Portage-Lisgar MP and Opposition Leader Candice Bergen says there are definitely some plans in store from the Conservative party and our riding for 2022 with which she's working.

She explains one issue for local constituents continues to be cell phone service.

"I've been doing a lot of work with cell phone companies trying to encourage them to build more towers in our area so that we have that consistent cell phone coverage," says Bergen. "Unfortunately, for the people that I've met over the last 13 years, I've got some contacts, but these businesses are making decisions and it isn't always putting communities like ours front and centre. And so, I'm working hard to advocate for consistent cell phone service right across southern Manitoba."

Bergen says a second issue that came up over the summer is drought.

"In Manitoba, we are pretty good at dealing with flooding, but we really have not done a thing to deal with drought," continues Bergen. "We have got water flowing through this province for many years -- more water than we know what to do with -- and no plan to hold it, capture it, and be able to utilize it when dry times come. I'm working with reeves, other community leaders, and with water co-ops, etc., to try to secure funding so that we can have short-term and long-term solutions to dealing with drought. That's something that I'm doing locally."

She says the national level of her work includes her reinstatement as deputy leader of the party.

"We are very concerned at the national level with the rising cost of everything, whether it's gas, groceries or rent," adds Bergen. "We look at the input costs that farmers are dealing with. Much of the cost increase is a direct result of bad Liberal government policy. So, it is at the top of my mind to be holding the government to account and pushing back every time we can to highlight their mismanagement of the economy, and the dire effect that it's having on Canadians as far as the cost of everything going up."

Bergen summarizes it by saying that 2022 is a big year.

"There's a lot going on -- a lot of files that I'm dealing with," adds Bergen. "I'm honoured to do it, and just looking forward to continuing to be that voice for Portage-Lisgar as people at Portage-Lisgar continue to be my top priority, bringing their concerns to Ottawa, and then also working for the good of the country. As the deputy leader, I need to work on behalf of Canadians in that important role."