Chatham-Kent-Leamington MP Dave Epp has been named the new federal Conservative Shadow Minister for Rural Development.
The move is part of a shadow cabinet shuffle announced by the Conservatives on Tuesday.
Epp said he's deeply honoured and grateful for the confidence placed in him to serve as Shadow Minister for Rural Development.
"It is a welcome opportunity to now advance and advocate not only for the people of Chatham-Kent-Leamington, but for rural and remote Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Rural Canada is the backbone of our country, whose communities feed the nation, powers our economy, stewards our natural resources, and reflects the values of hard work, resilience, and innovation that define Canada," said Epp.
A shadow cabinet minister is a senior opposition politician in a parliamentary system who is assigned to scrutinize a specific government minister. They act as the primary spokesperson for their party on that topic, challenge the ruling government's policies, and present alternative solutions.
Epp vowed to advocate for the millions of Canadians who live, work, and raise their families in rural, northern, and resource-based communities.
He noted he will focus on infrastructure, agriculture and agri-food, environmental conservation, economic development, international and interprovincial trade, Indigenous partnerships, internet and cellular connectivity, post-secondary education and skills training, access to health care, affordable housing, responsible resource development, rural crime, arts and culture, transportation, rail and shipping, immigration, and labour.
"Too often, rural communities are treated as an afterthought in federal policy. Whether it's aging infrastructure, unreliable broadband, accessibility issues, housing challenges, unemployment levels, or barriers facing farmers, foresters, miners, energy producers, and small businesses, rural Canadians deserve a government that understands their realities and delivers practical solutions," he said.
Epp emphasized that rural prosperity is essential to Canada's long-term economic success.
