With about six months of experience under his belt as the MP for Portage-Lisgar, Branden Leslie is getting the hang of things with his new job and serving the community’s needs as best as he can.
Leslie was elected to the role after winning a June 19 by-election for the Conservatives over Maxime Bernier of the People’s Party by a 15,000-vote margin.
“Gaining the support of our community to be their voice in Ottawa this past June was the honour of a lifetime, and a responsibility I do not take lightly,” he said recently.
Since taking his seat in Parliament in September, Leslie has dived right in.
“I have given lots of speeches and statements in the House of Commons on the issues that are important to our constituency, and have asked lots of questions during Question Period,” he shared.
Leslie is currently a member of the Environment Committee and has thoroughly enjoyed bringing a rural and agricultural perspective to the table.
“It’s been a good outlet to remind the Liberals, NDP, and BQ how decisions made in Ottawa impact our way of life. It is abundantly clear that they have no idea about Western Canada or the people who call our region home.
“Overall, it has been an incredible first few months representing our community in Ottawa,” Leslie said. “Now that I have gotten my feet wet, I look forward to continuing to stand up for our region’s needs even more strongly in 2024.”
Since being elected, Leslie has had the opportunity to meet with municipal leaders across the region to hear their needs and priorities, as well as how to best advocate for them in Ottawa.
“I have also had the chance to tour so many of the businesses that are the economic backbone of our region, and to see firsthand the great work they are doing to manufacture, build, and produce.”
Beyond that, some of Leslie’s biggest highlights have been taking part in events across the riding and getting to meet as many people as possible.
“Perhaps one of the biggest highlights was, days after being elected, speaking to new Canadians at a citizenship swearing-in ceremony on Canada Day,” he said. “The pride of becoming Canadian was so visible on the faces of participants, and a stark reminder of how lucky we are to call this great nation our home.”
In the new year, Leslie looks forward to continuing to build relationships with the new provincial MLAs and with municipal councils.
“Additionally, I look forward to meeting as many people as I can out in the community, at various events, and even just in the grocery store,” he said. “Obviously, our former MP, Candice Bergen, was very recognizable, having served our community for nearly 15 years. As many people still don’t know me, I hope that they’ll begin to recognize me more as time passes. Don’t ever feel shy to come up and say hello and tell me what’s on your mind.”
Also in the new year, Leslie will continue to call on the Liberals to scrap the carbon tax and to make life more affordable. He notes that we are in a cost-of-living crisis, and the last thing families, seniors, and local businesses can afford is more taxes.
On a personal note, Leslie and his wife, Cailey, are expecting their first child this month. He looks forward to spending some quality time with his family in the weeks ahead.
“We are so excited, and I can’t wait for what I know will be a busy 2024 fighting for our region in Ottawa, aided by the reminder that it’s not just about today, but it’s about ensuring that the next generation is able to live in a Canada that remains true north, strong and free.”
