MP for the Cypress Hills – Grasslands region Jeremy Patzer has always been a responsive member of parliament for his constituents in the area, and just recently held a Town Hall question and answer period in the community of Leader last Thursday, something he has plans to do around the riding throughout the current calendar year.

“Good crowd, lots of good questions, good interactions, and being able to stick around and talk with people afterwards made it a great evening.”

Patzer should make his way to west central some more this year as the region features three different riding's in which locals have to vote; Cypress Hills – Grasslands (Kindersley, etc), Carlton Trail – Eagle Creek (Rosetown, etc), and Battlefords – Lloydminster (North Battleford, etc). Patzer took questions from a crowd with upwards of 75 people from Leader and surrounding areas, and it couldn’t have come at a better time with the then breaking news of lifted emergency measures, following a drainage of trucks and protestors out of the core of Ottawa and beyond.

Patzer was present for the event in Leader just after the House of Commons wrapped up their latest session, and he was faced with some hard-hitting questions after the very interesting week in Ottawa that’s main point of contention was the invoking (and revoking) of the Emergencies Act.

Also in having a Canadian MP right there on the local stage, many west central citizens brought to the forefront some of the bigger concerns that they have surrounding the decision making coming from the federal ranks, and what it could potentially mean. Many questioned Patzer regarding the connection of Canadian politics to the World Economic Forum, as one resident specifically quizzed the Conservative member on how his party (and potential lead candidates) has also been connected to the WEF in the past.

Jeremy PatzerMP for the Cypress Hills – Grasslands region Jeremy Patzer

Patzer appreciates the tough questions.

“It’s always great when people come armed with tough questions. It’s our job as Members of Parliament to hear those questions, and answer them; and if we don’t know the answer, then we are going to find it and get back to people,” said Patzer, “Whether it was questions on the World Economic Forum, or the convoy, there were lots of good questions that were asked and a good exchange of information.”

Patzer knows people are frustrated with the current direction being taken in Canada by the Liberal government, stating “everybody’s looking for the next opportunity to elect a different government”, and heavy motivation will be necessary the next time a vote comes around.

Naturally, the first hour wrapped up with a good talk on how voters staying involved and motivated is something that can make all the difference as we await the next election. The voting crowd wasn’t too eager to support the fact that their work in a place like rural Saskatchewan could potentially affect a vote somewhere like the GTA, but a few examples of riding’s turned Conservative during this past election was all the motivation Patzer needed to move that sentiment on forward at the recent event.

West Central Online later quizzed Patzer on what he thought was the key message taken following his time in Leader.

“I think that there is still a sense of hope. People have concerns, and they share those concerns with me by phone, email,” shared Patzer, who does his best to get those talking points into discourse at the House of Commons during question period or other speaking opportunities, “Being able to give (speeches) on the topics that matter to people. I think overall people felt they were heard, and that I was able to represent their concerns in Parliament. I think that is the strongest message, because they are speaking up and making their concerns known to me and others, and those concerns are being raised in the House of Commons and they are being represented. I think that’s the key message, and it was a good takeaway for people.”

Patzer at least feels he does a good job in that regard, but a chance to confirm some of that work came after Patzer stepped down from the microphone and welcomed constituents in to ask questions directly. Speaking on an individual level with someone is a big part of the job for the local member.

“They are able to bring up very narrow, and more specific questions as well about specific local issues, for example staffing shortages in the local healthcare system,” said Patzer, “I think being able to talk about these issues one-on-one was very important and very key, and will help shape and form the types of questions I’m going to be asking the next time I have an opportunity to speak in the House of Commons.”

Connecting with the locals is a good way to distance himself from the serious nature of recent politics in Canada, but many answers were still expected from Patzer on the recent multitude of decisions to come out of the nations capital during the House’s last sitting period. He did his best to reassure people in the crowd, and attendees did appreciate Patzer’s honesty about the current amount of power the party has.

Leader crowd Jeremy Patzer(Patzer speaking) Last Thursday saw a good turnout at the Leader Community Centre

One of the biggest talking points on the night came when a Leader resident shared a recent story of negativity directed towards their flying of a Canadian flag. There is no doubt some people have lost what it means to be Canadian, for whatever reason, and Patzer gave a passionate speech in response while standing right next to the red and white symbol.

“It’s always good to have a Canadian flag, it’s a good reminder and a good source of pride for people, and I think we need to be proud of being Canadian. We have a very strong identity of what it means to be Canadian, and I feel like that has been lost on people for the last couple of years here, and it’s good to have these conversations. Renew that sense of optimism for people, and I think that’s what last night did and especially for the individual that brought the question up. It was a good moment of the night for sure.”

To end off his speaking engagement in the west central community of Leader, Patzer shared that the Town Hall was the second one he has conducted so far this year, as he plans to move around the riding to present similar opportunities for all of his voters to speak. The first event went in Rockglen, and then obviously over to Leader, and Patzer said his team is excited to be back travelling around and making their way to the people.

“Cover each area a couple of times, and make sure people get lots of opportunity to come and be with a member, have a chance to express their concerns, and hear from me and hear what’s going on in Ottawa. I think it’s good to do that, and the more chances I have to interact with people the better.”

Patzer was also very happy to welcome in a prepared question concerning fertilizer, a topic coming out of the Conservative’s most recent informative pamphlet. He appreciates all angles of his work, and more from the member can be expected as West Central Online continues following the news in 2022.