MP Blake Richards feels issues on local reserves stem from feelings of hopelessness and First Nation communities deserve better.

Richards says when the Conservatives were in power there was a strong emphasis on improving educational opportunities as well as accountability for leaders.

"What it leads to is opportunities for employment, and opportunities to gain new opportunities in life."

Richards says one initiative that is moving forward is a partnership with Canmore and Banff as the tourism sector picks up.

"Creating some opportunities for some educational programming, opportunities to gain employment working with some of the private sector or working with a college. The hospitality association out in Banff has started to pick up on the initiative and they are really trying to move that forward and give opportunities."

Richards feels the current government provides a lot of lip service and no action.

"It's talk and it's not being backed up by action. I think it is someone who talks about an issue but who has no concept about what needs to be done."

Richards says the federal government should be focusing on education, employment, and accountability to make life better.

"When there is a sense of hopelessness you have to give someone hope, and to give them hope provides a better future. When someone has opportunities to move forward in life, to make progress, then things change."