Airdrie-Banff, MP Blake Richards, is hoping constituents can gather around the table this Saturday (January 27).

With pre-budget consultations underway, Richards is making his way around the riding to find out what concerns community members have. "I encourage whoever is available and interested to come out and join in our discussions. In the past, I’ve received a lot of great feedback, which has enabled me to bring these ideas and concerns to Parliament and be the voice for our community. Pre-budget consultations are important because the budget dictates how your tax dollars will be spent. Right now, we have a Liberal government that loves to spend, so it’s even more crucial for constituents to come out and learn about the budget process and tell me what they think the government’s priorities should be for the coming year."

Albertans have had a tough couple years and economic growth continues to concern Richards. While Alberta businesses are hit with more taxes and a minimum wage increase this year, Richards feels the Liberal government needs to recognize the struggles facing many small business owners across Canada but especially in Alberta. "I believe that the government needs to lessen the tax burden on our families and job creators to spur economic growth. I have heard from hundreds and hundreds of small businesses who are very concerned that the Liberals will try to implement more changes to the way they are taxed, adding to their burden and forcing many of them out of business."

Richards has not been shy when it comes to vocalizing his concerns about the federal government's extravagant spending ways and says more and more residents are starting to realize that the Liberal's campaign promises of reducing the deficit were smoke and mirrors. "During the 2015 election, the Liberals promised to run a small deficit of less than $10 billion. Today, it is more than double that. This is very concerning and I regularly hear from residents who are worried about the lack of a plan to reduce our deficit. I certainly believe that more people have been speaking up about this serious spending problem, especially as their taxes continue to go up. In fact, independent studies have shown that middle-class families will be paying over $2200 more in taxes, beginning in 2019, thanks to the policies of this Liberal government."

While MP Richards is hoping to see a number of Cochranites out to provide feedback at the Toyota Community Centre on Saturday from 1 pm to 2:30 pm, he says it is just important to speak up...period. "There are a few other ways that people can get involved if they cannot attend on Saturday. One way is by filling out a short survey I have on my WEBSITE, another would be to fill out the SURVEY the Government of Canada has out. I am also happy to receive any suggestions at any time; constituents can always contact me through my office or email me at blake@blakerichards.ca."