The Executive Director of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce says the ongoing labour shortage is the main issue she is hoping to see addressed now that the 2021 federal election is in the past.
Acacia Pangilinan says they are looking forward to working with newly elected Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Frank Caputo to try and get Canadians back to work.
“Our businesses in almost every sector are experiencing extreme labour challenges. We need to address this problem right away,” she said.
“We also need to address social challenges. There are opportunities for the federal government to help the provinces. We’ve heard a lot about accountability and crime. I think that’s very much the concern we would like to see addressed immediately.”
Pangilinan says affordability and housing are also priorities for the Kamloops Chamber and its members that need to be addressed.
“We had an excellent relationship with MP [Cathy] McLeod and we wish her all the best, and I think this is a good opportunity for us to bring forward some of those national policy directions that we’re working on with Frank.”
Speaking on the NL Morning News, Pangilinan was asked if there is a preference to have a Member of Parliament in government or in opposition.
“I think there are different opportunities that come with both,” she said.
“Like I said, we have got a number of policy directions that we’re bringing forward nationally and I think we’re really looking forward to bringing Frank up to speed on the specific policy directions because we think he can be really vocal for us in Ottawa.”