Dan in Ottawa
Hewers of wood
Although Forestry falls under Provincial jurisdiction it is important to recognize the importance of this industry to all levels of Government that also...
Questions about the Senate
Without question, one of the most frequently raised concerns that I hear from citizens of Okanagan-Coquihalla, pertains to the Canadian Senate, and by...
Bizarre week in Ottawa
Last week was perhaps one of the most unusual I have yet encountered on Parliament Hill. A bizarre incident occurred late in the week when a national news...
Hold MP's to account: Open Parliament
As I write this week’s report to you it happens to be tax freedom day. This is the day where your combined tax bill from all levels of Government is...
New code to bring wireless relief
In my March 12th MP report I touched on the subject of Canada’s wireless communication industry and the fact that Canadian consumers pay some of the...
The other side of the senate
The Senate and expenses of individual Senator’s continues to be the single most discussed topic I have heard from local citizens throughout my travels...
Status Quo not tenable
With the Provincial election now concluded and the respective campaigns left to reflect and ponder the past thirty or so days I was reminded of the campaign I...
Listening
This week the focus across Canada will be on British Columbia as the Provincial general election will have occurred by the time you read my weekly report. At...
Taking over the CBC?
Each week I look forward to hearing from dozens, sometimes even hundreds, of different citizens on issues and concerns of importance to them. Although common...
MP mail outs explained
Over this past weekend a local newspaper ran an editorial that ultimately questioned the use of tax dollars for partisan purposes, more specifically for...
Legislation seeks a balance
In light of recent events, this week our Government has moved up 3rd reading debate on Bill S-7: Combating Terrorism Act. Although the Liberals have indicated...
Reflections on recent events
The House of Commons resumed session this week and what began on a feisty note with the anointment of a new leader for the Liberal Party of Canada has very...
Temporary foreign workers program
Hearing the concerns of citizens is, in my view, one of the most important responsibilities of public office. Why I make a point of personally returning phone...
Member's Statements
Last week was a somewhat unusual one in Ottawa as much of the focus was on SO-31's, otherwise known as "Member's Statements" and the ability...
Economic Action Plan 2013
If there is one thing I have learned in public office, both during my time at City Hall and now as a Member of Parliament, it’s that you will hear from...
What is a citizen's arrest?
One of the trends I have observed with a number of bills and private members bills in Ottawa is that many propose to limit, penalize or otherwise restrict,...
Wireless services in Canada
Recently it was widely reported in the media that Canadians currently face some of the highest wireless cellular rates in the world. Wireless communications is...
Imitation not sincere form of flattery
Last fall I had an opportunity to tour one of the South Okanagan’s largest private sector specialty manufacturing plants. In summary, I was extremely...
Supreme Court and the Senate
One topic that has been very actively discussed recently both on Parliament Hill and in Okanagan-Coquihalla is the Canadian Senate. There are generally three...
Public safety & victims come first
As a first time Member of Parliament I greatly value the advice and wisdom that is often shared with me by more senior and veteran elected officials from all...