November 3/05 - Today I had the chance
to speak in the Legislature to a Liberal Private
Member's Bill on cancer
testing. I was pleased to
support the bill.
November 2/05 - I am often asked if
I ever support anything the provincial government
announces.
Today I did when the McGuinty government
announced CHEO would be a centre for Ontario's Newborn
Screening Program.
I have been pushing for this for more
than a year when I introduced a Private Members Bill
on the issue. In September we had public hearings
into the bill. I also called on CHEO to be the host
site of the program.
November 1/05 - At our caucus today
we got an excellent briefing from a delegation from
Northwestern Ontario on the huge challenge facing
the forestry industry...not just high energy costs
but excessive regulations!!!
October 25/05 - More rumours are circulating
that Ottawa might be forced to accept Greater Toronto's
garbage.
Today I tabled a resolution at Queen's
Park calling on the McGuinty Liberal's to obtain
the approval of Ottawa's elected City Council prior
to making any move in this regard. In the absense
of that, a public referendum should be held!
October 24/05 - The Legislature sat
today and we debated a bill to end mandatory retirement.
here is one example where I do support the government.
Generally speaking their bill is a good one and I
plan on voting for it!
I also rose to present a petition supporting
the Queensway Carleton Hospital's land issue.
October 23/05 - This weekend I spoke
with Quebec Premier Jean Charest. As a Canadian,
as a Conservative, as an MPP and as Critic for Intergovernmental
Affairs I am deeply concerned about events that will
take place in Ottawa next week. The release of the
Gomery Report may precipitate another wave of separatist
sentiment in the province of Quebec.
The stench of scandal that has rocked
the Liberal Government is obviously having a huge
effect on politics in Quebec.
When it comes to a future battle for
the heart of the province -- whether in a future
election or referendum campaign, I don't believe
Canadians will be able to trust a Liberal Prime Minister
to competently manage the national unity file.
National unity desperately requires
other voices than those tainted by electoral fraud,
graft, kickbacks and corruption!
October 22/05 - Today we announced
some big support for the Queensway Carleton Hospital.
Health Minister George Smitherman, and MPPs Jim Watson
and Madeline Meilleur signed our petition to support
the Queensway Carleton Hospital's request for their
land to be rent to them for one dollar from the federal
government. We got a good story from the Ottawa Sun.
I also attended a great event put on
by Ottawa's Jamaican community at Algonquin College.
There I meet the Governor General of Jamaica...who
is ninety years old...So Canada has the youngest
GG and Jamaica the oldest!
October 21/05 - Today I put in a few
hours at a local mall collecting signatures for the
Queensway Carleton Hospital campaign. I had the opportunity
to meet with a good number of local residents and
explain the problem that the hospital faces. Residents
from more than six ridings signed on to our effort
to help the hospital. Maureen Tourangeau, a long
time health advocate, volunteer with the Cancer Society
and CHEO and a former member of the District Health
Council was on hand to help!
This morning I also had the opportunity
to meet with student leaders from Carleton University.
They raised a number of concerns that I will take
back to Queen's Park.
October 20/05 - Today I was asked to
attend the launch of the Nepean Legion's launch of
their poppy drive for 2005. I joined a good group
of Veterans from Branch 593 in Bells Corners. Also
in attendance were Councillors Gord Hunter and Jan
Harder and MP Pierre Poilievre.
October 19/05 - Today I rose in the
Legislature to discuss the Queensway-Carleton
Hospital.
This issue continues to be top of mind for constituents.
October
19/05 - Last night I attended
two important events in Nepean-Carleton.
First was a fundraiser for the Canadian
Red Cross put on by a number of groups from the Pakistani
community. The devastation in the region is truly
unbelievable. 54,000 dead, more than 80,000 injured
AND the horror of 4 million people homeless.
Also speaking at the event was Liberal
MP Wajid Khan, NDP Leader Jack Layton, and the Pakistani
High Commissioner.
Later in the evening I attended a fundraiser
for Victims of Violence in honour of the Memory of
Barrhaven teen Jennifer Teague.
20,000 dollars was raised for a great
cause. The event - MC'd by morning man "Stuntman
Stu" also featured a moving speech by Jennifer's
father and step-mother who have both shown such dignity
at such a difficult time.
October 17/05 - Today at Queen's Park
I had the opportunity to rise and present the first
of the many petitions calling on the Federal Liberal
Government to back off its plan to jack up the rent
for the land on the Queensway Carleton Hospital.
I was also pleased to enslist the support
of NDP Health Critic Shelley Martel who also presented
a petition supporting the hospital and indicated
her support.
October 14/05 - This morning I participated
in an event to support Child Abuse and Neglect Awarness
Day in the City of Ottawa. I joined local Children's
Aid Society Officials in their Purple Ribbon Campaign
and handed out information to OC Transpo commuters
at 7:30 am this morning. This is an important cause
that I have supported in the past. As Minister of
Community and Social Services I obtained huge funding
increases to help our efforts to combat child abuse.
Children are and must continue to be a priority for
governments at all levels.
October 14/05 - I attended two community
functions this evening. First, the 27th Annual Preston
Street Village Reunion at St. Anthony's. A number
of awards were presented with two honourees being
recognized from Nepean-Carleton.
Also, I had the pleasure of bringing
greetings from the province of Ontario to the opening
reception of Festival Latino. There was a good contingent
from across Latin and South America! MP Don Boudria
brought greetings from the federal government. Also
in attendance were local MPs Pierre Poilievre and
Marlene Catterall!
October 14/05 - Ontario Ombudsman Andre
Marin's report on newborn screening was officially
tabled in the Legislature today. I have a Private
Member's Bill on this important issue which received
committee time last month.
I rose in the legislature after the
report was tabled and requested unanimous consent
for the government to respond to its contents! While
Conservative and New Democrat MPPs endorsed the measure,
the Liberals denied our request! Stay tuned!
October 13/05 - It is a small world...while
traveling back from Queen's Park I sat next to Queensway
Carleton Hospital President Tom Schonberg. It was
a great opportunity to discuss the various issues
facing the hospital and changes taking place at Queen's
Park.
October 13/05 - Today we get back to
the grind with the first Question Period since mid
June! Each morning the Official Opposition meets
to discuss house strategy and our question period
line up. I pitched a statement on a local riding
issue and will speak in the House on Monday on that
issue!
October 12/05 - I attended today's
Speech from the Throne -- what a yawner. I noticed
former Ontario Premier David Peterson sitting on
the floor of the Legislature struggling to stay awake!
Adam Radawanski from the National Post seemed to
notice as well. I also attended an event at Queen's
Park with representatives of Ontario's Credit Unions.
There were a number of people who had traveled from
Ottawa for the event!
October 11/05 - Today the legislature
resumed sitting with the first order of business
being the election of a new Speaker. In the secret
ballot vote I supported Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted
Arnott. The eventual winner was Liberal Mike Brown.
I believe Brown will be a solid Speaker. He is well
liked and well respected by members on all sides
of the House. Most importantly I believe he has the
right style for the job!
We learned today that Finance Minister
Greg Sorbara has been under criminal investigation
by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for some time.
I was stunned when Sorbara refused to resign -- only
to change his mind by 10:00 pm. I attended his resignation
press conference and that of Premier Dalton McGuinty
late in the evening to respond on behalf of the Official
Opposition.
I was shocked to see McGuinty add yet
another Minister from the City of Toronto! We now
have 11 full Ministers from Toronto - up from one
full Minister under the Conservatives! Dalton McGuinty
-- the Premier of Toronto. Rural Ontario has only
two -- what an outrage!!!
October 9/05 - Early this morning I
was on CFRA pitching the case of the Queensway Carleton
Hospital and its ongoing land dispute with the federal
government. I received a number of emails from constituents
of support after the appeal to the public!
I was thrilled to see a big turn out
for the fiftieth anniversary of the Ottawa Catholic
Chinese Community celebration dinner. The event was
well attended and Archbishop Gervais spoke!
September 20/05 - This week my federal
counterpart Pierre Poilievre, MP and I launched a
campaign to get the Martin Liberals to back off their
plan to dramatically increase the rent for the land
now occupied by the Queensway Carleton Hospital.
It shocks me that despite the public
pressure neither Martin nor any of his local MPs
have spoken up and demanded the government back down
from this crazy scheme!
And, don't let them pass the buck to
the National Capital Commission - the NCC! I meet
with Chairman Marcel Beaudry and he rightly explains
the NCC is bound by cabinet regulation to change
market rents as the leases come up for renewal. In
orther words, it's up to Paul Martin to decide.
So -- ball over to you Mr. Martin--
will you do the right thing and support our hospital?!!!
September 19/05 - We reached a big
milestone in our campaign to help raise funds for
the Manotick Legion which was destroyed by fire.
Pierre Poilievre and I were pleased
to present a cheque for $40,000 to legion branch
president Peter Partner. The cheque represents alot
of community support for a great local institution!
Local banks, service clubs, businesses and most importantly
individuals have shown their support for our vets!
August 19/05 - I continue to be absolutely
astonished at the anger generated by the Prime Ministers
choice for a new Governor General.
The Dominion Command of the Royal Canadian
legion is coming out swinging.
One thing I learned very early in my
political career: don't mess with our vets!
Look out Paul!
August 18/05 - Quite interesting how
Paul Martin's Office was saying just yesterday that
there was no reason for Governor General Designate
Michaelle Jean to make any public statements on charges
she cavorted with terrorists and supported Quebec
independence. Just hours later - feeling an onslaught
of public pressure Martin had her cave in.
Funny how she didn't seem to answer
any of the questions that have been raised directly.
Oh, well! Why should she. It is hardly important
that she is seen on camera toasting Quebec independence
with members of a group who murdered then Liberal
Cabinet Minister Pierre Laporte.
I read with delight in this mornings
Ottawa Citizen that outspoken Liberal MP Roger Galloway
claimed that the PM and his brain trust didn't appear
to have "any understanding or appreciation for the
constitutional requirements of the job!" How can
this guy possibly think they know what they are doing
on any other file of consequence!!!
I have to take my hat off to my federal
counterpart Pierre Poilievre, MP (Nepean-Carleton)
for his guts in asking the tough questions! the young
rookie MP has done a top notch job for the past year!
This entire episode demonstrates that
Martin is just not up to the job. Who would ever
have thought he would make Chretien look good. And
although I have never been a fan of Madame Clarkson,
Chretien did hit home runs with his appointments
of Ontario Vice-Regal reps in Hilary Weston and James
Bartleman! While the current GG was gallivanting
on her infamous northern identity tour with her elitest
hoity-toity friends - our current LG in Ontario has
been out working hard collecting books for northern
children! What a contrast!
August 3/05 - Opened up this mornings
paper - another day and another request to conserve
energy. Similar requests under the previous government
were greeted with snears and jeers from the very
same Liberals who now make these ever frequent appeals!
Why the Premier even remarked it was
the hottest summer in fifty years! Just a few years
ago his then Energy critic Michael Bryant accused
then Tory Energy Minister - your truly, as trying
to drag mother nature into the political battlefield
as some sort of human shield.
The bottom line is that despite the
2000 mega watts of new power brought on line in the
dying days of the Conservative Government, the Liberals
have done very little to address the problem.
They closed down the politically incorrect
Lakeview coal generating station - just before the
hot summer months began - it might have been wise
to do it on Thanksgiving!
The "culture of conservation" bragged
about by the Energy Minister...still is as elusive
as ever - it looked so easy!
And, they are now forced to instigate
brownouts - five percent reductions on a not too
infrequent basis...
Stay tuned for more!
July 25/05 -
Today I met with Tom Schonberg, President and CEO
of the Queensway Carleton Hospital and Michael DeGagné the
new Board Chairman. I received a financial briefing
on the state of affairs of the Hospital. For the
past year I have spoken up in the Legislature and
Committee on the need for the hospital to get increased
operating funding. This is particularly important
for the large expansion the hospital was awarded
by the previous Conservative Government. With the
completion of much of the construction the hospital
needed the previously committed operating funds.
We also had the chance to review the
federal government's proposed big rent increase for
the hospital. I pledged, as the MPP for Nepean-Carleton,
to join the fight for fairness on this important
issue.
July 20/05 - Today I meet with a doctor
from CHEO and a representative of the Canadian Pediatric
Society to discuss a private member's bill I have
presented at Queen's Park. Bill
101 would require
mandatory screening for a variety of diseases. The
Bill was inspired by a constitutent whose young daughter
passed away - while her family was unaware of the
condition!
I learned more about the issue and
will use that information as we prepare for public
hearings on my bill set for September!
July
16/05 - Today MP Pierre Poilievre
and I hosted a BBQ fundraiser in support of the
rebuilding of the Manotick Legion. The event
drew well in excess of six hundred people on
Saturday and was an outstanding success! There
were games for children, a silent auction, live
entertainment and a good time was had by all.
I was so hot I think I actually began to get
heat stroke! The event raised in excess of $20,000
- making the grand total we have raised to date
for our veterans more than $30,000! Thanks for
all your support. Councillors Glen Brooks, Doug
Thompson, former MP Bill Tupper , Sen. Marjory
LeBreton, MPP Jim Watson, and Former Nepean Reeve
Aubrey Moodie were good enough to stop in and
show their support!
July 15/05 - I was pleased to participate
with many other community organizations in the annual
Kars Fair Parade. There was a great crowd out this
year and the weather was fantastic!
July 14/05 - Today I meet with Dr.
Tim Aubrey of the University of Ottawa who was advocating
on behalf of the Alliance to End Homelessness in
Ottawa. He presented me with the Alliance's report
card for 2005 and layed out some of the concerns
and positions of the group.
July 13/05 - Last night I attended
the service sponsored by the Ottawa Muslim Association
to honour the victims of the London bombing. I was
exceptionally impressed with the effort. Religious
leaders from a wide variety of faiths spoke passionately
about the tragedy and its potential effects here
in Ottawa.
July
12/05 - This morning I had the pleasure
of attending a cheque presentation for a very generous
donation made by Scotiabank to the Manotick Legion
Rebuilding Fund. The $5000 is an outstanding start
to our fundraising BBQ this Saturday. Bring your
friends and family and come out to support a great
cause! Thank you Scotiabank for your contribution
towards rebuilding the Manotick Legion!
June 29/05 - This morning Premier Dalton McGuinty
shuffled his cabinet. I was not surprised he left
his high profile central team in place. However,
here are my comments:
Leaving Mary Anne Chambers in cabinet astonishes
me - she has been a non-player. She will get the
government in trouble in her new role as Children's
Minister - its a mine field...trust me I know.
Jim Watson now becomes the most underutilized
member of the McGuinty team. Strong communications
skills and good stakeholder relations will be grossly
underutilized in this new role!
Greg Sorbara is now in charge of virtually everything
- Management Board, Finance, Revenue, and Financial
Institutions - don't mess with him!
Toronto, Toronto, Toronto - with 2 more full
Ministers from 416 - making a full 10 of the 25
person cabinet from Toronto - Dalton McGuinty is
now the undisputed Premier of Toronto!
Liberal headquarters has now officially written
off rural Ontario! McGuinty's new cabinet now has
the fewest members from rural Ontario than any
other since Confederation! Passing over John Wilkinson
from Perth = big waste of his talents and work
ethic!
Who the heck did Marie Boutrogiani annoy? Her
move to Intergovernmental Affairs is a shocker.
I guess McGuinty's people didn't want to blame
themselves for lying to autistic children and their
parents and found a scape goat!
Two Predictions:
Chambers is in way over her head - the NDP will
make mince meat of her in Question Period and in
front of the Estimates Committee.
Watch for a slew of human interest stories in
the months to come on the new Environment Minister
Laurel Broten who is expecting! No question she
is sharp and on the ball - but now that she is
in cabinet she gets to hand off the title of the
most ambitious backbencher to Scarborough Centre
MPP Brad Duguid!
June 21/05 -
In reading today's Citizen I note an article on page
C3, "Violations cost Greely tire
recycler $215,000." Last year I worked with
area residents who were tremendously concerned
about the environmental impacts of the facility.
In addition to meeting up with area residents,
I worked with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment
who personally went out to look at the situation.
Of note...all of the concerns expressed by local
residents appear to have been completely founded!!!
June
20/05 - Today MP Pierre Poilievre and
I launched an effort to raise funds for the Manotick
Royal Canadian Legion which was gutted by fire
earlier this month. The Branch is a real community
treasure and we hope to raise funds to ensure it
is rebuilt. It continues to help promote remembrance
to those who fought for our freedom. In addition,
the branch serves as one of the centres of the
community...home to many seniors functions and
a cadet corps!
June 18/05 - On Friday evening I had the pleasure
of attending a benefit on behalf of ChildHaven. This
group does great work in seven communities in Southeast
Asia helping children in need.
I was amazed at the turnout...over five hundred.
In addition the number of local volunteers who have
made a huge difference in the lives of children was
truly incredible!
Seen here are me, Pierre Polivere MP (Nepean-Carleton),
Bill and Sue Ayyad, and Paul Benoit.
June 9/05 - Today I was pleased to support legislation
at Queen's Park to give greater powers to the Ontario
Government to crack down on dead beat parents. While
I supported this legislation I do share the concerns
of some who feel it will not do everything the government
says. I truely hope my concerns are unfounded!
Today during Question Period all opposition questions
were directed at Premier Dalton McGuinty. A scandal
has arisen over the expenses of Economic and Trade
Minister Joe Cordiano. Joe is a great guy and a hard
worker -- however, the source of all of his problems
is the double standard of Dalton McGuinty and the
then members of the Liberal Rat Pack including Sandra
Pupatello and Michael Bryant. These two certainly
set one standard for the Conservatives -- one they
are finding it hard to live up to now that they are
in Government!
June 8/05 - I was pleased to join the leader of
the Opposition Stephen Harper at a local Tim Horton's
to support their send a kid to camp day fundraiser.
All proceeds from coffee sales went to send underprivileged
children to camp.
The event was a great success in Ottawa and across
the country! Congratulations to everyone who participated!
June 8/05 - Today the legislature will vote on Bill
164 which will ban smoking in public places and private
businesses. Unfortunately, business in the riding
will prevent me from attending the vote. Yesterday
I rose to go on record as opposing the bill. I had
previously spoken against the bill at second
reading.
June 7/05 - "Today
I rose in the Legislature to speak of the importance
of newborn screening. A passionate constituent, Tammy
Clark, brought this important issue to my attention.
I have sponsored a private member's bill (Bill 101)
mandating newborn screening for a range of conditions."
I'm
pleased to rise in support of advancing the cause
of newborn screening in the province of Ontario.
Last week on June 1, John Adams and a number
of parent advocates visited Queen's Park to talk
about the importance of screening more young babies
for a series of diseases. They were really giving
Ontario a call to action to fill the gaps in newborn
screening and to develop an inclusive and comprehensive
system for saving babies from rare but serious conditions
which can do these newborns great and serious
harm.
We look at the diseases that we screen for in children.
Wehave a newborn screening program in the province
of Ontario. I have the form right here today. If
we advance just a few more tests, we could save lives
and save very serious conditions for many, many newborns
in Ontario.
Through the screening initiative which was first
begun in the 1960s through a private member's bill
by Stephen Lewis, Ontario was at that time at the
forefront of newborn screening. The sad reality is
that Ontario has now fallen behind 44 different states
in the United States. The parent advocates and medical
physicians who were here last week are calling on
Ontario to expand newborn screening so that we can
save even more lives and have a greater quality of
life for those children who are tested.
I have a private member's bill, Bill 101, that will
accomplish just that. It was a bill first introduced
by the member for Windsor, the now Minister of Energy.
This Bill 101 would do a terrific amount of good
to support this initiative. It would ensure that
every child is tested. The cost of this testing could
be as little as $25, to test a child. I think $25
could be spent no better way than on an expanded
newborn screening system. Ontario must once again
rise to the top of North America and not sit at the
bottom.
June 2/05 - This morning I attended the annual general
meeting of the Christmas Exchange. This is an extraordinary
group of people who do an exceptional job for our
community.
I have agreed to serve as a patron of their 90th
anniversary gala taking place this October. It should
be a great evening.
June 1/05 - I attended a press
conference this morning held by advocates for expanded
newborn screening. A number of parents made passionate
plea's for the Ontario government to join 44 U.S.
States and require a comprehensive set of screening
tests for their young babies.
Tammy Clark from Nepean-Carleton was one parent
who attended. I first learned of this challenge from
her and was happy to introduce a private members'
bill (Bill 101) to mandate such tests.
In a discussion with a staff member from Minister
George Smitherman's office today I learned that this
issue is on his radar screen. This gives me hope
that the government may adopt my bill - a huge victory!
May 30/05 - The Ontario Legislature resumed sitting
today.
As Opposition Health Critic I responded to a statement
made by Health Minister George Smitherman. I forcefully
made the case for additional resources for our hospitals
and for more nurses.
Our leader John Tory caught the Liberals flip flopping
when he revealed they had not just increased the
budget of private hospital in Toronto, but also approved
its' take over by a for profit company. Premier Dalton
McGuinty has critized the Tories for supporting private
delivery within a publically funded system. The Health
Minister sounded more like Ralph Klein than his old
self!!!
I guess we are having an effect!
May 27/05 - The highlight of my
day today was dropping by CFRA's fundraiser for our
cattle farmers and the Ottawa Food Bank.
The event, which took place at the Experimental
Farm, was a great success. Congratulations to all
the volunteers and to CFRA for their strong community
leadership.
I arrived just in time to miss the celebrity cow
milking! Though my father who grew up on a farm would
have roared laughing at the sight of me making the
attempt. Osgoode Councilor Doug Thompson performed
admirably! I did pick up a few good hints on the
practice from Steve Madley and OFA rep Terry Otto!
May 27/05 - As Opposition Health Critic I responded
to the McGuinty Government's announcement yesterday.
