This Is Not the Muppets
Parliament
started up again on January 25th, so I have once again been dividing
my time between Kootenay–Columbia and Ottawa. One of the concerns that many of
you have expressed is the lack of decorum in Parliament, particularly during
daily Question Period, which at times can be rude and disrespectful, setting a
very poor example of how democracy should work. I share this concern but I am
encouraged by the work being done by the new Speaker of the House of Commons to
change the atmosphere in Parliament. I encourage him every chance I get to
continue this important work. Here are just a few of many statements made by
Speaker Geoff Regan to address Parliamentary decorum:
·
“Let
us listen up so we can get through this. Let us all pay attention and show
respect for each other.”
·
“Order
please colleagues, we are going to hear things that are provocative. Sometimes
it is hard not to react, but I know we can do it. Let us restrain ourselves.”
·
“I
know we want to have more and more women parliamentarians in the House of
Commons and it is important that we have a workplace that is civilized, so
let’s ensure it is not like a 1950s old boys club in here.”
·
“After
the member asks his question, he might remind the gentleman in front of him
that this is not the Muppets.”
Needless to
say, this is a work in progress.
The spring
Parliamentary session continues until June 23rd, with a total of seven
weeks back in Kootenay–Columbia before the summer break. Last week I spent four
days in Golden, Field and Revelstoke meeting with constituents, park
superintendents and elected officials. It was good to hear from them about
their concerns and priorities. I heard about the need for funding for
infrastructure, affordable housing, high speed internet, park operations and
maintenance, and fixing the Trans-Canada Highway. I also heard about
issues related to immigration, the Temporary Foreign Workers program, and the
need to protect the Columbia River wetlands.
I am looking
forward to hearing more from my constituents in the coming months, as I travel
around our riding. You can always contact my office with any concerns about
federal issues by calling 250-417-2250 or by emailing us at wayne.stetski@parl.gc.ca.
We will be
officially opening our community offices in the coming weeks. The grand opening
for our Cranbrook Office at 111-7th Avenue will be held on February
29th. Our Nelson office, located on the 5th floor of Nelson City
Hall, will have its grand opening on March 2nd. Check out our website at www.waynestetski.ndp.ca for details about these and other
upcoming events in our community.
A number of
constituents have asked what I can do to help them as a Member of Parliament in
an opposition party. The answer is quite a lot.
IN OUR
COMMUNITY: I have great
staff in my offices in Cranbrook, Nelson and Ottawa, who are here to help
constituents resolve issues with federal programs and services. They have
access to information and contacts within the federal government who can
provide information on topics ranging from citizenship to Employment Insurance
to income taxes. We can also provide you with current information on grant
opportunities, tax tips and new pieces of legislation.
You can learn
more about the services we provide on the “Service Desk” section of our
website.
I can also write
letters of support to Ministers regarding constituents’ interests and projects.
Both in the riding and in Ottawa, I meet with delegations from many stakeholder
groups like the BC Dairy Farmers, the BC Building Trades, the Canadian
Federation of Students and Health Action groups, who share concerns about
issues relevant to our riding.
IN THE
HOUSE: In Ottawa, I can
raise constituents’ concerns directly with government Ministers. I recently
walked across the floor of the House to discuss an issue on behalf of the
Ktunaxa with the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs. I also have the
opportunity to hold the government accountable by asking questions in Question
Period, speaking in the House, and presenting petitions signed by constituents.
In early February, I presented a petition signed by 700 constituents in favour
of proportional representation.
As a party, the
NDP submits motions for debate in the House on Opposition Days. The first NDP
motion was debated two weeks ago. I was very proud of our party for putting
forward a motion to set up an all-party committee to determine a way forward to
end pay inequity for women in Canada. The motion was supported by all but the
Conservative party, which means that the special committee will be formed in the
near future.
MPs also have
the opportunity to sponsor private member’s bills. I will be working with my
staff to develop and introduce a number of private member’s bills, and would
like to hear from you about your priorities. Feel free to email us at wayne.stetski@parl.gc.ca with your ideas on how to build a
better Canada.
As the NDP
Critic for National Parks, I work to ensure that our parks have the resources
they need so that our natural treasures can be enjoyed for generations of
Canadians. I know our national parks are important to the people of
Kootenay–Columbia, and I am honoured to be able to work on this file.
An MP’s life is
very busy, both in Ottawa and in the riding! You can receive regular updates
about my work by signing up on our website to receive our E-Newsletters. You
can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter.
I look forward
to speaking with more of you in the coming weeks and months and to sharing with
you more stories from this place that is definitely not the Muppet show!
Wayne Stetski
Member of
Parliament, Kootenay–Columbia
NDP National
Parks Critic
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