2023 has been a hallmark year for Branden Leslie since he was elected the Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar in June.
The Conservative offered up a few highlights since that time.
"One is definitely the fact that I was one of the initiators of Bill C-234, to have it come full-circle, that I'm speaking proudly on behalf of in the House of Commons," says Leslie. "That goes to show the importance that the farm community has to our riding and across the prairies, but really across this country. To be able to stand up proudly and fight for what I know is a good policy, has been both humbling but very enjoyable."
Since he was sworn in at a ceremony in the House of Commons in September, Leslie says he's also had the privilege of making a number of speeches. Additionally, he's asked a number of questions in Question Period, and made many statements.
In October, Leslie was appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development.
"On the committee side of things, it was a highlight to be able to bring an agricultural, natural-resource and frankly, a common-sense viewpoint to that committee and our deliberations and studies, and really try to change some of the dynamics of the committee that is often focused entirely on how to reduce emissions," notes Leslie. "Grounding that, and I'd like to say, adding that, jobs matter. Our economies that support our rural communities matter. It's been a lot of fun in that sense, trying to speak up for our region and just our way of life."
Leslie adds it's been an honour for him to serve as MP and he's excited to enter 2024.
"It's also been an absolute pleasure when I'm back home in the riding, to tour around," says Leslie. "I've had the chance to go to so many small and medium-sized businesses, tour the operations, get to know and hear the concerns of small business owners. When I'm out in the community, folks come up and tell me what's on their mind.
It's great to hear their concerns, but it's a feeling that trying to connect to those views that I hear in the grocery store, or the phone calls I get, and try to relay them in a parliamentary speech, and see this come full circle within just a few months, has been an honour, a humbling privilege."