Democracy in action

The House of Commons was scheduled to sit three days this week before adjourning for the summer recess.

This allows all MPs to return to their ridings and spend the summer working locally and being in touch with their constituents.

As this was the first full spring session of the 42nd Parliament, I thought I would provide statistics as they pertain to the work Parliament has done in the last six months.

The government has introduced 23 bills. Four have gone through the House and the Senate and are awaiting Royal Assent while seven more are in the Senate. There are still 12 government bills remaining in the House when debate resumes on Sept. 19.

Ninety-nine private member’s bills (PMBs) have received at least first reading. Of these, only one, Bill C-210 “An Act to amend the National Anthem Act” (for gender), has passed through the House to the Senate while just four bills have reached second reading.

In the Senate, there are just two Senate sponsored bills and another 25 Senate PMBs, which means there are almost 150 different legislative bills proposed between the Senate and the House of Commons.

I like to mention the volume of bills being brought forward because I believe it is an important when discussing any proposed reduction of the amount of sitting time in Ottawa.

Less time in Ottawa will result in fewer bills being scrutinized and debated.

It should also be pointed out that Opposition Day debate and motions, as well as parliamentary committee review and other events such as Question Period, also consume our time in Ottawa in addition to time spent debating various bills.

It is for these reasons that I remain opposed to a shortened work week or any reduction to the amount of sitting time in the House of Commons.

Later this month, the House will reconvene to hear a speech from our special guest, U.S. President Barack Obama, before members of Parliament return to their home ridings.

For many MPs, and certainly in my case with a geographically large riding, the summer months provide an excellent opportunity to travel to all parts of Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola to meet with citizens and groups to hear concerns and ideas first hand. 

In some situations, problems may be specific and localized, but in other cases citizens often have good ideas that can be shared and even incorporated into government policy. This is part of what I consider democracy In action where citizens can directly share ideas that can be taken to Ottawa.

It is important, and appreciated, that citizens take the time to meet with their locally elected representative, and this applies to all levels of government.

Getting information and feedback from constituents is an essential part of democratic representation. On that note, I would encourage citizens to contact me directly so that I can hear your concerns and, I hope, meet you in person over these next few months. 

I can be reached at [email protected] or toll free at 1-800-665-8711.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.