IN TOUCH WITH MP EARL DREESHEN

UPDATE

November 21, 2008

This past week has been a whirlwind and I would like to update you on what has gone on.  Last week I was in Winnipeg for my first Caucus meeting and to attend the Conservative Party’s National Policy Convention.  At Caucus we were introduced to each other and then we got down to business and discussed a number of issues.  A number of policy resolutions were passed at the convention and are now Conservative party policy.  I am pleased a resolution supporting renewable energy was passed; this included supporting turning garbage to energy.

I flew to Ottawa on November 16th and on Monday I attended orientation seminars and learned about parliamentary procedure and conduct.  I also got to see our Ottawa office for the first time.  Red Deer Riding’s new office is located at Room 584 in the Confederation Building.  The Ottawa office phone number is 613-995-0590 and the fax is 613-995-6831.  Please feel free to call or come by the office if you are in Ottawa.  The Red Deer Constituency office is at the same location as Bob’s was at 4921 – 47 Street in Red Deer.  The phone number is still 403-347-7426 and the fax is 403-347-7423.  You can reach me at my new email address: dreese1@parl.gc.ca

On Tuesday, I officially took Red Deer’s seat in the House of Commons and along with fellow MPs our first job was to elect a Speaker for the House of Commons.  It took several hours and multiple votes, but Peter Milliken was eventually elected Speaker.  Wednesday was the Speech from the Throne and I listened to it from the front door of the Senate.  Watching the pomp and ceremony of the event was quite something.  I will write more about it in the next In Touch.

Throughout the election campaign my father, Herman Dreeshen, was ill and his health and well being was always on my mind.  I would not be who I am and where I am today without his love, wisdom and guidance.  He passed away today in Red Deer Regional Hospital.  He was a farmer and an active & involved member of our community.  Many of you will have known him.  Thank you for all the calls and messages of support and sympathy: It is deeply appreciated. 

Until next time. . .

Earl Dreeshen, MP
Red Deer