Autumn is here and, like a lot of people, I can’t believe how quickly the summer went. The first few months of serving in office have been fantastic. I was pleased to pass my first Bill, bringing our carbon reduction targets in line with the best science, and making our province’s goals the most ambitious in the country. Goals, of course, need a plan if we’re going to meet them, and so I was happy to present a motion creating a special committee on climate change to examine the best ways to reach those targets. This motion was passed unanimously by my colleagues in the Legislature.

The Legislature closed by mid-July, which freed me up to get out and spend more time talking to people in Summerside. During the campaign, I committed to report back on my work, so right away I hosted a town hall and ice cream social with MLAs Trish Altass and Steve Howard to provide information on our first sitting, and to hear concerns people wanted to share.

Summer on PEI is rich with activities, culture and food. The Summerside Lobster festival was a great opportunity to have informal conversations with lots of people. The parade and musical events are always great, but a real highlight for me this year was having Trish Altass join me in the cardboard boat races. The Summerside Arts Festival was another major highlight. Between Canada Day and Nature Fest, there is almost always something to check out.

I’ve had regular constituency meetings all summer and it’s a real privilege to help people in Summerside navigate through the challenges they face. I’ve also been meeting with various groups and touring farms, forestry projects, and hearing from Watershed groups.

Our committee work schedule picks up when the Legislature closes. I serve on both the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and the Standing Committee for Rules, Regulation, Private Bills and Privileges. Additionally, I chair the Special Committee on Climate Change, which intends to go out into the community and engage Islanders on this most pressing issue. Committees are a great place for members to dive deep into topics and invite experts to provide insight on many challenges. The committee schedule is certainly full, but the work done there is incredibly valuable.

Autumn is currently on pace to be as busy or busier than the summer. I look forward to getting a lot done.

Lynne Lund
MLA District 21 Summerside-Wilmot
Opposition Whip