Tagged with: Community


May 12, 2017 | 18 Comments

Tell me your views on supervised injection sites

Filed under: General

May 3, 2017 | No Comments

Did you know that Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world?

May is multiple sclerosis (MS) awareness month.

MS is an unpredictable and often disabling disease of the central nervous system.

This week, I was honoured to be the Conservative champion for the MS Society.

And today my colleagues and I wore carnations to show solidarity with the entire MS community.

Visit the MS Society’s website to learn more about MS and the important work they do to help all those who #LiveWithMS. https://mssociety.ca

Filed under: General

April 25, 2017 | No Comments

Did you know it’s National Volunteer Week?

I’m so grateful to the many volunteers who’ve helped me on my federal and municipal campaigns. And to the dedicated volunteers who continue to help ensure that I stay connected with residents of Edmonton Griesbach.

Having the opportunity to attend a lot of local community events, I also know Edmonton Griesbach is enriched by the tremendous contributions of community-minded volunteers.

This National Volunteer Week, I’d like to thank all those whose hard work makes our community a great place to live, work and play! Happy National Volunteer Week!

Filed under: General

April 14, 2017 | No Comments

Happy Easter!

Filed under: General

April 3, 2017 | No Comments

My constituents are owed thorough consultations on supervised injection sites

Thanks again to all those who attended and contributed to my town hall meeting on supervised injection sites. And a special thank you to the expert panelists.

While opinions differed, it’s clear that there was a need for more community consultation.

Filed under: General

March 31, 2017 | No Comments

Robust discussions on supervised injections sites at town hall meeting

An overflowing crowd jammed a Boyle Street Plaza room for my town hall on supervised injection sites. There was great, diverse opinions and respectful listening.

Thanks again to our expert panel and to all attendees.

As the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Griesbach, I’m glad to support you in your need to have your opinions heard.

I welcome more comments on this important issue.



Filed under: General

March 28, 2017 | No Comments

Update on motion M-103

Canadians value the rights and freedoms guaranteed to them in our free and democratic society – rights like freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

Our country’s continued strength and stability is dependent on our shared commitment to safeguard these rights.

On March 23, 2017, the House of Commons voted on M-103, a controversial private member’s motion introduced by Iqra Khalid, Liberal Member of Parliament for Mississauga – Erin Mills.

This motion passed.

I voted against M-103, you can see the recorded vote here.

I came to this decision after careful examination of the text of the motion and after considering the concerns raised by the vast majority of my constituents who reached out to me on the topic.

I had supported an earlier Conservative motion that was more inclusive. It condemned racism and discrimination towards Muslims and all religious groups. It’s curious that the Liberals played politics by not supporting that earlier motion.

The Liberal motion M-103 reads:

That, in the opinion of the House, the government should: (a) recognize the need to quell the increasing public climate of hate and fear; (b) condemn Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination and take note of House of Commons’ petition e-411 and the issues raised by it; and (c) request that the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage undertake a study on how the government could (i) develop a whole-of-government approach to reducing or eliminating systemic racism and religious discrimination including Islamophobia, in Canada, while ensuring a community-centered focus with a holistic response through evidence-based policy-making, (ii) collect data to contextualize hate crime reports and to conduct needs assessments for impacted communities, and that the Committee should present its findings and recommendations to the House no later than 240 calendar days from the adoption of this motion, provided that in its report, the Committee should make recommendations that the government may use to better reflect the enshrined rights and freedoms in the Constitution Acts, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

This motion singles out Islam without reaffirming religious freedom for all faith groups.

It also focuses on a controversial term – Islamophobia – without defining it.

This raises a genuine concern that this motion could be a first step towards restricting legitimate freedom of speech and shut down reasonable debate rather than encourage it.

I strongly condemn all forms of systemic racism, religious intolerance, and discrimination against any religious community.

Unfortunately, any attempts to amend the wording of this motion were rejected.

That’s why David Anderson, Member of Parliament for Cypress Hills – Grasslands, introduced a similar motion on our Conservative Opposition day, which I supported and the Liberals rejected.

That motion reads:

That the House: (a) recognize that Canadian society is not immune to the climate of hate and fear exemplified by the recent and senseless violent acts at a Quebec City mosque; (b) condemn all forms of systemic racism, religious intolerance, and discrimination of Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs, Hindus, and other religious communities; and (c) instruct the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage to undertake a study on how the government could (i) develop a whole-of-government approach to reducing or eliminating all types of discrimination in Canada, while ensuring a community-centered focus with a holistic response through evidence-based policy-making, (ii) collect data to contextualize hate crime reports and to conduct needs assessments for impacted communities; and that the Committee report its findings and recommendations to the House no later than 240 calendar days from the adoption of this motion, provided that in its report, the Committee should make recommendations that the government may use to better reflect the enshrined rights and freedoms in the Constitution Acts, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

It’s unfortunate that despite the support of all other parties, the Liberals voted against this motion and defeated it.

Every Canadian has the right to religious freedom – to be able practice their faith without fear of intimidation, coercion or violence.

Freedom of expression – so long as it isn’t violent or threatening – is also a sacred right.

As the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Griesbach, I’m committed to protecting these rights.  

It’s my sincere hope that any dialogue and studies in response to M-103 will be inclusive and protect all the rights that we value as Canadians.

© Library of Parliament

© Library of Parliament

Filed under: General

March 23, 2017 | No Comments

Let’s talk supervised injections sites

Safeguarding the health and safety of our community is paramount.

There are four safe injection sites being proposed in Edmonton including one in our community of Edmonton Griesbach.

It’s important that you’re kept informed of the process and that you have the opportunity to voice your views and concerns.

I hope you can join me for my town hall on Thursday, March 30. And, don’t forget to invite your friends and family.

Filed under: General

March 20, 2017 | No Comments

Glad to serve at the 18th annual Inner City Roast Beef Dinner

I was glad to join volunteers including Edmonton Eskimos serving at the 18th annual Inner-City Roast Beef Dinner at Boyle St. Plaza. The lines were long but people were happy and super grateful.

Thanks to all who gave their time. Thanks to all the sponsors. And thanks to the meal recipients for your smiles and heartfelt thank-yous.

 

Filed under: General

March 17, 2017 | No Comments

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Filed under: General