By Alex McCuaig

Campaign trail

Motz comes out swinging in final days of election

Oct 18, 2019 | 5:55 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – With only a few days remaining in the federal election, incumbent in the Medicine Hat riding, Conservative Glen Motz, was in the city campaigning. Questioned on a number of issues from climate change to gun control, Motz came out swinging.

Asked whether carbon dioxide can be considered pollution, Motz said anything, including CO2 emissions can be considered pollution.

“Anything that is damaging in excess can be considered pollution,” said Motz on Friday.

But whether that is currently the case, Motz said, “I don’t know. I haven’t looked at the science. All I know is taxing CO2, taxing carbon to stop pollution is the most ridiculous idea I’ve ever heard.”

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He went on to say, “It doesn’t work. Alberta tried it, it doesn’t work. B.C. has been at it the longest and emissions there are the highest they’ve ever been.”

Regarding Medicine Hat’s $123-million lawsuit against the federal government regarding the decision by the last Conservative government’s to place an emergency sage grouse order in southeastern Alberta, Motz said he has been working to find a solution.

“I can tell you unequivocally, I’ve worked with city officials and officials in Ottawa on that matter to deal with the Manyberries field,” said Motz.

The city claims that decision acted as a de facto expropriation of the city-owned oilfield and the government failed to consult with them prior to issuing the order.

On gun control, Motz was unremitting in supporting Canadians right to own guns such as AR-15s and his opposition to Bill C-71 which required stricter record keeping by gun sellers as well as enhanced background checks for gun buyers.

“What is the harm that lawful Canadian gun owners are causing in this country,” asked Motz. “What we fail to recognize here is C-71 does nothing to deal with the gangs and drug problem we have – the illegal gun smuggling across the border. Zero!”

And regarding taking care of the issues Hatters might have – big or small – Motz said he is dedicated to trying to find solutions if he is re-elected.

“Whatever issues they might have, we’re going to continue to serve them. We’re going to fight for things that are going to get them ahead in this riding,” said Motz.

Election day is Monday with polls open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.