Mr. Speaker, as this is my first statement in our new Parliament, I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank all the good people of Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna for their support in this past election.
While on the topic of the many good people from my riding, I would like to recognize many of the local mayors, members of city council and regional directors who are in Ottawa for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities convention. I know from my own time as a city councillor how challenging and demanding local government can be. This is especially true right now in British Columbia, where we face intertwined crises of crime, homelessness and opioids that severely impact local government, whose citizens ultimately bear the burden of ill-conceived provincial and federal policies.
I have greatly enjoyed my working relationships with the mayors, councillors and regional directors from places like Summerland, Peachland, Greater Westside, West Kelowna and Kelowna. I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of our constituents, and I would ask that we all make them feel most welcome here in Ottawa.