may 2019 MONTHLY UPDATE

Although the Parliamentary schedule allowed only one week for MPs to spend time in their constituencies in May, Stephanie was still able to at- tend a number of community events and meet with many constituents of Midnapore. Below are some highlights of the work she has been doing on your behalf.

IN AND AROUND THE RIDING

IBM Off the Hill Cyber Security, Blockchain, and STEM initiatives were but a few of the topics dis- cussed at a recent tour of the IBM Innovation Space during “IBM Off the Hill Week”. Stephanie especially appreciated hearing about the exciting technolo- gies being developed for the oil and gas industry.

Andrew Scheer’s Energy Corridor announcement in Calgary Stephanie, her colleague, MP, and the Conservative candidate for , Greg McLean welcomed Leader to Calgary to dis- cuss some of his exciting plans for our energy sector. Scheer proposed an energy corridor for pipelines and transmission lines that would allow major, job-creating projects to get built while minimizing environmental impact. The CPC would work in full consultation with the provinces and Indigenous who would share in the prosperity it would provide. Canada has more than enough oil – not only to displace imports from rogue states – but to put an end to all foreign oil imports once and for all. That is part of Andrew Scheer’s vision: A Canada fueled exclusively by Canadians by 2030.

CIVIX engagement – Deer Run School Stephanie participated in CIVIX Canada’s “Rep Day” by visiting Deer Run School. (CIVIX is a non-partisan, national registered charity dedi- cated to building the skills and habits of active and engaged citizenship among young Canadi- ans.) The grade six students she met with asked intelligent questions on everything from pipe- lines to Canada’s relationship with the USA, and Brexit. Stephanie always enjoys spending time with Canada’s next leaders – especially kids growing up in the same riding as she did.

IBM Off the Hill Stephanie toured the IBM Canada Innovation Space within District Ventures during the “IBM Off the Hill Week”. They discussed cyber security, blockchain, and STEM initiatives but she was especially interested in their exciting new technologies being developed for the oil and gas industry.

Team Kusie attends ATCO AGM Team Kusie was happy to represent Stephanie at the ATCO AGM. Thanks to Nancy Southern, Chair and CEO, (pictured at left) for pre- senting a clear vision on the successes and challenges facing not only the company but the province and the country. This is an important metric in gauging where the economic trends are going. ATCO is an important part of ’s landscape.

IN THE HOUSE Stephanie rose in the House of Commons to question the Liberal Government on several occasions in May. Some of her interventions are summarized below. The videos are available at www.stephaniekusiemp.ca.

May 3 Question Period: Independent Senate When reports surfaced regarding 's decision-making criteria for the appointment of his so-called "Independent Senate,” (such as their attendance at Liberal events, donation record, and even whether or not they ordered Liberal lawn signs), Stephanie stood in the House to ask the Prime Minister when he will admit that his Independent Senate is not so independent.

May 10 Question Period: Why did the Prime Minister force through changes to our electoral system instead of taking the time to get it right? The Liberal government rushed through changes to our election laws. We recently learned that social media platforms such as Google have confirmed that they were not consulted on changes to legislation. Stephanie asked the Liberal government if the Prime Minister truly believes in consultation as he claims, or if he just wants to hear from those who agree with him.

May 10 Member’s Statement: The Liberals’ failed energy policies are hurting Canada Constituents of know very well how much damage Justin Trudeau's anti-energy policies and legislation have caused to Canada and Alberta's reputation as a stable, fair, and predictable destination for energy investment. Stephanie and her Conservative colleagues do not be- lieve that Canadians should continue to pay for the Liberal government's failures, as she made clear during her May 10th Member’s Statement.

May 17 Question Period: Ben Chin promotion Ben Chin, one of the conspirators in the SNC Lavalin scandal was recently promoted into a job in the PMO. Stephanie rose in the House to question the government as to why they promote those who do the Prime Minister's dirty work and fire those who stand up for the rule of law.

FEDERAL CONCERNS

Podcast with and Michael Barrett Members of Parliament use a variety of methods to communicate with their con- stituents, including podcasts. When Stephanie was invited to participate in a pod- cast with her colleagues, MPs Jamie Schmale and Michael Barrett she was happy to do so. The three Members discussed the recent release of a report by the Auditor General. Stephanie shared her knowledge and insight on government advertising, while MP Barrett discussed spending on the fighter jets. Stay tuned for the link to listen to their podcast!

The MS Society Stephanie met with Candice Laws and Dan- ielle Mandela from the Multiple Sclerosis Soci- ety of Canada. These ladies shared some personal and profound stories of Canadians affected by the disease. They also provided an update on the innova- tive and exciting re- search being done to improve the lives of over 77,000 Canadians living with MS.

Meeting with Canadian Electricity Association Laura Arnold of TransAlta and Megan Falle of the Canadian Electricity Association con- firmed during a recent meeting that 80% of the electricity produced in Canada is non- emitting - and that since 2005, the sector has reduced GHG emissions by more than 30%. Later that evening, Stephanie had the honour of presenting awards to Enmax, Capital Power, and Transalta at the Canadian Electricity Association’s Centre of Excel- lence Reception, which celebrated innovation in the electricity sector.

Politics and the Pen Stephanie and her husband James attended the annual dinner which brings together politi- cians, writers, diplomats and leaders in arts and business in support of the Writers’ Trust. The goal of the Trust is to advance, nurture and celebrate Canadian writers and writing. The Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing is presented dur- ing the event, with the winner taking home $25,000 thanks to the sponsorship of CN.

Open-government Panel: Confronting money, politics and institutions In a context of declining global public confidence in politicians and institutions, transparency and accountability will be implicit or explicit considerations for Cana- dian voters in the 2019 federal election. As the Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Democratic Institutions and the sole Parliamentarian on this recent panel host- ed by the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy, Stephanie was asked to discuss how open-government can designate a government’s commitment to increase transparency in its decision-making and access to information and data for citizens. Her fellow panelists at the packed event were James Baxter (former journalist and founder of iPolitics), Karm Bardeesy, (Distinguished Visiting Professor and Special Adviser to the President Co-Founder, Ryerson Leadership Lab and former political staff ()) and Jackie Choquette (VP and Group Leader, Hill and Knowlton Strategies).

STAKEHOLDER SUMMARY Understandably, groups and organizations are often requesting meetings with Members of Parliament to ensure that their federal representatives are aware of concerns specific to them. While her Parliamentary commitments do not always permit her to meet with every group, Stephanie does her best to hear from as many as possible. In addition to those identified above, this past month, the groups who sat down with her in her office included: Municipal represent- atives concerned about Bill C-69; the Canadian Association of Mutual Insurance Companies; Equal Voice; the CEO of Ikea Canada; Mortgage Professionals; and delegates from the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre.

, mp /stephaniekusiepolitician 1168—137th ave se @stephaniekusie calgary, ab t2j 6t6

@stephaniekusie tel: 403-225-3480 fax: 403-225-3504 www.stephaniekusiemp.ca email: [email protected]