Shelby Kramp-Neuman elected MP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington
If there is something about Conservative MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman that seems familiar to those in the riding, it could be her maiden name, which is included in her now-hyphenated surname, or even a familial resemblance.
That’s because those in this riding are more than familiar with one of the people Kramp-Neuman refers to as having been “instrumental” in the journey that led her to federal politics; her father. Daryl Kramp has served Hastings-Lennox and Addington (HLA) at the provincial level since 2018, and prior to that served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington from 2008 to 2015.
“My parents have both inspired me to always be the best version of myself and always continue to learn. My father has certainly given me my why. His strength and wisdom are instrumental,” Kramp-Neuman shared just three days after being elected MP in the same riding her father represents as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP).
“I have been involved in all of my father’s campaigns, and throughout his time in office, I have seen firsthand the impact he has made and the results he has delivered for the riding. He has always encouraged me to not do something because of the recognition, but to do it because it is the right thing to do,” she said.
Kramp-Neuman, who has been very busy since being elected on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, jokingly admitted that her first order of business would be “getting a wee bit of rest after a high energy campaign,” before turning her focus to the real business at hand – first and foremost, thanking the constituents who elected her.
“I am honoured and overwhelmed by the trust and confidence that the voters in HLA placed in me. I want to thank and congratulate the other candidates for running a tough but civil campaign. I’m looking forward to getting to work,” she said before noting what she actually plans to address first in her new role.
“Number 1 is critical cell phone and broadband internet infrastructure throughout the riding,” she said, and, “Number 2 is bringing in stable and predictable funding from federal and provincial governments.”
When asked about the single most common issue constituents raised during her campaigning, Kramp-Neuman said there wasn’t one, but rather that the issues important to those in her riding are varied.
“I do not think there was one dominant issue. In fact, the issues have been diverse, including job security, affordable housing and the rising cost of everything!” she expressed. “For many, their biggest worries as we navigate through the pandemic are economic recovery and security: Businesses, jobs and home ownership are at risk.”
However, Kramp-Neuman shared that some of the more common things she’s heard about from constituents are:
- How unnecessary the 2021 federal election was
- The cost of living and inflation
- The challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic
During the lead-up to the election, Kramp-Neuman developed a reputation for drive and constantly being on the go, with early morning starts, and even traversing the entire riding on election day. But for her, those things are just indicative of her stamina and determination. In fact, when asked if she employed any good luck charms or superstitions on the campaign trail, Kramp-Neuman immediately referred to her depending on her fast-paced routine.
“Not really any good luck charms or superstitions, but I am an early riser,” she said. “Despite active campaigning, I still got my 5 a.m. workouts in and walked my springer spaniel, Pepper, daily.”
That very same go-getter attitude is already being put to work, as the new MP is currently searching for office space and scouting out members of her staff, she said, and it won’t stop there.
“My work ethic has always been and will continue to be relentless. I want to thank the voters of Hastings-Lennox and Addington for their trust. Being an elected Member of Parliament is an incredible privilege, but with that comes an incredible responsibility,” Kramp-Neuman said. “Lastly, my entire campaign team! They really knocked it out of the park from day one,” she concluded. “Thank you!”