2017 was a hectic year for everybody in Canada. Premier Brad Wall announced his departure from politics, Sears Canada closed its doors, and the federal government weathered accusations of an ethical scandal. 2017 was jam-packed with news, surprises, and curiosities.
Cathay Wagantall鈥檚 last 12 months have been no less eventful. She鈥檚 been flying from Ottawa to Saskatchewan as she serves in the House of Commons and visits her constituents. She toured the Prairies speaking with veterans. She recently reflected on the year she had, what she accomplished, what she wished she had more time to do, and what she wants to get done in 2018.
The MP for the Yorkton-Melville riding stayed busy with work in Parliament and across the country, but her proudest moment was speaking for the people in her district.
鈥淭he highlight [of the year] for me was to represent the riding during the debate on taxes for small businesses,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat felt really good.鈥�
The tax changes proposed by the federal government sparked a debate in Canada earlier this year, as many felt they unfairly punished small businesses and families.
鈥淸I was] impressed by the mobilization [against the changes],鈥� Wagantall said. 鈥淸It] impacted the government.
鈥淭hat was a real positive.鈥�
鈥淥ur responsibility is to challenge the government,鈥� she added. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the work we鈥檝e done.鈥�
Wagantall serves as the Deputy Critic for Veterans Affairs. She鈥檚 been outspoken in her condemnation of Mefloquine, the medication used to prevent malaria. The drug, often used on Canadian Armed Forces members during missions abroad, has been linked to depression and suicidal thoughts.
鈥淚鈥檓 frustrated at the indifference to veterans鈥� issues with Mefloquine,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e should be taking care of [them].鈥�
In Parliament, Wagantall was pleased that the government kept section 176 in the Criminal Code (which prohibits violence towards religious officials or services).
鈥淸It was an] affirmation of our religious freedoms,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat was a good thing.鈥�
Wagantall also enjoyed the celebrations that surrounded the country鈥檚 sesquicentennial.
鈥淥ne of my pleasures this year was Canada 150,鈥� she said.
Looking towards 2018, Wagantall wants to bring federal attention to rural communities and the potential of Saskatchewan.
鈥淲e鈥檙e sitting on a huge chasm of inactivity with our oil and gas,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e should see the value of rural Canada and agriculture.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檓 very concerned [about the carbon tax in Saskatchewan],鈥� she added. 鈥淚t does not encourage our economy.鈥�
Wagnatall has a full plate of projects as she steps into the new year, and while they are difficult, she stays determined.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 give up hope,鈥� she said.
鈥淚 love my job and representing the consituency,鈥� she added. 鈥淚 feel very comfortable representing them.鈥�
