Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan MP Fraser Tolmie says affordability, getting major projects built and reducing barriers for Saskatchewan businesses and producers are among his priorities as MPs return to Ottawa for the fall sitting of Parliament. The Liberal government has signalled a busy legislative agenda, with Prime Minister Mark Carney calling it some of the most consequential legislation in decades and Government House leader Steven MacKinnon saying significant economic legislation will be the centrepiece of the sitting. Tolmie said the Conservative Opposition will be watching closely to see whether those commitments translate into action. “Canadians want results, not announcements,” said Tolmie. “You know, we believe in getting things built and we've been advocating that for years.” Economic priorities for Saskatchewan With the economy expected to take centre stage in Ottawa this fall, Tolmie said one of his priorities is improving Saskatchewan's ability to move its products to market. He pointed specifically to potash, rail and port capacity and infrastructure supporting grain and canola exports. “What I want for my riding is to get projects approved and get government out of the way,” he said. “We want to make sure that potash, rail and port capacity and the infrastructure that gets our grain and canola to market are open.” Tolmie also called for changes to federal policies he believes are creating barriers to investment, including eliminating the capital gains tax on money reinvested in Canada. “That matters to farm families and small business owners and something for the next generation,” he said. He added that he wants to see Ottawa reduce red tape and costs for Canadian businesses, particularly as they compete with companies south of the border. Affordability remains a focus Tolmie said reducing the cost of living will also be a priority for him throughout the sitting. He called for the federal government to reduce taxes and provide businesses with greater stability and predictability. Tolmie pointed to the federal fuel charge and Clean Fuel Regulations while discussing costs. He said Conservatives will continue scrutinizing federal taxes and regulations they believe contribute to higher costs. “Businesses need stability and predictability and the government's not provided that for them,” Tolmie said. Opposition role under Liberal majority The Liberals enter the fall sitting with a majority in the House of Commons after floor crossings and byelections increased their seat count to 173. Asked whether that changes the role of the Official Opposition, Tolmie said it does not. “The majority was assembled afterwards. And that makes scrutiny more important, not less,” he said. Tolmie said Conservatives will continue holding the government accountable and scrutinizing legislation as it moves through Parliament. Related Stories: Snowbirds future still stings Moose Jaw as Tolmie calls announcement "heartbreaking" MP Fraser Tolmie comments on floor crossings, federal Liberal Party majority Moose Jaw MP Tolmie raises concerns over rising food prices ▶️ Stream this news story: 800 CHAB, Country 100, Mix 103 Labour legislation under review One of the first pieces of legislation introduced this fall is the Building Canada Strong Act, which includes proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code and measures aimed at speeding up project approvals. The federal government says the labour changes are intended to help employers and unions reach agreements faster while protecting workers' right to strike. Labour leaders have raised concerns that changes to federal intervention powers could weaken workers' bargaining rights. Tolmie said Conservatives are reviewing the legislation before deciding how they will approach it. “There are some positives, but there's also some poison pills in there that we're going to be paying attention to,” he said. Tolmie said the party could propose amendments after reviewing the legislation. What would make the fall sitting successful? Looking ahead to the end of the sitting, Tolmie said he wants to see tangible improvements for people in Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, regardless of which political party receives credit. “I want positive things to happen, not only within our community and our province, but our country. And it doesn't matter who takes the credit,” he said. Affordability, he added, would be one measure of that progress. “I don't want to see use of food banks. I want to see people being able to afford groceries. I want people to be able to afford gas. I want people to be able to afford their mortgages, their rents.” Tolmie said he would also like to see major projects move beyond announcements and into construction, along with greater certainty for farmers trying to get their products to market. “And if the government delivers those things, I'll be very happy,” he said.