Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP Lianne Rood is looking forward to being a voice for rural Canadians.
The Conservative member was named the Shadow Minister for Rural Economic Development and Rural Broadband Strategy earlier this week.
"Representing Lambton-Kent-Middlesex is an honour and a privilege for me," said Rood. "I'll be able to take the knowledge and my personal experience from growing up in a rural riding, and the knowledge from the last portfolio that I had, to continue building relationships across this country and be a strong voice for rural Canada. We're all Canadians regardless of where we live and we're all deserving of equal representation. It's unacceptable that Canadians don't have that voice with this current government."
Rood said it's early in the process, but notes there are many issues impacting rural Canadians.
"The biggest issue right now is the cost of living crisis facing this country," she said. "That's not just specific to rural [Canada], but it is a problem when we don't have enough housing in the rural areas available for people. We see labour shortages, not just in agriculture but in rural communities to keep small businesses alive. Those are some of the things I'll be able to talk to folks about and hear what their concerns and priorities are."
Rood said rural Canada is disproportionately impacted by the carbon tax, noting many don't have access to public transportation.
"We can talk about affordability, the economy and inflation and back to high speed internet access," she said. "There are a few things on the docket, and I'm sure we'll hear more as we move forward."
Rood was elected in 2019, and previously served as the Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food.
She's hoping to use that knowledge to continue to build relationships across the country.