September 2011 Parliamentary Report

Summer Activities

In July I attended meetings of the Mediterranean and Near East Committee of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Canada’s involvement in NATO’s Libyan campaign made this an important assignment.  Of particular interest were the activities of the Iranian regime, which in my view need to be approached with utmost caution.  Iran, of course, recently violently suppressed its own “Arab Spring.”

 This summer Kitchener residents had the opportunity to enjoy our community's diversity.  Along with me, many celebrated the opening of new premises for the Central Ontario Chinese Cultural Association, Pakistan-Canada Independence Day, Turkish Festival, Blues Festival, Multicultural Festival, Downtown Ribfest and Craft Beer Show, Serbian Food Festival and Indian-Canadian Association Mela, among others.

Engaging closely with others enables us to appreciate that people of every culture share the same aspirations and dreams – and the same fears and challenges.

Fall Schedule

Our Government, as usual, will move quickly to deliver what our election platform promised.

Criminal Justice Reform

We will adopt within Parliament’s first 100 sitting days a comprehensive criminal justice reform Bill, including several Bills that have already been debated but not passed due to Parliamentary delays or intervening elections.  These modest reforms target the worst offences and worst offenders, while also responding to twenty-first century technological challenges.

This will make our communities safer and, together with our prevention and rehabilitation measures, represent a balanced approach.

Long Gun Registry

Our Government will also introduce legislation to end the wasteful and ineffective registration of long guns.  Long-standing measures to licence owners will remain, as will measures to control hand-guns and other restricted and prohibited weapons.

Job Creation and Economic Stability

Investing in Canadian jobs and preserving Canada’s fiscal health through deficit reduction will remain top priorities.  A modest reduction will be implemented in the 2012-13 budget.  This will be accomplished without tax increases and without cutting transfers to Provinces.

The Government monitors international economics very closely, and stands ready to responsibly modify its plans if circumstances beyond Canada’s control require it.

Private Members’ Business

In this Parliament, I expect to have an opportunity for a vote on my own item of Private Members Business.  Although Members can introduce many proposals, generally only one can be pursued to a vote.  In the last Parliament I was able to sponsor in the Commons a Senator’s Bill on an environmental matter.

The possibilities are limitless, and I need to discern the most important and principled issue to which I can contribute.  Although I can pursue only one matter out of the diversity of our community’s interests, I would appreciate your views about what is most important.

Once again, I thank you for re-electing me to be your voice in Ottawa, and I renew my pledge to faithfully serve our community.