Boshcoff

This next session of Parliament promises to be a busy and productive one—provided the government allows Parliament to continue with its important work for Canadians. I am looking forward to returning to Ottawa next week to continue work on the projects I began last session and to see the needs of the Northwest met.

I’ve been meeting with many constituents over the past number of weeks. One common thread unites each concern that is brought forward, a desire for change and for growth for our communities.
Canadians want their elected representatives to do the business of government in a respectful manner, in which good policy and good ideas make for good politics. Good policy should translate into real solutions and opportunities for their day-to-day lives.

Last week I talked about a series of current concerns for our local agricultural communities.
I very much appreciate the response I have received so far, so I am including some “latest news” and updates on some ongoing issues.
As a member of the standing committee on agriculture, we’ve called on the government to convene an emergency session. This is to deal primarily with the unbelievable cuts to food safety inspection.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is on the chopping block for considerably reduced funding.

“Farmers First” has been the catch-phrase of the Canadian Wheat Board for many years. In the political sphere, it has now come into use to emphasize the importance of our farming communities.
Certainly the growth of such initiatives as local farmers’ markets has given more people access to quality locally-grown foods.
As they enhance their own “buy local” efforts, city and town folk alike are gaining a new appreciation of the good families who produce these vital commodities for us.

When people see me in their communities, they often ask why I’m not in Ottawa.
The answer is that Parliament sits in the House of Commons about 165 days per year. This is about twice as often as provincial legislatures due to the size of our country.
So when I’m not in Ottawa, I’m here, home—anywhere from the Manitoba border to the Pigeon River crossing and points between.
Driving this great distance could take you up to seven-and-a-half hours over two time zones, without stopping for coffee.

The Liberal Party’s “Green Shift” announced on June 19 marked the most aggressive anti-poverty program in 40 years.
The “shift” will transfer wealth from rich to poor, from the oil patch to the rest of the country, and from the coffers of big business to the pockets of low-income Canadians.
Roughly $9 billion of the $15.3 billion expected to be collected annually in carbon tax revenues would be returned to Canadians earning less than $40,000 annually.

On June 19, Liberal leader Stéphane Dion announced details of the “Green Shift” plan—a bold plan that puts a price on what we burn, not what we earn.
As long as it is free to pollute, it is easy to forget about the impact of that pollution on others. The true costs of pollution must be built into the decision-making process of every polluter.

June 11 was an historical day for all Canadians. On that day, the Government of Canada made a formal statement of apology for the legacy of Indian residential schools in the House of Commons.
With that apology, Canada acknowledged the terrible wounds left by residential schools on individuals, families, and communities.

Earlier this month, the Standing Committee on Natural Resources released its report on the “Unique Opportunities and Challenges Facing the Forest Products Industry.”
As a member of the committee, I initiated this review and am very pleased this four-month study successfully put the issues of the forest industry back on the national agenda following more than two years of inaction.
In 2005, the Liberal government committed nearly $1.5 billion to help the forestry industry make the transition to competitive strength and sustainability.

I want to thank those of you who have contacted me about Bill C-51 to express concerns about how the legislation may negatively affect access to natural health products.
A tremendous amount of confusion has surrounded this bill in recent weeks so I am pleased to be able to provide my views on this important issue.
The Liberal party will work to ensure this legislation does not further restrict the use, sale, or distribution of safe natural health products. I firmly believe Canadians have a fundamental right to have access and choice in treatment options regarding their health.