September 28, 2020

Liberals’ throne speech misses the mark

After shutting down Parliament for more than a month, the throne speech Justin Trudeau created ignored the big issues Canadians are facing.

It’s now clear that Trudeau’s reason for proroguing parliament was just a political game to shut down the committees investigating his latest ethics scandal — the WE Charity affair.

At a time when folks need substance and sincerity, the prime minister offered meaningless platitudes that failed Canadians.

For example, Trudeau’s speech failed to increase health care transfers.

Despite all the premiers desperately requesting more health funding, the throne speech gave them nothing.

It failed to help the energy industry.

With thousands of energy workers unemployed and the energy industry facing tough times, the government offered no assistance to one of the largest sectors of our economy.

Is this what the prime minister meant when he previously called for “phasing out” the oil industry?

And it failed to answer why Canada is so far behind our allies in testing.

Germany, Britain and others have myriad of tests available — some are even available at home.

Yet, here in Canada people are lining up for hours to get a test and even then, some are unable to get tested.

Canadians deserve better.

On the last Sunday of September we honour the police and peace officers who have fallen in the line of duty.

Let us never forget the sacrifices of those who proudly serve our communities.

NDP tail to wag Liberal dog

EDITORIAL
Toronto Sun

Hold on to your wallets, Canada.

Having worked out a deal to increase unemployment benefits and paid sick leave provisions for people unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says he can now see supporting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for three more years.

Singh’s comments in an interview with Huffington Post mean that in the short-term, Trudeau’s throne speech and budget are guaranteed passage in Parliament, with NDP support, because combined the two parties hold a majority of seats.

In the long-term, it could mean Trudeau’s government is secure up to Oct. 16, 2023, allowing the PM to govern as if he has a majority.

That is, as long as he’s willing to spend enough taxpayer money to satisfy Singh’s ever-increasing demands.

So now we have a PM who once said budgets balance themselves, and whose instinct is to run up huge deficits indefinitely while growing the size of government, beholden to Singh and the NDP, who will demand even more spending.

(Read the full Editorial, Toronto Sun here)

Last week’s straw poll results

Last week I asked folks for their thoughts on whether 630 CHED should cancel the Ryan Jespersen show as city councillor Mike Nickel suggested or should everyone just let bygones be bygones?

The talk show controversy surrounds Jespersen using derogatory terms towards Nickel’s staff which includes folks who are visible minorities.

He called them “chimpanzees” on his radio show. After apologizing on air for the comment, a member of the public corresponded with Jespersen via text message and Jespersen once again used the chimpanzee insult.

On Twitter, Nickel wrote: “I thought the matter closed after the apology … A citizen has come forward with private text messages they had with Mr. Jespersen, after the apology, showing the derogatory insult still being used. @630CHED sponsors and listeners must demand immediate change.”

People were divided on the topic. Overall 45% of those surveyed thought the show should be canceled while 42% wanted to let bygones be bygones and 12% weren’t sure.

A big thanks for everyone who took part in the survey.

It has since been reported that 630 CHED has fired Jespersen.

See the results below.

Have your say

Critics of Edmonton’s bike lane program say that the plans are unrealistic and poorly thought out.

What are your thoughts? Do you think the city’s bike lane plans have gone too far?

Have your say in my new unofficial poll. I’ll publish the results in next week’s e-newsletter.

Latest news on COVID-19

You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Public Health or the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Alberta Public Health can also be reached by phone at 811.

Benefits available for Canadians

There are programs available to help you and your family.

In the news

- - Canada’s quickly deteriorating fiscal situation. Link
  - Trudeau Wins Tentative Support From Social-Democratic Leader. Link
  - To galvanize the nation, Justin Trudeau tries the Winger Speech — glib, compelling, meaningless. Link
  - Trudeau’s televised address wasn’t just unnecessary. It was bizarre. Link
  - Dwayne Mandrusiak unceremoniously let go by Edmonton Football Club after 49 years. Link
  - Calgary-made whisky named best in the world by annual Whisky Bible. Link

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E-mail:
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Phone:
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Mail (postage free):
Kerry Diotte, MP
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

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