Mike Lake

Terrific statement yesterday by Erin O'Toole on the Biden government's decision to cancel Keystone XL. There is no country in the world more committed to clean oil and gas production than Canada. We need Prime Minister Trudeau to declare this, proudly and emphatically. This government has incurred a two-generation debt as we deal with the global pandemic. In order to get our economy back on track, we need to be firing on all cylinders. Canada's world-leading energy sector must be unleashed to play the critical role that it always has.

15 years ago tonight, I was elected for the first time, as a Member of Parliament in a Conservative government led by one of Canada’s greatest Prime Ministers, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper. To the people of Edmonton-Wetaskiwin, thank you for continuing to trust me with this wonderful privilege. I never take it for granted.

Loved doing this with a few friends yesterday.

"To my friends and family in Alberta, over the next 28 days, we will not be able to come together in-person. Yet we must be united like never before. To the extent that you can afford to, support your local businesses and charities. Order take-out from your favourite local restaurants. Teach someone to use technology to help them stay connected. Be kind, be safe, and, most importantly, be available, virtually, for people who need help. Our challenge is significant, but it is ...nothing compared to our commitment to one another." My one-minute statement this afternoon in the House of Commons.

Over the past several months, we've hosted a series of weekly Zoom Happy Hours. Every Friday afternoon, we bring together friends from around the world and across the political spectrum, have a couple of drinks, and enjoy a fantastic conversation. These sound informal and, to an extent, they are. But they are also very intentional and absolutely necessary. If you follow this page regularly, you'll know that I'm very concerned by the current state of political discourse everyw...here. We want to change that. Up to this point, we've included about 150-200 people in these conversations: CPC colleagues, former political opponents, members of the media, constituents, and global leaders. This morning, I spent an hour with Ryan Jespersen on his Real Talk podcast, recreating a Zoom Happy Hour with four of our regular attendees: Conor Hall and Sarah Letersky (starting at the 36:00 mark), and Adarius Bowman and Julia Anderson (starting at the 1:00:30 mark). Would love to hear your thoughts!

Are you vaccine hesitant? I was too, for a time, & wrote about it last year in a National Post op-ed. I feel like this is a good time to re-post this. By all means, please do your own research on the various COVID vaccines that are out there. That is the responsible thing to do. Just make sure to carefully consider the credibility of your sources. It's easier than ever to find evidence-backed information if you want to find it.

This is a really cool Canadian initiative! There is a link to the Snow Angels Canada website in the article, where you can sign up for help or to pitch in.

Statement from Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole on Keystone XL.

We are going through a challenging time, unlike any other. I thought I’d share one more video before diving into what’s sure to be another very busy week, because this has been such an important part of maintaining my mental health in 2020. Like so many other people, I’ve spent more time at home in the last 8 1/2 months than at any time in my life. I’ve also worked more hours than at any time in my life, most of them on Zoom, from my basement office. To maintain balance, one ...of the things I’ve been deliberate about is taking short breaks outside, in our regular-sized suburban backyard. In thirteen years, I’ve never paid much attention to the community that lives back here - the robins, sparrows, chickadees, woodpeckers, blue jays and more. And the magpies, resident squirrel, and neighbourhood cats that torment the rest of them. The point is this: building to a moment where a blue jay eats out of my hand required quiet and stillness and patience and attention. Importantly, in the midst of this crazy time, I’ve come to realize that I need that very same quiet and stillness and patience and attention (to something other than work) to regularly reinvigorate me emotionally, mentally and physically. I’ve needed it for a long time. And it was literally right in my backyard.

Started my Sunday morning with this terrific conversation between Brené Brown and Priya Parker. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

I am a strong believer in free speech. Four simple ways to exercise it most impactfully: 1. Be respectful. 2. Do your research. 3. Tell the truth.... 4. Understand that it goes both ways. If you agree with me, please share this post. If you have additional ideas, please add them in the comments. Would love to hear from you!