2017 was a busy year for many people, including the Member of Parliament for Souris-moose Mountain, Dr. Robert Kitchen. 

"For me as the MP,"  shared Dr. Robert Kitchen, "it was a busy year. Extremely busy with different pieces of legislation that came across our desk. Some that obviously have major impacts on the riding and some that may have had lesser but still have impacts on the country. Overall it was extremely busy."

Dr. Kitchen took office in November of 2015. 

"I'm still learning a lot and I'm enjoying that part of it. Each day is new learning experience."

He added that there were many challenges that they faced in the last year. 

"Obviously one of the major ones would be the issue of the Liberal Carbon Tax. It was supposed to come into effect as of January 1. it hasn't come into place yet but it is looming over our heads and it's going to have a huge impact on the economy. Not just our farmers but our businessmen as well as every individual in this riding. There's a big concern about that." 

Kitchen adds that this riding has the only working Carbon Capture facility in the country.

"It's working well and it's providing reductions in emissions and we should be getting some kind of credit for that ability."

Dr. Kitchen also attended a number of events in the area during that past year.

"It's great to get out and be out amongst my continents. I've been invited out to events to speak at sporting events because I am the Deputy Critic for Youth and Sports and Persons with Disabilities so that has been a great positive aspect of my job. here in Estevan, we had the provincial soccer championships for high school which was a great opportunity to be out at. Likewise, around the riding with various other events."

Dr. Kitchen was also in attendance during the Carbon Capture Summit hosted by the Estevan Chamber of Commerce in May, 2017. 

"As we look forward in 2018, obviously we're going to try and keep the pressure on government. there are big concerns about the tax changes that they proposed and the huge impact that will have on our small business owners, on our farmers, on our healthcare professionals, and our veterinarians."

"It's been a great honour and privilege for me to represent you and all the constituents in this great riding. I look forward to representing you well in the next two years and hopefully in the years to come following that."