Khanna back in Ottawa as Parliament’s fall sitting kicks off

By Lee Griffi

The 45th session of Parliament kicked off this week in Ottawa as the House of Commons resumed sitting, and the Member of Parliament for Oxford said he’s ready to hold the government to account.

Arpan Khanna said he and his fellow MPs spent the last few months meeting with businesses, families, farmers and seniors, hearing their concerns. Now, he’ll take those messages to the House of Commons.

“We had called for this to happen a lot sooner so we can get down to the business of the day. Obviously, there is a lot of uncertainty in our country right now with what’s happening south of us and talks of expanding trade with the European Union.”

He added the Conservative priorities remain saving Canadians money, having safe streets, protecting Canadian jobs and fixing a broken immigration system.

“Also, to bring that Canadian promise back to life where it once was. That’s been our mission for the last few months and it will be our message going into the fall session. We look forward to working with all parties to get results for Canadians.”

Some media reports continue to portray the Conservative caucus as divided over Pierre Poilievre’s leadership, citing unnamed MPs who expressed concerns during the party’s recent caucus retreat in British Columbia. Khanna said the party remains united and strong, both locally and across the country.

“We had a rally in Woodstock with about 3,000 people. The only people going against Pierre right now are probably the mainstream media and some of these so-called pundits who commentate. Our team is united, and we had a great retreat in B.C. where we discussed what we are hearing in our communities. We put forward solutions and strategies on how to fight for Canadians.”

Khanna explained that serving as His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition is a critical part of how the federal government functions, providing a means of holding the government to account.

“With the lack of transparency coming from Mark Carney and the Liberals, whether it’s trade talks, the Gordie Howe Bridge, or talks about the European Union relationship, he can’t treat this like a CEO in a boardroom. He is accountable to the people of Canada, and that’s what we will be fighting for.”

Despite the global issues facing the country, many Oxford County residents continue to place affordability and cost of living as their No. 1 worry. Khanna said people are also concerned about job losses and job creation.

“I can tell you we’ve had multiple people calling our office who are struggling to put food on the table. I had someone text me the other day saying their hydro had been cut off because they fell behind on their payments. The husband and wife have decent jobs, and yet they can barely get by. The working poor have become a reality.”

He added the Conservatives plan to introduce legislation focusing on ways to save Canadians money.

“That’s the frustration. People are working their butts off but are barely getting by, and that’s not the way it should be. The country has so much potential and could be the richest in the world. The government needs to focus its priorities on Canadians, not on giving fancy speeches abroad.”

Khanna will serve as the Conservative shadow critic for justice, something he said is a huge responsibility to try and keep Canadians safe.

“I will be on the Justice Committee and could be the vice-chair depending on how things go. I have been doing the work on justice for some time with my Jail Not Bail bill and meeting victims across the country. I will keep the same relentless pressure on restoring safe streets for our country.”

The average person doesn’t have first-hand knowledge of how Parliament functions behind the scenes and the critical work done at the committee level. Khanna sent out a parliamentary guide to his constituents in the summer, but he understands most Canadians don’t have time to watch the Cable Public Affairs Channel, or CPAC, which is where committee meetings are broadcast. He added his passion for the job hasn’t waned.

“It has been just over three years since I walked into the Chamber for the first time. That feeling and humility are still there for me, and I am ready to fight for Canadians. I want them to know I will always speak up and stand up for them. Far too often, politicians forget who they are fighting for and who the boss is.”

Khanna said he remains passionate about sitting in the House of Commons and doing the work of the people.

“It’s not my seat. I am holding it with the trust of Canadians and especially Oxford residents. That’s the spirit I will take into the fall session, and people can get in touch with me at any time. My office doors are wide open and my cell number is public. My commitment to serve still exists three years later, and I am just getting started.”