Chris Lowrey
PONTIAC Jan. 17, 2018
If the start of Pontiac MP Will Amos’ year is any indication, 2018 is shaping up to be a demanding one for him.
Amos just finished championing a letter to the finance minister pushing for increased investment in Canada’s land, freshwater and oceans for the 2018 budget.
“It’s all about making the necessary investments in conservation and protected areas,” Amos said.
He also said the legislation was created both for preservation reasons and to help drive the conservation economy.
Amos took a break from a busy media schedule to take a look back at the year that was.
Amos looked back on his party’s legislative accomplishments and, although he didn’t contribute to it directly, he singled out the middle class tax cut.

“I would say, for the vast majority of Pontiac constituents, that’s the most impactful legislative change,” he said.
On a personal level, Amos pointed to his recent efforts when it comes to conservation.
“The bill will reform the Canadian environmental assessment act, the navigable waters protection act, the national energy board act and the fisheries act,” he said.
With his eyes set on 2018, Amos said his focus in the region will be working to see more infrastructure projects move forward.
When it comes to infrastructure projects here in the Pontiac, Amos wants to see some progress on improving access to high speed internet and said progress is being made.
“Take the example of the Internet,” Amos said. “At this point in time I’m really, really optimistic we’re going to have some good news to announce soon.”
He also said that he’s been in contact with several stakeholders, including his political counterparts and Bell Canada.
He’s been in contact with Bell to try and rectify the ongoing issues affecting land lines in the upper Pontiac, another issue he’s hopeful can be solved in 2018.
“I’ve been working every single week on this file,” Amos said. “For me this is a huge infrastructure priority.”
But Amos also said that securing the funds to upgrade the internet infrastructure in the Pontiac will not be easy.
“The costs associated [with high speed rural internet] are significant,” he said.
Not only will it cost a pretty penny to upgrade the Pontiac’s internet capabilities, but this region will be competing with many others around the country for government resources.
“We’re competing against many, many, many very needy parts of Canada,” he added.
Amos also spoke about his upcoming tour throughout the region where he will be visiting several communities throughout the Pontiac.
“I pride myself on being very accessible,” Amos said. “I think it’s important for people to be able to come and meet with me in their community.”
Amos said that, when looking back at the past year, his favourite moments were on Canada Day and Remembrance Day.
“Those are the two days when the honour and the privilege of being Pontiac’s Member of Parliament ring most true,” he said. “You really feel the significance of representing the region.”