Category: General
Non-profits here in our community continue to be declined support for federal assistance because of unnecessary red tape.
I’ve recently received a troubling letter from an important community organization detailing their struggles with the bureaucracy.
They tell me they’ve been declined federal assistance simply because they’re organized in a way the government doesn’t recognize.
Through no fault of their own, they and other worthy organizations haven’t received the assistance they need because of inflexible rules.
The government has deliberately failed to go after fraudsters and instead they’re targeting legitimate community groups.
That’s unacceptable.
Now more than ever the good work non-profits do is essential for our community.
As your Member of Parliament, I’m going to continuously raise this issue with the government.
Tackling homelessness here in Edmonton Griesbach
I recently hosted a Zoom meeting discussing homelessness issues.
There was a lot of valuable opinions and information shared by people from across our community and Alberta Community and Social Services Minister Rajan Sawhney.
A big thanks to everyone who was able to participate.
This isn’t the time to cut the police budget
Today I spoke at the Edmonton city council public hearing on policing. I argued that no changes – especially budget cuts – should be contemplated in these highly charged emotional times.
Latest news on COVID-19
You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Public Health or the Public Health Authority of Canada.
Alberta Public Health can also be reached by phone at 811.
Benefits for Canadians
There are programs available to help you and your family.
Remember: The way the government set up CERB you need to reapply every four weeks.
In the news
- Murphy: Is physical distancing over? It sure seems to be. Link
- Hébert: Justin Trudeau has two sets of pandemic rules: one for Parliament, and one for himself. Link
- Editorial: Don’t forget the good work police do. Link
- Oliver: Brace yourself for brutal tax hikes — and not just for the rich. Link
- When The Bill Comes Due, Part I. Link
- Edmonton city council to consider reducing 2021 police budget by $16.3 million. Link
- O’Toole releases platform promising reduced emissions, foreign competition for airlines and telecoms. Link
- Racist Police Violence Reconsidered. Link
- Scheer says people are ‘upset and confused’ by Trudeau’s decision to attend a protest during the pandemic. Link
- RCMP warns the public to not trust texts and phone calls from unknown sources. Link
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Members of Parliament get the most current, accurate and comprehensive updates regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Want regular highlights of these? Sign up for my e-newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up here.
I want to hear from you
I’m always eager to hear from you. Do you have beefs? Bouquets? Suggestions?
Drop me a note at my e-mail address.
Please note our local Edmonton constituency office is currently still open to serve you but it’s by appointment only. We simply ask that you call ahead to book an appointment.
Call or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to serve you.
Thanks so much. Stay healthy!
E-mail:
[email protected]
Phone:
(780) 495-3261
Mail (postage free):
Kerry Diotte, MP
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
I argued that no changes – especially budget cuts – should be contemplated in these highly charged emotional times.
https://www.facebook.com/KerryDiotteEdmontonGriesbach/videos/3995495993825604/?__xts__[0]=68.ARClSmc52E-n7OsuZu5WEZwfR7hIGMXpxRBdn5qLjNOEArrZuzanXgtYE2XmeP5T58LqpsKWq14BIDyTNoM-hUFeK6BF9_al5HA0vYCMAL5XaxNNFpbR23iyQzXOTASLREDM71jPtsg5D8GmvUwPDiL8i9AEW62LyrYqnpUjufcVuYexl9cwMK2EQD3GXNoUXm3Cfc-rNhSScgPb_SIRMGY8amL0RxjcRBKxZHjL4fMehmm4ekvhwoGA6O6GIaFB-jlj4Wp9f6F3myP2-L-fQn9lcW8j43Dxkawnn5QZvvDQqC5Hx4hnKnCRf4vj2tQfZFE_YMTGemxQXGiS&__tn__=-R
Seniors are the bedrock of our community and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
During this crisis however, seniors have been left behind.
That’s unacceptable.
Seniors built this country. They paid their dues.
Now they need to be supported.
After weeks of delay the government finally announced a one-time boast to OAS and GIS benefits for seniors.
Yet, more needs to be done.
From the beginning of this crisis my Conservative MP colleagues and I have been pressing the government to do more for seniors.
We’ve put forward constructive proposals to help, including allowing Canadians to make a special one-time tax-free withdrawal from their RRSPs and waiving mandatory RRIF withdrawals.
These are common sense proposals that’ll help a lot of people and that the government needs to implement.
Parliament has been shut down
At a time of unprecedented government spending and involvement in the daily lives of Canadians, Parliament’s check on the government has been squashed.
Under the Liberals’ and NDP’s deal Parliament has been shut down until September 21.
In its place, the Liberals want a glorified committee with limited powers to hold them accountable.
Yet, if MPs can meet safely for a special committee in the House, why can’t those same MPs meet for regular Parliament?
The Liberals undemocratic closure of Parliament has nothing to do with public safety.
This is a blatant attempt to sidestep scrutiny.
Latest news on COVID-19
You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Public Health or the Public Health Authority of Canada.
Alberta Public Health can also be reached by phone at 811.
Benefits for Canadians
There are programs available to help you and your family.
Remember: The way the government set up CERB you need to reapply every four weeks.
In the news
- Coronavirus: Canada’s supply of PPE won’t meet demand as economy reopens, trade expert says. Link
- North Edmonton 7-Eleven employee tests positive for COVID-19. Link
- More firearms being banned without public notice following May 1 order from Ottawa. Link
- New CO2 pipeline capable of capturing 20% of oilsands emissions could hold key to Alberta’s energy future. Link
- McParland: Why are the Liberals protecting the airlines at the expense of their citizens? Link
- Conservative motion to stop China from buying struggling firms passed. Link
- Black Alberta MLA Kaycee Madu prohibited from speaking at Edmonton Black Lives Matter protest. Link
- Edmonton eyes turning Northlands dorm into temporary homeless housing. Link
Share this valuable e-newsletter with a friend
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If you’re not subscribed to this regular e-newsletter, sign up below.
Members of Parliament get the most current, accurate and comprehensive updates regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Want regular highlights of these? Sign up for my e-newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up here.
I want to hear from you
I’m always eager to hear from you. Do you have beefs? Bouquets? Suggestions?
Drop me a note at my e-mail address.
Please note our local Edmonton constituency office is currently still open to serve you but it’s by appointment only. We simply ask that you call ahead to book an appointment.
Call or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to serve you.
Thanks so much. Stay healthy!
E-mail:
[email protected]
Phone:
(780) 495-3261
Mail (postage free):
Kerry Diotte, MP
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Democracy is one of our greatest strengths, especially during a crisis.
That’s why the Liberals and NDP conspiring to shutter Parliament until September is shocking.
Parliament is the heart of our democracy. It’s where our elected members representing Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast come together and deliberate on the issues of national importance.
Yet, under the Liberals and NDP plan Parliament’s ability to scrutinize the government will be curtailed.
Throughout this crisis, we Conservatives have been committed to working with the government on behalf of Canadians.
We’ve continuously pushed for constructive solutions to the problems facing Canadians and improved the governments response.
For example, it was due to Conservative pressure that the Liberals increased the wage subsidy for small businesses to 75% of wages instead of their original proposal of 10%.
Now as the economy starts re-opening and the Liberals’ spending is coming under scrutiny they’re dodging the hard questions.
The Liberals are only allowing four hours to debate the hundreds of billions of dollars of new spending.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer has called this “unfortunate, to say the least” as the crucial role of Parliament’s scrutiny of public finance is quashed.
In the place of Parliament, the Liberals are offering to hold special committee meetings, where the opposition have significantly fewer rights than in a regular Parliamentary sitting, including limiting the topic of debate.
It’s clear Justin Trudeau doesn’t want to answer questions, he prefers an audience.
Yet, our constitutional system is founded on the principle that the prime minister must answer the questions of Canadians.
By shutting down Parliament Trudeau is failing Canadians.
This is blatantly an attempt by the Liberals to sidestep scrutiny at a time when they’re spending hundreds of billions of dollars on new programs.
This is unacceptable and undemocratic.
Chinatown is coping in pandemic
A large portion of Edmonton’s historic Chinatown is within my riding of Edmonton Griesbach. Our constituency office summer intern Josh Hui and I recently spent time there to see how the community is coping amid the COVID pandemic.
Please watch the video below and support our local businesses:
May 30 was World MS Day
Multiple sclerosis affects thousands of people across Canada.
This year the MS Society of Canada created the #WeChallengeMS program.
This challenge helped raise awareness of MS by turning ordinary passions into extraordinary actions.
Together let’s challenge MS.
You can register online:
Latest news on COVID-19
You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Public Health or the Public Health Authority of Canada.
Alberta Public Health can also be reached by phone at 811.
Benefits for Canadians
There are programs available to help you and your family.
Remember: the way the government set up CERB you need to reapply every 4 weeks.
In the news
-
-
- McParland: Singh’s shameful deal could see history repeat itself for the guileless NDP. Link
- The end of the NDP. Link
- Council approves $12.7-million city hall grounds renewal project despite concerns over finances. Link
- RCMP forcibly removes reporter from Trudeau press conference. Link
- Commentary: Liberal plan for suspending Parliament goes too far. Link
- Editorial: Getting pandemic priorities right. Link
- Francis: Erin O’Toole’s bold vision to bolster Canada internationally. Link
- No need to show proof of work permit to get CERB, Ottawa tells temporary foreign residents. Link
- Four-hour limit on MPs to review pandemic spending ‘unfortunate, to say the least,’ PBO says. Link
Share this valuable e-newsletter with a friend
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If you’re not subscribed to this regular e-newsletter, sign up below.
Members of Parliament get the most current, accurate and comprehensive updates regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Want regular highlights of these? Sign up for my e-newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up here.
I want to hear from you
I’m always eager to hear from you. Do you have beefs? Bouquets? Suggestions?
Drop me a note at my e-mail address.
Please note our local Edmonton constituency office is currently still open to serve you but it’s by appointment only. We simply ask that you call ahead to book an appointment.
Call or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to serve you.
Thanks so much. Stay healthy!
E-mail:
[email protected]
Phone:
(780) 495-3261
Mail (postage free):
Kerry Diotte, MP
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
https://www.facebook.com/KerryDiotteEdmontonGriesbach/videos/687359995375114/?__xts__[0]=68.ARDmiyIXLFAOzK_SpcUenVvfPbygpfkOh-j0GQ6FR_6xpnUp44LpcVN4iU_QebD8ucukAuhirxXKWmXLLTlVtdFi4ZsRxLs3oSIQv2yHXyztSEg_gFr2LDXCuXb7FLW3hDWdRhASRYrk1CeL-EzFWQd9zJN9UzdEBkPNdHZXCgLK80ClrarPwPsjohkws8oXCwPdTJSPXarHYZZUfCFBHIxXwd2GGcmhH_W0ggCeu0Dd0hlLG3IUFgL1Fql3K8ZXlQdSjylb-0a76oxzxfbgabb3xTrbUbBp7zdH4x7rqs_mVw_txrKKuwCM_z9y8bmOjOlWqPUXrd2GWa8&__tn__=-R
Multiple sclerosis affects thousands of Canadians from coast to coast. Today, let’s raise awareness and challenge MS.
https://www.facebook.com/KerryDiotteEdmontonGriesbach/videos/242166047110209/?__xts__[0]=68.ARDCnaywGjFqto-P2I-SNMRWQPcI5vSBTe4nMOgtjeDo4Oa1YiwTjg-VVBgbMBtQu57G2keiAcyYGNY0wMyx8ej1nFOWR6yj2ATLVa4LHQZ9z9zcxBihlSRc2FOVIOig54DGWZ_lYnnlda2EDJjq-gCnSf17Z72BHA1_pcjzZI6bHZoAGOR8-IeYLdYFZ2q3GKWKyobClLknQ2q6Yh4Sep6FMuSQ-P_IUdE1zp6xK9N2LgAGGSIL3QkrVXy7vUPAslD1Okm1N56Gtp5zY5Ab0nfjikTsSUbR5B3w96k804uJhznUwLq5I85VTL768VyuOoD1AxIiQjDO2eUlj8SbeFXe4gEeBMe50frhNA&__tn__=-R
A large portion of Edmonton’s historic Chinatown is within my riding of Edmonton Griesbach. Our constituency office summer intern Josh Hui and I recently spent time there to see how the community is coping amid the COVID pandemic.
Community groups continue to do the good works that makes Edmonton the great place that it is.
Folks are volunteering to better serve our community and help people in need.
If you’re able, I’d recommend reaching out to a community group.
Together, we’ll make a real difference.
I recently helped out at the Alberta Avenue Community Centre where we picked up trash with other volunteers.
It was great to see everyone come together — while physically apart — to clean up our streets.
If you need assistance there’s also help for you.
See below for a list of great community groups that may be able to help you or someone in need.
Crystal Kids Youth Centre:
They have a daily food pick-up program for families in need.
They’re also hosting daily virtual mentoring, life skills and literacy sessions.
Phone: (780) 479-5746 ext. 224
E-mail at [email protected]
Drive Happiness:
They deliver food and medication to seniors in need.
Phone: (780) 424-5438
E-mail: [email protected]
Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association:
They’re volunteering to help people get groceries, medication and do other errands.
Phone: (855) 435-7811
E-mail: [email protected]
Seniors’ Centre Without Walls:
This is a phone line where seniors can call and interact with others from the comfort of their own home.
Phone: (780) 395-2626
If you’re in need please contact one of these great community organizations.
As always if you need federal assistance please reach out to me, I’m here to help you.
Phone: (780) 495-3261
E-mail: [email protected]
Rex Murphy calls for return of Parliament
It’s a Cottage Life government in a Brady Bunch Parliament.
It is something of a curiously unasked question why the prime minister has continued his near-total self-isolation for over two months now, and exercises his function as leader from the bottom step of his residence. I have no problem believing there are serious reasons behind it. We are in a pandemic. One prime minister, Boris Johnson, was actually hit by the COVID-19 virus, and set Britain somewhat a-tremble for a couple of weeks. In Trudeau’s case it could and likely is his idea that setting an example, being a “role model” as he put it several weeks back, is behind his own practice of making his announcements from the cottage and largely eschewing travel anywhere else.
Yet the combination of a leader mostly removed from the country, and a Parliament that steps away from its supreme function during the greatest crisis in 50 years, strikes me at least as unnerving. The isolation of the leader, and the removal of parliamentary debate and scrutiny, simultaneously leave a great void in the flow of necessary information — we used to call it accountability — during a most anxious time, with previously unthinkable expenditures being made every day on the fly with little or no detail about the amounts being sent out and the various groups to receive them.
We know so little of what is being decided, the protocols under which massive expenditures are being decided on, why X group receives money and Y group does not, why $9 billion for students and $2.5 billion for seniors. There should be questions and answers for every amount.
(Read the full column by Rex Murphy, National Post here)
Latest news on COVID-19
You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Public Health or the Public Health Authority of Canada.
Alberta Public Health can also be reached by phone at 811.
Benefits for Canadians
There are programs available to help you and your family.
Remember: the way the government set up CERB you need to reapply every 4 weeks.
In the news
- Alberta Health announces 42 new COVID-19 cases Sunday. Link
- Murphy: Who’s on first in the COVID Commons? Why, it’s Trudeau and Blanchet. Link
- Alberta recommending face masks, but not enforcing their use as economy relaunches. Link
- Ivison: It’s time to cancel Trudeau’s COVID-19 ‘morning show’ and get back to Parliament. Link
- Firearm lobby group draws hunters, wildlife clubs into fight against federal rifle ban. Link
- Lilley: Liberals not telling the truth on PPE and the stockpile. Link
- Alberta premier: Edmonton is ‘safest place’ for NHL’s potential return. Link
Share this valuable e-newsletter with a friend
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If you’re not subscribed to this regular e-newsletter, sign up below.
Members of Parliament get the most current, accurate and comprehensive updates regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Want regular highlights of these? Sign up for my e-newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up here.
I want to hear from you
I’m always eager to hear from you. Do you have beefs? Bouquets? Suggestions?
Drop me a note at my e-mail address.
Please note our local Edmonton constituency office is currently still open to serve you but it’s by appointment only. We simply ask that you call ahead to book an appointment.
Call or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to serve you.
Thanks so much. Stay healthy!
E-mail:
[email protected]
Phone:
(780) 495-3261
Mail (postage free):
Kerry Diotte, MP
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Seniors built this country.
Sadly, seniors have been left behind during this crisis.
They’ve paid their dues and now we must ensure that they have the support they need.
To the Liberal government however they’ve been an afterthought.
One issue that seniors here in Edmonton Griesbach have been facing is a disruption in their mail deliveries.
Mail delivery is an essential service especially for seniors.
Yet, for weeks Canada Post was refusing to deliver and sort mail to a seniors’ living facility here in our community.
In “virtual Parliament” I asked Liberal ministers what was being done about this issue and where else disruptions where occurring.
See the full video below.
I’ll continue working to ensure seniors receive essential services throughout this pandemic.
As always if you’re in need of federal assistance please reach out to me, I’m here to help you.
Please contact my office at (780) 495-3261 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Gun owners planning legal challenge to the Liberals’ “sloppy” gun ban
The federal government’s assault weapons ban, announced last week, is loaded with sloppy language and strange omissions say some gun owners and dealers.
The ban, that was announced in response to the recent Nova Scotia shooting rampage, prohibits the use or sale of hundreds of different semi-automatic rifles and some large calibre guns as well.
Jason Smith, who ranches near Eckville, says until last week’s ban he carried a semi-automatic rifle in his tractor or his truck every day to keep coyotes and other predators from eating his bison calves and deer fawns. He says it was simply the best tool for the job.
“Well it feeds your kids,” explained Smith of his livelihood. “You know there isn’t enough money in farming that you can lose ten per cent of your calf crop to coyotes and predators. Every calf matters.”
Each bison calf is worth about $2,000 dollars and every year he has close calls with losing them to coyotes and cougars. He says the firearm ban is too broad.
“I’m all for stopping gun violence, but my guns are not used in gun violence,” said Smith. “It’s stolen weapons, it’s weapons coming across the border. We need to concentrate on the criminals, not the law-abiding citizens.”
(Read the full column by Bill Macfarlane CTV News Calgary here)
Latest news on COVID-19
You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Public Health or the Public Health Authority of Canada.
Alberta Public Health can also be reached by phone at 811.
Benefits for Canadians
There are programs available to help you and your family.
Remember: the way the government set up CERB you need to reapply every 4 weeks.
In the news
- Biden says he’d cancel Keystone XL pipeline permit if elected. Link
- Sunday: Alberta reports 39 new COVID-19 cases, one additional death. Link
- World to Canada: You’re raising your carbon tax during a global pandemic? Link
- Legal groups eye suing government to roll back COVID-19 restrictions. Link
- 14th resident at Intercare Brentwood Care Centre dies from COVID-19. Link
- Gunter: At least Jason Kenney’s taking a stand on China. Link
- Edmonton man challenges $1,200 COVID-19 ticket over demonstration at legislature. Link
- Murphy: Was it code? The PM’s bizarre announcement on the carbon tax hike. Link
- Lilley: Trudeau scoffs at questions about hundreds of millions in fraudulent payments. Link
Share this valuable e-newsletter with a friend
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If you’re not subscribed to this regular e-newsletter, sign up below.
Members of Parliament get the most current, accurate and comprehensive updates regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Want regular highlights of these? Sign up for my e-newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up here.
I want to hear from you
I’m always eager to hear from you. Do you have beefs? Bouquets? Suggestions?
Drop me a note at my e-mail address.
Please note our local Edmonton constituency office is currently still open to serve you but it’s by appointment only. We simply ask that you call ahead to book an appointment.
Call or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to serve you.
Thanks so much. Stay healthy!
E-mail:
[email protected]
Phone:
(780) 495-3261
Mail (postage free):
Kerry Diotte, MP
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Today marks the 76th anniversary of Sürgünlik. In 1944 Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin forcibly deported more than 200,000 innocent Crimean Tatar men, women and children from their ancestral homes in Crimea to Central Asia and Siberia. Locked in cattle cars thousands of people perished during the journey.
Yet, the Crimean Tatar people persevered and after the fall of the Soviet Union returned to their homeland in Ukraine.
Today once again, the Crimean Tatar people are under threat following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.
We must never forget the genocide against the Crimean Tatar people and never forget that Crimea is part of a free Ukraine.
We’ve been marking National Nursing Week for 35 years in Canada.
But this year feels remarkably different than others.
Throughout this crisis Canadian nurses have continued to give us excellent care and keep us safe.
To all the nurses across Canada thank you.
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