Recently re-elected Liberal MP Wayne Long heads back to Ottawa next month.
Long says he’s looking forward to getting back to work representing Saint John-Rothesay and has a number of issues he’s ready to fight for.
“Increased infrastructure funding, I want to continue to bring federal funding down here to restore our historic treasures, I want to continue to be a voice and advocate for those living in poverty, for those who need a helping hand, and I also want to be a loud voice for democratic reform,” he said.
“I think our parliamentary system can use a lot more strong independent voices. I think I’ve developed a reputation for speaking my mind, saying what I think is right, representing this riding first, and I’m going to continue to do that.”
Compared to 2015’s Liberal sweep in the Maritimes, Long is surrounded by Conservatives and one Green MP.
He says he’s looking forward to the challenge.
“I take my position as an opportunity to have an in-government voice for southern New Brunswick. I’m going to speak loud, I’m going to be in caucus, and I think it’s a tremendous advantage for Saint John-Rothesay to have a sitting MP,” he said.
Long says there are also some new faces in Trudeau’s cabinet this term, and looks forward to working with a new group of ministers.
“I don’t think it’s to anyone’s surprise that Dominic Leblanc is the senior statesman, he’s the senior cabinet minister for the province. Over the next week or two, they’ll also be naming parliamentary secretaries, but regardless of what happens, my job is to stand up for Saint-John Rothesay,” he said.
Long says the job of an MP can be difficult, especially with the grind of travelling back and forth to Ottawa.
“I know a lot of people don’t really appreciate the toll it takes on you mentally and physically. I go up basically on Sunday afternoons, I come back on Friday afternoons, I’m up in Ottawa 160 to 180 days a year,” he said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will restart government for his second term on December 5th.
