2017 was a hectic year for everybody in Canada. Premier Brad Wall announced his departure from politics, Sears Canada closed its doors, and the federal government weathered accusations of an ethical scandal. 2017 was jam-packed with news, surprises, and curiosities.
Cathay Wagantall’s last 12 months have been no less eventful. She’s been flying from Ottawa to Saskatchewan as she serves in the House of Commons and visits her constituents. She toured the Prairies speaking with veterans. She recently reflected on the year she had, what she accomplished, what she wished she had more time to do, and what she wants to get done in 2018.
The MP for the Yorkton-Melville riding stayed busy with work in Parliament and across the country, but her proudest moment was speaking for the people in her district.
“The highlight [of the year] for me was to represent the riding during the debate on taxes for small businesses,” she said. “That felt really good.”
The tax changes proposed by the federal government sparked a debate in Canada earlier this year, as many felt they unfairly punished small businesses and families.
“[I was] impressed by the mobilization [against the changes],” Wagantall said. “[It] impacted the government.
“That was a real positive.”
“Our responsibility is to challenge the government,” she added. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done.”
Wagantall serves as the Deputy Critic for Veterans Affairs. She’s been outspoken in her condemnation of Mefloquine, the medication used to prevent malaria. The drug, often used on Canadian Armed Forces members during missions abroad, has been linked to depression and suicidal thoughts.
“I’m frustrated at the indifference to veterans’ issues with Mefloquine,” she said. “We should be taking care of [them].”
In Parliament, Wagantall was pleased that the government kept section 176 in the Criminal Code (which prohibits violence towards religious officials or services).
“[It was an] affirmation of our religious freedoms,” she said. “That was a good thing.”
Wagantall also enjoyed the celebrations that surrounded the country’s sesquicentennial.
“One of my pleasures this year was Canada 150,” she said.
Looking towards 2018, Wagantall wants to bring federal attention to rural communities and the potential of Saskatchewan.
“We’re sitting on a huge chasm of inactivity with our oil and gas,” she said. “We should see the value of rural Canada and agriculture.”
“I’m very concerned [about the carbon tax in Saskatchewan],” she added. “It does not encourage our economy.”
Wagnatall has a full plate of projects as she steps into the new year, and while they are difficult, she stays determined.
“I don’t give up hope,” she said.
“I love my job and representing the consituency,” she added. “I feel very comfortable representing them.”
