The federal election, held on Monday, resulted in Conservative candidate Steven Bonk being elected as the MP for the Souris–Moose Mountain riding.
Moncia Osborn, Executive Director for the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce - which serves as a voice for the local business community - congratulates Bonk on the election win, saying he will do a great job bringing his constituents’ voice to Ottawa.
Although it's not yet clear whether the Liberal Party will form a majority or minority government, they will lead the country for another term. Osborn explains that based on voting results in the area, it wasn't what most local constituents were hoping for.
“In all reality, we do have a seat in Parliament, and we are hoping to connect with Steven Bonk in regard to finding out what our businesses want and making sure that message is being sent to Ottawa, ensuring that our businesses here can continue to thrive in our community and be successful and provide those products and services to our local communities.”
Osborn encourages local businesses to voice their concerns to elected officials directly but adds that the Chamber of Commerce can be that voice as well.
“If they don't feel comfortable talking to a member of Parliament, they can always come to the chamber to talk to us about what they might be struggling with and what they're dealing with on a daily basis, then we can provide that information back on their behalf. The more voices that are heard, the stronger our voice can be.”
Osborn continues saying they also have an ally in the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, who represent businesses on a provincial level.
“Some businesses may think that they're the only ones that are having a problem or issue, but there's probably other people that are having the same issue. We're able to relay that message back to the provincial level using the Saskatchewan Chamber, who then in turn goes to the Canadian Chamber. We're very connected that way.”
Osborn emphasized that the federal government has a responsibility to consider the needs of small businesses in its decision-making.
“Most of Canada is made up of small businesses, so they really have to keep that in mind when they're making those decisions, and how it's going to affect all businesses in Canada, especially out in the West.”