you can expect the same of me again in the new Parliament. Consulting frequently with you allows me to carry your views forward within Government and there are a number of ways I've instituted that will allow us to keep in touch.
Community Office Hours: In a riding as large as Wild Rose, access can be an issue for people. Not everyone who needs to meet with their M.P. or access government services lives within easy distance of our main constituency office in Airdrie. That's why one of my first moves after my election in 2008 was to establish a network of Community Office Hours in communities around the riding. The office hours give residents in 10 different communities and their surrounding areas a chance to access services closer to home.
A schedule of office hours is available on my website at www.blakerichards.ca.
Columns: My weekly Wild Rose Report Column is printed in most newspapers across the riding each week. These columns detail recent developments in government and can also be read online on my website, where you can sign up to receive the column by e-mail every week. In addition, my commentary can be heard each Saturday at noon on Olds Radio 96.5 FM.
Consultations: I also often hold consultations and roundtables during federal budget planning or to address specific issues in communities. These give residents a chance to tell me their priorities and goals for the upcoming budget or to address topics like tourism and small business, seniors issues, agriculture and veterans affairs.
Surveys: Another of the ways I've found to get your feedback is through surveys. Throughout the year, I send publications to your home inviting you to give me your opinion of various government initiatives or proposals. Your responses help me to know when our Government is on the right track and when you have reservations. I invite you to take the time to complete and return these surveys - postage-free - when you receive them.
Social Media: The growing power of social meeting to keep in contact with constituents never fails to astound me. I make extensive use of the popular microblogging application twitter to update constituents and communicate personally with them. I invite you to follow me on twitter, or to "Friend" me on Facebook.
Through these and other means, I'm able to best gather your input so I can continue to be a strong voice for you in Parliament.