For Yorkton-Melville member of Parliament Garry Breitkreuz, the theme of 2014 was change. This year, the seven-term MP announced his retirement.
“Personally, I’m not going to be running again so that’s made a difference to what my life is going to be like,” he said. “I’m handing over responsibilities right now, working to get people up to speed on caucuses that I chair like the Outdoors Caucus. I’m looking for some younger people to take that over. I’m chair of the Nordic-Baltic Parliamentary group. I’m looking for someone to take that over gradually. The gun issue, of course, It’s going to be something I look for somebody to help me out and carry that on. We’ve just chosen a new Conservative candidate so that person is probably going to work with me a little bit too, so there’s a handing over process here, which I think is important.”
Breitkreuz’s legislative highlights included the Common Sense Firearms Licencing Act and new tax cuts for parents.
“The new gun bill that was introduced at the end of the year, it’s not quite through yet, but I worked on that for most of the year to try to simplify the paperwork for licencing and also it will strengthen the penalties for those who abuse people, they will be restricted from owning firearms.
“Secondly, something else I’ve been working on with the finance minister is the package of family benefits to help all families and gives parents a choice in child care because the money goes directly to the parent. The whole package together will help families a lot.
Breitkreuz also cited his government’s support for Ukraine and Baltic states against Russian aggression and the War on ISIS as highlights.
Leaving all that behind is going to be a challenge, he said.
“I am going to have great withdrawal symptoms. I’m already wondering if I’m going to be able to make the adjustment. This life can be so all-consuming, you’re so busy, you’re always involved, almost 24-7 that you’re engaged with the issues, people call you and talk to you, you can’t even buy milk and eggs without taking two hours to do it. It’s going to be a huge adjustment for me and I’m going to have to find something else to do or I’m going to go nuts.”
As Breitkreuz prepares to enter his final year as MP
“It has been an honour serving the people of this constituency. I’m humbled by the support that I’ve been getting and I really sincerely wish them all the best over the Christmas season and in the new year. I’m going to be working as an MP, I’m not letting up until October 19, 2015, but I appreciate what it’s meant to me to be able to represent them and work for them. It’s an honour, truly.”
