MP and MLA to share office to cut costs

An Okanagan MP is trying to start a new trend, one that would save taxpayers money.

Dan Albas, Conservative member of parliament for Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola, has announced he will share a constituency office with Kelowna Mission Liberal MLA Renee Merrifield as a cost saving measure.

The shared space will be located at Merrifield’s existing office at #102, 2121 Ethel Street, in Kelowna.

Albas has shared an office with Penticton MLA Dan Ashton in Summerland for six years.

“From my perspective, a shared office made sense,” Albas wrote in his weekly report. “Often there may be confusion as to what level of government; federal or provincial, is providing a service that a citizen may be having difficulty with. It also makes sense from a cost saving perspective as fixed costs and resources can be shared. As I have stated many times, while there may be three levels of government in Canada, there is only one taxpayer. “

Albas says the shared site with Ashton has been a success.

“Citizens of Summerland can have a one stop shop to make inquiries on provincial or federal concerns as well as meet with their local MP or MLA without having to travel to a nearby community. Unfortunately, despite the success of increased service and the savings of a shared office, the idea has not caught on in other regions across Canada,” the MP said.