DIDSBURY - Earl Dreeshen, Conservative member of Parliament for Red Deer-Mountain View, was in Didsbury on Aug. 23 at 582 Patio and Grill to speak to several members of the local chamber of commerce.
Dreeshen told the Gazette the meeting went well and several important issues were raised and discussed.
"It's always great to speak to local businesses about some of the issues as we get ready to head back to Ottawa," said Dreeshen. "There have been a number of things that have been percolating over the summer. When we get back there it's always great to have the feedback from local businesses."
Some of the issues brought up were the corporate taxes and the effect on small businesses and farmers.
The proposed changes to the corporate tax structure could have an adverse effect on local businesses including farms, he said
"Sometimes the guys and girls that are running these businesses are taking home less money then the people they're hiring," he said. "It's some blanket changes that are going to affect in which way they will be able to distribute their income, the way they can save their income for downturns in the economy, these are the issues that we'll be dealing with."
Other issues discussed included the effect of the carbon tax, NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and the Trump effect, and the possible legalization of marijuana.
"We had some very interesting discussions here," he said. "We looked at NAFTA discussions: how we should be looking at the supply management aspects, softwood lumber and other issues and the reality of the fact that it is a tripartite agreement.
"We spoke about medical marijuana versus the free-for-all that's coming in regards to legalization of marijuana and the concerns of some provinces and municipalities, because they're the ones that will be left holding the bag, so to speak."
Dreeshen said he has heard from many local businesses wondering how they might be affected by the legalization of marijuana.
Another major issue Dreeshen and the chamber members spoke about was corporate taxes.
"We've had a lot of folks calling in from incorporated family farms and businesses that have been talking about it," he said. "We know from the parent meeting from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce saying the damages done from this.
"We're realizing not all corporations are, as the prime minister says ëtrying to milk the system.'"
Dreeshen said that those people who are affected need to have their voices heard by Oct. 2.
"This was set up in the middle of summer when no one was paying attention, especially the incorporated family farms, they're going to be out in the field," he said.
"This is kind of the first time they're hearing of it. On October 2 if their voice isn't heard it's going to be very difficult.
"We're trying to create the awareness and get their input. Everyone's business is different. They've all got different types of issues to work through."
