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Year-End Interview

Warkentin impressed, but not surprised by Peace Country resilience through 2020

Dec 27, 2020 | 7:00 AM

Our year-end interview series continues today with Grande Prairie-Mackenzie MP Chris Warkentin.

He says one thing he takes from 2020 is that in the Peace Country when people are in trouble, neighbours and loved ones step up and help out.

Warkentin says we have seen that time and time again this year.

“By the end of the year, as things kept coming and as things have kept coming, the waves keep threatening to overpower so many in our communities. I am astounded again and again and again that people don’t tire of continuing to step up to help those around them. I think that that is what is remarkable about our community.”

Warkentin says we continued to see innovation here as people found ways to deal with the pandemic. That includes business owners finding new ways to reach customers, people finding new ways to do their job, and church and community groups finding new ways to help people.

Warkentin also thinks Canada’s economy will recover.

He says the continued development of LNG and continued development of gas deposits like the Montney has investors looking for places to put their money.

“Many companies have been stretched thin over the last number of months, but those who have been able to continue to do work and continue to employ people really are positioned in a very important and, I believe, a strategic place to really be in the forefront of growth in the year to come.”

Warkentin says some companies are announcing plans to restart projects that had been put on hold.