Dear Editor,
In the wake of the end of Parliament’s spring session last month, I have heard numerous complaints, particularly among members of the media, about the session’s lack of productivity. As Canadians across the country prepare to enjoy the beauty of the summer season, I would like to update my constituents in Vegreville-Wainwright on the dynamics of our latest parliamentary session.
I would like to assure residents of Vegreville-Wainwright that I, along with my Conservative colleagues, have remained committed to addressing the issues that matter to them and to all Canadians. In this Spring Session, our government introduced several very important pieces of legislation. These included:
- Budget 2010, which promised an additional $19 billion of federal stimulus spending as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan;
- Justice bills that will crack down on white collar crime and the exploitation of children, and eliminate pardons for serious criminals; and
- Bill C-10, enacting senate term limits, which represents an important step in the creation of an effective and democratic Senate.
These are only a few of our government’s bills from the spring session of Parliament. Through many others, we have continued to work to strengthen Canada’s economy, and to work for the financial well-being of Canadians. As promised, we are fighting to end the wasteful long-gun registry. Our government is continuing to work for Canadian priorities, including a strong economy, an effective justice system, and true democratic practices.
As a minority government, our government needs the support of opposition members to pass legislation. Throughout the session, we have been willing to work with the opposition to pass bills that will give Canadians what they need and want. Perhaps the greatest example of our co-operation with the opposition may be found in the work of Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, who worked closely with Liberal Immigration Critic Maurizio Bevilacqua in crafting Bill C-11, which will introduce much needed reforms to the Canadian refugee system.
Unfortunately, the opposition parties do not seem to share this spirit of co-operation. While our Conservative members strive to work with them for the change that Canadians want, opposition members are focused on playing political games. Michael Ignatieff and the Liberals continue to taunt Canadian voters with coalition plans, essentially telling Canadians that election results don’t really matter. They continue to push for higher taxes and billions of dollars in additional spending, which experts have said will cut jobs and have disastrous economic effects. After months of negotiating the contents of Bill C-11 with Minister Kenney, the Liberals suddenly withdrew their support and walked away from the table. NDP MP’s are also continuing to raise the spectre of the coalition, while Bloc members have stood in the house and demanded that Prime Minister Harper be sentenced to ten years in prison. I marvel at these members of the house, who after being elected by their constituents, devote so much time to political self-interests rather than the issues that matter to their electors.
It is an unfortunate fact that the spring parliamentary session was not as productive as our government would have liked. However, I assure you that my Conservative colleagues and I will continue to deliver on our promises and work on the issues that matter to Canadians. I can only hope that when the house resumes sitting this fall, the opposition will put aside self-interest and work with us to get things done for Canadians.
Sincerely,
Leon Benoit, MP
