Category: General

Ramadan Mubarak

Ramadan Mubarak

Election on menu at Liberal convention

OTTAWA — Justin Trudeau wound up a three-day Liberal convention Saturday with a partisan speech that sounded much like the launch of an election campaign.

While the prime minister has insisted he has no interest in plunging the country into an election in the midst of the deadly third wave of COVID-19, his speech was aimed at positioning the governing Liberals as the only party with “real solutions to the real problems” facing Canadians.

Victory at Vimy

Located in northern France, Vimy ridge was a crucial position that needed to be taken. From the ridge the German army had a commanding view over allied positions from which they could direct artillery barrages.  

After previous allied attempts failed to take the ridge, the Canadian Corps was tasked with this important mission. 

On Apr.9, 1917 all four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force — including Edmonton’s own 49th Battalion —  came together in an assault on Vimy Ridge.

On Apr.12, 1917 after four long brutal days of fighting, Vimy ridge was in Canadian hands. 

This important victory, earned Canadian soldiers a reputation as formidable and effective soldiers. 

This also marked the first time that all four Canadian divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force would fight together as one unit composed of Canadians from coast to coast to coast. This was a defining moment in Canadian history and helped forge our nation.

Yet, this victory came at a huge cost, 3,598 Canadians lost their lives and 7,000 were wounded during the battle. Overall, more than 60,000 Canadians were killed during the First World War and 172,000 were wounded. It stands as the bloodiest conflict for Canada in Canadian history.

Lest we forget.

We will not allow China to silence us

By MICHAEL CHONG MP
Globe and Mail

China is trying to silence the truth abroad, after having silenced it at home.

Just over two weeks ago, I woke up to news that China’s government had sanctioned me, adding me to a list of officials in the United States, Britain and Europe who have been sanctioned for simply speaking. Speaking against Beijing’s genocide of its Uyghur Muslim minority. Speaking against its crackdown on Hong Kong.

The sanction bans me from visiting China, and prohibits Chinese citizens and institutions from doing business with me. I have no travel plans or business in China, so the sanctions will have no effect on me. Nevertheless, they should be taken seriously as an attempt to silence the growing criticism of the Chinese government’s human rights record and violations of international law.

Since President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, China has become increasingly assertive in shutting down criticism. Increasing threats have accompanied this shift.

Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor have now been detained for more than two years. Robert Schellenberg is on death row. The fate and whereabouts of Huseyin Celil remain unknown. China’s government has arbitrarily banned imports that targeted Canadian pork, beef and canola farmers. But Canada is not the only target of China’s government.

From its growing intimidation of Taiwan to its recent border skirmishes with India and the unilateral extension of its boundaries in the South China Sea, China’s leadership is increasingly threatening its neighbours.

It is not only abroad where China’s government is challenging the rules-based international order. In its crackdown on Hong Kong, it is violating the Sino-British Joint Declaration – an international treaty guaranteeing Hong Kong’s autonomy for 50 years. In the mass detention and sterilization of Uyghurs, it is violating the 1948 Genocide Convention – the first human rights treaty adopted at the United Nations. The abuse of other minorities continues, with its treatment of Christians, Falun Gong practitioners and long-suffering Tibetans.

We must wake up to the reality that in recent years, instead of improving their record on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, authoritarian governments have used their new-found prosperity to reinforce their authoritarianism.

(Read the full article by Michael Chong at the link below)

Conservatives demand public inquiry into the government’s pandemic response

 The Liberal government’s slow and incompetent pandemic response means Canada has entered a third COVID-19 wave. A public inquiry will make sure this never happens again.

Remembering the life of Prince Philip

Sad to hear of the passing of a friend and legendary journalist 

I’m saddened to hear about the death of my friend, legendary correspondent Matthew Fisher. 

He and I got to know each other well when we were on a journalism assignment aboard the QE2 with hundreds of Second World War veterans returning to the shores of Normandy to commemorate the 50th anniversary of D-Day. 

We last talked in the fall when I’d agreed to write an endorsement for him in his quest to be a candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada. Sadly, they just don’t make journalists like Matthew anymore — and I’ve seldom met a guy with such a wealth of fascinating stories. RIP, my friend.

In the news

• • • Trudeau government threatens Halifax Security Forum over proposed Taiwan award. Link
    • The facts in the WE scandal are clear. It’s not complicated. Link
    • New Democrats reconvene as hiccups, frustrations plague national policy convention. Link
    • Universal basic income would cost over $85 billion per year: PBO. Link
    • Liberals shut down probe into sexual misconduct in Canadian military. Link
    • Nonprofit involved with 1,400 California schools being investigated by Canadian parliamentary committee. Link
    • Justin Trudeau’s guinea pigs respond not so kindly. Link
    • Feds’ anti-racism training deals with political agendas, nothing else. Link
    • Half of Canadians believe journalists mislead the public: poll. Link
    • Who wants to abolish billionaires? A look at the federal NDP’s convention resolutions. Link
    • CBC spends $900,000 on five person “strategic intelligence” department. Link
    • Canadians conquered Vimy Ridge. We can win the battle against COVID, too. Link

You said it

• “I don’t think we should be sending a team to China for the Olympics, with all that they are doing.” —  Barry N. 
• “So can someone verify this for me; Apparently the NDP wants to disband the Canadian Armed Forces if they win the next election?” —  Darren P.
  
  
• “Other Priorities: Do more to unify the polarizing political spectrum.” —  Bonnie D.

Have your say

Canada continues to lag behind scores of other developed countries in vaccine procurement. As of Apr.12, Bloomberg News has our vaccines per population rate at 47th in the world.

Do you think Justin Trudeau and this Liberal government has botched Canada’s vaccine procurement? 

Have your say in my unofficial poll.

I’ll publish the results in next weeks e-newsletter. 

Latest news on COVID-19 

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

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

Benefits available for Canadians

There are programs available to help you and your family during this COVID pandemic. 

Share this valuable e-newsletter with a friend or post it on social media

You can share it here.

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 to 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

Have your say

Vimy Ridge

Remembering Prince Philip

He will be greatly missed.

Pay hike for MPs is controversial

Many constituents have written to me concerned about the pay hike that Members of Parliament automatically received Apr. 1, 2021. I also share those concerns. 

Many people feel that, in the middle of an emergency, the last thing that needs to be done is to increase the pay of politicians. 

The pay hike was set up by the Liberals and automatically occurs without a vote in the House of Commons. 

As incredible as it sounds, there’s no way I can stop receiving it.

As such there’s the next best thing. I’ll be donating the money I get in this pay hike to charities and organizations in Edmonton that have a good track record of helping folks in our community.

This way the money goes to good causes.

This is exactly what I did the last time we were forced to take an automatic pay raise.

But the idea that the Liberals would continue to raise the pay of federal MPs when so many Canadians are struggling is plainly offensive to taxpayers.

Trudeau government failed Canada in COVID response

By BRIAN LILLEY
Toronto Sun

The Public Health Agency of Canada was woefully unprepared for the arrival and impact of COVID-19 in Canada, according to an audit by Canada’s auditor general.

The agency failed to look at the potential spread of the virus in assessing risk and failed to properly ensure compliance with quarantine rules to contain the spread.

This audit shows PHAC was neither even though responding to pandemics response was the overarching goal of the organization at its inception in 2006.

“We found that the agency’s Global Public Health Intelligence Network did not issue an alert to provide early warning when the virus was first reported,” the audit states, noting that subscribers would have received an email, a lower level of communication than an alert. Essentially, a network designed to alert Canadian officials, and international partners, didn’t do its job.

(Read the full article by Brian Lilley, Toronto Sun at the link below.)

Sign my petition to bring back Bachman

The taxpayer-funded CBC is making a very poor decision by cancelling a popular national radio show called Vinyl Tap by legendary musician Randy Bachman.

Please sign the petition below and let’s fight back against this affront by CBC to a Canadian cultural icon.

I’ll send a letter to CBC on behalf of everyone who signs this petition.

Shortage of volunteers keeps kid waiting for big brother in Calgary

I’ve seen firsthand the great work the Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area do for children in our community so I hope the Calgary chapter can find the volunteers they need shortly.

The Edmonton chapter is also looking for volunteers. If you’re interested or know someone who is, you should reach out to them.

In the news

• Egerton Ryerson has been falsely accused of trying to erase Indigenous culture. Link
• Regina council votes in favour of removing statue of Sir John A. Macdonald from Victoria Park. Link
• Trudeau has spent nearly double what government spent during WWII: Fraser Institute. Link
• Public officials have failed to prepare Canadians for COVID-19. Link
• Opposition MPs blast Liberal ‘defiance’ after second staffer blocked from testifying on WE. Link
• ‘It’s unbelievable’: Searchers find Ontario toddler alive after four days in thick woods. Link
• Journalism is pure madness. Link
• Canadians have been patient during the pandemic. That’s not necessarily a good thing. Link
• Vaccinated snowbirds say they’re being ‘punished’ with Canada’s COVID-19 hotel quarantine. Link
• Preposterous NDP policy resolutions suggest the inmates are taking over. Link
• Why did Trudeau trust China on vaccines? Link

You said it

• “Keep up your good work Kerry. These are crazy times. We all have to pay attention to what’s going on. I think our country is in for a very hard time. I feel very sorry for my grandchildren. I always tried my best to do the right thing. Maybe I was too busy caring for my family and making ends meet I forgot to pay attention to what our government was doing. Me and millions of other people. That’s what corrupt governments count on.”  —  Ellen G. 
• Commenting on allowing 16 year olds the right to vote: “Sixteen year old’s can have their ideologies persuaded and have their opinions easily swayed by those on the left who are very adept at pandering to the less seasoned, travelled, and rational person. I don’t believe that they have matured enough to understand the consequences of their decisions can have on the masses. They live at home, believe the world owes them a living, and like Trudeau, they think that budgets balance themselves.” —  Fred S. 
• “That’s all a Liberal knows to do, tax, tax, and tax again. A Liberal never met a tax he didn’t like. Part of the Liberal party platform is if it moves, tax it. If it’s still moving, tax it again.” —  Andrew G.

Last week’s straw poll results 

In my last e-newsletter, I asked what people thought about the plans to lower the voting age to 16 introduced by former Green Party leader, MP Elizabeth May. 

There was a large turnout and a clear majority. Of those surveyed 96% said they opposed lowering the voting age to 16.

As your Member of Parliament, I’ll continue to support keeping the voting age at 18. 

A big thanks to everyone who took part.

Latest news on COVID-19 

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

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

Benefits available for Canadians

There are programs available to help you and your family during this COVID pandemic. 

Share this valuable e-newsletter with a friend or post it on social media

You can share it here.

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 to 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

Happy Easter

CBC: Cancel your cancellation of Randy Bachman’s popular Vinyl Tap radio show

Randy Bachman is a Canadian musical icon with a popular CBC radio show called Vinyl Tap.

CBC’s mandate is to promote Canadian culture and music yet you’re cancelling the musician’s very popular show.

As a Canadian taxpayer who pays good money for CBC, I strongly urge you to revisit this cancellation decision.

I’ll be writing to CBC on behalf of all the petitioners to bring back Bachman. 

Please also subscribe to my weekly e-newsletter. You can subscribe here.
You can unsubscribe at any time. 

Green party proposes lowering voting age to 16

In a Private Member’s Bill in the House of Commons, former Green Party leader, MP Elizabeth May wants to change our federal voting system.

In her proposal the voting age would be lowered so 16-year-old minors can vote.

I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of this proposal. Keeping the voting age at 18 makes sense. At 18, you’re considered an adult and are responsible as such in a way 16 year olds aren’t. 

But that’s not just my opinion, in the fall I ran this question to constituents in my weekly survey. 

People overwhelmingly voted that they didn’t want to lower the voting age to 16. 

But let’s have another survey on that question to see if people have changed their minds. 

Have your say at the link below. I’ll publish the results in next week’s 
e-newsletter.

Paper immigration files are being held up under the Liberals

By KERRY DIOTTE
Member of Parliament
Edmonton Griesbach

Since I was elected in 2015 our Edmonton constituency office has helped out scores of people who are eager to come to Canada to start a new life.

The vast majority of these folks have dutifully gone through proper channels filling out mounds of official paperwork needed for their immigration files.

But since COVID hit, those cases have stalled in a big way. Federal workers revealed to us that there was virtually no movement at all on cases involving “hard copy” or paper files as opposed to electronic applications.

Because of COVID, civil servants have largely been working at home and haven’t had access to paper records back at their offices, so little or no work was taking place on those files, we were told.

So, these applicants follow the rules, fill out the required paperwork to try to enter this country legally and – well, too bad, it sucks to be you.

I thought this was exceedingly unfair so I filed an official House of Commons Order Paper question asking a variety of things including how many applicants had their cases delayed simply as a result of the fact civil servants didn’t have access to their hard copy case files.

Among other details, I demanded to know how many people were impacted and how long files were being delayed.

The answers I got back via Marco Mendicino, the minister of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC), were vague, incomplete and showed me there’s little or no plan to solve this very basic bureaucratic boondoggle…

Trudeau’s blaming of Mulroney on vaccine problems delusional, say experts

In the House of Commons I constantly hear Trudeau blame Stephen Harper for Liberal failings but he’s now reaching back decades to blame former PM Brian Mulroney. 

But as this report points out, blame for the trickle of vaccines to Canada rests squarely with this current incompetent Liberal government. It’s time for Trudeau to quit blaming others for his problems, man up to them and fix things. 

China sanctions Canadian MPs 

Communist China has announced sanctions on Canadians in response to our sanctioning of them for their horrific and genocidal treatment of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim people.

Included on the list of people being sanctioned is my friend and colleague Michael Chong, the Conservatives Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Chong released the following statement on Twitter:  

“We’ve got a duty to call out China for its crackdown in #HongKong & its genocide of #Uyghurs. We who live freely in democracies under the rule of law must speak for the voiceless. If that means China sanctions me, I’ll wear it as a badge of honour.”

As Canadians we have a duty to stand up for human rights around the world.

Standing up for the human rights of the Falun Gong

I advocated for our industries to American Congressional representatives 

I was glad to be part of this discussion and lobbying of our U.S. Congress counterparts. I particularly pushed them on the Keystone XL Pipeline and on the planned shutdown of Enbridge Line 5 by Michigan’s Democrat governor.

There’s hope for live summer concerts

We might have a live summer concert or two in Edmonton if conditions are favourable.

Recently I had an excellent meeting with Trixstar president Mike Anderson regarding his company’s desire to hold small-scale concerts this summer at the former Northlands Park in my riding of Edmonton Griesbach.

Mike said he’s proposing them to be held while paying close attention to COVID health measure protocols.

I told him I’d be glad to endorse the idea by contacting Premier Jason Kenney.

Here’s the premier’s official response. Fingers crossed we will soon see a return of this type of live entertainment.

It was great to talk with folks of the National Council of Canadian Muslims

I had an informative meeting with representatives of the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM). They met to advocate for the Canadian Muslim charitable sector, that includes humanitarian organizations, mosques, social service organizations and others. Kudos for the charitable work you do for all Canadians.

In the news

• Federal government spent nearly $11K on Bill Morneau’s failed bid for OECD job. Link
• Trudeau Liberals call Pierre Poilievre a ‘white supremacist’ for wearing a pro energy sweater. Link
• A devastating review of Canada’s COVID response. Link
• Documentary reveals the false hope of so-called ‘green tech.’ Link
• The new Inquisition must never win. Link
• Delays plague ‘inconsistent and incomplete’ $188B infrastructure program: auditor general. Link
• Michael Chong’s badge of honour. Link
• Tories demand Trudeau testify on WE Charity deal after Liberals reject hearing from PM staff. Link
• Liberals say they won’t call an election—but open campaign office. Link

You said it

• “There’s a lot of unanswered questions!” [regarding the WE Charity scandal] —  Hazel C. 
• “The investigation into the Liberal WE scandal is taking too long. Trudeau is afraid the investigation will reveal his corruption. No wonder he is putting in so many road blocks!” —  Mary P. 
• “The opposition must be more aggressive regarding no budgets, the committees controlled by the liberals who refuse to co-operate in hearings!” —  Denis L.

Last week’s straw poll results 

In my last e-newsletter, I asked folks if they thought senior Liberal staffers should appear as witnesses in WE Charity review as we Conservatives are demanding.

A clear majority of folks wanted to see the staffers appear as witnesses. 

Unfortunately, the Liberals are committed to blocking their senior staff from testifying on the record. 

A big thanks to everyone who took part.

Latest news on COVID-19 

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

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

Benefits available for Canadians

There are programs available to help you and your family during this COVID pandemic. 

Share this valuable e-newsletter with a friend or post it on social media

You can share it here.

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 to 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

There’s hope for live summer concerts

We might have a live summer concert or two in Edmonton if conditions are favourable.

Recently I had an excellent meeting with Trixstar president Mike Anderson regarding his company’s desire to hold small-scale concerts this summer at the former Northlands Park in my riding of Edmonton Griesbach.

Mike said he’s proposing them to be held while paying close attention to COVID health measure protocols.

I told him I’d be glad to endorse the idea by contacting Premier Jason Kenney.

Here’s the premier’s official response. Fingers crossed we will soon see a return of this type of live entertainment.