Skip to main content

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

CATHY McLEOD -- While there’s a need for continued social distancing, this committee format doesn’t’ allow Opposition parties to hold government to account

Committee a shadow of Parliament:

I returned to Ottawa last week to a watered-down version of the Parliamentary process. This “Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic” includes a limited number of MPs physically in the House, and the rest signing in virtually.

While there is a need for continued social distancing, this committee format does not allow the Opposition parties to hold the government to account. I was able to ask questions of ministers for five minutes while in the House last week, but that does not replace most of the tools we’ve lost.

For instance, we cannot vote to defeat or support legislation, put forward private members’ bills, or debate issues.

Important discussions are not happening as many key committees aren’t meeting right now, including the Natural Resources committee, which I sit on as the Shadow Minister.

Most importantly, we cannot scrutinize the Liberal Government’s $250-billion COVID spending as we are not getting an economic update on how this is taking our country’s debt level to $1 trillion.

At this point, hopes are that Parliament with its full powers and accountabilities will resume in the fall, but that depends on the COVID-19 situation.

I’m back in the riding now, and am joining the other MPs participating remotely, until June 18, in these four-times-a-week committee meetings. 


WORKING TOGETHER -- Apply for aid through community support fund

United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo has $441,000 to give away, thanks to the federal government’s $350-million Emergency Community Support Fund.

It is for organizations providing front-line services to vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19, including registered charities. Applications are due by June 8, under review until June 26, with funding decisions made by July 31.

CLICK HERE for more information and how to apply. To discuss eligibility, email kristi@unitedwaytnc.ca


Cathy McLeod … (Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo) was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2008. She is currently the Conservative Shadow Minister for Natural Resources (Forestry and Mining)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper to step down for Conservative Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to run in a by-election

Deputy Whip and MLA Reann Gasper has informed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia of her decision to step down as MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, creating an opportunity for Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to seek the seat in a forthcoming by-election. Gasper said the decision was made carefully and deliberately, with the future of British Columbia firmly in mind. Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper “This is a decision I have made after a great deal of careful consideration, and I believe it is the right decision for me, for our Party, and for the work ahead,” said MLA Gasper. “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Abbotsford-Mission, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside my colleagues in the Conservative Caucus and to contribute to our leadership team.” “I have confidence in Kerry-Lynne, in her leadership, and in her ability to ...
Post a Comment
Read more

NDP Sits on $61 Million With No Start Date for Burnaby Hospital

Phase 2 of Burnaby Hospital redevelopment  was green lit to go ahead in September 2023 The NDP spent $45 million on the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, cancelled the second phase, and now has another $61 million listed for the project in the province’s Public Accounts, with no start date for construction. If the NDP cancelled the project, what is happening to the $61 million set aside for it? The Phase 2 project was expected to cost between $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion and was intended to expand the hospital’s capacity. With Burnaby’s population growing and residents struggling to access healthcare, the government should be investing in healthcare capacity, not leaving millions of dollars tied up in limbo. “The NDP spent $45 million on this project before cancelling it, and now $61 million remains listed for it in the Public Accounts,” said MLA Misty Van Popta, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure. “If the government isn’t going to build the hospital expansion, it should explain whe...
Post a Comment
Read more

BC Conservatives Point to Warning Signs in BC’s Economy

While Canada posted modest job gains in July, warning lights are still flashing in British Columbia. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, leaving too many first-time jobseekers shut out of the workforce. BC also lost 3,400 public administration jobs in July, likely as temporary Census positions ended. “BC's jobs divide remains stark. Unemployment is far higher in business-driven communities like Kelowna (9.3%) and Abbotsford-Mission (8.3%) than in Victoria (5.0%). Government should be focused on creating the conditions for private-sector investment and job growth,” said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Shadow Minister for Economic Development. “We need an economy where young people can find work, businesses can hire, and every region has the opportunity to prosper.” This comes as BC faces five straight quarters where more businesses are closing than opening, an NDP cabinet rift over job-creating projects like Tilbury LNG, and fresh signs that even the province's to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Labels

Show more