Over 3,700 constituents took part in Wild Rose MP Blake Richards’s tele-townhall on Jan. 21.
Answering an array of questions on various topics, Richards addressed issues regarding Parks Canada policy, taxes, natural resources, the federal government’s previous budget and foreign aid.
“In a large, geographically diverse riding with vast rural areas,” said Richards, “finding a way to speak with this many people at one time is completely unprecedented. Perhaps even more important, is the fact that it allowed people an opportunity to bring their views directly to me.”
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) was used for the event; the first time in the Wild Rose riding.
Participants were contacted by phone and asked if they would like to take part in the tele-townhall.
The conversation lasted one hour and was intended to gather information for the 2013 federal budget.
Richards also held a series of open houses and conducted a survey to gather information as part of his pre-budget consultations.
“It’s important and refreshing to get outside the Ottawa bubble,” said Richards.
“People in our constituency are interested in a wide variety of issues, and it’s my job to understand their issues and represent them accordingly. This has been and will continue to be my top priority.”
