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Photo by Emily Keller
By Curtis Galbraith
2020 Look Ahead

New Conservative leader among things to look for in 2020 says Warkentin

Jan 1, 2020 | 7:00 AM

Among the things to look forward to politically in 2020 is the federal Conservatives picking a new leader.

Grande Prairie-Mackenzie MP Chris Warkentin is the Caucus-Office of the Leader of the Opposition-Coordinator under current leader Andrew Scheer.

Warkentin says he will serve in whatever capacity the new leader picks for him.

“I’m fortunate that I’ve enjoyed every role that I’ve been given. I think that probably is because I love a new challenge. I look forward to serving in whatever respects, but of course, my number one responsibility and my number one goal is to defend the folks that live in the Peace Country. That will continue to be my number one preoccupation.”

Warkentin describes leadership changes as a “challenging time” and “a step into the unknown.” The federal Green Party will also pick a new leader in 2020.

Warkentin is hoping some trade hurdles will be cleared in the New Year.

Those include an ongoing issue with canola sales in China and the continued softwood lumber battle with the US.

“Obviously, that wasn’t taken up with the re-negotiation of the new NAFTA, but I’m hopeful that will be resolved just to provide certainty to the lumber producers and the forestry sector in the Peace Country and around Western Canada specifically.”

He is also hopeful that the Trans Mountain Pipeline will get built.

“That is essential, but really, it is only a stop-gap measure. We need to be able to see large energy infrastructure built to tidewater to allow for alternative markets to be opened. That needs to happen on the oil side, but it also has to happen on the LNG side.”

As for balancing this with the ongoing worries about climate change, Warkentin says studies have shown that if Canadian energy replaced other forms that is produced around the world, this would lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

by Curtis Galbraith