The best advice that Barrie-Innisfil MP elect John Brassard has received since winning the October 19 federal election is to "remember you were elected in Barrie-Innisfil. You weren't elected in Ottawa."
"I have every intention to work closely with the new government and to reach across the aisle to make sure that the issues of Barrie-Innisfil are well known.
Brassard was speaking to Innisfil Council Wednesday evening, before leaving for Ottawa. He and Barrie-Springwater-Oro MP elect Alex Nuttall will be officially sworn in to their new positions at a ceremony at Parliament Hill next week.
"As an opposition MP, I will work to open as many doors as possible."
He highlighted economic development, infrastructure improvements and Lake Simcoe as top priorities, noting that the previous Conservative federal government invested $59 million since 2008 on programs to lower phospherous levels and improve the health of Lake Simcoe.
"I will do all I can to make sure that investment continues," he said.
Soon after he is sworn in, Brassard plans to meet with the new Minister of Infrastructure and Municipalities. Roads, rail and employment developments along Highway 400 will be his hot topics.
"The new government has said it will spend billions (on infrastructure) and it will be interesting to see how it rolls out," he said. "I am hopeful that priority will be given to things that will improve Canada's productivity and our own productivity in Barrie-Innisfil.
One project he would like to see move quickly is a new GO Train station in Innisfil.
Over the past two weeks, Brassard has hired local staff and his new constituency office, located at 480 Huronia Road, Unit 204B will open on December 1.
"It was important that we have a central location to service south Barrie and the communities of Alcona, Stroud ... and all of Innisfil."
