Conservative MP Randy Hoback on the BBQ circuit. (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW Staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

MP BARBECUES

Randy Hoback hosting community barbecues in the northeast

Aug 13, 2021 | 4:02 PM

Prince Albert Conservative MP Randy Hoback is visiting several northeast communities in the coming weeks.

Hoback’s barbecue circuit got underway earlier this week in Nipawin where he told northeastNOW he is glad to be back out visiting constituents with COVID-19 restrictions being lifted.

The summer typically consists of making stops in communities in the riding and getting a finger on the pulse of the region, according to Hoback.

“From the business community we are hearing concerns about lack of employees,” Hoback said. “A lot of people have taken the CERB benefits and now they need to get back to work because we need them working.”

For example, the Home Hardware in Nipawin, farmers in Paddockwood, and the Wendy’s in Prince Albert all need employees, Hoback said.

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“There is also a combination of concerns raised on the federal level about the amount of money that is being spent and how it is being spent,” Hoback said. “Also, the lack of accountability in government, and who is going to pay for it all and those are valid concerns.”

There is some help being given to farmers on a federal level, but Hoback said it is too early to tell if it will be enough.

“The tax deferral for guys who have to go and sell livestock is a no-brainer,” Hoback said. “Allow them to sell and liquidate herds so they can manage through the winter, come back next year to buy breeding stock to build herds instead of paying a huge bill to Ottawa.”

Hoback said crops on the northern side of the Prince Albert riding are average but in the southern part, farmers are hurting.

More forward vision is being talked about when it comes to climate change and the environment, Hoback said.

He pointed to investments such as the irrigation project in Southern Saskatchewan as being important.

“The climate is changing. It is getting warmer, and we do have to adapt,” Hoback said

Other recurring issues include oil and gas sector, pipelines, and getting product to market.

Another issue that has Hoback concerned is rural crime.

“The amount of break and enters this past summer is outrageous and the violence behind them is getting worse,” Hoback said. “I am worried someone is going to get hurt because people have reached the boiling point and there seems to be no response from Ottawa.”

With most local organizations not being able to raise funds as usual since March 2020, Hoback decided to collect donations at the barbecues. The event in Nipawin supported the senior’s centre. On Wednesday, a barbecue was held in Carrot River.

The next stop on the circuit is in Choiceland on Monday and then the following day at the Melfort Mall parking lot.

On Sunday, August 29, a barbecue will be held at the Tisdale and District Museum in conjunction with a car show.

Hoback hopes to continue with passport clinics in the fall as well as more restrictions lift on travel.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser