Update from Parliament Hill
Recently, the debate on electoral reform has been occurring on Parliament Hill. The Liberals have proposed changing the way Canadians vote, without first having a referendum and giving Canadians a say. I have major concerns with this issue. Another issue of concern is that the Liberals will not allow Canadians to vote on whether they want to keep the current system, known as the ‘first-past-the-post’ system. We as Canadians, who are often very enthusiastic sports fans, understand this system. Let’s take the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who have the largest fan base in Canada, for example. Their fans understand that, when they win a number of games under the first-past-the-post system, they can win the Grey Cup. With what the Liberals are proposing, the Stamps could win more Grey Cups without having to actually win the most games, and the semi-finals, and then finally the Grey Cup game. This is flawed as far as I’m concerned. If some of the alternatives proposed by the Liberals are brought in, such as proportional representation, the Toronto Maple Leafs, whose fans are hard done-by, would have a team with a lot more Stanley Cups.
The Government recently passed C-14, the Physician-Assisted Dying legislation through the House of Commons. It is now up to the Senate to amend or pass the bill as is. I still have many concerns about conscience rights for medical care personnel, which I find to be a significant issue. Therefore, I did not vote in favour of C-14.
We are continuing to have an interesting session here on Parliament Hill. We will soon be breaking for the summer, and I look forward to seeing many of you in events across Bow River this barbecue/rodeo season. I will be attending as many events as I can, and I hope you will too. Interacting with constituents is one of the best parts of the job of being an MP, and it’s a part of the job I really enjoy.
Canada Day is rapidly drawing near. I hope that you are able to make it to a local celebration near you, and that you are able to enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends.
Should you ever have any questions or comments, I can be reached at my Brooks office at 403-793-6775 or 1-844-241-0020 or by email at martin.shields.c1@parl.gc.ca. Also, you can reach my Ottawa office at 613-992-0761 or martin.shields@parl.gc.ca. Thanks, and have an enjoyable June.
