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“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)

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