(Photo Supplied: Fort McMurray-Athabasca MP David Yurdiga. June 16, 2014).
While one of David Yurdiga’s opponents was knocking on doors this weekend, the MP said he’s not thinking about the upcoming federal election. The Conservative still has until the end of June on Parliament Hill. Until then, he’s trying to make sure constituents take advantage of federal programs.
“We’re talking to various groups saying ‘let us know what your projects are, what you’d like to do. We’ll do the research for you, we’ll find out what grants you qualify for.’ So right now, my mandate is to help the community,” he said.
Yurdiga was elected in last summer’s federal byelection for the Fort McMurray-Athabasca riding. He’ll be running again as it shifts into the Fort McMurray-Cold Lake constituency. However, it’s the change in provincial politics that’s causing some concerns. He says the NDP’s stance on certain pipelines and with corporate taxes isn’t exactly in line with Ottawa’s hopes to boost the energy industry.
“Obviously there’s some concerns with opening up the royalty review and getting investors a little uneasy, because they’re not sure where the government is going with that. Once the government decides what direction they’re going, then people can make plans,” says Yurdiga.
Voters are expected to head to the polls October 19.
