IN TOUCH WITH MP EARL DREESHEN
May 18, 2016
In Touch with MP Earl Dreeshen
Last week we saw an incredible effort to come together in the aftermath of the wildfire that went through Fort McMurray. It is a testament to the work ethic and spirit of Albertans and Canadians that some of our stars shine the brightest in the face of crisis. While the damage and pain for families affected will be long lasting – I hope we can also take inspiration from the millions of Canadians who stepped up to help their neighbors. Thank you to all the firefighters, first responders, volunteers, donors and communities and individuals who opened their doors.
While I was in the riding last week I was able to return Friday for an important informational meeting with special guest speaker Amanda Lindhout regarding the four Azer children who were abducted and taken to Iran. I continue to support the Azer family and encourage the Federal Government to do everything they can to bring those kids home.
Democratic Reform
Last week, Liberal Ministers Dominic LeBlanc and Maryam Monsef announced the Liberal government’s plan for a special committee to study changes to the voting system, and to have that committee report back to the House by December 1, 2016. The committee will give the Liberals a voting majority with 6 of the 10 votes.
My colleagues and I in the Conservative Party continue to insist that Canadians must have the final say, in a national referendum, on any proposed changes to how Canadians elect their M.P.s. Whatever the plan, and whatever the process, Canadians want a vote—yes or no—before the government tries to change the voting system. That is what Canadians deserve from their government, and that it what the Conservative Party will continue to push for.
No government in Canada has tried to impose a new voting system without a referendum since the early 1950s. The last time it was tried, the politicians were rigging the system. Voters saw this and rightly punished them for it.
The Prime Minister has been clear in saying that he won’t hold a referendum because he doesn’t think he can win one. The Prime Minister simply doesn’t trust Canadians to give him the right answer.
The views of Canadians are clearly not a priority for this government. After more than six months of secrecy and delay, they have not only managed to say “No” to a referendum but also have created a shifting set of contradictory principles and cooked up a process rigged to ensure the Liberal Party gets what it wants.
Mobile Office Update
The next mobile office will be in Spruce View on Wednesday May 18th, from 11-2 at the Tivoli Garden Restaurant. Following that we will be in Cremona on June 1st from 10-2 at 112 Railway Avenue (the FCSS Building).
Sincerely your Member of Parliament,
Earl Dreeshen