DEVOLIN LOOKS BACK ON HIS FIRST SESSION IN PARLIAMENT

Devolin Column (Dec 16)

It was one year ago this week that Paul Martin took over as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and consequently, as Prime Minister. At that time, many believed Martin was at the beginning of what would be a long and uncontested residence at 24 Sussex Drive.

Ironically, another milestone event in Canadian politics that very same week would eventually lead to a very different and uncertain future for Canada’s 21^st Prime Minister. Namely, this was the agreement signed by Stephen Harper and Peter Mackay to unite the Canadian Alliance and Progressive Conservatives into the Conservative Party of Canada.

Then, less than 2 months into Martin’s tenure in Canada’s highest political office, the Auditor General dropped another bombshell on Martin’s political fortunes by releasing her report regarding the Liberal’s sponsorship program in Quebec.

The combination of the CA/PC merger and the sponsorship scandal (and other factors) ultimately led to the election of Canada’s first minority Parliament in more than 25 years, and the emergence of the Conservative Party as the first credible national alternative to the ruling Liberals in more than a decade.

On the local scene, this political realignment led to a change from Liberal red to Conservative blue for the first time since 1993. On a personal level, it led to my election as your Member for Canada’s 38^th Parliament

As we approach year-end, we are also approaching the 6 month anniversary of that election. As such, I want to share with you some of my views on what has happened in over these past few months.

First of all, we saw a historic first in early October when Stephen Harper led an opposition effort to amend the Liberal government’s Speech from the Throne. This process produced a couple of jittery days on the floor of Parliament, but ultimately set the tone for a parliament unlike the safe majorities that have recently been the norm.

Amongst other things, the Conservative opposition also demanded and obtained a parliamentary debate on the BSE crisis. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to make my maiden speech in the House of Commons on my number one priority issue.

During my first few months, I’ve worked with members from all parties to do my best to effectively represent you in Parliament. While in the riding, I continue to meet with many groups and individuals to address their concerns and to move forward on the six priorities I outlined during the last election.

I have been meeting with members of my Farm Council on a regular basis, seeking their advice and guidance on a wide range of agricultural issues.

I’ve worked with the Technology Alliance Group in Kawartha Lakes to help secure annual funding to maintain the Community Access Program in central Ontario which provides free Internet service to the public.

I’ve met with doctor recruitment and community health centre committees to address the need we have for more medical professionals in rural communities.

I brought a group of high school students to Ottawa for 3 days in October to encourage them to get involved in public life, and to learn more about career opportunities.

I’ve also met with 11 municipal councils in this riding, and had the opportunity to listen to these local leaders regarding the challenges they face, and about the role that the federal government could play to help them make their communities stronger.

I’ve also had the opportunity to attend and participate in summer carnivals, fall fairs, Remembrance Day services, Santa Claus parades and many other events in communities all across this sprawling rural riding.

As we draw close to Christmas, I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you who have offered your support or advice during this past year. I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to represent you, and I will continue to do my best to make sure that your issues and interests are well represented in Canada’s Parliament.

From Molly, George, Ursula and Barry Devolin – a safe and Merry Christmas to all.