As 2021 draws to a close, there is much to reflect on. It was another difficult year for many people in our riding as we faced ongoing challenges from the pandemic. Others saw a rebound in our economy as more people got vaccinated which led to more small businesses and restaurants being opened to higher capacities. And then, we were hit by Omicron from coast to coast.
The past year had its challenges which were difficult to face as a country. Whether it was the discovery of children’s unmarked graves at residential schools, the federal election that was uglier than it had to be, or even the vaccination controversy that sometimes split opinions among friends, Canadians were challenged with more divisiveness than we’re used to.
Regardless, I am confident the worst is behind us. We can all looking forward to 2022 with confidence that it will bring ongoing signs of improvement.
From my staff and my family, to you and yours, we wish you Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noël! Happy Kwanzaa!
Let’s not forget!
This time of the year can be busy for most of us, whether shopping, decorating, or sharing festivities with loved ones and friends; especially since it’s the first time in two years that we can gather in larger family groups again.
No matter how busy we are, we must remember that for some members of our community, the holiday season can be particularly difficult. Those who find themselves alone or maybe cannot afford to provide the holiday experience for their children that they wish for, this time of year may make them more vulnerable. Please take the time to check on your neighbours who might be struggling.
If you find yourself in this situation and things seem too overwhelming, please do not hesitate to reach out for help:
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Line:
902-429-8167 (or toll-free 1-888-429-8167)
Shop local!
Online shopping is very convenient, especially during a pandemic, but large companies (e.g. Amazon) don’t really need our money. Local retailers do!
We know that it’s been another difficult year for many small businesses, and they need our collective support to keep going. With holiday shopping kicking into high gear, I encourage everyone to shop local if you can.
New Year Resolutions
This is also a time of year when many of us re-evaluate our priorities so we can ‘adjust the sails’ as we move forward into 2022. For Members of Parliament across Canada, that means setting a list of priorities which best reflects their constituents.
As your Member of Parliament, the most effective way to ensure that I’m best prepared to represent your collective views on various topics, is for you to share them with me. Communication is the key!
Early next year, you’ll receive a newsletter to keep you informed on current federal matters in the riding, as well as update you on the first session of Canada’s 44th Parliament.
I’m also preparing a new survey to gauge your perspective on several key issues facing Canadians. Your feedback is important to me—the good and the bad—so it’s very much appreciated when constituents share their opinions.
Please take the time to complete it and send it back to our office (no postage required), so that your voice is represented in Ottawa. Thanks to everyone who took the time to complete our last survey, it received a record-setting number of replies! Hopefully that trend will continue to grow.
If you have a topic you would like to see on the survey, please let us know!
Simply contact my office by phone or email as soon as possible since we will be going to print in December.
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!
Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, we want to see your photos of the natural beauty and/or iconic community landmarks in our riding!
We would like to share your photos (with credit, of course) in upcoming newsletters, on social media, or possibly in next year’s calendar. These can be of any scene in any season, so please include a brief description of when and where it was taken.
You can submit your photos to: Darrell.Samson@parl.gc.ca with the subject “Photos”
I look forward to seeing them!
- Darrell Samson, MP Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook
