Banff-Airdrie, MP Blake Richards is rolling up his sleeves and getting down to business.

Recently appointed to the Standing Committee on Finance in the House of Commons as well as being named the Shadow Cabinet Minister for Small Business, Export Promotion and Tourism, Richards is looking forward to diving into his new roles. 

Making life easier for Canadian constituents and business owners is something Richards is passionate about and honing in on removing unnecessary red tape will become a much bigger focus for the MP.

Believing Canadians are already feeling the pinch from an increasing debt load, more taxes and mountains of regulations, Richards is hoping to provide solutions for both small business owners and average Canadians. "A lot of the businesses I have talked to over the past few years say between a bit of a downturn and a constant barrage of detrimental government policies from the provincial and federal level, they are just trying to keep their doors open. They might get by not paying themselves for a few years but you can only do that so long. It has a huge impact on our community; if we lose businesses it has an impact on the jobs that are available and we can't let that happen. If we give them an opportunity to be more competitive, I have no doubt they would succeed, as long as we don't get in the way of that success."

Making sure the government is not placing any more restrictions than there needs to be, will be a focal point. "I want there to be a constant consideration by the government not just on ways to increase regulation but what regulations are no longer needed or are just redundant."

Although our local small business owners are already likely aware of Richards advocacy for their long-term success, he will now carry that message all across Canada. "I think it is something that will give us that much more of a platform. I really relish the challenge and look forward to doing everything I can to see better conditions for all small businesses."

Richards was referred to the Shadow Cabinet role by the leadership of the Conservative Party due to his ongoing efforts and strides he has already made. "It has been an issue and something I have worked a lot on and have a passion for. The conversation that we had, was that it felt like a really good compliment for what I was already doing and something that I showed interest in. It's a decision based on what they see as your skills and areas of interest."

Being appointed to the Finance Committee is also very complementary, says Richards. "I am hearing the same messages of concern all the time, that regulation and taxes are too high for families and small businesses to succeed.”

The Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing all finance legislation, conducting pre-budget consultations and holding the government accountable which includes more transparency. "There are many important questions that Canadians are asking and the Liberal government has simply not provided any answers."

Richards current role as Opposition Shadow Minister for Democratic Institution will likely be slowing down as his new roles amp up. "This is a welcome change; I enjoy getting things done, I have never been shy of hard work and I will be well prepared for it. It will certainly be a big role and one that I am looking forward to and I really hope it will make a big difference for our small business owners. The great thing about our country is the freedom to be able to succeed and have a dream that you wish and if people see that isn't the case then we lose what makes this country so great."

If you have any comments or concerns for MP Blake Richards you are invited to contact him through his website HERE.