BY BOB ZIMMER
Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP
Christmas has always been a favourite time of year for me and my family. It is a time for faith, family, reflection, and hope.
As I look back on 2021, I want to once again say what an incredible honour it is to serve you, the citizens of Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies. I am humbled again by the support you have shown me in electing me for a fourth term as your Member of Parliament.
I am also honoured to have been appointed by Opposition Leader Erin O’Toole to serve as Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs and Arctic Sovereignty; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and as a Member of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. As you know there is a lot of work to do and I will continue to be a strong voice for the North, as well as our fishing and outdoor communities.
I hope you will have the chance to spend some time with family and friends this Christmas season. As we celebrate with loved ones, I encourage those who can, to support our local businesses and charities wherever possible. They are the backbone of our communities, and this time of year is the perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for all that they do.
As 2021 comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to remind all of us of the Reason for the season:
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“’Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”
Luke 2:4-14 NIV
On behalf of my family and staff, I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.