Christmas is the time where we celebrate family, friends and faith. For a lot of families in our constituency there is uncertainty in the New Year. In the northern part of our riding too much crop was left in the fields because of the early cold weather. Still, we had a good crop, but hardly anyone can remember when we were as unable to harvest it all.
In the ridings surrounding ours and our province as a whole, workers and families are confronting an employment situation and economic prospects that are completely opposite to what the opportunities were just over a year ago. The economy in Alberta has left us frustrated with both the provincial and federal governments.
The Christian faith is based on Jesus Christ and the events of Christmas and Easter. At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of our Saviour. The events of Easter reveal the promises of our faith. In our calendar year, these are times for us all to reflect on our lives, count our blessings, and focus on our spirituality as human beings.
For centuries, they have served to strengthen us and give us hope in our daily lives.
Our friends are always important to our families. Friends can always be counted on to bring us a smile. They help fill the room when a family member is no longer with us. They will even, unknowingly, sit in an empty chair that the family has set aside. By doing so, friends underline their important role in our lives and distract us in a positive way.
Friends are good for a laugh; worthy allies in an adventure, whether that entails a journey somewhere or a simple afternoon going tobogganing and more. We enjoy time we spend with our families and friends.
From my family to yours, I wish everyone all the blessings of the Christmas holiday season. As your Member of Parliament, I always look forward to coming home from Ottawa to share some holiday cheer with constituents.