May 2009 Parliamentary Report

May 2009 - Parliamentary Report

 

VOTING RECORD

 

An Ottawa Citizen analysis recently revealed that Liberal MPs have missed three times as many votes in the House of Commons as Conservative Members in 2009 to the end of April.  This has occurred despite Michael Ignatieff`s promise that his Party would no longer sit on its hands during votes in Parliament.

 

The average Liberal MP did not participate in about 12% of the recorded votes on bills and motions, compared to Conservatives who missed 4% on average.

 

As the Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre I have attended every vote in the House since this Parliament began in mid-November.  I was absent from the House for the first time on May 11 to attend Committee Hearings in Alberta and on May 12 returning from those meetings. 

 

Seven Liberals and forty-three Conservatives, myself included, posted perfect voting records.

 

VOTING SUPPORT

Fortunately when the Liberal MPs did show up for votes, they voted the same way as the Conservatives 79% of the time.  This is the result of our Government's flexibility in proposing compromises to ensure national stability in uncertain and troubled economic times.

 

MICHAEL IGNATIEFF

 

The national Liberal executive appointed Michael Ignatieff to lead the Party since January.  At the Liberal convention May 1, 2009 that appointment was made permanent, as there were no other candidates for the position of Liberal Party leader.

 

Inevitably, when Canadians get closer to an election, Mr. Ignatieff's history and job experience will be compared to Mr. Harper's experience in Government and Mr. Harper's lifelong dedication to making Canada a stronger and better place to live.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT BILL

On May 7 I was successful in leading the Committee debate on Bill C-16 to completion.  This Bill raises maximum fines for environmental offences to $6 million and adds a range of innovative sentencing techniques for environmental offences.  These include a notice to shareholders of convictions, a national register of corporate offenders, expanded liability for officers and directors, judicial discretion to order contribution to scholarships and several other measures.

 

The bill will also beef up the Environmental Damages Fund by allowing for fines to be directed to the Fund.  This fund aids environmental projects across Canada.

 

ELECTION SPECULATION

 

The Liberal Party is once again threatening to provoke a national election.  This is a by-product of a minority government situation and adds political instability to our present economic uncertainty.  The chance of all three opposition Parties plunging the country into yet another election will continue to rise, with the greatest possibility occurring if and when it appears that the economy is recovering such that the government's strong economic management might be recognized.

 

Stay tuned.