Martha Hall Findlay and Team

Remembrance, Reflection---and Respect for our Veterans

2010-11-11T16:30:00.001-05:00

November is when we pause to remember those who have fought for us in past and present wars; those who are still doing so in Afghanistan and in peace missions in other parts of the world; those who have come home, but injured in body and spirit; and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives.

It is a time to say thank you, to remember--and in the spirit of thanks and remembrance, to reflect on how we can best promote peace, instead of war.

I am very proud of my family’s military history. My grandfather (from Willowdale) was a pilot in WWI, flying with Billy Bishop against the famous Red Baron. One of my uncles (also from Willowdale) was a pilot in WWII, but, sadly, he was shot down and killed, and never came home to his family. Another uncle (also from Willowdale) was a pilot with the naval air force. He made the navy his career, ultimately commanding a destroyer (the HMCS Qu’Appelle).

My own father landed on DDay. He was the first Allied soldier in Caen. He won the Military Cross for his work in laying and keeping open the signal lines under fire, and went on to help liberate Holland. I am able to tell you this story because he was one of the lucky ones who was able to come home and build a family—of which I am one.

I myself was able to “join the Navy” this summer, as part of a program offered by the Armed Forces to Members of Parliament. For five days, I was welcomed as ‘part of the crew’ of the frigate HMCS St. John’s. It was an extraordinary experience, and I learned so much about the incredible teamwork necessary for the survival of a ship at sea. (One night was so rough we had to use our “bunk belts” to keep from rolling out of bed!)

I am very proud of my family’s contributions. I am very proud of the fact that, when called upon to help internationally, Canada and Canadians have not only stepped up to the challenge, they have punched far above their weight and earned worldwide respect.

Unfortunately, our veterans have not been treated well enough. I, as the MP for Willowdale, along with many of my colleagues, are calling on the Harper government to properly honour our veterans, our military, and their families on all days of the year by (i) conducting an extensive review of the New Veterans’ Charter with real consultation with veterans across the country; (ii) immediately correcting the problems with the lump-sum payment system for injured veterans returning from service; (iii) clarifying whether the new benefits for seriously injured veterans will be retroactive to 2006; and (iv) helping the growing number of veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We must ensure that veterans, who have given so much, are given the support, and treated with the respect, that they deserve.

I also want us to do all we can, as a country, to promote peace, not war. We have a long tradition in this country, from Lester Pearson’s work creating UN Peacekeeping efforts, to Canada’s role in the anti-land mines treaty, to Jean Chretien’s refusal to send Canadian troops to invade Iraq, to the promotion by Michael Ignatieff of the Responsibility to Protect doctrine at the United Nations. These efforts are not perfect. The United Nations itself has flaws. But Canada can either sit back and refuse to help, or we can step up, once again, to the challenge of ensuring a multilateral approach to achieving world peace. I choose to have Canada step up to make the world a better place.

Martha Hall Findlay
MP, Willowdale
Official Opposition Critic for International Trade

My View on Bill C-300

2010-11-02T13:29:00.002-04:00

I, and everyone in the Liberal Party, agreed completely with the intentions behind Bill C-300, An Act respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil and Gas in Developing Countries. ALL members of the Liberal Party are 100% behind improving the Corporate Social Responsibility of Canadian mining companies in developing countries (CSR). Indeed, I commend my colleague John McKay from Scarborough – Guildwood for remaining so concerned about this issue while the Conservative Government has done so little.
However, intentions aren’t always enough, and I had serious concerns about Bill C-300. Despite considerable pressure to do so, I refused to vote for something I felt was very flawed. I was therefore not in the House of Commons for the vote this past Wednesday. I was one of 13 Liberals, 4 NDP and 6 Bloc Quebecois who were not there. (Interestingly, that’s pretty much the same proportion from each of the three opposition parties.)

Ironically, I did not support C-300 specifically because of the fact that I, too, am very concerned about CSR of Canadian mining companies operating in developing countries. There’s no question that Bill C-300 sounded very good on its face, but that’s not enough. It was flawed—something John McKay, its proponent, himself admitted. Due to the limitations on Private Member’s Bills, it could not include some fundamental pieces that would have made it function in an acceptable way. The proponents said that, although it was flawed, at least it would “go part way”. However, in my view, this particular effort at “going part way” would cause other, unintended damage.

And to address the allegations that the mining companies engaged in major lobbying: I had made my decision long before any mining company came to talk to me. Indeed, I and many of my colleagues were lobbied far harder, for a longer period of time, by supporters of C-300---far harder than the mining industry. My decision had nothing to do with either side’s lobbying efforts.

I did not support it based on the Bill’s own flaws, based on the extensive personal research I did, based on listening to as many stakeholders as I could—and based on my own understanding of the political process, domestic law, international law, international finance and international business (thanks to significant personal background and experience in these areas). I came to the conclusion that its flaws would cause significant negative unintended consequences in the short term—negative consequences for the very people in developing countries that it was intended to help. Not only that, I felt that passing C-300 would, in fact, put truly successful improvements to CSR backwards. In order to really accomplish what we’re all trying to achieve, we need to do this right.

Others disagreed, of course. I have had no shortage of criticism, including a surprising number of unpleasant personal attacks. But I stand by decision. I'm proud to live in a society, and be a part of a political party, that allows people to disagree. It is critical, particularly where the current Conservative government is so controlled, and where debate is so often silenced, that when we are able to debate, we do so with respect and civility—with respect for other people’s opinions.

My biggest upset is that there has been so much division, so much antagonism that has developed among so many people who want the same thing. I hope that we can move forward.

I, and the whole Liberal Party, believe that we will achieve real and truly effective progress on CSR through the implementation of the 2007 Report by the Advisory Group on Corporate Social Responsibility in the Canadian Extractive Industry (Click Here to view the report). This 2007 Report included strong and very positive recommendations for the improving of CSR among Canadian mining companies working in developing countries. Most importantly, it was developed with the participation of ALL stakeholders—NGOs, CSOs, mining companies, governments, and more. It is extremely powerful because of that fact. I’d like to see those recommendations implemented. Unfortunately, the Conservative government did nothing, and sat on the 2007 Report, silent, for two years. A Liberal government would do it right.

* * * * * * * *

Here is some information about the 2006 Round Table process and the resulting 2007 Report:

In 2005 a decision was made, under a Liberal Government, to move forward on the issue of CSR among Canadian mining companies operating in developing countries. Throughout 2006, extensive, all-stakeholder round tables were conducted. These included non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), mining and oil companies, labour, governments and individuals. It was an extraordinary process—and very unusual in the progress achieved with so many different participants.

There were 156 oral presentations and 104 written submissions. Of these, 61 were from civil society, 33 from industry, 15 from labour organizations, 31 from academics and research institutes, and 16 from members of the public without a stated affiliation.

This process was an extraordinary example of all of the stakeholders coming together to address this fundamental issue—and the resulting 2007 Report was roundly approved and supported. It was the product of many people who might have had opposing views but who came together, exhibiting a will to compromise and find constructive consensus.

The 2007 Report set out some very tough recommendations, including strict and clear guidelines on the level of CSR expected of Canadian mining companies operating in developing countries, a robust complaint and review mechanism, the creation of an ombudsperson with tough responsibilities, and significant funding to help developing countries build their own capacity to create and enforce, locally, CSR standards and regulations. Yet the Conservative government did nothing. Nothing for two years. Only recently did they come up with a much watered down plan, but with no teeth.

Liberals are united in strongly supporting implementation of a regime based on the full 2007 Report, as the best way to achieve the highest levels of CSR among Canadian mining companies operating in developing countries— something the Conservative government has failed to do.

Improving behaviour in the House of Commons

2010-10-04T21:51:00.003-04:00

I am very proud to be working to improve the decorum and level of respect and civility in the House of Commons. I was really pleased to have been asked by my colleague, MP Michael Chong, to second his motion to improve the decorum in Question Period in the House of Commons. I am even more proud to have done so, and to have been one of several MPs from all parties to do so. The feedback I have received from so many people in Willowdale (and indeed across the country) has been overwhelmingly positive.

I am also pleased to see the attention that this issue has garnered among the media. This is an opportunity for the media to take this effort in the right spirit, and help. I hope that they refrain from always focussing so often on the 10-second sound bite that highlights the negative, the personal attacks and the hyper-partisanship. It would help if they would, at least sometimes, highlight some of the occasions when we actually work together. It does happen, and we want to encourage more of it.

I, like others, am embarrassed when school groups come to watch Question Period, knowing that what they see isn’t terribly impressive. Changes to the process will help. But there is something more fundamental here. It is not just a matter of procedural rules. It is not just a matter of whether the Speaker of the House should exercise more discipline. It is the responsibility of every Member of Parliament to show more respect and civility. Even more, it is a collective responsibility—all of us must work together.

Each one of us has the opportunity to show individually, and together collectively, that we do not need to engage in partisan attacks and personal insults. We have the opportunity to engage in debate with respect and civility. We have the opportunity to listen to each other in Parliament. Heaven knows, if we manage to listen to each other from time to time, we just may learn from each other. That would enhance not only the decorum in the House, but the progress of government in its entirety. We are there to serve you, not to attack each other.

Again, I commend all MPs who, with me, are joining together to make Parliament a more productive, respectful place. The people, like you, who vote for us and expect us to make important decisions, deserve no less.

Martha

Getting Involved In Politics: Yes You Can—And Should

2010-08-31T20:17:00.001-04:00

Recently, I wrote an article published in the UofT Magazine (Summer 2010 issue) called “Where are the Women?” lamenting the shortage of women in politics. The response to the article has been fantastic. We need more women involved in the political process, for the reasons I mentioned in the original article, and I am really excited that so many people have responded, expressing interest in getting involved. Many have asked for more advice on running for public office. Many have also asked for advice on, not necessarily running for office, but in getting involved politically in other ways. The overwhelming response has prompted me to do a follow-up piece, with more specific recommendations on how to go about it. Note that I encourage men AND women to become more involved, so guys—feel free to use this too.

One comment I’d really like to make first: Quite often (including in several responses to the UofT article) people (particularly women) will say, “I don’t have the right education”, or “I don’t have the right experience”, or “I don’t have a thick-enough skin”. Nonsense. A full 1/3 of Canadian MPs do not have a university degree—but some of those people are the best MPs, because they have extraordinarily valuable practical experience. I can think of a couple of farmers, for example, who do great work in Parliament. Who better to know what so many women face than someone who has multi-tasked her way through raising kids and keeping a household, while holding down a job to pay the bills? Who knows better the challenges facing the thousands of new immigrants coming to Canada than people who have been through that experience? Who better to understand the pressing needs of innovation and entrepreneurship, and the challenges facing small and medium businesses, than people with business experience? The Canadian government needs to both understand and represent Canadians, and their diversity—that means people with a variety of educational and experiential backgrounds not only can, but should, get involved.

Another comment is that many people feel that politics is somehow the realm of elites, or cliques, and that you need to have connections in order to get involved. Nonsense to that, too. The political process is far more accessible, and easy to start participating in, than even I thought when I started. But you need to start somewhere, and I hope this article helps.

Whether you decide to run for public office, or decide that you can be more effectively and happily engaged in other ways, I cannot encourage you enough. It can be immensely satisfying—frustrating at times, too, believe me (!)—but ultimately very rewarding. I hope that the following is useful in either case. The more you know about how the system works, the more you learn, the more people you get to know who are already involved, the better armed you will be to determine what form of engagement in politics is best for you.

ASK YOURSELF SOME QUESTIONS. What order of government interests you? ( See below for a brief description of federal, provincial and municipal.) If federal or provincial, what Party do you want to belong to? How much time do you have to contribute? What issues are you most interested in? Which MPs, MPPs/MLAs, municipal councilors do you like or admire? Why? Which ones do you not respect as much, and why not? The answers will help you decide where to focus your efforts, and with whom.

JOIN A PARTY. Although not necessary for municipal politics, this is a fundamental part of both federal and provincial politics. These are links to the main federal parties: Liberal, http://www.liberal.ca/; Conservative, http://www.conservative.ca/; NDP, http://www.ndp.ca/; Green, http://greenparty.ca/ Each one of these web sites will help you find what electoral district (riding) you live in, and gives instructions on how to join the party and the relevant riding association. You may want to get involved somewhere other than the riding where you live, if you happen to like an MP or MPP/MLA elsewhere, or you know some of the people already involved elsewhere. There is no requirement, even to run for office, that you actually live in the riding that you focus your efforts on, although it helps to have some kind of connection. (We have quite a few party members and volunteers in Willowdale who don’t actually live in the riding—we welcome all comers ☺.)

VOLUNTEER. It’s the best way to get to know the people, the system, the processes, what works and what doesn’t. For example, we welcome volunteers to our constituency office. Some come up to 5 days a week because they happen to have the time and interest. Some can only contribute a couple of hours here and there. We welcome all involvement, large or small, because it’s a great way for anyone to learn what really goes on in an MP’s office at the constituency level, which is very much focused on the community and the needs of people in their dealings with government. We also welcome volunteers in our Ottawa office. Despite the fact that it sometimes gets pretty crowded with interns and volunteers in addition to staff, we love it, and like to describe the office as “cosy”. The work there is very different than in the constituency, but it’s great exposure for those interested in the more legislative, Parliamentary aspects of an MP’s job. I strongly encourage anyone to contact the office of a sitting politician that you think you’d like to learn from, and offer to help out. (There’s not enough room here to link to all of the provinces, territories and municipalities, but you can find them on their web sites. Here is a list of all of the federal MPs : (http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E). You can learn a great deal (particularly if you ask lots of questions) about what is involved. From a political and campaign side, volunteer for the riding association (contact information for most individual riding associations is on the relevant party website). Almost everyone is looking for new people, and there’s always something to do, whether it’s related to policy, membership activities, fundraising (yes, that’s a big part of politics, too), and campaigning. Some of us do occasional door-knocking even when there is no campaign—it can be fun and a good opportunity to see how it works. (It’s not nearly as scary as some people worry---almost everyone who answers the door is actually happy to see you there and to share with you their views.)

RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE. Actually running for public office is a big step, but I strongly encourage everyone to at least consider it—particularly after you’ve taken the time to learn and experience what you might be getting into. My first answer to the question, “How do we get more women in Parliament?” is to say we need, quite simply, more women to run. If you are interested, here are a few “who, what, when, where and how” tips:

WHO? Realistically, the elected, public side of politics is not for everyone. It can be immensely rewarding. It can also be pretty demanding—it is NOT a 9 to 5 job. Particularly where the legislature is in a different city, requiring travel and time away from home, it can be a huge personal commitment. It is more of a challenge for those who have family or other obligations (young children, older parents, etc.) It is easier to do if you are financially stable, and if you either do not have other responsibilities, or they are behind you (i.e. kids have grown up), or you otherwise have the necessary independence, flexibility and/or family support.
WHAT? It’s not rocket science, but it does require a lot of hard work—and others to support you, so you’ll need to encourage others to help. There are various “campaign college” texts and seminars out there. One I recommend, geared to aspiring women politicians (but useful for men too), has been prepared by Equal Voice: http://gettingtothegate.com/ There are also lots of people to ask for advice—don’t hesitate.
WHEN? Timing will depend on your availability, family and other commitments. But there are many other factors, such as when is the next election? What party do you want to run for? What constituency do you want to represent? Is there is an incumbent? But even if there is no immediate opening where you are interested, there is no time like the present to get involved—to learn, to make connections, network, and prepare for a nomination campaign and full candidacy further down the road.
WHERE? Where you run will depend on a number of factors. Although in most cases you don’t technically have to live where you run, it usually is the place where you live, work, or otherwise have a connection. You might choose a different jurisdiction due to incumbency (i.e. no opening), or because someone else is already heavily favoured in a nomination battle. Realistically, “winnability” is also a factor. Of course, the winds of political fortune can shift dramatically, and I always encourage people to run. Regardless of success, it is an extraordinary experience—and it often takes more than one campaign to succeed.
HOW? If you haven’t already, do your homework on levels of government, jurisdictions, issues, current politicians and electoral history. Second, get involved with someone who has already done it. If provincial or federal, join the local riding association of the party you’ve chosen, and volunteer to help out—it’s the best way to get to know the people who are already involved. And volunteer for a campaign—in so doing, expose yourself to all aspects—door-knocking, phone-calling, data entry, brochures, lawn signs, assisting the candidate with debates, getting the vote out, etc. And ask questions! It’s all great learning for when you take the plunge yourself.

In the rather unique federation that is Canada, various areas of governance are dealt with at different levels under our Constitution. What follows is a very general, certainly not exhaustive, description—and there is significant jurisdictional overlap in some of these areas. (For a pretty good summary, see Wikipedia on Canadian Federalism.)

The federal government is responsible for: the macro-economics of the country, money and banking; foreign affairs and trade; significant aspects of the environment; the military and defence; various other activities that transcend provincial boundaries, such as national transport (air, rail, sea, national highways) and Canada Post; Aboriginal issues; fisheries and oceans; criminal law; employment insurance and the Canada Pension Plan; the national Health Act; intellectual property; citizenship and immigration—you get the idea. The federal Parliament consists of 308 Members of Parliament, almost all of whom belong to a specific political Party. The Government is formed by the Party with the greatest number of elected MPs, and the Leader of that Party becomes the Prime Minister (he/she is NOT elected directly by the people). The Official Opposition is the Party that has the next-largest number of elected MPs.

The provincial governments are responsible for property and civil rights, including consumer protection; education; delivery of health care; welfare; the administration of justice (most of the court system); natural resources and the environment. They are elected in a similar way to the federal government, on Party lines.

Municipal governments are responsible for the direct needs of the community, such as water, sewage, garbage collection, public transit, land use planning, libraries, emergency services such as fire-fighting. Increasingly, particularly in larger urban centres, municipal governments find themselves burdened with many issues not originally set out as municipal responsibilities, such as settlement challenges for new immigrant, and affordable housing. Municipal politics are not (officially at any rate) conducted along partisan lines, and you don’t need to join any particular political party to be involved or run for office. (This is very attractive to many who want to be involved politically, based on issues, but who are uncomfortable with partisan politics.)

Devenir active en politique : Vous pouvez – et vous devriez

2010-08-31T20:14:00.001-04:00

J’ai récemment écrit un article intitulé « Where are the Women? »dans la revue UofT Magazine (édition été 2010), dans lequel je me plaignais de la pénurie de femmes en politique. Les réactions que cet article a provoquées ont été remarquables. Nous avons besoin qu’un plus grand nombre de femmes participent au processus politique, pour les raisons que j’ai mentionnées dans l’article original, et je suis vraiment heureuse que tant de gens aient répondu et dit qu’ils avaient envie de devenir actifs. Plusieurs ont demandé des conseils sur la manière de soumettre sa candidature pour une charge publique. D’autres ont aussi demandé des conseils, pas nécessairement sur la manière de briguer les suffrages, mais sur la manière de participer au processus politique d’autres manières. Le très grand nombre de réponses m’a amenée à rédiger un texte de suivi contenant des recommandations plus précises sur la manière de procéder. J’aimerais qu’on remarque que j’encourage les hommes ET les femmes à participer davantage – alors messieurs, sentez-vous libres d’utiliser également ceci.

Toutefois, avant de commencer, je voudrais formuler le commentaire suivant : très souvent, y compris dans les réponses reçues à l’article de l’UofT Magazine, des gens, en particulier des femmes, m’ont dit « je n’ai pas les diplômes qu’il faut » ou « mon expérience n’est pas pertinente » ou encore « je réagis trop vivement aux commentaires négatifs ». Balivernes. Un tiers des députés canadiens n’ont pas de diplôme universitaire, mais certaines de ces personnes comptent parmi les meilleurs députés, parce qu’elles possèdent une expérience pratique extrêmement valable. Je peux penser à un ou deux agriculteurs, par exemple, qui font de l’excellent travail au Parlement. Qui pourrait mieux savoir à quoi tant de femmes sont confrontées que quelqu’un qui a mené de front de multiples tâches en élevant des enfants et en tenant maison, tout en ayant un emploi pour payer les factures? Qui d’autre pourrait mieux comprendre les difficultés que connaissent les milliers d’immigrants qui arrivent au Canada qu’une personne ayant vécu cette expérience? Qui est le plus à même de comprendre les besoins pressants d’innovation et d’esprit d’entreprise, de même que les enjeux pour les PME, que des gens ayant de l’expérience dans le monde des affaires? Le gouvernement du Canada a besoin de comprendre les Canadiens, ainsi que de les représenter dans leur diversité. Cela implique que des gens d’horizons différents en termes d’éducation et d’expérience peuvent y participer –mais surtout, qu’ils le devraient.

Bien des gens me disent aussi qu’ils croient que la politique est en quelque sorte un domaine réservé aux élites, ou à des cliques, et que vous devez avoir des contacts pour pouvoir participer. Là encore, balivernes. Le processus politique est bien plus accessible, et il est bien plus facile de commencer à y participer, que je le croyais quand j’ai commencé. Mais il faut commencer quelque part, et j’espère que cet article sera utile à cet égard.

Que vous décidiez de soumettre votre candidature pour une charge publique ou que vous estimiez que vous seriez plus efficace et plus heureux en participant d’une autre manière, je ne vous encouragerai jamais assez à le faire. Cela peut être extrêmement satisfaisant – parfois enrageant aussi, croyez-moi! –mais, en fin de compte, très satisfaisant. J’espère que ce qui suit s’avérera utile dans l’un ou l’autre cas. Plus vous en saurez sur le fonctionnement du système, plus vous apprendrez, plus vous connaîtrez de gens qui participent déjà, et mieux armé vous serez pour déterminer quelle sorte de participation à la vie politique vous convient le mieux.

POSEZ-VOUS QUELQUES QUESTIONS. Quel ordre de gouvernement vous intéresse? ( Voir ci-dessous pour une brève description des gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux et des administrations municipales.) Si c’est le gouvernement fédéral ou provincial, quel parti vous intéresse? Combien de temps avez-vous à consacrer à la politique? Quelles sont les questions qui vous intéressent le plus? Quels députés fédéraux ou provinciaux ou quels conseillers municipaux admirez-vous? Pourquoi? Quels sont ceux que vous ne respectez pas autant, et pourquoi en est-il ainsi? Vos réponses vous aideront à déterminer où concentrer vos efforts et avec qui.

JOIGNEZ-VOUS À UN PARTI. Bien que ce ne soit pas nécessaire en politique municipale, l’adhésion à un parti est un élément fondamental à la fois de la politique fédérale et de la politique provinciale. Voici des liens vers les sites Web des principaux partis : Parti libéral, http://www.liberal.ca/; Parti conservateur, http://www.conservative.ca/; NPD, http://www.ndp.ca/; Parti vert, http://partivert.ca/. Chacun de ces sites vous aidera à savoir dans quelle circonscription (« comté ») vous habitez et vous donne des directives sur la manière d’adhérer au parti et à l’association de circonscription pertinente. Vous pourriez décider de militer ailleurs que dans la circonscription où vous habitez, si un député fédéral ou provincial vous plaît ou si vous connaissez des gens qui sont actifs ailleurs. Il n’existe aucune exigence, même pour briguer les suffrages, pour ce qui est d’habiter dans la circonscription dans laquelle vous concentrez vos efforts, bien qu’il soit utile d’avoir un lien quelconque avec celle-ci. (Dans Willowdale, nous avons plusieurs membres du parti et bénévoles qui n’habitent pas la circonscription — toute personne qui se présente est bienvenue.)

FAITES DU BÉNÉVOLAT. C’est la meilleure manière de connaître les gens, le système, les processus, ce qui fonctionne et ce qui ne fonctionne pas. Par exemple, les bénévoles sont bienvenus à notre bureau de circonscription. Certains viennent jusqu’à cinq jours par semaine, parce qu’ils ont le temps et que cela les intéresse. D’autres ne peuvent consacrer au bénévolat que quelques heures par-ci, par là. Nous sommes heureux de toute forme de participation, grande ou petite, parce que c’est une excellente façon pour quiconque d’apprendre ce qui se passe vraiment dans le bureau d’un député au niveau de la circonscription, où le travail est fortement axé sur la collectivité et les besoins des personnes dans leurs rapports avec le gouvernement. Nous accueillons aussi des bénévoles à notre bureau d’Ottawa. En dépit du fait que nous soyons parfois un peu à l’étroit avec tout ce monde –les stagiaires, les bénévoles et le personnel – nous adorons cela et nous aimons décrire le bureau comme étant « douillet ». Le travail au bureau d’Ottawa diffère considérablement de celui qu’on effectue dans la circonscription, mais c’est une excellente expérience pour les personnes qui s’intéressent davantage aux aspects législatif et parlementaire du travail d’un député. J’encourage fortement tout le monde à communiquer avec le bureau d’une femme ou d’un homme politique de qui vous aimeriez apprendre et à offrir votre aide. (L’espace manque ici pour donner des liens vers l’ensemble des provinces, des territoires et des municipalités, mais vous les trouverez sur leurs sites Web. On trouve ici une liste de tous les députés fédéraux : http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=F%29. Il est possible d’apprendre beaucoup de choses sur ce qui est en jeu, en particulier si vous posez beaucoup de questions. Du point de vue de la politique et des campagnes, devenez bénévole de l’association de circonscription (les coordonnées de la plupart de ces associations se trouvent sur le site du parti politique pertinent). Presque tout le monde cherche de nouvelles personnes, et il y a toujours quelque chose à faire, que cela se rapporte aux politiques, aux activités à l’intention des membres, à la collecte de fonds (oui, cela aussi constitue une partie importante de la politique) ou à la campagne. Certains d’entre nous font du porte-à-porte à l’occasion, même en dehors des campagnes électorales. Cela peut être amusant ainsi qu’une bonne manière de voir comment cela fonctionne. (Ce n’est pas aussi effrayant que craignent certains. Presque toutes les personnes qui viennent ouvrir sont en réalité ravies de vous voir et de vous donner leur point de vue.)

BRIGUER LES SUFFRAGES. Le fait de poser sa candidature à une charge publique est un grand pas à franchir, mais j’encourage fortement tout le monde à envisager de faire ce pas, en particulier après avoir pris le temps d’apprendre et de faire l’expérience de ce dans quoi vous vous engageriez. Ma première réponse à la question « Comment faire pour qu’il y ait davantage de femmes au Parlement? » est de dire tout simplement qu’il suffit qu’un plus grand nombre de femmes se présentent. Si cela vous intéresse, voici quelques conseils sous forme de « qui, quoi, quand, où et comment ».

QUI? De manière réaliste, il faut dire que l’aspect électif et public de la politique n’est pas pour tout le monde. Elle peut être immensément gratifiante. Elle peut aussi être très exigeante –ce n’est pas un emploi de 9 à 5. C’est le cas en particulier lorsque l’assemblée législative est située dans une autre ville, ce qui exige des déplacements et des absences de la maison; cela peut représenter un engagement personnel énorme. C’est plus difficile pour les personnes qui ont une famille ou d’autres obligations (de jeunes enfants, des parents âgés, etc.). Cela facilite les choses si votre situation financière est stable et si vous n’avez pas d’autres responsabilités, qu’elles soient derrière vous (par exemple, les enfants ont grandi) ou que si vous disposez d’une manière ou d’une autre de l’indépendance et de la souplesse nécessaires et/ou du soutien de votre famille.
QUOI? Ce n’est pas de la physique nucléaire, mais la politique exige beaucoup de travail acharné – ainsi que d’autres personnes pour vous soutenir. Vous devrez donc encourager d’autres personnes à vous aider. Il existe beaucoup de livres sur l’art de faire campagne, ainsi que des séminaires. Un ouvrage que je recommande, qui est axé sur les femmes aspirant à se lancer en politique (mais qui est utile pour les hommes aussi) a été préparé par À voix égales et se trouve à http://gettingtothegate.com/. Il y a aussi beaucoup de gens à qui vous pouvez demander conseil; n’hésitez pas à le faire.
QUAND? Le moment où vous vous lancerez dépendra de votre disponibilité, de votre famille et de vos autres engagements. Mais il existe beaucoup d’autres facteurs. Par exemple, quand doit avoir lieu la prochaine élection? Pour quel parti souhaitez-vous vous présenter? Dans quelle circonscription aimeriez-vous vous présenter? Y a-t-il un député sortant? Mais même s’il n’y a pas d’ouverture immédiate dans la circonscription qui vous intéresse, le meilleur moment pour commencer à participer est maintenant, pour apprendre, établir des liens, bâtir un réseau et vous préparer en vue d’une campagne de nomination et d’une candidature en bonne et due forme par la suite.
OÙ? L’endroit où vous vous présenterez dépendra d’une série de facteurs. Bien que, dans la plupart des cas, vous n’êtes techniquement pas obligé d’habiter la circonscription où vous vous présentez, l’endroit où vous vivez est certainement un facteur à considérer, de même que l’endroit où vous travaillez ou où vous avez établi une forme de lien. Vous pourriez choisir un autre endroit parce qu’il y a déjà un titulaire (et qu’il n’y a donc pas d’ouverture), ou parce que quelqu’un est déjà favori dans une éventuelle course à la nomination. De façon réaliste, la « gagnabilité » de la circonscription est aussi un facteur. Bien entendu, la roue de fortune politique peut tourner rapidement, et j’encourage toujours les gens à se présenter. Que vous gagniez ou non, c’est toujours une expérience extraordinaire. Et, souvent, il faut faire campagne plus d’une fois pour être élu.
COMMENT? D’abord, si ce n’est déjà fait, faites vos devoirs au sujet des ordres de gouvernement, des sphères de compétence, des enjeux, des personnalités politiques actuelles et de l’histoire électorale. Ensuite, établissez le contact avec quelqu’un qui est déjà passé par là. Au fédéral ou au provincial, devenez membre de l’association de circonscription locale du parti que vous avez choisi, et devenez bénévole pour donner un coup de main. C’est la meilleure manière d’apprendre à connaître les gens qui sont en place. Enfin, agissez comme bénévole pour une campagne. Ce faisant, touchez à tous les aspects : le porte-à-porte, les appels téléphoniques, la saisie de données, les brochures, les placards, l’aide au candidat lors des débats, « faire sortir le vote », etc. Et posez des questions! Cette expérience sera des plus utiles lorsque vous ferez le saut vous-même.

Au sein de la fédération au caractère plutôt unique qu'est le Canada et selon notre Constitution, divers secteurs de gouvernance relèvent de la responsabilité de divers ordres de gouvernement. Ce qui suit est une description générale et certainement non exhaustive – et des chevauchements de compétences existent dans certains de ces secteurs. (Pour un assez bon résumé, voir Wikipédia, sur le fédéralisme canadien.)

Le gouvernement fédéral est responsable des secteurs suivants : la macro-économie du pays; la monnaie et les banques; les affaires étrangères et le commerce; des aspects importants de l'environnement; les forces armées et la défense; diverses autres activités qui transcendent les limites des provinces, par exemple le transport national (aérien, ferroviaire et maritime, et les autoroutes nationales); la Société canadienne des postes; les questions autochtones; les pêches et les océans; le droit pénal; l'assurance-emploi et le Régime de pensions du Canada; la Loi sur la santé nationale; la propriété intellectuelle; la citoyenneté et l'immigration – vous avez saisi l'idée. Le Parlement fédéral compte 308 députés, dont la quasi-totalité appartient à un parti politique en particulier. Le gouvernement est formé par le parti qui fait élire le plus grand nombre de députés, et le chef de ce parti devient premier ministre (il ou elle n'est PAS élu directement par le peuple). L'Opposition officielle est formée par le parti qui est arrivé au deuxième rang en termes de députés élus.

Les gouvernements provinciaux sont responsable de la propriété et des droits de la personne, y compris la protection du consommateur; de la prestation des services de santé; du bien-être social; de l'administration de la justice (la plus grande part du système judiciaire); des ressources naturelles et de l'environnement. Le mode d'élection de ces gouvernements est semblable à celui du gouvernement fédéral, en fonction des partis.

Les administrations municipales sont responsables des besoins directs de la collectivité : eau, égouts, collecte des ordures, transport en commun, urbanisme, bibliothèques, services d'urgence tels que les pompiers. De plus en plus, en particulier dans les grands centres urbains, les administrations municipales héritent du fardeau de plusieurs problèmes qui n'ont pas été jugés au départ comme étant de compétence municipale, par exemple les difficultés d'établissement des immigrants récents et les logements abordables. La politique municipale n'est pas (en tout cas, pas officiellement) menée selon des lignes de parti, et il n'est pas nécessaire de se joindre à un parti politique en particulier pour participer ou pour être candidat. (Ce point est très attrayant pour bien des gens qui veulent être actifs en politique en fonction des enjeux, mais que la politique partisane met mal à l'aise.)

Where are the Women?

2010-08-31T19:57:00.002-04:00

Liberal MP Martha Hall Findlay asks why only one-fifth of Canadian politicians are female:

Women represent only about 21 per cent of elected politicians in Canada, but 52 per cent of the population. We represent more than half of the people affected by legislation passed by our politicians, but we’re not nearly half of the group making the decisions.

This is a problem. We need to be at the table when policies that affect us and our society are developed, prioritized, debated and implemented. I’m not one who believes we need more women there because we are somehow “better” at the conduct of politics, or because we’re somehow more co-operative or consensus-driven than men. I’m not even sure that’s true. Women need to be equally represented, quite simply, because we’re equally affected – and by being there, we’ll get decisions that better reflect the needs of all of society, not just half. It’s frustratingly like the classic 1950s scenario, with the husband making all of the financial and other significant decisions for not only himself but also his wife and family. Most of us would no longer accept that in our personal lives – why should we accept it for our country?

And the need for more women is not because of so-called “women’s issues,” a term I have trouble with. My background is international relations, international law and business – my primary political interests are economics and finance, foreign affairs and trade. Yes, I also have three great kids. And, yes, I am interested (and from experience, pretty well versed) in child care and early learning. And, yes, women bear most of the burden for it. But child care (as only one example) is not just a women’s issue. It affects families, society, job participation and, ultimately, the country’s overall economic environment and success. We all have a vested interest in it. I worry, in fact, that using the label “women’s issues” serves to marginalize some of the very issues that need to be better addressed.

But we still have the basic concern: How do we get to a place where women are equally represented among decision-makers? The more women run, the more women will get elected. We need to get more women interested, engaged and, ultimately, keen to run for public office.

There a number of challenges and barriers: money, the media, the style of politics, whether women are more uneasy about public exposure. A big issue, though, is that politics is simply not a nine-to-five job. It’s daytime, nighttime and weekends. Federal politics requires living in two places. And in our society, women still bear the largest share of the responsibility for children and aging parents, family and social activities, and household chores. Until such time as men bear equal responsibility for those things, it’s hard to get an equal number of women willing and able to leave home for weeks at a time. And it’s not just time and availability. The pressure put on women from society, family and friends – and themselves – is very strong, particularly where there are kids. The level of expectation – and guilt – is very different from that faced, generally, by men.

I’d be thrilled if I had a solution to that larger societal inequality, but, absent that, what do we do? In my case, I simply didn’t take the plunge until I was 45, with other responsibilities behind me.

To the older women out there – those of you, like me, who have already managed responsibilities such as kids and other careers, and who are now in a position (family-wise, time-wise, financially) to contribute through public office: we need you.

To those women out there who have young children, or other obligations, but without the necessary family or other support needed to juggle those life responsibilities: we want you there, and involved, but perhaps actually running for office can wait. There are other ways to be involved in politics in the mean-time, and we, your communities and your country need you.

Martha Hall Findlay (BA 1983 VIC) is Liberal MP for Willowdale, Ontario, and is Official Opposition Critic for Public Works and Government Services. She ran for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada in 2006. She encourages any woman interested in getting involved in politics to write to her at HallFindlay.M@parl.gc.ca.

Où sont les femmes?

2010-08-31T19:55:00.004-04:00

La députée libérale Martha Hall Findlay demande pourquoi seulement un cinquième des personnes engagées en politique active sont des femmes

Les femmes ne représentent qu’environ 21 pour cent des politiciens élus au Canada, tout en formant 52 pour cent de la population. Nous constituons plus de la moitié des gens touchés par les lois que nos élus adoptent, mais nous sommes loin de former la moitié du groupe qui prend les décisions.

Il y a là un problème. Nous devons être à la table lorsque des politiques qui nous touchent, qui touchent notre société, sont élaborées et classées par ordre de priorité, qu’on en débat et qu’on les met en œuvre. Je ne suis pas de ceux qui croient que nous avons besoin davantage de femmes parce que nous sommes « meilleures » d’une façon ou d’une autre dans notre manière de faire de la politique, ou parce que nous serions prétendument plus axées sur la collaboration ou le consensus que les hommes. Je ne suis même pas sûre que ce soit vrai. Les femmes doivent être également représentées tout simplement parce que nous sommes également touchées. Et en étant présentes, nous obtiendrons des décisions qui reflètent mieux les besoins de toute la société, et non de seulement la moitié. La situation ressemble de manière agaçante au scénario des années 1950, avec le mari qui prend toutes les décisions financières et les autres décisions importantes, non seulement pour lui-même mais aussi pour sa femme et sa famille. La plupart d’entre nous n’accepteraient plus cette façon de faire dans notre vie personnelle; pourquoi devrions-nous l’accepter pour notre pays?

Et la nécessité d’une présence accrue des femmes n’est pas liée à ce qu’on a coutume d’appeler les « questions féminines », un terme au sujet duquel j’ai des réserves. Ma formation et mon expérience se situent dans le domaine des relations internationales, du droit international et des affaires; mes principaux domaines d’intérêt en politique sont l’économie et la finance, les affaires étrangères et le commerce. Oui, j’ai aussi trois enfants formidables. Et oui, je m’intéresse aux services de garde et à l’apprentissage précoce et, de par mon expérience, je m’y connais assez bien. Et oui, les femmes portent la plus grande part du fardeau en ce domaine. Mais les services de garde (ce qui n’est qu’un exemple) ne sont pas une question exclusivement féminine. Ils touchent les familles, la société, la participation au monde du travail et, en bout de ligne, l’environnement économique global du pays et son succès. Nous avons tous un intérêt direct en ce domaine. En fait, je m’inquiète que l’étiquette « questions féminines» serve à marginaliser certaines des questions dont, justement, il faudrait s’occuper davantage.

Mais il reste toujours la préoccupation de base : comment devons-nous faire pour arriver au point où les femmes seront également représentées parmi les décideurs? Plus de femmes se présenteront et plus un grand nombre d’entre elles seront élues. Nous devons faire en sorte qu’un plus grand nombre de femmes s’intéressent à la politique, y participent et aient le goût de briguer les suffrages.

Un certain nombre de difficultés et d’obstacles se dressent sur la route : l’argent, les médias, le style de la politique, la question de savoir si les femmes sont davantage mal à l’aise à avoir une vie publique. Un gros problème, toutefois, est que la politique n’est tout simplement pas un emploi de 9 à 5. On y travaille le jour, le soir et les fins de semaine. La politique fédérale exige deux lieux de résidence. Et, dans notre société, les femmes assument encore la plus grande part de la responsabilité des enfants et des parents vieillissants, de la famille et des activités sociales, ainsi que des tâches ménagères. D’ici à ce que les hommes assument une part égale de ces responsabilités, il sera difficile d’avoir un nombre égal de femmes qui consentent à quitter la maison pendant des semaines et qui sont en mesure de le faire. Et le problème ne se limite pas au temps et à la disponibilité. La pression exercée sur les femmes par la société, la famille et les amis, et celle qu’elles s’imposent, est très forte, en particulier lorsqu’il y a des enfants. Le niveau des attentes, et la culpabilité, sont très différents de ceux que subissent en général les hommes.

Je serais ravie si j’avais une solution à cette iniquité sociétale globale, mais comme nous n’en avons pas, que faire? Dans mon cas, j’ai simplement attendu d’avoir 45 ans pour me lancer et d’avoir mis certaines responsabilités derrière moi.
J’aimerais dire ceci aux femmes plus âgées, celles d’entre vous qui, comme moi, ont déjà géré des responsabilités telles que des enfants et d’autres carrières et qui sont maintenant en mesure (côté famille, temps et finances) de contribuer en briguant une charge publique : nous avons besoin de vous.

Et je voudrais ajouter ceci à l’intention des femmes qui me lisent et qui ont de jeunes enfants ou d’autres obligations, mais qui ne disposent pas du soutien, familial ou autre, qui est nécessaire pour concilier toutes ces responsabilités : nous aimerions que vous soyez présentes et que vous participiez, mais peut-être que la candidature elle-même peut attendre. Il y a d’autres manières de participer à la vie politique entre-temps et nous, notre pays et nos collectivités avons besoin de vous.

Martha Hall Findlay (BA 1983 VIC) est députée libérale de la circonscription de Willowdale (Ontario) et porte-parole de l’opposition officielle en matière de travaux publics et de services gouvernementaux. Elle a été candidate à la direction du Parti libéral du Canada en 2006. Elle encourage toute femme qui s’intéresse à une éventuelle participation politique à lui écrire à HallFindlay.M@parl.gc.ca.

"WE WILL BECOME INVISIBLE” -- MHF on scrapping mandatory census

2010-07-23T13:31:00.005-04:00

I am, with this letter, asking everyone to speak out against the Harper government’s decision to scrap the long-form census form. Write to the PM, to Minister Clement, to your MP (yes, me too). Call in to talk radio shows. Join facebook protests. Write letters to the editors of your local papers. We need Canadians to say “no” to this decision.

This is not a partisan request—indeed, upset about this has come from across the political spectrum. But we need voices to be raised. Only through engagement can we effect change.

There are many, many reasons why this is a bad decision—fundamentally it’s because one can’t govern from ignorance. But the title of this piece reflects one of the most worrying aspects—that making the census voluntary will render many Canadians “invisible”. The comment first came to my office from a representative of the Korean Canadian community, recognizing the concern for the community, and exhorting others to take action. It is a comment that has now been repeated many times, by many people, from all political persuasions. Making the census voluntary will disproportionately affect Canadians from already under-represented groups such as new immigrants, the poor, the less-educated, those with disabilities, aboriginals and people from certain ethno-racial groups. Many of these people will, for various reasons, be far less likely to fill out a form voluntarily—and if the forms aren’t filled out, they will, in effect, become invisible. Those who are most vulnerable will become invisible to the very people whose job is to make decisions affecting them.

Provinces, municipalities, businesses, doctors, nurses, social workers, chambers of commerce, think tanks (from across the ideological spectrum), teachers—people and organizations from all across Canada, and from every political persuasion, have come out strongly against this decision. Even the head of Statistics Canada has resigned, saying that the proposed voluntary replacement will not work. There are few issues that have engendered such unanimous condemnation.

As an elected politician, I know that to make good decisions for Canada, we need basic information about Canadians, such as income, ethnicity, work, age, language, education, disabilities and the like. The information gathered is kept completely confidential on a personal basis, but is invaluable as a whole. Without that information, how can we possibly develop and provide for effective and efficient taxation, social programs, infrastructure building, education, health care, old age security, affordable housing, immigrant assistance? Governments, charities, businesses and community organizations—we all rely on the census information to do our jobs the best we can. How can we possibly run this country effectively without the facts?

Supporting this decision (made without any public consultation or notice) are a few ultra-conservatives, including Prime Minister Harper, reflecting an ideological, far right, “keep the state away from me” way of thinking. But contrary to claims by some in the Harper government, very, very few people ever complained about the “intrusion” of the mandatory census—Statistics Canada reported no such negative response, and Canada’s Privacy Commissioner reported only 3 complaints in 10 years (!), none of which were upheld.

In 2003 the Republican administration in the US tried making the census voluntary, but it was a disaster. Bad enough that the number of respondents dropped significantly, but the number dropped disproportionately far more among groups such as blacks, Hispanics, immigrant communities and American Indians. Because of the imbalance, the information became of little use, and the whole system became more expensive. The US wisely, quickly, returned to a mandatory census system.

By far the majority of Canadians believe in peace, order and good government, and good government requires facts and knowledge of the people—ALL of the people—to whom, and for whom, that government is responsible. I encourage you to help us persuade the Harper government to rethink this bad decision.

« Nous allons devenir invisibles »

2010-07-23T13:25:00.000-04:00

J’écris aujourd’hui pour demander à tout le monde de s'élever contre la décision du gouvernement Harper de ne plus imposer l’obligation de répondre au formulaire long de recensement. Écrivez au premier ministre, au ministre Clement, à votre député ou votre députée (oui, moi aussi). Appelez les émissions de ligne ouverte à la radio. Joignez‑vous aux protestataires sur Facebook. Écrivez des lettres aux éditeurs de vos journaux locaux. Les Canadiens et les Canadiennes doivent dire « non » à cette décision.

Ce n’est pas une demande partisane; parce que ce geste a suscité l’indignation de tout le spectre politique. Mais nous avons besoin de voix qui vont se faire entendre. C'est seulement par l’engagement que nous pouvons changer les choses.

C’est une mauvaise décision pour toutes sortes de raisons. Mais fondamentalement, c’est parce qu’on ne peut pas gouverner dans l’ignorance. Par ailleurs, l’un des aspects les plus préoccupants du geste est le voile d’invisibilité qu'il posera sur beaucoup de Canadiens et de Canadiennes, comme je m’en inquiète dans le titre de ma missive. C’est un représentant de la communauté coréenne canadienne qui a été le premier à en faire la remarque à mon bureau, reconnaissant son inquiétude pour la communauté, et nous exhortant tous et toutes à réagir. Le commentaire a depuis été réitéré à maintes reprises, par beaucoup de personnes, de toutes les allégeances politiques. Rendre le recensement volontaire touchera de façon disproportionnée les Canadiens et les Canadiennes de groupes déjà sous‑représentés comme les nouveaux immigrants, les pauvres, les moins éduqués, les personnes handicapées, les autochtones et les personnes de certains groupes ethnoraciaux. Un grand nombre de ces personnes, pour diverses raisons, seront beaucoup moins susceptibles de remplir un formulaire volontairement. Et si elles ne remplissent pas les formulaires, elles deviendront dans les faits invisibles. Ce sont les plus vulnérables qui disparaîtront aux yeux justement de ceux et celles dont le travail consiste à prendre des décisions qui touchent les plus vulnérables.

Les provinces, les municipalités, les entreprises, les médecins, les infirmières, les travailleurs sociaux, les chambres de commerce, les groupes de réflexion (de tout le spectre politique), les enseignants, les personnes et les organismes de partout au Canada, et de toutes les allégeances politiques, se sont fortement opposés à cette décision. Le Statisticien en chef du Canada a même démissionné, en disant que le formulaire volontaire proposé pour remplacer le formulaire obligatoire ne fonctionnera pas. Rares sont les questions qui ont suscité une telle condamnation unanime.

À titre d’élue, je sais que pour prendre de bonnes décisions pour le Canada, nous avons besoin de données de base sur les Canadiens et les Canadiennes, comme le revenu, l’ethnicité, le travail, l’âge, la langue, l'éducation, les handicaps et autres. Les données réunies demeurent entièrement confidentielles sur une base personnelle, mais leur valeur d'ensemble est inestimable. Sans ces données, comment pouvons‑nous élaborer et fournir des mécanismes efficaces et efficients d’imposition, des programmes sociaux ciblés, une infrastructure adéquate, l’éducation, les soins de santé, la sécurité de la vieillesse, le logement abordable, l'aide aux immigrants? Tant les gouvernements, les organismes de bienfaisance, les entreprises que les organismes communautaires, nous dépendons tous des données du recensement pour faire notre travail le mieux possible. Comment pourrions‑nous diriger ce pays efficacement si nous ne connaissons pas les faits?

Les partisans de cette décision (prise hors de toute consultation publique et sans aucun avis) sont quelques ultra‑conservateurs, dont le premier ministre Harper, des tenants de l’idéologie de l'extrême droite pour qui « il faut tenir l’État le plus loin possible. » [traduction] Mais contrairement à ce que prétendent certains membres du gouvernement Harper, très rares sont les personnes qui se sont plaintes de « l’intrusion » du formulaire de recensement obligatoire. Statistique Canada n’a rapporté aucune réponse négative semblable à ce sujet, et la commissaire à la protection de la vie privée du Canada a fait état de seulement trois plaintes en dix ans (!), dont aucune n’a été retenue. La très grande majorité des Canadiens et des Canadiennes croient à la paix, à l’ordre et au bon gouvernement, et le bon gouvernement a besoin de faits et de renseignements sur la population, la population AU COMPLET, qu’il a la responsabilité de servir et dont il est responsable.

En 2003, l’administration républicaine aux États‑Unis a essayé de rendre le recensement volontaire, mais cela a été un désastre. Si la diminution importante du nombre de répondants que cette décision a engendrée était déjà consternante, bien pire encore a été la façon disproportionnée dont cette diminution s’est manifestée chez des groupes comme les noirs, la population hispanophone, les communautés immigrantes et les indiens américains. Ce déséquilibre a rendu les données de peu d’utilité, et le système au complet est devenu plus dispendieux. Les États‑Unis sont retournés sagement, rapidement, à un système de recensement obligatoire. Je vous encourage à nous aider à persuader le gouvernement Harper de revoir cette mauvaise décision.

This Great Country of Ours…3 Days on the Liberal Express

2010-07-23T11:06:00.000-04:00

Rather than provide links for all the places and people we met, I’ll just say that I spent 3 days on the Liberal Express with Michael Ignatieff, from Pickering to Ajax to Markham to Toronto to Orillia to Camp Couchiching to Rosseau to Barrie to Caledon to Brampton....... The Liberal Express blog has lots of photos of the whole tour. And it was great fun. It was nice to spend some time with MP colleagues wearing shorts, sandals, T-shirts and flip-flops; the Young Liberals on board were good fun; Michael was terrific, the reception on the ground was extraordinarily warm and welcoming, the reaction excellent—all in all, it was really positive, and as the first week of a 7-week tour, bodes well for the summer. Lucky Michael and the team get to spend the whole summer exploring this great country of ours, and meeting so many of the great people who live here.

Ce beau pays qui est le nôtre…3 jours sur l’autobus le Libéral Express

2010-07-23T11:05:00.001-04:00

Plutôt que de vous fournir les liens de tous les endroits et personnes rencontrés, je vais seulement vous dire que j’ai passé trois jours à bord de l’autobus Libéral Express avec Micheal Ignatieff, en partant de Pickering vers Ajax en passant par Markham, Toronto, Orillia, au Camp Couchiching, Rosseau, Barrie, Caledon et Brampton… Je vous invite à consulter le blogue de l’autobus Libéral Express pour y voir les photos de la tournée. Mon séjour sur l’autobus fut très plaisant. J’ai apprécié passer du temps avec mes collègues député(e)s en short, en chandails à manches courtes, et en sandales; j’ai aussi eu beaucoup de plaisir avec les jeunes libéraux qui étaient à bord de l’autobus. Michael était formidable et les réceptions et activités organisées sur le terrain étaient extraordinairement invitantes et conviviales. Tout autour, les réactions étaient très positives et pour la première semaine d’une tournée de 7 semaines, on peut dire qu’elle s’est très bien passée. Michael et son équipe sont chanceux de pouvoir explorer notre beau pays tout au long de l’été et d’y rencontrer autant de bons citoyens canadiens.

This Great Country of Ours…Sudbury, June 2010 x 2

2010-07-23T11:00:00.001-04:00

I’ve had the good fortune to be in Sudbury not once but twice recently. One was to speak at the AGM of theSudbury Federal Liberal Association, and to support a great candidate there, Carol Hartman.

Not long thereafter, I was asked to do a televised book review, on CBC’s “Power and Politics” with Evan Solomon, on the new biography of former Prime Minister R.B. Bennett by John Boyko, “Bennett, The Rebel who Challenged and Changed a Nation”. James Rajotte, my Conservative MP co-reviewer, was in Edmonton, Evan was in Ottawa, but I was on Georgian Bay, so the closest CBC studio was in Sudbury--but it worked. And I highly recommend the book to anyone—not just because I learned so much about a previously under-recognized prime minister, but also because of how much I learned about Canadian politics of the era.

Ce beau pays qui est le nôtre…Sudbury, juin 2010 x 2

2010-07-23T10:59:00.002-04:00

Récemment, j’ai eu la chance d’aller à Sudbury non pas une, mais deux fois. La première, c’était pour prononcer une allocution lors de l’AGA de l’Association libérale fédérale de Sudbury et pour y appuyer une excellente candidate, Carol Hartman.

Peu de temps après, on m’a demandé de faire un compte rendu d’un livre à la télévision à l’émission « Power and Politics », à la SRC, avec Evan Solomon. Il s’agissait de la nouvelle biographique de l’ex-premier ministre R.B. Bennett, écrite par John Boyko, « Bennett, The Rebel who Challenged and Changed a Nation ». James Rajotte, le député conservateur qui faisait le compte rendu avec moi, se trouvait à Edmonton, et Evan était Ottawa. Cependant, comme je me trouvais moi-même à la baie Georgienne, le studio de la SRC le plus proche était à Sudbury. Néanmoins, cela a fonctionné. Je recommande chaudement le livre, non seulement parce que j’ai beaucoup appris sur un premier ministre par le passé sous-estimé, mais aussi en raison de ce que j’ai pu y apprendre au sujet de la politique canadienne de l’époque.

Ce beau pays qui est le nôtre…Vancouver, juin 2010

2010-07-23T10:55:00.002-04:00

Dès que la Chambre des communes s’est ajournée pour l’été (à presque 21 heures un jeudi soir, en raison de tous les votes de dernière minute), je me suis rendue à Vancouver afin de participer à l’un des nombreux congrès régionaux d’orientation dans le cadre de la Conférence « Canada 150 », lesquels se trouvaient à faire partie de la Conférence biennale du Parti libéral du Canada – Colombie-Britannique. Les séances régionales faisaient suite à la Conférence d’orientation « Canada 150 », très réussie, qui a eu lieu à Montréal. La séance de Vancouver était formidable : on y a tenu de longues discussions avec des personnes de renoms.
En outre, c’est toujours agréable de passer un peu de temps à Vancouver. J’avais l’habitude de venir y passer pas mal de temps par affaires et, à chaque visite, je m’organisais toujours pour aller courir au moins une fois autour du mur de protection qui entoure l’époustouflant parc Stanley. Malheureusement, les dernières fois que j’y suis sortie, j’ai « oublié » d’apporter mes shorts et mes espadrilles… Je dois admettre, cependant, que j’ai fait l’école buissonnière un après-midi pour aller voir au musée des beaux-arts de Vancouver une exposition qui s’intitulait « The Modern Woman, Drawings by Degas, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and other Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay, Paris ». Comment aurais-je pu NE PAS aller la voir? Il y aurait tant de choses à raconter sur chaque visite à Vancouver. Néanmoins, celle-ci a été courte. Toutefois, une anecdote m’a interpelée particulièrement après (i) une séance d’orientation tôt le matin, au cours de laquelle on avait traité de nombreux problèmes importants qui se posent aux femmes de Vancouver; et (ii) l’exposition d’œuvres d’art intitulée « The Modern Woman »… Je passais devant les bateaux de l’arrière-port, de gros paquebots et des voiliers (en tant que marin, je dois avouer que j’ai une faiblesse pour les bateaux) et j’en ai vu un qui arborait fièrement, placé bien à la vue (et non, comme d’habitude, seulement sur le tableau arrière)… le nom « Fish and Chicks » (poisson et filles). Soupir...

This Great Country of Ours…Vancouver, June 2010

2010-07-23T10:51:00.002-04:00

As soon as the House of Commons rose for the summer (at almost 9 pm on a Thursday night, squeezing all the last-minute votes in), I went to Vancouver to participate in one of several regional “Canada 150” regional policy conferences, which happened to be part of the 2010 biennial LPCBC Conference. The regional sessions followed on the very successful “Canada 150” policy conference in Montreal. The Vancouver session was terrific, great discussions with great people, and it’s always nice to spend a bit of time in Vancouver. I used to come on business a fair bit, and I always managed to get at least one run per visit around the Seawall which goes completely around the stunning Stanley Park. Unfortunately, the last couple of times I’ve been out, I haven’t managed to “remember” to bring my shorts and running shoes...... I will confess, however, to playing a bit of hooky during one afternoon to see the exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery called "The Modern Woman, Drawings by Degas, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and other Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay, Paris”. I mean, how could I NOT go to see that? There is so much to say about any visit to Vancouver, but this was a short one. One anecdote though, particularly poignant after (i) an early morning policy session dealing with many of the difficult, significant issues facing too many women in Vancouver; and (ii) the art exhibit called “The Modern Woman”......I was walking past the boats in the inner harbour, big cruisers and sailboats (as a sailor, I confess to a weakness for looking at boats), and I saw one with the name, plastered in a very visible, prominent “look at me” spot (not, as usual, just on the transom)---“Fish and Chicks”. Sigh.......

Stephen Harper's G20: Exorbitant costs, security clashes, unwarranted police force and trampling of civil liberties

2010-07-09T17:15:00.003-04:00

Exorbitant costs: $1Billion (that’s 1,000 Million of your taxpayer dollars) for security alone—and it will likely be much more when the bills finally come in. That doesn’t include the Fake Lake, the rest of the non-security hosting costs, let alone the tally for lost tourism, lost business and destruction of retail premises. No one knows what those costs will end up being—despite our repeated requests, the Harper government avoids all of our questions. The only thing we DO know is that the cost will have been enormous. And now, questions are mounting about favouritism and indeed possible corruption in the awarding of lucrative contracts. We will continue to probe, through the House of Commons National Security Committee and otherwise.

Unwarranted force, arrests and our civil liberties: I join the many others calling for a public inquiry based on what happened on the streets of Toronto. Despite all the excuses about “security”, the world saw Toronto—this fabulous, colourful, vibrant, safe and friendly city—as a war zone wasteland with burning cars, police violence and a trampling of civil liberties. The examples of unwarranted arrests, intimidation and inappropriate treatment of innocent, peaceful civilians continue to mount. We MUST stand for human rights, civil liberties, free speech, freedom of (peaceful) association and protest. These are critical in a democracy—it’s about far more than simply voting. Only when these rights are protected, indeed promoted, is a vote, a society, truly democratic. Not only must our police and government officials show the highest respect for these fundamental laws and liberties—they are supposed to be ones protecting them. In this case they didn’t. We must insist that they do. An inquiry is needed. The Ontario ombudsman will now review the ‘quiet’ introduction of sweeping powers (see the Globe and Mail article), and the Toronto Police have initiated a civilian review of police conduct—but Stephen Harper’s government appears to have been at the core of the decisions and the orders being given. We need to know what those orders were, who was giving them, what position those orders may have forced the Toronto police into, and who, ultimately was directing this reprehensible response.

Stephen Harper’s G20: The blame for much of this lies squarely with Stephen Harper. Harper’s last-minute decision to include the G20 in downtown Toronto (he gave the City all of 15 minutes’ notice before the public announcement); Harper’s refusal to consider options, even after Toronto itself expressed major concerns about costs, loss of revenue, security, and a multitude of other real problems for Torontonians; Harper’s handing Toronto Chief of Police Bill Blair and the Toronto police a near-impossible security task while, it appears, insisting that the Integrated Security Unit be coordinated from the Privy Council Office; the Harper government’s incompetence at managing money (your taxpayer dollars!), allowing costs to spiral out of control... Stephen Harper must be held accountable to Canadians for this.

The Liberal Party’s reaction: We have demanded answers from the Minister of Public Safety, Vic Toews. We have also joined in a request with other opposition MPs to have the House of Commons National Security Committee meet as soon as possible to investigate just what happened, and why, and asking Minister Toews to appear. Questions Liberals are asking, and which we hope can be asked at Committee soon, include: Who was ultimately giving security commands during the G20? Who designed the security plans for the G20? What security advice did the government consider before putting the summit in downtown Toronto? How were the contracts for security assistance (and indeed other summit hosting requirements) awarded? What was done, if anything, to manage costs? Who was responsible for the awarding of those contracts and what were the criteria? Given the Harper government refusal to answer almost any question, this will be tough, but we will continue to push.

Canada’s international role: I may be biased, given my own background in international relations and international law, but Canada should be playing a significant part in world affairs—more even than we are now. We have long punched above our weight, and as an example of a successful economy, of an even more successful pluralistic society based on our tremendous diversity and other strengths, and militarily (WWI, WWII, the Korean War, peacekeeping and Afghanistan). We have a real role to play on the international stage, a terrific opportunity to lead by example. As the influence of the G8 wanes and the importance of the G20 increases, it is critical that Canada have a significant role in the G20, particularly now in its early stages. (Kudos to former Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin who, a number of years ago, proposed the idea of the G20 as an international financial forum in the first place.) Despite all of what has happened, I’m not upset that Canada agreed to host the G20, as part of the responsibility of that international role. I AM, however, very upset at how extraordinarily mismanaged the whole affair was by the Harper government. Exorbitant costs, unwarranted force, trampling of civil liberties, questions of favouritism and indeed possible corruption in the awarding of lucrative contracts—Canadians demand answers, and the world is watching....Stephen Harper must be held to account.

Des coûts exorbitants, des accrochages avec la sécurité, des forces policières injustifiées et l’empiétement des libertés civiles – ça, c’était le G20

2010-07-09T10:17:00.001-04:00

Des coûts exorbitants : 1 milliard de dollars (ça, c'est 1 000 millions de dollars de votre argent) pour seulement la sécurité – et on peut s'attendre à beaucoup plus lorsque les factures commenceront à entrer. Tout cela sans inclure le faux lac, le reste des coûts reliés à l'hébergement du G20, la perte de revenus en tourisme et les nombreuses entreprises qui ont subit des dommages. Personne ne sait comment tout cela finira par coûter – malgré nos demandes répétées, le gouvernement Harper refuse de répondre aux questions des canadiens. La seule chose qu'on sait, c'est que les coûts auront été énormes. Maintenant, les questions s'accumulent concernant le favoritisme et potentiellement la corruption, puisque certains bénéficiaires auraient été récompensés par l'obtention de contrats. On continuera de sonder le terrain par l'entremise du comité de la sécurité nationale de la chambre des communes et autre.

Des arrestations, un rapport de force injustifié et une atteinte à nos libertés civiles : Je joins tous ceux qui demandent pour qu'une enquête publique soit mise sur pied, basée sur ce qui s'est passé dans les rues de Toronto. Malgré toutes les excuses entourant la « sécurité », le monde a vu Toronto - cette ville fabuleuse, vibrante et sécuritaire – comme une zone de guerre avec des autos en feu, des policiers agressifs ainsi qu'un non-respect de nos droits civils. Les effets des arrestations injustifiées, de l'intimidation ainsi que de la violence exercée par les forces policières continuent de se faire sentir. On DOIT se lever pour nos droits humains, nos libertés civiles, notre liberté d'expression et d'association. Ces derniers sont cruciaux pour notre démocratie. C'est bien plus que le simple fait de voter. C'est seulement quand nos droits sont protégés, qu'un vote et une société sont réellement démocratiques. Les forces policières et notre gouvernement doivent non seulement montrer le plus haut respect pour ces droits et libertés fondamentaux, ils doivent être ceux qui les protègent. Dans ce cas-ci, ils ne l'ont pas fait. On doit insister pour qu'ils le fassent. Une enquête est nécessaire.

Le G20 de Stephen Harper : Le blâme des mensonges repose principalement sur le dos de Stephen Harper. La décision de dernière minute de Harper d'avoir le G20 en plein centre-ville de Toronto (il n'a donné que 15 minutes d'avis à la ville avant l'annonce publique); le refus de Harper de considérer toute autre option, même après que la ville de Toronto ait elle-même exprimé ses inquiétudes face aux coûts, la perte de revenus, la sécurité ainsi que la multitude de problèmes collatéraux pour les gens de Toronto; sont toutes des critiques et de mauvaises décisions attribuables au Premier ministre Harper. Il a donné un défi impossible au chef de police de Toronto, Bill Blair, et à son équipe. Il a du même coup ordonné que la sécurité soit coordonnée par le Bureau du conseil privé. Stephen Harper a prouvé son incompétence à gérer de l'argent (l'argent des contribuables!), ce qui a résulté à des dépenses incontrôlables et exorbitantes… Stephen Harper doit être tenu responsable pour tout ceci.

La réaction du Parti libéral : On a demandé des réponses au Ministre de la Sécurité publique, Vic Toews. On a aussi demandé, en coopération avec d'autres députés de l'opposition, à ce que le comité permanent sur la sécurité nationale de la Chambre des communes se rencontre le plus tôt possible pour se pencher sur les événements survenus lors du G20, les raisons qui ont menées à ces actions et que le ministre Toews comparaisse devant le comité. Les questions que les libéraux se posent, et que nous espérons pouvoir bientôt poser au comité sont, notamment: qui donnait ultimement les directives concernant la sécurité lors du G20? Qui a conçu les plans pour la sécurité du G20? Sur quels considérations et conseils le gouvernement s'est-il attardé avant de désigner le centre-ville de Toronto comme le meilleur emplacement pour accueillir le Sommet? Comment a-t-on donné les contrats de soutient pour la sécurité (ainsi que les éléments requis pour la planification des autres sommets)? Quelles mesures ont été mises en place, s'il y en a, pour assurer une bonne gestion des coûts? Qui était responsable pour donner les contrats et quels étaient les critères? Dû au fait que le gouvernement Harper a refusé de répondre à presque toutes les questions qui lui ont été demandé, ce sera difficile, mais nous continuerons de chercher la vérité.

Le rôle du Canada à l'international : Je suis peut-être biaisée, étant donné mes expériences en relations internationales et en droit international, mais le Canada doit jouer un rôle significatif dans le monde des affaires internationales – et ce, maintenant plus que jamais. On a une opportunité en or d'être un leader. Comme l'influence du G8 diminue et l'influence du G20 augmente, il est crucial que le Canada joue un rôle significatif au G20, particulièrement maintenant dans ses débuts. (Bravo a l'ancien Premier ministre libéral Paul martin qui, quelques années passées, a proposé l'idée que le G20 soit un forum financier international de premier plan). Malgré tout ce qui est arrivé, je ne suis pas déçue que le Canada ait accepté d'être l'hôte du G20, en raison de son rôle au niveau international. Par contre, JE SUIS très bouleversée par comment le tout a été mal géré par le gouvernement Harper. Des coûts exorbitants, une violence policière injustifiée, un non-respect de nos droits civils, des questions de favoritismes et potentiellement de corruption au niveau des contrats – les Canadiens demandent des réponses et le monde nous regarde… Stephen Harper doit être tenu responsable.

Au revoir

2010-06-29T15:10:00.000-04:00

Salut,

C’est Elizabeth. Pour vous qui êtes des lecteurs réguliers du site Facebook et Twitter de Martha, vous savez que j’ai travaillé dans le bureau de Martha sur la colline depuis les deux dernières années, sur différents projets en ligne. Malheureusement mon temps à Ottawa se terminera cette semaine. Je vais voyager avant de quitter pour compléter une session universitaire à l’ "American University" à Washington, D.C.

Travailler comme membre de l’équipe de Martha a été une expérience formidable et même que je suis triste de quitter. Je sais que Chris sera un bon remplaçant. Chris est un stagiaire de programme des jeunes libéraux du Canada pour l’été et va aider Martha dans l’entretien du site web, du blogue de Martha, et autres tâches connexes.

Bonne chance à Chris, Martha et toute l’équipe!
Elizabeth

Goodbye

2010-06-29T15:03:00.004-04:00

Hi there,

Elizabeth here. As avid readers of Martha’s Facebook posts and Tweets might know I have been working in Martha’s Ottawa office for the past two years helping out with her online initiatives. Sadly my time working on Parliament Hill is coming to an end as I will be traveling this summer and then heading down to Washington, DC for a semester at American University.

Working as part of Martha’s team has truly been a fantastic experience and although I am sad to say goodbye I know Chris will do a great job. Chris is an intern this summer through the Young Liberals of Canada and he will be taking over the online files helping Martha out with the website, blog and other social media.

Best of luck to Chris, Martha and the whole team!
Elizabeth

Ce beau pays qui est le nôtre…Nouvelle-Écosse, mai 2010

2010-06-14T14:10:00.004-04:00

J’ai récemment eu l’immense plaisir de visiter le campus de l’Université St. Francis Xavier à Antigonish, en Nouvelle-Écosse. Le premier point à l’ordre du jour était une visite des nouveaux édifices du Coady International Institute, gracieusement menée par la directrice exécutive de l’institut, Mme Mary Coyle. Si vous ne connaissez pas bien le travail de l’institut, allez y jeter un coup d’œil! C’est un exemple parfait de ce que le Canada a fait et continue de faire à l’échelle internationale, c'est-à-dire non seulement aider les autres, mais surtout leur apprendre à se prendre en main. Le Coady encourage l’autonomie des collectivités depuis 50 ans, soit depuis qu’il a ouvert ses portes pour enseigner à des chefs provenant de partout au monde. Établi par l’Université ST. Francis Xavier en 1959, le Coady International Institute est reconnu à l’échelle internationale comme un centre d’excellence en matière de développement communautaire et d’éducation du leadership. L’institut a été nommé en l’honneur du révérend Dr Moses Coady, éminent fondateur du mouvement Antigonish, un mouvement populaire pour la justice économique et sociale, qui a commencé en Nouvelle-Écosse pendant les années 1920.

J’ai également participé à l’assemblée générale annuelle du Parti libéral. Contrairement à d’autres provinces canadiennes, en Nouvelle-Écosse, les ailes fédérale et provinciale du Parti libéral travaillent de pair, comme une grande famille heureuse (et au nombre de party auxquels j’ai assisté, témoigne qu’ils savent avoir du plaisir ensemble). Un moment marquant a été l’appui incroyable et continu que Stephen McNeil a reçu comme leader du Parti libéral en Nouvelle-Écosse, soit une écrasante majorité de 83 %! J’ai aussi eu beaucoup de plaisir à parler avec les jeunes libéraux de la Nouvelle-Écosse, autant pendant les séances officielles que lors de rencontres plus informelles où nous avons parlé plus longuement. Nous apprenons toujours beaucoup quand nous prenons le temps de parler avec les gens d’un âge différent du nôtre, et c’est pour cette même raison que j’aime avoir des discussions politiques avec ma mère Betty, âgée de 86 ans. J’aimerais tellement que ma mère rencontre un groupe de ces jeunes libéraux tellement dynamiques. La discussion serait enflammée!

This Great Country of Ours... Nova Scotia, May 2010

2010-06-14T10:01:00.003-04:00

I had the great pleasure of spending some time recently on the campus of St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The first item on the agenda was a tour of the extraordinary new buildings of The Coady International Institute, graciously hosted by the Institute’s engaging Executive Director Mary Coyle. If you’re not yet familiar with the work of the Institute, please have a look. It is a beacon for what Canada has done and continues to be able to do internationally, focused not so much on helping others, as on helping others learn to help themselves. The Coady has been promoting community self-reliance since it opened its doors to educate leaders from around the world 50 years ago. Established by St. Francis Xavier University in 1959, the Coady International Institute is world-renowned as a centre of excellence in community-based development and leadership education. The Institute was named in honour of Rev. Dr. Moses Coady, a prominent founder of the Antigonish Movement - a people's movement for economic and social justice that began in Nova Scotia during the 1920s.

I also participated in the Nova Scotia Liberal Party AGM. In Nova Scotia, unlike most other parts of the country, the provincial and federal wings of the Liberal Party are together as one, big, happy family (and with every kitchen party I attend, I can vouch for the “happy” part). A highlight was the overwhelming continued mandate Stephen McNeil was given as Leader of the Liberal Party in Nova Scotia (a whopping 83% support!) I had a great time in particular speaking with the Nova Scotia Young Liberals—both in an official session, but also at greater length during some of the more informal get-togethers. We always learn a great deal whenever we take the time to engage with people of a different age than ourselves—for the same reason, I love political discussions with my 86 year-old mum, Betty. I just wish I could get my mum together with a group of these terrific Young Liberals—what a discussion there would be!

Ce beau pays qui est le nôtre…Lethbridge

2010-06-10T16:01:00.002-04:00

Il y a quelque temps, j’ai eu le plaisir de visiter la très belle ville de Lethbridge, en Alberta. Vivre à Calgary pendant une couple d’années m’a fait aimer encore plus l’Alberta, et maintenant, je ne rate pas une seule occasion d’y retourner. Cette fois, j’y suis allée en partie pour participer à l’Assemblée générale annuelle du Parti libéral du Canada en Alberta. J’y ai bien sûr entendu les blagues habituelles du genre « Des libéraux? En Alberta?! ». Mais oui, il y a beaucoup de libéraux en Alberta, et parmi les plus énergiques et travaillants, avec ça. Et à en juger par ce que j’ai vu et entendu lors de mon séjour à Lethbridge, j’ajouterais que l’Alberta présente pour nous, libéraux, des possibilités qui ont tout pour nous enthousiasmer. Le moins qu’on puisse dire, c’est qu’on y trouve beaucoup de purs et durs libéraux. Des libéraux avec un « L » majuscule. Ce que je trouve si intéressant…et stimulant, c’est que beaucoup plus d’Albertains sont en fait des libéraux avec un « l » minuscule, c'est-à-dire des gens pragmatiques au plan économique, prudents au plan fiscal, épris de la justice sociale, soucieux de l’environnement et fiers de la place du Canada dans le monde. Ils sont des gens qui n’aiment pas les gouvernements qui gaspillent l’argent des contribuables ou qui refusent de leur rendre compte de ce qu’ils en font ou qui ont peur de la transparence, ou encore qui gouvernent selon une idéologie bornée, intransigeante et intolérante. Nous savons que beaucoup, mais vraiment beaucoup de Canadiens partagent ces mêmes valeurs et principes, et le défi qui nous attend (et l’occasion qui s’offre à nous) en Alberta consiste à amener toutes ces personnes à voter libéral. Nous avons beaucoup à faire pour persuader plus d’Albertains de transformer leurs opinions libérales en votes pour les libéraux (nous NE SOMMES PLUS le parti du Programme d’énergie national, bon sang!), mais nous savons aussi que nous pouvons accomplir beaucoup de choses quand nous nous serrons les coudes pour une cause en laquelle nous croyons.

Une des séances a accueilli les leaders de divers groupes confessionnels et était présidée par mon collègue John McKay. Ce qui m’a plu le plus, c’est d'abord de voir la foule que nous avons attirée et ensuite de constater qu’elle comptait bon nombre de jeunes libéraux. Permettez-moi de m’expliquer. Je ne pratique aucun culte et je suis pro-choix et favorable au mariage homosexuel. Néanmoins, je comprends très bien que d’autres SOIENT pratiquants et qu’ils puissent avoir des opinions fort différentes des miennes sur certains sujets. Pour moi, cela va de soi. J’accepte sans difficulté que les gens croient en ce qu’ils veulent et fassent ce qui leur plaît, tant qu'ils laissent leurs semblables choisir leurs croyances et leur style de vie et ne font de mal à personne. Mais trop souvent, nous rejetons les gens avec leurs idées, totalement et sans discernement, rien que parce que nous ne sommes pas d'accord avec eux sur certains points. Je trouve beaucoup de points en communs entre les principes libéraux et ceux de nombreux groupes religieux, comme aider les pauvres, construire des logements à prix abordable, responsabilité économique, protéger l’environnement, aider les pays étrangers qui en ont besoin. Nous devrions insister sur ce que nous avons en commun et qui nous rapproche plutôt que sur ce qui nous sépare. Je suis heureuse que les médias locaux aient fait ressortir ce point.

À Lethbridge, en plus de plusieurs autres séances, j’ai notamment eu la chance de souper avec le maire Robert Tarleck, une rencontre qui s’est avérée excellente, et j’ai aussi eu droit à une visite extraordinaire guidée par un homme formidable, M. Van Christou. Ainsi, j’ai eu le privilège et le plaisir de visiter un de nos joyau canadien, le jardin japonais « Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden ». L’endroit est saisissant. Ce qui m’a frappée et émerveillée, c’est de voir que la communauté nippo-canadienne, dont nous avons si mal traité les membres lors de la Deuxième Guerre mondiale, n’aient pas été aigris par cette injustice, mais qu’ils se soient serrés les coudes pour créer ce trésor, dont ils ont fait cadeau à la Ville de Lethbridge, à l'occasion de son centenaire, et au Canada. M. Christou, photographe accompli, a coproduit sur le jardin un magnifique livre de prestige qui trône fièrement sur un présentoir dans mon bureau.

This Great Country of Ours... Lethbridge

2010-06-10T14:39:00.005-04:00

Alberta, April-May, 2010

I had the pleasure of visiting the great city of Lethbridge, Alberta a little while ago. Having lived in Calgary for a couple of years, I learned to love Alberta even more than I had before I’d moved there, and I welcome every chance to return. This time, my visit included participation in the AGM of the Liberal Party of Canada (Alberta). There are, of course, the regular jibes about "Liberals? In Alberta??" But yes there are, indeed, many Liberals in Alberta—a keen and hard-working bunch. And based on my time in Lethbridge, I can also say that there is real enthusiasm for Liberal opportunities in Alberta. There are many “capital L” Liberals, for sure. What I find so interesting—and challenging—is that there are so many more Albertans who are in fact small "l" liberal---economically pragmatic, fiscally prudent, promoters of social justice, environmentally conscious, and proud of Canada's place in the world. People who don’t like governments that waste taxpayer money, or which efuse accountability or transparency, or which govern based on strict, intolerant ideology. We know that many, many of us share those values and principles—our challenge (and opportunity) in Alberta is to get those good people to vote Liberal. We have much work to do, to persuade more Albertans to translate those small "l" liberal views into Liberal votes (we are NOT the NEP Party anymore, for goodness sake!) but we also know that we can accomplish a great deal when we pull together for a cause we believe in.

One of the sessions was with various leaders of different faith communities, led by my colleague John McKay. I was particularly pleased to see (1) a good crowd, and (ii) a good number of young Liberals participating. For context, let me explain… I am not religious. I am pro-choice, pro-same-sex marriage. For me, “moral” issues include, instead of religious tenets, things like hypocrisy and deceit. However, I completely respect that others ARE religious, and may have very different views than mine on certain issues. I have no problem with people believing in whatever they want, and indeed doing what they want, as long as they let others do and believe as they see fit—and as long as others don’t get hurt. But we too often dismiss people and their views in their entirety, simply because we disagree on some things. I find a great deal of commonality between Liberal views and many religious groups—concern for the poor, affordable housing, economic pragmatism, the environment, foreign aid. We should focus on those things we have in common, not those that divide us. I was pleased that the local media picked up on this in a nice way.

Other events in Lethbridge included an excellent meeting over dinner with Mayor Robert Tarleck, and an extraordinary tour from an extraordinary man, Van Christou. I had the privilege and the pleasure of having Mr. Christou give me a personal tour of a Canadian gem, the “Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden”. It is stunning. I was also struck by how wonderful it was that the Japanese Canadian community, whose members had been treated so badly during WWII, responded, not negatively, but by uniting to create this treasure as a Centennial gift to the city of Lethbridge, and Canada. Mr. Christou, an accomplished photographer, co-produced a beautiful coffee table book on the garden, a copy of which is now proudly displayed in my office.

This Great Country of Ours... Saskatoon

2010-06-09T16:51:00.008-04:00

It has been so busy lately that I have not had enough time to report on recent outreach efforts. I have been to Alberta, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and various points in Ontario. There is much to report on--please watch for a flurry of posts on recent activities.

Here is the first:

Red Bras Rock!!

This was my fifth annual Red Bras Rock event. It has only become bigger and wilder. It has traditionally been a fundraiser for both breast cancer research and local Liberals; this year it focused solely on breast cancer. (My little sister is a survivor twice over, and we all really appreciate the effort that so many people put in to raising money for research.) I first attended Red Bras Rock during the 2006 LPC leadership campaign, and have made sure to return each following year. Marie-Therese Verma hosts it, and it is an extraordinary effort. (Should I mention the “Martha May I” martini which forms part of the martini bar line-up?)

However, I wanted to take advantage of my visit to Saskatoon, and in less than two days, I attended a 'Women in Mining’ Event, at which I met some extraordinary, successful women. I participated in an event to support two of our Liberal candidates in Saskatoon, Patricia Zipchin (Saskatoon—Wanuskewin) and Darren Hill (Saskatoon—Humboldt). I did a morning radio interview. Then, at the University of Saskatchewan, I was given a tour of the Toxicology Centre (did you know that baby walleye engage in chain cannibalism?), then a tour of VIDO / Intervac, then had a meeting with Dr. Richard Florizone, VP Finance and Resources, and then a meeting with representatives of the University of Saskatchewan Student Union (key issues discussed were child care and aboriginal education). The University of Saskatchewan is a rapidly growing, exciting place. We then visited the "Health Bus”, the Mobile Primary Health Centre, a public-private success story involving the Sask. Ministry of Health, M.D. Ambulance and the Saskatoon Health Region. The added bonus was that we did so with Sakena Yacoobi, founder and President of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), an extraordinary organization (and an extraordinary woman) dedicated to bringing education and health services to rural and poor urban girls, women, and other poor and disenfranchised Afghans. (Sakena was just profiled in the Globe and Mail, Monday June 7). The Health Bus is a terrific innovation, and meeting and chatting with Sakena was fascinating and inspiring.

And yes, the final stop on this most recent visit to Saskatchewan, Red Bras Rock, was a great success.

Martha

Ce beau pays qui est le nôtre…Saskatoon

2010-06-09T14:15:00.001-04:00

Red Bras Rock!!

C’était la cinquième fois que je participais au Red Bras Rock annuel. À chaque année, l’activité gagne en ampleur et est de plus en plus amusante. Cette collecte de fonds avait toujours servi à financer la recherche sur le cancer du sein et les organisations libérales locales, mais cette année, elle ne visait qu’à appuyer la lutte contre le cancer du sein. (Ma petite sœur a survécu deux fois à ce cancer, et nous sommes vraiment reconnaissantes à tous ceux et celles qui font tant d’efforts pour amasser des fonds pour la recherche.)

J’ai vécu ma première expérience du Red Bras Rock lors de la course à la direction du PLC, en 2006, et j’y suis retournée à chaque année depuis. Marie-Thérèse Verma en est l’hôtesse et en fait un événement extraordinaire. (Je m’en voudrais de ne pas mentionner le martini « Martha May I », qui est au menu du bar à martini!)

Comme je voulais profiter au maximum de ma visite à Saskatoon, j’ai assisté en moins de deux jours à une réception honorant les femmes travaillant dans l’industrie minières (« Women in Mining ») au cours de laquelle j’en rencontré des femmes formidables et accomplies. J’ai participé à une activité visant à appuyer deux de nos candidats libéraux de Saskatoon, Patricia Zipchin (Saskatoon—Wanuskewin) et Darren Hill (Saskatoon—Humboldt). J’ai également donné une interview radiophonique en matinée. Puis, à l’Université de la Saskatchewan, on m’a fait visiter le Centre de toxicologie (saviez-vous que les alevins du doré jaune – les bébés – pratiquent le cannibalisme de masse?), puis le Centre international de recherche sur les vaccins InterVac de VIDO, où j’y ai rencontré le vice-président, Finances et ressources, M. Richard Florizone. J’ai aussi pu m’entretenir avec des représentants du syndicat des étudiants de l’Université de la Saskatchewan (avec qui j’ai surtout parlé de la garde des enfants et de l’éducation des Autochtones). L’Université de la Saskatchewan est un établissement fascinant qui connaît une expansion rapide. Nous avons ensuite visité le bus-santé (Health Bus), le Centre de soins de santé primaire, un partenariat public-privé réussi auquel participent le ministère de la Santé de la province, M.D. Ambulance et Saskatoon Health Region, et pour couronner le tout, nous étions accompagnés de Sakena Yacoobi, fondatrice et présidente de l’Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), une formidable organisation (et une femme tout aussi exceptionnelle) qui a pour mission d’assurer des services d’éducation et de santé pour les femmes et les filles des régions rurales et aux femmes et filles pauvres des régions urbaines ainsi qu’à d’autres Afghanes démunies et laissées pour compte. (Le Globe and Mail du lundi 7 juin a publié un profil de Sakena.) Le bus-santé est une innovation remarquable, et ma rencontre et mon entretien avec Sakena m’ont vraiment fascinée et inspirée.

Et, finalement, la dernière activité de mon voyage en Saskatchewan, le Red Bras Rock, a été couronnée de succès!

"Yes" to the Auditor General's review of MPs' expenses

2010-05-18T19:21:00.007-04:00

As I noted this afternoon on CTV's Power Play with Tom Clark, I was indeed disappointed in the decision last week by the Board of Internal Economy (an all-party committee of MPs), to refuse the Auditor General's request to do a performance audit of the administration and services of the House of Commons.

I have tremendous respect for Sheila Fraser, our Auditor General, for the work she does, and for the nature of her responsibilities. Our government is better off because of her work, and I would be happy to have her review my books.

I also have respect for the Parliamentary process, and the fact that the Board of Internal Economy has made a decision......but I encourage them to reconsider it.

As Official Opposition Critic for Public Works and Government Services, a big part of my job is to hold the government to account--ALL of government--and to ensure that Canadian taxpayers' money is spent wisely, efficiently and effectively.

Canadians rightly believe that MPs should be held to no less of a standard.

I encourage the Board of Internal Economy to reconsider their decision, and to allow the Auditor General to perform the performance audit she has requested.

MHF

Oui, la vérificatrice générale devrait examiner les dépenses des députés

2010-05-18T15:02:00.001-04:00

Comme je l’ai mentionné. Cet après-midi sur les ondes de CTV à l’émission Power Play avec Tom Clark, je suis, en effet, déçue que le Bureau de régie interne (un comité multipartite de députés) ait décidé de refuser la demande de la vérificatrice générale d’examiner le rendement de l’administration et des services de la Chambre des communes.

J’ai beaucoup de respect pour Mme Sheila Fraser, notre vérificatrice générale, pour le travail qu’elle fait et la nature de ses responsabilités. Grâce à elle, notre gouvernement se porte mieux et j’aimerais bien qu’elle vérifie mes livres.

Je respecte également le processus parlementaire et le fait que le Bureau de régie interne a pris une décision, même si je l’invite à revenir sur cette décision.

En tant que porte-parole officiel de l’opposition pour Travaux publics et Services gouvernementaux, mon travail consiste en grande partie à obliger le gouvernement – TOUS les employés du gouvernement – à rendre des comptes et à m’assurer que l’argent des contribuables est dépensé de façon judicieuse, efficace et responsable.

Les Canadiens ont raison de croire que les députés sont tenus de respecter des normes équivalentes.

J’invite le Bureau de régie interne à reconsidérer sa décision et à autoriser la vérificatrice générale à faire son travail.

MHF

Déclaration/Statement: Parkinson

2010-04-23T12:23:00.002-04:00

Déclaration de Martha à la Chambre des communes/Statement by Martha in the House of Commons :

Monsieur le Président, avril est le Mois national de la sensibilisation à la maladie de Parkinson et cette semaine est la Semaine de sensibilisation à la maladie de Parkinson.

Depuis sa création au Canada en 1984, la Semaine de sensibilisation à la maladie de Parkinson nous donne à tous la chance de mieux connaître et de mieux faire connaître cette maladie neurologique dévastatrice dont quelque 100 000 Canadiens affectés.

This week highlights the importance of research into the causes and treatments of Parkinson's. At the forefront of advocating for this is Parkinson Society Canada, which this year is celebrating 45 years of supporting and serving Canadians and their families affected by this disease.

Parkinson Society Canada is urging all Canadians to take part in fundraising events being held in communities across the country this week, events that will raise money and awareness for the causes, symptoms, treatments and needs of people with Parkinson's and their loved ones.

We cannot give up our search for a cure.

Déclaration/Statement: National Volunteer Week

2010-04-19T12:56:00.000-04:00

Ms. Martha Hall Findlay (Willowdale, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, this week is Canada's National Volunteer Week, and I wish to underline the importance of volunteers to this country.

The work of volunteers often goes unnoticed, but some of our most valued institutions run on volunteer work.

Thousands of volunteers work every weekend without pay to make sure that things like hockey and soccer happen for our kids. Without volunteers, many children simply would not have access to community sports and activities.

Pensons aux Jeux olympiques: si les athlètes nous ont fièrement représentés dans les compétitions et les médias, ce sont les milliers de bénévoles qui ont fait le travail d'arrière-coulisses qui ont permis la tenue de cette grande rencontre sportive. Sans eux, les Jeux olympiques auraient été impossibles.

Et il n'y a pas que les sports: il y a des bénévoles dans les hôpitaux d'un bout à l'autre du Canada, des bénévoles dans les écoles, dans les partis politiques, dans les clubs citoyens.

Cette semaine est l'occasion de souligner l'apport inestimable de ces gens à la vie communautaire.

Canada at 150: The Willowdale Experience

2010-04-06T11:49:00.002-04:00

As industry leaders, academics and politicians gathered together in Montreal for “Canada at 150: Rising to the Challenge,” a group of enthusiastic participants also gathered at the North York Civic Centre in Willowdale to watch and participate in conference discussion. Over the course of the two days we broadcast the webcast over 40 participants joined in, and created some powerful discussions in our corner of the country.

We kicked off on Saturday with a small group including M.P. for York South-Weston, Alan Tonks. Mr. Tonks stayed with us throughout the morning chatting with the attendees that had gotten up early to participate. Hon. Judy Sgro, M.P. for York West also joined in for a short time. Mid-afternoon, our own M.P. Martha Hall Findlay called in with her own impressions of the conference, boasting that there was great conversation happening not only on stage in Montreal, but in the hallways and corridors between sessions as well. If Council Chambers in North York were any indication, it sounds as if Canadians were engaging in similar dialogue and debate right across the country. We contributed to the more formal discussion with several question submissions throughout the day, and though none came up at the conference, we did all cheer on Elizabeth Dubois from Martha’s office as she appeared on screen to ask one from the floor. For the record, we counted it as a Willowdale question! Behind the scenes we were also having a lot of fun (as we seem to so often do), one particular fit of laughter came as Carol and I tried to improvise the opening a coffee can with only a set of car keys. Though successful, we were clearly lacking the grace of the famous Willowdale Women at that particular moment.

A bit bleary eyed early Sunday morning, Robert Fowler’s keynote quickly snapped us all back to attention and quickly stirred more discussion. As the day progressed we welcomed Liberal candidate Andrea Matrosovs who had come all the way from Simcoe-Gray and the Hon. Ken Dryden, M.P. for York Centre, who had recently flown in after spending the first two days of the conference in Montreal. Together we watched as Michael Ignatieff made his closing remarks with what we all felt were some bold policy proposals. It was terrific to see that already, the ideas that were flowing from Montreal were being filtered into a strong political message. Mr. Dryden offered some additional words of wisdom and encouragement, pushing us all to stay engaged as we continue to craft our political direction.

So after hours of policy, dozens of Timbits and several pots of coffee, we all came away, with not only a few new ideas and policy perspectives, but also with a huge amount of gratitude for the Liberals for working so hard to engage Canadians from coast to coast and allowing us all to participate in satellite sessions like this one (or on computers at home). Thanks to the M.P.s and their offices who worked with us to make this happen in Willowdale. It was a unique experience speaking with a number of them in an intimate setting and getting immediate reaction to a landmark event. Also special thanks to Councillor John Filion, Willowdale (Ward 23) and his staff for securing the use of the Council Chambers. The crew from the City of Toronto from IT to A/V to security were all incredibly helpful. With the success of this event, it surely won’t be the last. We hope that you’ll join us for the next one!

- Markus O’Brien Fehr
Willowdale

Canada 150

2010-04-01T11:28:00.005-04:00

This past weekend was an exciting one for the politicos in our country. People from across the country gathered in Montreal, online, and in 70 satellite conferences in various regions (including one in Willowdale!) from coast to coast to coast. Though the event was hosted by Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Party of Canada it was non-partisan allowing for an open, thoughtful and frank discussion on where Canadian policy needs to go and how we are going to get there.

As a Young Liberal participating in the Montreal conference (and online, seeing as the Internet is more or less attached permanently to my hand) I had the chance to converse with some truly amazing people. The weekend was inspirational to say the least.

We talked about the challenges of an aging population, the changing job market, the economy, the environment, carbon tax. We explored culture and the effects of the digital age, we looked at youth representation and the impact of the voluntary sector and NGOs. This multi-directional conversation is an exciting and dynamic dialogue that, I think, is allowing more people the opportunity to engage in politics – and isn’t that what democracy is, everyone with a voice, everyone engaged? Well it is the democracy I want to be a part of at least. One where citizens are excited about politics and eager to contribute.

For more on Canada 150 and to watch videos of the conference proceedings from Montreal check out the website: http://can150.ca/

-Elizabeth

Raising Our Voices for Political Equality: a note from an Ottawa office volunteer

2010-03-23T10:50:00.003-04:00

The percentage of female representation in the sphere of Canadian politics is worrisome. The female population of Canada currently stands at 52%, but only 22% of members of parliament, Canadian municipal, provincial and federal representatives are female. Compared to its international counterparts, Canada is falling behind. Within the realm of international politics Canada ranks 49 out of 189countries in the number of women elected to national parliament. This position places Canada behind Afghanistan, Iraq and Rwanda.

The great concerns generated by these unnerving statistics lead to the formation of Equal Voice in 2008. Equal Voice is a national organization that offers a variety of programming including public awareness campaigns and initiatives. The main objective of Equal Voice’s programming is to promote the involvement and election of women to all levels of political office. Most notably, Equal Voice’s mentoring program is setting out to reshape the future of female representation in Canadian politics by focusing on Canadian female youth between the ages of 18-30. Equal Voice’s mentoring program matches female youth with a female mentor who works within the Canadian political realm. One is matched with a mentor based on educational background, political experiences and future aspirations. I became aware of this program through the University of Ottawa. As a fourth year Political Science student, it has proven difficult to gain political experience. I initially decided to participate in the program because I desired to not only gain political insight, but also advice about how to pursue a political career.

Through this program, I was matched with my mentor, M.P. Martha Hall-Findlay. Our initial meeting took place in the House of Commons over coffee in November 2009.
Martha’s warm, welcoming disposition made me feel as if I was talking with an old friend. We discussed our upbringings, educational backgrounds and our political interests. Martha’s strong spirited nature conveys her thoughts of breaking gender stereotypes and her belief that one’s ambitions and career objectives should not be disabled by gender. Her “oxygen story” still rings true for me. “Do you know why on airplanes they say to place your oxygen mask on first before assisting someone else with their mark during an emergency?” she questioned. “…Because in life if you don’t take care of yourself first, no one else will”. It was in this moment I realized how strong the woman sitting across from me really is. She has a caring nature, but always remains stay true to herself and never compromises her values or beliefs. Canada has a prosperous future in politics due to Equal Voice and the contributions made by women like Martha.

I have been volunteering in Martha’s parliamentary office since November 2009. I have come across opportunities and meet many inspiring individuals on the hill since my initial meeting with Martha. I feel I am developing a strong foundation of political knowledge and insight. Sometimes I feel like a kid in a candy store on the hill as my fortuity feels surreal at times.

My story was just one of many which were shared at the Equal Voice reception at the Metropolitan in Ottawa on March 12, 2010. The founders, employees and participates of Equal Voice gathered to not only share our mentoring experiences, but to also support one another and share in the hope of reshaping Canadian politics. The room was buzzing with energy as each woman in the room introduced herself, spoke of her Equal Voice experience, her achievements, community involvement, and most importantly, her future goals. Each woman proudly stood tall, expressing “this is who I am!” What encouragement! It was hard to believe that a reception such as this would not have taken place 15-20 years ago.

Due to my experience with Equal Voice, I stand tall and hold great prospects for the future of Canadian politics. Although there are still many hurdles for Canadian women and women abroad, we are gaining strength from one another by collectively vocalizing our thoughts and demanding change. As Margaret Thatcher once said “you may have to fight a battle more than once to win it”. This is one battle we refuse back down on.

- Hollie

Two years as MP for Willowdale

2010-03-18T18:26:00.004-04:00

Two years!!

It figures that I was so busy with work, yesterday, on the actual 2nd anniversary of getting elected, that I didn't have time to write a note about it here. I will confess, however, to ending the day with (what better?) some Guiness at the residence of the Irish Ambassador to Canada. If I remember correctly, green beer was flowing in celebration 2 years ago. St. Patrick's Day will always hold an even more special place in my heart than it used to.

Thank you to all those who have sent such great messages of good wishes.

After two years (it feels like yesterday), I want to say something about how wonderful it is to have been elected.

As corny as it may sound, it is an extraordinary honour and privilege to be an elected Member of Parliament, in this great country of ours. Every day that I walk into these beautiful buildings, I pause, I look around, and I say to myself, "Wow---I get to work here."

I have learned so much. I have learned about how MPs lead 2 lives--one in the constituency, doing what we can to help our consituents with their relationships with the federal government (and all sorts of other things :-)); and a second, very different life, that we lead as legislators in Ottawa, working to keep the government to account, making suggestions for improvement, working on our committees, researching and analyzing proposed legislation (with the great help of our teams) and then voting accordingly; engaging in debates in the House--the list goes on. I have also learned a great deal about the many, many issues that affect Canadians; about the challenges of trying to work cooperatively in a very partisan enviroment; about what extraordinary potential that Canada and Canadians possess for doing so much more, even, both domestically and internationally, than we do now.

I love all aspects of what I do, very much. I am indeed very fortunate.

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the people of Willowdale for electing me--now twice!--and for showing their confidence in me. Thank you, too, to all of those volunteers who worked on those two successful campaigns, and to all those who have contributed financially. I want to thank the wonderful people with whom I work, and without whom we simply couldn't do the work we do for the people of Willowdale and for the country: In Willowdale, Michele, Carol and Lily, and all the Willowdale volunteers; in Ottawa, Anne-Sophie, Puneet and Elizabeth, and all the Ottawa volunteers; and to all of the fabulous people who make up the Willowdale Federal Liberal Association. Doing good things takes a real team effort, and I'm incredibly lucky to be able to count myself a part of this great group of people.

Thank you all, so much, and I look forward to many more years of being able to serve as the MP for Willowdale.

All best,
Martha

Journée internationale de la femme

2010-03-08T13:47:00.002-05:00

Il y a maintenant 100 ans que l’idée d’instaurer la Journée internationale de la femme a été proposée.

Il aura fallu 65 autres années pour que les Nations Unies désignent 1975 « Année internationale de la femme » et sanctionne officiellement le 8 mars comme la Journée internationale de la femme.

Depuis, nous avons parcouru beaucoup de chemin. Mais il en reste beaucoup à faire.

J’adore mon travail. En tant que députée, j’exerce l’un des meilleurs emplois que je pouvais imaginer. Mais n’eut été des nombreuses personnes qui ont lutté si longtemps pour que les femmes aient les mêmes droits, je ne pourrais occuper cet emploi, ni affirmer ce que je viens de dire. Après tout, il n’y a pas si longtemps, on ne reconnaissait même pas le droit de vote aux femmes (au niveau fédéral : en 1928; dans la plupart des provinces : à peu près à cette époque; au Québec : pas avant 1940!) Avant que les législateurs, tous de sexe masculin, acceptent de « nous donner » ce droit, nous ne pouvions pas voter, encore moins nous présenter à des élections ----et être élues. Si je suis ici, c’est parce que beaucoup de gens ont travaillé très fort et ont offert leur soutien.

Toutes les femmes, moi comprise, qui peuvent aujourd’hui réaliser leurs rêves et leurs aspirations professionnelles, dans un milieu où les femmes étaient jadis exclues, doivent avoir de la gratitude envers celles qui les ont précédées. À notre tour, nous le devons à toutes celles qui nous succèderont et qui continueront d’œuvrer à l’égalité complète et à l’égalité complète des chances pour les femmes de partout.

Nous ne pourrons pas nous reposer sur nos lauriers avant que toutes les femmes du monde aient le droit, et la capacité, de se protéger; le droit et la capacité de prendre leur place sans crainte et sans peur des récriminations; le droit et la capacité d’affirmer leur indépendance personnelle et économique et, enfin, le droit et la capacité de réaliser, sur un pied d’égalité, le plein potentiel dévolu à leurs homologues masculins.

En tant que femme, je suis fière, je suis reconnaissante et je suis remplie d’espoir. Je vous invite à partager cette fierté, cette gratitude et cet espoir, en célébrant la Journée internationale de la femme – toute l’année durant. Nous devons toutes aller de l’avant.

International Women's Day

2010-03-08T11:48:00.004-05:00

It is now 100 years since the idea of International Women’s Day was first proposed.

It took another 65 years before the United Nations designated 1975 “International Women’s Year” and officially sanctioned March 8 as International Women’s Day.

We have come a long way, yes. But we still have a long way to go.

I love what I do. As a Member of Parliament, I have one of the best jobs I could possibly imagine. But I wouldn’t be here and able to say that, if it weren’t for so many people who have struggled and fought, for so long, for equal rights for women. After all, it wasn’t that long ago that we women couldn’t even VOTE (federally in Canada, 1918; in most provinces around the same time; not until 1940 in Quebec!) Until the male legislators agreed to “give us” the right, we couldn’t vote, let alone run for public office----and get elected. I am here because so many others worked so hard, and then offered their shoulders to stand on.

Every woman--including me--who today can pursue her dreams and her career aspirations, in environments that not too long ago excluded women---every one of us owes a debt of gratitude to those who have come before us. And we, in turn, owe it to all those who will come after us to continue to work toward full equality and full equality of opportunity for women everywhere.

We cannot rest until women the world over have the right, and the ability, to protect themselves; the right, and the ability, to stand up for themselves without recrimination and without fear; the right, and the ability, to assert their personal and economic independence; and the right, and the ability, to realize on an equal basis all of the potential afforded to their male counterparts.

As a woman I am proud, I am grateful and I am hopeful. Please join me in that pride, that gratitude and that hope, in celebrating International Women’s Day—all year long. We must all keep moving forward.

2010-02-09T07:10:00.002-05:00

Election Day, Sunday, February 7, 2010.

This was the big day, the day Ukrainians chose a new President.

As is now public, our collective observations showed an election that indeed reflects the will of the people, and, based on over 90% of the votes counted, Viktor Yanukovich appears to have won, but by a slim margin of only about 2%.

It took me a while to get this written, as I didn’t get to bed until 6am the morning after. As it would happen, one of the few disruptions in the whole country happened at the election commission centre that we were observing in Odesa, and we did not leave the station until after 3:30 am.

In the end, even the process disruptions in our section, although they kept everyone up and tabulating until well into the next day, did not affect our conclusion: we had witnessed an election that conformed to very high standards. Indeed, one of the striking things about election night was just how committed everyone was to the process. With huge lineups in our particular centre, crowded rooms and stairwells, no sign of progress until almost 3 am (which for many came at the end of a day that had started at 7 am the prior morning), and, not surprisingly, no shortage of frayed tempers, it would have been easy for quite a few to give up and go home. But no, everyone who needed to stay, stayed until the end, to be sure that all of the votes and tallies were handed in.

This commitment to the rules, the transparency, the democratic process, which commitment was witnessed in polling stations all across the country, was both striking and encouraging. There is an unquestionable enthusiasm for the democratic process here in Ukraine, and for the factors critical to its success: a free and open media and the personal freedom to engage in open and vigorous debate.

This election was a positive legacy of the Orange Revolution of 2004, which discarded a flawed election and forced a second one that, ultimately, democratically, reflected the will of the Ukranianian people.

The conduct of this election shows that Ukranians have embraced democracy, and I was proud to have participated even in a small way.

Some photos taken by Martha in Kiev, Ukraine

2010-02-06T16:30:00.008-05:00

A friendly young girl on a small street in Kiev

Colour in the alleys of Kiev

Monique Guay in front of the "Sophia" church, with the preparations for this evening's rally for Yulia Tymoshenko in evidence.

More colour in the allys of Kiev

"Park wherever you can" is the motto here. The sidewalks are treacherous with uncleared ice and snow.

Jour 3 de Martha en mission en Ukraine

2010-02-06T15:38:00.000-05:00

Jour 3 de Martha en mission — la Mission d’observation des élections en Ukraine du BIDDH (Bureau des institutions démocratiques et des droits de l’homme) de l’OSCE (l’Organisation pour la sécurité et la coopération en Europe).

Je suis maintenant à Odesa (graphie ukrainienne) ou Odessa (graphie russe). Je souligne cette différence orthographique, qui semble bien anodine, mais qui en fait elle illustre un enjeu important de l’Ukraine d’aujourd’hui : la cohabitation entre les Ukrainiens de souche et les Russes de souche, entre les ukrainophones et les russophones, dans ce qui est, sur le plan politique à tout le moins, un pays relativement jeune comme l’Ukraine. La relation entre l’Ukraine et la Russie, la dimension Ukraine‑Russie tout entière, représente le principal enjeu de l’élection présidentielle, dont la ronde finale se tiendra demain, le 7 février 2010. La nature des relations que l’Ukraine devrait avoir ou ne pas avoir avec la Russie est au premier plan. Et demain, les Ukrainiens décideront lequel des candidats saura traiter cette relation de la manière la plus bénéfique pour le pays : Yulia Tymoshenko, figure de proue de la « révolution orange » et actuelle première ministre, ou Viktor Yanukovych, ce frauduleux « gagnant » de 2004 qui a été destitué.

Pour le meilleur ou pour le pire, l’Ukraine ne peut se passer de la Russie pour de multiples raisons comme l’histoire, l’économie, les gazoducs approvisionnant l’Europe et les pressions exercées par les nouveaux et riches oligarques. L’Ukraine est inextricablement liée à la Russie et elle est dépendante de cette relation, que les Ukrainiens le veuillent ou non.Nombre d’observateurs voient cela comme un pas en arrière pour l’Ukraine, comme une preuve de « l’échec » de la révolution orange. Consultez les articles de Doug Saunders parues dans le Globe and Mail et intitulés : « Les effets de la révolution orange s’estompent complètement, la Russie reprenant sa place en Ukraine », http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/the-orange-revolution-fades-to-black-as-russia-rises-again-in-ukraine/article1429207/ et son article précédent : « L’Ukraine s’apprête à aller aux urnes, abandonnant ses espoirs », http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/ukraine-marches-to-polls-leaves-hope-behind/article1458599/. Dans ce dernier article, M. Saunders a écrit : « L’élection présidentielle de demain, la première depuis la révolution orange, marque bien, pour les Ukrainiens, une annulation de tous les acquis de celle-ci. »

Personnellement, je ne suis pas d’accord.

Beaucoup d’Ukrainiens ont appuyé la révolution orange parce qu’il avait été déterminé qu’à la première élection tenue en 2004, le russophile Viktor Yanukovych avait été élu frauduleusement (grâce à la présence d’observateurs internationaux, ce que je suis maintenant). Aux termes d’une nouvelle élection honnête, le partisan de la révolution orange Viktor Yushchenko a été élu à la présidence. Certes, nombreux étaient ceux qui souhaitaient voir la fin de l’influence et de la maîtrise russe. Cependant, l’important était que l’élection frauduleuse avait été annulée, CECI est le résultat de la révolution orange.

Après des débuts cahoteux, la démocratie s’est implantée avec succès.

On ne mesure pas la victoire de la démocratie par le fait que le candidat de son choix l’emporte. On la mesure plutôt par le fait que c’est le candidat qui remporte honnêtement le plus de voix qui gagne. Même si certains électeurs n’approuvent pas les politiques qu’il défend, ni même la direction qu’il veut donner à leur pays. À la fin de son mandat, si les électeurs déterminent qu’il n’était pas acceptable, après tout, ils n’ont qu’à voter contre lui la prochaine fois.

La tenue d’élections honnêtes en 2004 et subséquentes ainsi que le maintien d’une démocratie ouverte sont les plus grands succès de la révolution orange. Et, même si les électeurs sont déçus de la révolution orange et de son incapacité à remplir notamment ses promesses économiques, on estime que la première ronde de l’élection tenue le 17 janvier s’est, en grande partie, déroulée de façon honnête et que ses résultats sont légitimes. Le simple fait que les médias peuvent s’exprimer librement, que les candidats tiennent des rassemblements monstres et, surtout, qu’un débat ouvert et souvent vigoureux entre les gens est ouvert– serveuses, avocats, chauffeurs de taxi, gens d’affaires, réceptionnistes d’hôtel – témoigne, à mon avis, que la révolution orange a, en grande partie, réussi.

Ce n’est peut-être qu’une étape, mais l’atteinte d’un tel niveau de démocratie est certainement un grand succès qui suscite de l’espoir pour l’avenir de l’Ukraine.

Nous espérons tous que le scrutin de demain remplira cette promesse.

2010-02-06T14:41:00.005-05:00

Day 3 of Martha on a Mission--the OSCE/ODIHR Ukraine Election Observation Mission.

I am now in Odesa (Ukrainian version), Odessa (Russian version). I note this seemingly small spelling point because it is emblematic of a key issue in today's Ukraine---the challenge of ethnic Ukrainians and ethnic Russians, Ukrainian-speaking and Russian-speaking people, all living together in what is, politically at least, the relatively young country of Ukraine. The relationship between Ukraine and Russia, the entire Ukrainian/Russian dimension, is a major issue in the presidential election, final round to be held tomorrow, Feb. 7, 2010. What kind of relationship with Russia Ukraine should, or shouldn't have, is top of mind. And tomorrow, Ukrainians will decide which candidate they believe will handle that relationship the best way for the country: Yulia Tymoshenko, of Orange Revolution fame and current Prime Minister, or Viktor Yanukovich, he of the fraudulent "win" in 2004 which was overturned.

For better or for worse, Russia is critical to Ukraine, thanks to many things including history, economics, gas pipeline routes to Europe, and the influence of the newly-rich oligarchs. Ukraine is inextricably connected to Russia, and is dependent on that relationship, one way or another, whether Ukrainians like it or not.

Many commentators see this as a step backwards for Ukraine, and that it somehow symbolizes a "failure" of the Orange Revolution. Witness the headline from Doug Saunders' piece in the Globe and Mail, "The Orange Revolution fades to black as Russia rises again in Ukraine", http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/the-orange-revolution-fades-to-black-as-russia-rises-again-in-ukraine/article1429207/ or the one from his earlier piece, "Ukraine marches to polls, leaves hope behind", http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/ukraine-marches-to-polls-leaves-hope-behind/article1458599/ In the latter article, Mr. Saunders says, "The presidential ballot that Ukrainians will face tomorrow, the first election since those revolutionary days, feels like a reversal of all the gains."

I disagree.

Many proponents of the Orange Revolution supported it because the first 2004 election result which 'elected' pro-Russian Viktor Yanukovich was determined to have been a fraud (thanks to international observers, of which I am now one). A new, clean, election then brought Orange Revolutionary Viktor Yushchenko to the presidency. Yes, many wanted to see an end to Russian influence and control. But key was that the fraudulent election was overturned. THAT was what the Orange Revolution did.

It was democracy, at first flaunted, then successful.

And successful democracy doesn't mean that the candidate any particular person likes wins--it means that the candidate who garners the most votes in a clean election wins. Even if some people don't like that person's policies. Or who he or she wants to align the country with. If it turns out that he or she isn't acceptable after all, the voters will vote him or her out the next time.

The fact of clean elections, in 2004 and since, together with a continuing spirit of open democracy, were the biggest successes of the Orange Revolution. And although there is disappointment in the Orange Revolution and its failure to fulfill economic and other promises, the first round of the election held January 17 was deemed, for the most part, clean and the results legitimate. The sheer fact of free media, massive rallies by competing candidates, and most importantly, open and often vigorous debate among the people---waitresses, lawyers, taxi drivers, business people, hotel receptionists---means, in my view, that a big part of the Orange Revolution was successful.

It may still be in transition, but achieving this level of democracy is a major success and gives hope to the future of Ukraine.

We all hope that the election tomorrow keeps this promise.

Martha on a Mission in Ukraine (cont'd)

2010-02-05T18:31:00.005-05:00

Day 2 of Martha on a Mission---the continuing story of my participation in the OSCE Election Observation Mission for the Ukraine presidential election. For some brief history about the Orange Revolution see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_Revolution

In two days, February 7, Ukraine will elect a new president. The two candidates in the run-off election are Yulia Tymoshenko and Viktor Yanukovych.

The irony is that Viktor Yanukovych was the one who "won" in 2004, only to have the results deemed fraudulent, whereupon Viktor Yushchenko was ultimately elected as President. All because of the Orange Revolution.

Two weeks ago in the first round of the elections, Yushchenko came far behind, with barely 4% of the vote. Yulia Tymoshenko, who came second in the first round of balloting and is in the run-off, was the other key player in the 2004 Orange Revolution. She is the current Prime Minister.

The Members of our Canadian Parliament here as part of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly are me, Monique Guay (Bloc); David Christopherson (NPD); Peter Goldring (Con), and the head of our mission is Senator Consiglio di Nino. Today we went to the Canadian Ambassador's residence for lunch (Daniel Caron http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/ukraine/offices-bureaux/ambassador_msg_ambassadeur.aspx?lang=eng). We enjoyed a very interesting discussion with various Canadians who make their home here in Ukraine, and who have some interesting perspectives about the current election and its process. (There are more than 1,200,000 Canadians of Ukrainian descent in Canada.)

Tonight the two candidates had massive demonstrations, big stages and light shows included. They faced each other, at opposite ends of a long, wide boulevard--competing for attention and ear drums. Although people are worried that the promise of the Orange Revolution has dissipated, tonight's demonstrations were a significant example of a people embracing the idea of democracy. It wasn't that long ago that the idea of two major opposing candidates holding massive rallies at either end of a stretch of Volodymyrska St. was unheard of.

We are witnessing a country full of people now understanding, and wanting--indeed, palpably feeling, the promise of democracy. Even if it is not perfect (we will see what happens with our observations of Election Day, and we still have issues with regard to campaign financing and the control of the media---more on that later), it is a major move forward for a place which, although the people have been here for a very long time, is a very young country politically--with a very challenging history.

It is extraordinary being able to be here to witness history being made.

It is now after 2:00 am here, and I have an early departure in the morning for Odessa. More to come tomorrow.

MHF

Martha en mission en Ukraine (suite)

2010-02-05T15:34:00.000-05:00

Jour 2 de Martha en mission -- la suite de ma participation à la Mission d’observation des élections de l’OSCE concernant l’élection présidentielle en Ukraine. Pour un historique de la révolution orange, voir http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_Revolution.

Dans deux jours, le 7 février, l’Ukraine élira un nouveau président. Les deux candidats sont Yulia Tymoshenko et Viktor Yanukovych.Le paradoxe, c’est que ce même Viktor Yanukovych a « remporté » l’élection en 2004, pour voir les résultats immédiatement annulés en raison de fraudes présumées. C’est alors Viktor Yanukovych qui a été élu président. Tout cela à cause de la révolution orange.

Il y a deux semaines, au premier tour de l’élection, Yushchenko est arrivé loin derrière, récoltant à peine 4 % des voix. Yulia Tymoshenko a terminé deuxième au premier tour et est candidate pour le second tour de l’élection. Elle était l’autre protagoniste de la révolution orange de 2004. Elle est actuellement première ministre.

Les parlementaires canadiens ici présents comme membres de l’Assemblée parlementaire de l’OSCE sont moi-même, Monique Guay (Bloc québécois), David Christopherson (NPD), Peter Goldring (Con) et notre chef de mission est le sénateur Consiglio di Nino. Aujourd’hui, nous avons été invités à dîner à la résidence de l’ambassadeur du Canada, Son excellence Daniel Caron (http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/ukraine/offices-bureaux/ambassador_msg_ambassadeur.aspx?lang=fra&highlights_file=&left_menu_en=&left_menu_fr=&mission=). Nous avons eu une discussion captivante avec des Canadiens qui habitent en Ukraine et qui nous ont présenté des points de vue des plus intéressants sur la présente élection et son processus. (On compte plus de 1 200 000 Canadiens d’origine ukrainienne au Canada.)

Ce soir, les deux candidats ont tenu des assemblées monstres, spectacle sons et lumières compris. Ils étaient face à face, à chaque extrémité d’un long et large boulevard à se disputer l’attention de l’auditoire. Si les gens craignaient que les promesses de la révolution orange ne se soient envolées, il n’en reste pas moins que les rassemblements de ce soir témoignent que le peuple a embrassé l’idéal de la démocratie. Il n’y a pas si longtemps, il était impensable que les deux principaux adversaires puissent tenir des assemblées aux deux extrémités d’un tronçon de la rue Volodymyrska.

Nous voyons maintenant dans ce pays une quantité de gens qui croient en la démocratie et qui, on le sent, souhaitent qu’elle remplisse ses promesses. Cette démocratie-là n’est pas parfaite, certes (nous verrons bien ce qui se produira le jour du scrutin et nous avons toujours des raisons de se préoccuper du financement électoral et du contrôle exercé sur les médias – nous en dirons davantage plus tard), mais c’est un grand pas en avant vers l’édification d’un pays qui est habité depuis fort longtemps, mais qui est encore très jeune sur le plan politique. Bref, un pays qui a de grands défis à relever.

C’est une expérience extraordinaire que d’être témoin d’événements historiques tel celui-ci.Il est maintenant 2 heures du matin, et je dois partir tôt pour Odessa. J’en dirai plus demain.

MHF

Martha en mission en Ukraine

2010-02-04T15:30:00.001-05:00

Bonjour, ici Martha.

Je viens tout juste d’arriver à Kiev, en Ukraine.

Un trajet de 2 heures en autobus d’Ottawa à Montréal; une escale de 2 heures et demie à l’aéroport de Montréal; un vol de 6 heures et demie de Montréal à Amsterdam; une escale de 2 heures et demie à l’aéroport d’Amsterdam; un vol de 2 heures et demie d’Amsterdam à Kiev. Seize heures en tout… Mais c’est bon d’être de retour.

C’est mon premier reportage « Martha en mission » de la semaine à venir. La mission est la Mission d’observation des élections du BIDDH, OSCE, portant sur l’élection présidentielle du 7 février en Ukraine.

Je suis venue ici il y a deux semaines, dans le cadre de la même mission, pour le premier tour électoral, mais comme aucun des deux principaux candidats, Viktor Yanukovych et Yulia Tymoshenko, n’a obtenu la majorité des voix, un second tour sera nécessaire. (J’en dirais plus sur le rôle que les deux ont joué dans la révolution orange de 2004, les événements fascinants marquant la transition démocratique, la comparaison avec la démocratie telle que nous la connaissons au Canada et, bien évidemment, sur l’étonnant paradoxe voulant que si nous sommes ici en Ukraine pour contribuer au bon fonctionnement de la démocratie, c’est notamment parce que notre premier ministre a fermé les portes de notre propre…)

OSCE est l’acronyme de l’Organisation pour la sécurité et la coopération en Europe, et BIDDH, celui du Bureau des institutions démocratiques et des droits de l’homme. Je suis ici comme membre de l’Assemblée parlementaire de l’OSCE, sous les auspices du Groupe parlementaire Canada-Europe du Parlement canadien. J’ai été ravie d’avoir été choisie avec 5 autres parlementaires canadiens pour venir ici -- -et comme un second tour est nécessaire, nous sommes tous les cinq de retour : Monique Guay du Bloc québécois, Dave Christopherson du NPD et Peter Goldring du Parti conservateur, et notre groupe est dirigé par le sénateur Consiglio di Nino. (Et oui, sauf pour la période des questions, il EST possible que des députés de différentes formations s’entendent -- en fait, nous aimons bien être ensemble. Car, après tout, nous poursuivons un objectif commun.) Il y a aussi un grand nombre de Canadiens qui participent à la mission d’observation, par l’entremise de plusieurs autres organismes -- Gerard Kennedy est d’ailleurs des nôtres en tant que membre d’un de ces groupes.

Je m’en vais maintenant manger du borchtch et prendre une bière avec quelques collègues – la série Martha en mission se poursuivra…

Martha on a Mission in Ukraine

2010-02-04T10:56:00.004-05:00

Hi, Martha here.

I have just arrived in Kiev, Ukraine.

A 2 hr bus ride from Ottawa to Montreal; a 2.5 hr layover at the Montreal airport; a 6.5 hr flight from Montreal to Amsterdam; a 2.5 hour layover at the Amsterdam airport; a 2.5 hr flight from Amsterdam to Kiev. 16 hours..... phew. But it's great to be back.

This the first of my "Martha on a Mission" series for the next week. The "Mission" is the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, for the Ukrainian Presidential Election February 7.
I was here just 2 weeks ago, on the same mission, for the preliminary round of the elections, but no one reached a majority, so we have a run-off between the two top-placers from the preliminary round, Viktor Yanukovych and Yulia Tymoshenko. (I will write more about the part these two played in the 2004 Orange Revolution, the fascinating developments here that reflect 'transitional democracy'; comparisons to what we in Canada have; and, of course, the not-at-all-small irony that one of the reasons I am able to be here to help ensure that democracy is functioning in Ukraine is that my own Prime Minister shut the doors on our own......)

The OSCE is the Organization for Security and Co-0peration in Europe, and ODIHR is the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. I am here as part of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, through the auspices of the Canadian Parliament's "Canada-Europe Parliamentary Group". I was thrilled to have been chosen as one of the 4 Canadian MPs to come---and because of the election run-off, the same four of us are back: Monique Guay from the Bloc; Dave Christopherson from the NDP, and Peter Goldring from the Conservatives, and our group is headed by Senator Consiglio di Nino. (And yes, outside of Question Period, it IS possible for MPs from different parties to get along--indeed, we enjoy each other's company. And after all, we're here for a common purpose.) There are many other Canadians here assisting with the election observation mission, through several groups---Gerard Kennedy is here this time through one of them as well.

I am just getting ready to go out to find some borscht and a beer with a few colleagues---the Martha on a Mission series will continue....

Reflecting on COP-15, 2 months later

2010-02-03T11:50:00.004-05:00

Having recovered from the chaos of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, below you will find a few thoughts on the process and being a Canadian internationally:

The learning experience was incredible; for me, the chance to interact and discuss with others from around the world is probably the most valuable aspect of attending an international conference as a non-governmental observer.

What I found unfortunate though, was that so many of the sessions geared toward observers, side events, as they were called, did not address the ways in which countries could/should/would work together. There were many fabulous presentations about what country x was doing and how others might mimic their actions. A couple of really interesting talks on the role of regional and municipal governments (something Canada is actually praised for on the international stage, go us!). But not a whole lot about how all this can fit into a global system.

Presumably that was left for the plenary sessions – discussions for government leaders to have. Passes were extremely limited for these sessions so unfortunately I did not get to attend any. The question then is, if the plenary is too full, why were side events not created to focus on similar challenges?

I think that if we are going to find a global solution to these environmental challenges we are going to have to really consider the NGOs role and ensure the COP proceedings reflect that. This means observers need to be able to observe the crucial discussion, to learn about what can be done, to be able to bring these ideas back to their respective homes and help their governments find ideal solutions.

Before I wrap up, I’d like to bring up one last thing – being Canadian internationally, and working with our government and other organizations. I am Liberal so you can probably guess how I feel about the current government, but I am a proud Canadian. And I believe climate change is a crucial issue TODAY, so you can probably guess how I feel about our inaction, still, I am a proud Canadian.

I have a big problem with Canadians going abroad and saying they are “ashamed to be Canadian” – What’s worse is that it was Canadians telling other Canadians to be ashamed.

Yes it is bad that Canada won so many fossil of the day awards, yes it is bad that we do not have a concrete plan for reducing emissions, yes it is bad that we are not stepping up to the plate and taking a leadership role.

But it is good that we have municipalities and provinces who praised for their environmental advancements, it is good that we have some of the worlds experts on climate change right here in Canada and it is even better when we help each other promote the good rather than attack each other over the bad.

We are Canadians and we are better than being bullies.
We are Canadians and we have the capacity to produce strong policy.
We are Canadians and we can be leaders.

Thanks for your time!

Elizabeth Dubois
Delegate Lead: Young Liberals of Canada,
for International Federation of Liberal Youth,
to COP-15

@lizdubois

LE POINT SUR LA 15E SESSION DE LA CONFÉRENCE DES PARTIES, 2 MOIS APRÈS

2010-02-03T11:47:00.000-05:00

Maintenant que nous nous sommes remis des remous de la Conférence des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques, voici quelques réflexions sur le processus et ce que c’est que d’être un Canadien au plan international.

J’ai trouvé l’expérience d’apprentissage formidable. Pour moi, la chance de pouvoir rencontrer des gens de partout dans le monde et discuter avec eux est probablement ce que ma présence à cette conférence internationale à titre d’observateur non gouvernemental m’a apporté de plus enrichissant.

Ce qui m’a déçu, toutefois, c’est qu’un si grand nombre des sessions tenues à l'intention des observateurs – qu’on appelait « événements parallèles » – ne disaient rien de la façon dont les pays pourraient et devraient travailler ensemble et encore moins de ce qu’ils feraient effectivement à cet égard. Il y a eu des exposés fabuleusement intéressants sur les mesures que tel ou tel pays avait prises et comment les autres pourraient l'imiter. Nous avons également eu droit à des échanges fort intéressants sur le rôle des administrations régionales et municipales (une chose pour laquelle le Canada est encensé dans le monde entier au plan international – nous avons tous droit à des compliments!), mais nous n'avons pas entendu grand-chose sur la place que tout cela pourrait tenir dans un système mondial.

Je présume qu’on avait réservé cela pour les plénières – des discussions réservées aux seuls chefs de gouvernement. Comme il n’y avait qu’un nombre fort limité de laissez-passer pour ces échanges, je n’ai hélas pu assister à aucun, ce qui me porte à me demander pourquoi on n’avait prévu aucun événement parallèle sur des sujets connexes si la plénière affichait complet.

Je pense que si nous voulons trouver une solution mondiale aux problèmes environnementaux, nous allons devoir tenir compte du rôle des organisations non gouvernementales et faire en sorte que la conférence des parties en discute au cours de ses délibérations. Cela signifie que les observateurs devront pouvoir assister à cette discussion cruciale et obtenir des renseignements sur ce qui peut se faire de manière à pouvoir faire rapport de ces propositions dans leurs pays respectifs et aider leurs gouvernements à trouver les solutions idéales.

Il y a une autre chose dont je tiens à vous parler avant de terminer, à savoir ce que cela signifie, au plan international, que d’être Canadien et de travailler avec notre gouvernement et d’autres organisations. Comme je suis libéral, vous devinez sans doute ce que je pense de notre gouvernement actuel. Mais je suis aussi fière d’être Canadienne et je crois crucial de nous attaquer AUJOURD'HUI au problème des changements climatiques, ce qui vous révèle ce que je pense de notre inaction. Mais je n’en demeure pas moins fière d’être Canadienne.

Je n’ai pas aimé entendre des Canadiens dire qu’ils « avaient honte d’être Canadiens » pendant qu’ils étaient à l'étranger. Le pire, c’est que c’étaient des Canadiens qui disaient à d’autres Canadiens qu’ils devraient avoir honte.Certes, il est triste que le Canada ait gagné autant de prix « fossile de la journée », qu’il n’ait pas de plan concret de réduction des émissions, qu’il ne prenne pas part au jeu et qu’il ne donne pas l’exemple.

Mais nous pouvons féliciter certaines de nos municipalités et provinces qui ont été louangées pour leurs initiatives environnementales. De plus, certains des plus éminents spécialistes mondiaux des changements climatiques sont des Canadiens. Ainsi, il serait encore mieux de travailler ensemble à faire ressortir ce que nous avons de bon au lieu de nous en prendre les-uns aux autres à cause de ce qui laisse à désirer chez nous.

Nous sommes des Canadiens, et nous ne devrions pas nous conduire comme des malabars.
Nous sommes des Canadiens, et nous sommes capables d’élaborer une politique nationale forte.
Nous sommes des Canadiens et nous pouvons être des leaders.

Merci d’avoir pris le temps de me lire!

Elizabeth Dubois

Omar Khadr and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

2010-01-29T20:49:00.005-05:00

The Case of Omar Khadr

Today (January 29, 2010) The Supreme Court of Canada, unanimously ruled that the Harper government has violated Mr. Khadr’s Charter rights, and that the constitutional breach “continues to this day".

The Court is not insisting that Mr. Khadr be repatriated from Guantanamo, out of respect for the separation of powers and an appropriate reluctance of the courts to intervene in foreign policy affairs. However, the Court has sent a clear message that the government must rectify its infringement of Mr. Khadr’s Charter rights, but is “leaving the government a measure of discretion in deciding how best to respond”. The Court has also clearly warned that it has the power to act more strongly if the government fails to take action.

In my view:

- The Supreme Court’s decision was appropriate. It found that the Harper government has violated, and continues to violate, Mr. Khadr’s Charter rights. It was also appropriate that it respected the separation of powers and the government’s role in foreign affairs—as the Court said, it was “leaving the government a measure of discretion in deciding how best to respond”. I am heartened, however, that the court also made it clear that it is prepared to take stronger action if the government fails to take action.

- Omar Khadr and members of his family have acted and spoken in ways that are offensive to many Canadians. Me included. But our legal principles, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the rights of Canadian citizens, and Canada’s adherence to principles of international law on the protection of child soldiers*, must take precedence over whether we happen to “like” or “approve” of someone or not. Indeed, our principles are easy to uphold when we are dealing with sympathetic people----it is exactly when it isn’t so easy that the value and importance of upholding those principles are the greatest. If they only apply when it’s easy, they aren’t really true principles.

- An additional note on child soldiers: Mr. Khadr was only 15 at the time (now 7 years ago!); he was a child soldier under international legal definitions. International law, to which Canada has adhered*, would keep Mr. Khadr from prosecution. He should have been repatriated to Canada from Guantanamo. Last year, however, Stephen Harper said, “To be a child soldier, you have to be in an army.” It is extraordinary to suggest that it’s OK to have the world protect children who are forced into “official” armies, but to NOT afford similar protections to those children who are forced into guerrilla squads or terrorist groups. The law refers to "armed conflict". The world is, unfortunately, full of situations where children are forced into armed conflict—“official” or not. As a country, Canada has both an international legal obligation, and a principled one, to help and protect those children whenever and wherever possible. Even if the children, or their families, behave in ways that many of us do not like or approve of.

* UN Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, New York, 25 May 2000, http://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-11-b&chapter=4&lang=en

L'affaire Omar Khadr et la Charte des droits et liberlés

2010-01-29T11:56:00.000-05:00

Chers citoyens,

Voici mes commentaires sur l’affaire Omar Khadr.

Le cas d’Omar Khadr

La Cour suprême du Canada a statué, à l’unanimité, que le gouvernement Harper a porté atteinte aux droits garantis à M. Khadr par la Charte, et que ces violations de la Constitution « se poursuivent à ce jour ».

La Cour n’a pas exigé le rapatriement de M. Khadr de la prison de Guantanamo, ayant plutôt décidé de respecter la séparation des pouvoirs et la réticence légitime des tribunaux à intervenir dans les questions relatives aux affaires étrangères. Toutefois, la Cour a clairement indiqué que le gouvernement devait remédier aux violations des droits garantis à M. Khadr par la Charte, mais elle laisse au gouvernement « une certaine latitude pour décider de la manière dont il convient de répondre ». La Cour a également fait savoir qu’elle a le pouvoir de prendre des mesures plus radicales si le gouvernement n’agit pas.

Position de Martha Hall Findlay

- La décision de la Cour suprême est appropriée. Je crois que le gouvernement Harper a violé les droits garantis à M. Khadr par la Charte, et qu’il continue de le faire. Il convenait également que la Cour respecte la séparation des pouvoirs et le rôle du gouvernement dans les affaires étrangères — comme elle l’a dit elle-même, elle laisse au gouvernement « une certaine latitude pour décider de la manière dont il convient de répondre ». Je suis ravie, toutefois, que la cour ait également déclaré être prête à prendre des mesures plus radicales si le gouvernement n’agit pas.

- Omar Khadr et les membres de sa famille ont agi et parlé de manière offensante pour de nombreux Canadiens, moi y comprise. Mais les principes juridiques que nous respectons, notamment la Charte des droits et libertés et les droits des citoyens canadiens, et le fait que le Canada adhère aux principes de droits international relatifs à la protection des enfants‑soldats doivent passer avant nos sentiments pour une personne. En fait, il est facile de s’en tenir à nos principes lorsque nous traitons avec des personnes sympathiques, mais c’est dans les situations difficiles que l’on peut mesurer la valeur et l’importance de nos principes. Si nous n’avons de grands principes que dans les situations faciles, ce ne sont pas vraiment des principes.

- Encore un mot sur les enfants-soldats : M. Khadr n’avait que 15 ans au moment de son arrestation (il y a de cela sept ans!). En vertu des définitions de droit international, il aurait dû être considéré comme un enfant-soldat. Selon le droit international que le Canada respecte, il n’aurait pas fallu intenter de poursuites contre lui. M. Khadr aurait dû être rapatrié au Canada de Guantanamo. L’an dernier, Stephen Harper a toutefois déclaré : « Pour être un enfant-soldat, vous devez faire partie d’une armée ». Il est insensé de croire qu’il est correct de protéger les enfants obligés à faire partie d’armées officielles, mais de refuser la même protection aux enfants engagés de force dans la guérilla ou les groupes terroristes. Malheureusement, il arrive trop souvent que des enfants soient contraints de participer à un conflit armé, officiel ou non. En tant que pays, le Canada doit, par obligation internationale et par principe, aider et protéger les enfants, peu importe le lieu ou le moment. Et ce, même si ces enfants et leur famille se comportent d’une façon que bon nombre d’entre nous désapprouvent.

* * * * * * * *
Martha Hall Findlay
Députée de Willowdale

Les Libéraux travaillent fort

2010-01-28T15:29:00.000-05:00

Même si Stephen Harper a fermé le Parlement, Martha et ses collègues du caucus libéral travaillent fort à Ottawa. Les membres du caucus libéral ont entamé d’importantes discussions avec des experts concernant certains problèmes graves auxquels les Canadiens sont confrontés.

La semaine a commencé par une série de tables rondes sur l’emploi. Martha et Marc Garneau ont animé une discussion sur la haute technologie et les emplois liés à l’énergie propre. Mardi, nous avons mis l’accent sur la gouvernance avec Marlene Jennings, tandis qu’hier, nous nous sommes penchés sur des questions concernant les femmes avec Anita Neville.

Aujourd’hui, nous examinons des questions liées aux anciens combattants avec Rob Oliphant, et vendredi avant-midi, nous parlerons de la santé avec un groupe de spécialistes de la maladie d’Alzheimer et de la démence avec Kirsty Duncan, et en après-midi Carolyn Bennett animera un forum de discussion en ligne.

Liberals Are Working

2010-01-28T15:15:00.003-05:00

Despite Steven Harper shutting down parliament Martha and her colleagues in the Liberal caucus are hard at work in Ottawa. The Liberal caucus members are engaging in critical discussion with experts on some of the most important issues facing Canadians.

The week kicked off with a series of roundtables on jobs. Martha and Marc Garneau moderated a conversation on High-tech and clean energy jobs,

Tuesday the focus was on governance with Marlene Jennings, while yesterday we looked at women’s issues hosted by Anita Neville.

Today we are examining veteran’s affairs with Rob Oliphant and Friday the focus will be on health with a panel discussion on Alzheimer’s and dementia in the morning hosted by Kirsty Duncan, in the afternoon she will be joined by Carolyn Bennett for an online town hall.

For more information please see Liberal.ca

MHF and Willowdale Team at CAPP Rally

2010-01-28T11:45:00.006-05:00

Last Saturday, Martha and a group of us from Willowdale met up at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto along with thousands of other Canadians to protest Stephen Harper's decision to prorogue Parliament. We were there to demonstrate that we care about our democracy, and if necessary are willing to fight for it, as Michael Ignatieff said that same day in Ottawa.

Standing amidst the throngs of people crowding the square, it was hard to make a good estimate of exactly how many people turned out, but as our numbers kept filling the square and eventually spilled out onto the streets, it was clear that Canadians are anything but apathetic about their democracy. People of every age and from every walk of life had shown up because were not happy with the government's actions. Faced with mounting questions over his government's performance on issues such as torture in Afghanistan and the growing deficit, Stephen Harper was counting on the apathy of Canadians to be able to dodge scrutiny and criticism by shutting down Parliament. And clearly, he judged wrongly!

The rally we attended was the creation of Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament, a non-partisan grassroots coalition with a remarkable story. When Stephen Harper revealed quietly on New Year's Eve that he was shutting down Parliament until March, one university student from Alberta made an act of simple but honest protest: he started a Facebook group. Pundits dismissed this as irrelevant, saying no one really cared. But as more and more people joined, and the group passed 100,000, then 200,000 members, the actions of one citizen concerned for his democracy blossomed into a truly coast-to-coast movement uniting Canadians of every sort and sparking rallies across the country, including the one we attended.

One of the greatest privileges of volunteering alongside Martha is listening in as she converses with Canadians about the issues that are important to them--which is so integral to the job of a Member of Parliament. We met lots of people that afternoon who shared how fed up they had been with the decision to prorogue, but how warmed and inspired they had been to see the strength of this movement that had risen up. It was great to meet so many people share their concerns for the fundamentals of democracy, whether on the streets and squares during the event, or afterwards at Milestones and Future Shop!

-Ryan Krahn

*For more photos see the Facebook album.

Questions I now won't be able to ask on Power Play

2010-01-27T17:04:00.003-05:00

Hi, Martha here.

I just learned that Helena Guergis has cancelled her appearance on Power Play. This, notwithstanding her title and responsibilities as Minister of State for the Status of Women.

I won't be on the show now after all--appropriately, CTV tries hard to keep a balanced representation of parties. But here we are, on the 40th anniversary of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women, and the Minister of State should be prepared to answer the questions I would have put to her on the show: (i) why did the Harper government cut funding to Status of Women by almost half (12 of 16 regional offices had to close); (ii) why did the Harper government insist on the removal of all references to "equality" in the Status of Women material (after all, the whole point was, and is, EQUALITY); (iii) why has the Harper government turned back efforts to ensure pay equity (women in Canada still make only about 70% of what men in Canada do for the same work); and (iv) why, as we are about to learn (the PM will hear this in Davos), that the Global Gender Gap report will show that of the 115 countries covered since 2006, more than 2/3 have improved (which means that the world, generally, has reduced the gap between women and men), but that Canada has DROPPED 9 spots since 2006 to 25th spot?

I would really like to have asked Ms. Guergis, on television: "Why are Canadian women worse off relative to men since Harper took power in 2006? Why do we have an even bigger gender gap, in terms of such factors (used in the GGG Report) as economic opportunity, educational attainment, literacy, health and political empowerment?"

Prorogation

2010-01-06T13:28:00.006-05:00

I am an elected Member of Parliament, but Stephen Harper is trying to prevent me from doing my job. It should NOT be his choice.

The people of Willowdale did not elect me as their Member of Parliament so that I could stay home.

My message to Stephen Harper: I'm going to do MY job, despite his best efforts to prevent me from doing it. LIBERALS ARE WORKING.

This is not Stephen Harper's government. It is OUR government, government for ALL Canadians, as represented by their Members of Parliament in the House of Commons. Canada is NOT Stephen Harper's personal fiefdom to control as he wishes--no matter how much he would like that control.

And let's be clear---this has nothing to do with the Olympics, or "working on the budget". Pure and simple, Stephen Harper is running away. He's running from some very tough questions. Questions that we were asking about:

real job numbers, not just what Stephen Harper "promised"; details on results of the "stimulus" plan that Stephen Harper was refusing to provide;

why Stephen Harper has repeatedly fired some civil servants for disagreeing with him and eliminated funding to others who have been critical of his government (including, incidentally, the elimination of funding to those whose offices were actually created by Stephen Harper); and

Stephen Harpers' refusal to disclose information about the Afghan detainees and torture.

Stephen Harper has been refusing to answer any of these questions. He is abusing parliamentary procedure by proroguing to ‘cut and run’.

My question to Stephen Harper, and the question all Canadians should be asking him, is WHAT IS HE TRYING TO HIDE?

For the second time in only a year, Stephen Harper has prorogued Parliament. For the second time in only a year, his only reason for doing so has been to run away from controversy---and Stephen Harper is hoping that Canadians won't notice. We can't let that happen: I call on all Willowdaleans--indeed all Canadians--to say "No".

The first time Harper prorogued Parliament, only a year ago, was to avoid a vote of non-confidence. A majority of MPs in the House of Commons had made this loss of confidence in him known; we were about to vote (that IS our responsibility). But Stephen Harper prorogued Parliament, preventing our vote and effectively running away to save his own skin.

This time, Stephen Harper is running away from the questions and inquiries about torture in Afghanistan. Why? Because the more we questioned, the more evidence there was that the Harper government has been covering up the truth, and the more the government blocked access to information. What were they hiding? To get at the truth, a majority of the House of Commons passed a motion demanding the production of documents, which the government kept denying access to, relating to the alleged torture of Afghan detainees (a very serious issue, a breach of international law). Harper's reaction? To openly flaunt the will of Parliament---"If you really want the documents, then sue us" was the reaction.

Parliament spoke, with the voice of a majority of MPs, representing a majority of Canadians. We should NOT have to sue the government to compel it to comply with the will of Parliament. And Stephen Harper should not be allowed to close down Parliament when it suits his purposes. It is not HIS government---it is the government of Canadians.

MY JOB AS THE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR WILLOWDALE:

The people of Willowdale elected me as their MP to represent them, and their interests, in the House of Commons---in the debates over pending legislation, in the votes, and in the committee work that we do (in my case, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates and the Standing Committee on Finance).

My job in Opposition is NOT just to "oppose"--my job is to help ensure that this country is governed according to the democratic principles that are fundamental to our society. Principles that Stephen Harper is pulling apart, to suit his own purposes.

I want to stress that I represent ALL of the people in Willowdale, regardless of whether they actually voted for me or for someone else. THAT's democracy. But we ARE in a minority government, and Mr. Harper keeps forgetting that. A large majority of people in Willowdale did NOT vote Conservative; a majority of Canadians across the country did NOT vote Conservative. By doing so, Canadians were asking us, as Opposition MPs, to help keep this government to account---to ensure honesty, transparency, accountability and fair play.

Stephen Harper campaigned on these principles, but he is now doing everything he can to take them away. He is preventing us from fulfilling our responsibilities to Canadians.

End of session tid-bits

2009-12-18T13:59:00.009-05:00

Parliamentary leak in foyer during Power Play with Tom Clark: December 11, 2009

The cameramen say this is one of many over the past few years!

The garbage can to catch the water leak:

Martha gets a callous from signing Holiday Cards and our team gets paper cuts from stuffing!

The torch arrives in Parliament: Thurs Dec 10: Martha gets to meet a Canadian heroine, Barbara Ann Scott, winner of the 1948 Winter Olympics gold medal for figure skating!

Martha just recorded with CBC Radio, The House, which airs on Sat Dec 27th at 9:11am.

She recommends a book to read over the holidays.

Team MHF at COP-15

2009-12-17T05:21:00.006-05:00

Hello All,

For those of you who don’t know me my name is Elizabeth Dubois and I am an assistant to MHF. I am also an active Young Liberal as the Chair of the YLC Issues Working Group, former University of Ottawa Young Liberals Vice President and current lead for the YLC delegation to COP-15 (the United Nations Climate Change Conference).

In fact I am writing to you now from the Bella Center in Copenhagen where negotiations are underway. I, along with 22 other Young Liberals of Canada have spent the past two weeks in Copenhagen as members of the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) delegation. We have had the opportunity to attend seminars and lectures, engage in discussion and debate with other dedicated citizens and meet with numerous leaders and experts. We have detailed our experience online, check out our blog and youtube. (More information can be found at the YLC website.)

I hope to get more photos up soon but for now here is a quick snap of me as I blog,

Elizabeth

twitter: @lizdubois

Statement by Martha in the House of Commons, December 8, 2009: Salvation Army

2009-12-15T11:59:00.001-05:00

Ms. Martha Hall Findlay (Willowdale, Lib.):Madam Speaker, I stand today to praise the work of the Salvation Army.At this time of year, we know the Salvation Army for its ubiquitous donation kettles, but I know the army also from my late father who, after his return from fighting in Europe in World War II, spoke often and admiringly of the army's work on the ground there. When my dad passed away, it was indeed the Salvation Army to which we asked people to make contributions in his honour.Affectionately known as the Sally Ann, the Salvation Army does its good work in 118 countries, in 400 communities in Canada alone, and it provides direct assistance to 1.5 million Canadians annually. It is the largest non-governmental provider of direct social services in Canada.I would like us to welcome here today and to thank Commissioners Bill and Marilyn Francis, Territorial Leaders for the Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda, and their colleagues. I ask this House to join me in saying thank you on behalf of so many people to the Salvation Army.

Déclaration de Martha, Chambre des Communes, le 8 décembre 2009: L'Armée du Salut

Mme Martha Hall Findlay (Willowdale, Lib.):Madame la Présidente, je rends aujourd'hui hommage aux oeuvres de l'Armée du Salut.À ce temps-ci de l'année, les représentants de l'Armée du Salut qui recueillent des dons sont omniprésents. Pour ma part, c'est mon père, aujourd'hui décédé, qui me l'a fait connaître. Après son retour d'Europe, à la fin de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, il parlait souvent et avec admiration du travail de l'Armée du Salut sur le terrain. Quand il est décédé, c'est à l'Armée du Salut qu'il a demandé que les gens fassent des dons en son nom.L'Armée du Salut est présente dans 118 pays, et dans 400 collectivités uniquement au Canada. Elle vient directement en aide à 1,5 millions de Canadiens chaque année. Il s'agit du plus important fournisseur non gouvernemental de services sociaux directs du Canada.Je souhaite la bienvenue aux commissionnaires Bill et Marilyn Francis, chefs de territoire de l'Armée du Salut au Canada et aux Bermudes, et à leurs collègues. J'invite la Chambre à se joindre à moi pour dire merci à l'Armée du Salut au nom d'innombrables Canadiens.

Statement by Martha, December 4, 2009: Volunteerism

2009-12-15T11:49:00.003-05:00

Ms. Martha Hall Findlay (Willowdale, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, they are the true unsong heroes of Canadian society. They deliver hot meals to shut-ins, they sift through mountains of used clothing, and they coach our children's sports teams. They are volunteers and today is their day.

Today is International Volunteer Day. I invite my colleagues to join me and warmly thank all those people who, out of pure altruism, collect donations in order to allow soup kitchens to continue helping the disadvantaged, bring comfort to patients in our hospitals, and collect and distribute toys to children.

We must always be aware of their many selfless contributions, and the tremendous social and economic benefits they provide to all of our communities.

Today, we thank these volunteers for the very precious gifts of their time and effort.

I encourage all of my colleagues to join me today in not only thanking all of the volunteers in this country but also to join their ranks a few times a year.

Déclaration de Martha, le 4 décembre 2009: Le bénévolat

Mme Martha Hall Findlay (Willowdale, Lib.): Monsieur le Président, ce sont des héros de la société canadienne qui travaillent dans l'ombre. Ils livrent des repas chauds à des personnes confinées chez elles, ils font le tri dans des montagnes de vêtements usagés et ils sont les entraîneurs des équipes sportives de nos enfants. Ce sont tous des bénévoles et, aujourd'hui, c'est leur journée.

C'est aujourd'hui la Journée internationale des bénévoles. J'invite tous mes collègues à se joindre à moi pour remercier chaleureusement tous ces gens qui, par pur altruisme, s'investissent pour recueillir les dons qui permettent aux soupes populaires de continuer à aider les démunis, qui apportent un peu de réconfort aux patients dans nos hôpitaux, qui accumulent et distribuent des jouets pour les enfants.

Nous devons toujours être conscients de leurs contributions désintéressées, ainsi que des énormes avantages socioéconomiques qu'ils procurent à toutes nos collectivités.

Aujourd'hui, nous remercions ces bénévoles qui font ce don si précieux, celui de leur temps et de leurs efforts.

J'encourage tous mes collègues à se joindre à moi aujourd'hui pour remercier tous les bénévoles du pays et à faire oeuvre utile avec eux quelques fois par année.

"CAMR" Bill

2009-12-04T15:13:00.002-05:00

This week I voted to support the passage of Bill C-393, An Act to amend the Patent Act (drugs for international humanitarian purposes) (known as the "CAMR" Bill) at second reading. Although it is not the complete answer to the problems it tries to address, it is a positive step that I feel is important to support.

Legitimate concerns have been raised about (i) assuring protection of Intellectual Property rights; and (ii) that C-393 will not, in and of itself, solve the problems encountered so far in getting affordable, much-needed drugs to the countries and people most in need. On (ii), my colleague Glen Pearson (Liberal MP, London North Centre), who has extensive experience with the challenges faced by so many sick and poor in African countries, has committed to developing other solutions to the underlying problems that won't be addressed by C-393. I wholeheartedly support him in that effort. On (i), my other colleague Marc Garneau (Liberal MP, Westmount--Ville-Marie) has raised some legitimate concerns about the protection of intellectual property rights, and I hope that further work at Committee can help address those issues.

- Martha

Young Liberals to Copenhagen

2009-11-30T14:07:00.004-05:00

Last week we posted a note on Facebook about Hillary’s fundraising efforts to get her to Copenhagen for the COP-15 UN Climate Change Conference where she will represent the Young Liberals as a member of the IFLRY delegation. This followed some fun and impromptu support we gave Hillary when she came to a Willowdale Pub night:

I also want to encourage everyone to help Elizabeth Dubois (yes, I am biased because Elizabeth works part time in my Office in Ottawa!) and the entire delegation of Young Liberals who have been selected to go to Copenhagen. They all have to pay their own way and would love any help possible.

For more information and to donate please contact Elizabeth Dubois, the delegation coordinator at OttawaAtCOP15@gmail.com

Be sure to check out one of the Climate Change Town Halls happening in your area!

Next one will be held this Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00-8:30pm at Carleton University in Ottawa, Room 210 Tory Building.

Elizabeth will be blogging about her time experience in Copenhagen so be sure to check back for updates!

Martha

Irwin Cotler's Point of Privilege

2009-11-21T19:30:00.005-05:00

One of the world’s most renowned human rights activists, someone I am proud to call a colleague, Irwin Cotler, Member of Parliament for Mount Royal, recently stood in the House of Commons on a point of privilege on Thursday November 19, read his speech here.

Page Program/Programme des pages

2009-10-28T10:35:00.002-04:00

2010-2011 HOUSE OF COMMONS PAGE PROGRAM
Application Deadline - December 7, 2009

A camera captures the Speaker of the House of Commons as he calls the House to order. A Member rises to ask a question, Hansard in hand. The Clerk of the House makes notes on the daily scroll. A House of Commons Page delivers an urgent message to the Prime Minister. These are the sounds, sights and pace of a day in the House of Commons. In the Chamber and around Parliament Hill, Pages live and breathe the history and action of one of Canada’s oldest political institutions.

Each year, approximately 40 students are selected from high schools and CEGEPS across Canada to come and work as Pages in the House of Commons. Pages begin a year-long contract in late-August. They work a minimum of 15 hours a week and their work schedule is coordinated with their university schedule. They are paid approximately $11,461 over the course of their employment. In addition, a sum of $1,200 is paid at the end of the employment period.

If you are interested in becoming a Page, you must:

· be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident;
· be graduating from a high school or a CEGEP (with no academic interruptions) and be commencing full-time university studies at one of the universities in the National Capital Region in September 2010;
· have an overall academic average of at least 80%; and
· speak both official languages at a superior level.

In mid-October, applications for the Page Program are sent to high schools and CEGEPS across Canada. If you are currently in your last year of high school or CEGEP, please contact your guidance counsellor for an application booklet, print a copy from the Web site or apply online at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/hocpage. Applications for the 2010-2011 House of Commons Page Program must be postmarked or received no later than Monday, December 7, 2009.

For more information on how to become a Page, contact:

House of Commons Page Programme (Recruitment)
Human Resources, Corporate Planning and Communications Services
131 Queen Street, Room 11-10
House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario K1A OA6
Tel.: 613-996-0897 Fax : 613-995-1470

PROGRAMME DES PAGES DE LA
CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES 2010-2011
- le 7 décembre 2009

La caméra s’arrête sur le Président de la Chambre des communes au moment où il rappelle la Chambre à l’ordre. Un député se lève pour poser une question, le Hansard à la main. La greffière de la Chambre prend des notes pour le plumitif. Un page remet un message urgent au premier ministre. Voilà un aperçu du déroulement d’une journée à la Chambre des communes. Dans l’enceinte de la Chambre et sur la colline du Parlement, les pages évoluent au coeur de l’histoire de l’une des plus anciennes institutions politiques du Canada et font l’apprentissage direct de ses rouages.

Chaque année, environ 40 étudiant(e)s des écoles secondaires et des cégeps de tout le pays sont choisi(e)s pour travailler comme pages à la Chambre des communes. Le contrat des pages dure un an et débute à la fin août. Ils travaillent un minimum de 15 heures par semaine et leur horaire de travail est établi en tenant compte de leur horaire de cours universitaires. Ils reçoivent une rémunération d’environ 11 461 $ au cours de l’année. De plus, une somme de 1 200 $ leur est versée à la fin du contrat.

Si vous voulez devenir page, vous devez :
· être citoyen(ne) canadien(ne) ou résident(e) permanent(e);
· avoir réussi vos études secondaires ou cégeps (sans interruption) et débuter des études à temps complet à une université de la région de la Capitale nationale à compter de septembre 2010;
· avoir obtenu une moyenne générale d’au moins 80 p. cent;
· posséder une connaissance supérieure des deux langues officielles.

À la mi-octobre, les formulaires de demande d’emploi sont envoyés aux écoles secondaires et aux cégeps partout au pays. Si vous êtes présentement inscrit(e) en dernière année à l’école secondaire ou au cégep, veuillez communiquer avec votre conseiller(ère) académique pour obtenir les formulaires de demande d’emploi, imprimer une copie à partir du site Web ou remplir le formulaire en ligne à l’adresse suivante : http://www.parl.gc.ca/cdcpage. Les demandes pour l’année 2010-2011 doivent être envoyées ou reçues avant le lundi 7 décembre 2009, le cachet de la poste faisant foi.

Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec :

Programme des pages de la Chambre des communes (Recrutement)
Services en ressources humaines, planification corporative et communications
Pièce 11-10, 131, rue Queen
Chambre des communes, Ottawa (Ontario) K1A 0A6
Tél.: 613-996-0897 Télécopieur : 613-995-1470

Marketing’s “Great Canadian Creative Faceoff”

2009-10-18T17:08:00.002-04:00

“Marketing’s “Great Canadian Creative Faceoff” competition is now on, and I am shamelessly promoting one of the finalists, Cindy Schultz . Cindy is the most creative person I know. Her blog makes me cry with laughter every time I read a new post (advance warning, however---it’s not for the faint of heart) You have to see her work to understand... she is truly both inspired and inspiring. I don’t know any of the other finalists, so this isn’t any comment on their work—I’m sure it’s great, just to have been named as finalists in the competition. But I encourage everyone to check out Cindy Schultz at http://halifaxbroad.blogspot.com/; click on the jumping girl image under “My Other Dark Side” to see more of Cindy’s work; sign up for her email messages (it’s therapy of a very unique kind); and most of all---VOTE FOR CINDY SCHULTZ at http://www.creativefaceoff.ca/
If you are on Twitter you can also vote for her by posting this hashtag: #creativefaceoffvote13
- Martha

UPDATE: Conservative abuse of millions of dollars of gov't advertising for partisan benefit

2009-10-14T11:54:00.004-04:00

Here is yet another example of the Conservative government using tax-payer-paid advertising and other gov't assets to promote itself, and to mislead Canadians about what's really going on with their so-called economic plan.

Gerald Keddy:

The Conservative logo should not appear on a cheque from the government of Canada.

We need your help!

We are gathering all of the additional examples we can, so please comment below with any examples you have seen online including website links, or send us a hard copy to 368 Confederation Building, Ottawa ON K1A 0A6 (no postage required) or by fax to: 613.992.1158.

Conservative abuse of millions of dollars of gov't advertising for partisan benefit.

2009-10-13T09:38:00.002-04:00

WE NEED YOUR HELP. The Conservative government is using tax-payer-paid advertising and other gov't assets to promote itself, and to mislead Canadians about what's really going on with their so-called economic plan. They are using taxpayers' money to promote themselves. They are quite simply trying to buy us, and eventually our votes, with our own money---millions and millions of our own dollars.

We saw this in Ontario under Mike Harris---and it's not a coincidence that many of that same gang are now in Ottawa--Guy Giorno, John Baird, Jim Flaherty....... We stopped this abuse in Ontario with tough, Liberal legislation---we need to stop it at the federal level too.

In the meantime, we are looking for examples of this abuse---gov't ads, publications and websites that do less "informing" and more "patting themselves on the back". For example, ad copy, radio spots, government websites that are very partisan (lots of Conservative blue, photos of the PM and ministers; photos of "announcements'" that feature local Conservative candidates but no Liberals; gov't-paid-for web sites that have links to Conservative Party websites; return addresses on mailings that are private entities, not the government; ads that direct readers or listeners to Harper's "economic plan vanity site".

WE NEED YOUR HELP! I have written to the Treasury Board, showing how this abuse of gov't ad spending for partisan advantage breaks several laws.

We are gathering all of the additional examples we can, so please comment below with any examples you have seen online including website links, or send us a hard copy to 368 Confederation Building, Ottawa ON K1A 0A6 (no postage required) or by fax to: 613.992.1158.

Thanks in advance for all your help,

Martha

Our Democracy is Broken

2009-09-23T12:31:00.003-04:00

"OUR DEMOCRACY IS BROKEN - Chronic Minorities, Constitutional Crises, Mindless Partisanship, Voter Indifference. HOW DO WE FIX IT?"

Tonight, Andrew Coyne, Paul Wells, Ed Broadbent, Eddie Goldenberg and John Raulston Saul will debate all of this in Toronto at the St. Lawrence Centre. Willowdale and Team MHF will be well-represented, me included--a group of us is going down to watch it live---I encourage others to join us.

Here's the link with the details.

If you can't come down, it will be aired live on CPAC.

Either way, it's going to be a lively debate!

- Martha

Unexpected Perks

2009-09-23T09:50:00.005-04:00

There are some unexpected perks to the job of participating on the Finance Committee as we engage in pre-budget consultations---this past week we had Thérèse Brisson, member of the Olympic Gold Medal-winning hockey team in Salt Lake City, advocating for continued sport funding post Vancouver 2010. Everyone on the committee (many are themselves pretty keen hockey players) was pretty thrilled to have her there. And she brought her gold medal, which she graciously passed around --- see the photo of yours truly with an Olympic gold medal :-)

- Martha

Canada's place in a changing world.

2009-09-21T12:33:00.004-04:00

My first degree was in International Relations (UofT), and when I went on to study and practice law, a significant portion was international law, and international trade and commerce.

Since the end of my "formal" studies, I have continued to be a student of international affairs, recognizing the importance of international relations to so much of what we do.

And I am so proud of what Canada and Canadians have done on the international stage, from my grandfather and others in WW1, my father landing on D-Day in WW2, to people like Lester Pearson winning the Nobel Peace Prize (and doubly proud that Pearson was a Liberal--proud as I am of what my Dad accomplished in WW2, he was definitely Conservative!)

I was therefore really pleased that Michael Ignatieff spoke this past week on his vision for Canada's place in the world, on Canada re-establishing itself as a constructive participant in world affairs. Even more, I was really excited about the substance he offered, with a number of concrete ideas about what we can, and should, do. Please read Michael Ignatieff's speech to the Canadian Club of Ottawa. I'd love to hear what you think.

Summer Caucus

2009-09-04T14:15:00.004-04:00

Needless to say, our caucus retreat this past week was eventful, with Michael Ignatieff making it very, very clear that we Liberals will no longer support the Harper government. We all feel a sense of relief that we can now, truly, stand up for things that are so important to us as Liberals. In addressing caucus the day after his announcement, Michael was clearly in fine form. We could see, and hear, and feel his relief at his decision---he was confident, enthusiastic, eloquent and passionate about the future. In short, he was terrific.

And it is fascinating to watch Jack Layton and the NDP with their waffling and mixed messages!! How extraordinary, after so much ‘holier than thou’ posturing about ‘never’ supporting Stephen Harper. The tables are turned; the NDP are now facing the practical challenges of an election that doesn’t suit their own timing (or poll results!)—and lo and behold, their principles, if Jack Layton had any to begin with, seem to have disappeared.

These are interesting times...

On a personal level, it was really nice to catch up with so many colleagues who have also become good friends. We were all very busy with our ridings over the summer, but I was glad to see that colleagues who are often so hard-working all of the time, also managed to get some time this summer with their families.

And a final note of thanks about the warm welcome we were given by Sudbury and Northern Ontario, it was wonderful. We look forward to turning the whole region Liberal red again!

Throughout caucus I conducted a little experiment and used Twitter to create a mini photo journal of the event, as seen below.

Liberal Women's Caucus roundtable with representatives from various Sudbury organizations.

Kristina Gasparini, Carol Hartman - new Lib candidate + Janet Gasparini, who also fought for the nomination. What a great team we have!

During break in ON caucus mtgs, Frank Valeriote + Andrew Kania online- power of being connected :)

Here’s Justin right after @M_Ignatieff speech - the look on J's face (and his shirt) says it all!!

This photo even made it to Macleans: http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/09/01/well-justin-is-convinced/

Larry Bagnell MP + wife Melissa Craig + daughter Aurora Sage as we all get ready for big #lpc rally

Deputy House Leader Marlene Jennings recharging after an eventful day--"Why bother with veggies when you have french fries??

M&M photos

2009-08-31T10:10:00.007-04:00

As many of you know, we had an "M&M" fundraising event with Michael Ignatieff on Friday, and it was terrific! (Particularly given that it was downtown Toronto, on a Friday evening of the second-last summer weekend!) I want to thank Michael Ignatieff for taking time from his busy schedule, and I also want to thank the MHF team members who worked so incredibly hard to get this off the ground. It's always dangerous to name names because you might leave someone out, but there were a few folks who went over and above, so Carol, David, Puneet, Michele, Sid, Rahil and all the other volunteers who make our team so great, that was a great success---thank you so much!!

I also want to say a special thank you to the Twitterers, facebook folk, and the bloggers who promoted the event (and even reported on while it was happening!)---very neat :-)

Here are a few photos from the night:

Back in Ottawa.

2009-08-27T09:50:00.003-04:00

Hello all,

Well Martha is in Willowdale but Anne-Sophie and I are busy here in Ottawa! After a few weeks away it is great to be back on the Hill. The new session buzz has started, we are all gearing up for what promises to be an exciting fall. But we can’t forget there is a little summer left to enjoy.

I was lucky enough to have to opportunity to spend some of my summer in England volunteering for the Bromley by Bow Centre, a community centre in East London. I worked with a fellow named Chris on the “Signs of Life” project painting murals and doing mosaics. “Signs of Life” is a social enterprise that helps to fund the centre. Youth from the community are invited to free art lessons, in exchange they help to paint murals, make mosaics and create other art projects that can be sold to the community. For example, a school might commission Signs of Life to paint a mural on a playground wall. The team will come into the class rooms and work through the process of designing, drawing and painting the mural with the students. Students learn how to paint, they have the chance to contribute to their school and exert their creativity. The centre receives funding that can help to fund future programs and the school is left with a beautiful painting that will last years.

Here is a photo of the mural I helped with. I worked on the stars, believe it or not the few dozen stars took an entire day!

The Bromley by Bow Centre truly is incredible, everything is so interconnected. The medical clinic works with Signs of Life to do art therapy, the learning centre works with the nursery to teach English as a second language and computer skills. The word to describe it is resourceful. I am so happy I had the chance to work with the Bromley by Bow team, as an added bonus I got to see so much more of London than the average tourist!

After the UK I headed back to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia for a quick visit with my family. After a few unusually hot days by the ocean, the first big hurricane of the season and a six am flight I am back in Ottawa.

- Liz

Cake Icing Shenanigans

2009-08-25T14:13:00.004-04:00

You only get to turn 50 once, so it's a good thing to celebrate. It's even better when you have such a fabulous group of friends and supporters to celebrate with you. And it's even better than that, when you have friends who won't let you have a 50th birthday party without a little cake icing being tossed around. It is a testament to the fun we have in Willowdale that these particular "cake icing shenanigans" were started by someone who has been around for at least three more decades than I have. Jean, you are an inspiration :-)

More seriously, I want to say a big thank you to the Willowdale Liberal Riding Association for putting on a great birthday party for me, with a particular thank you, as always, to the Willowdale Liberal Women who do so much, all of the time. I am incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful friends. Thank you!!

- Martha

Fifty!

2009-08-19T15:44:00.002-04:00

Fifty!! I can't remember being so excited about a birthday. It really is fantastic. Now the next half century begins.....

My siblings put on a fantastic cottage birthday party for me this weekend, with a great many wonderful friends and family. Monday, my actual birthday 'day', I got to spend with my own three kids, just us, in our own little piece of heaven in Georgian Bay.

Three great kids, all healthy, happy, and good people; a wonderful family of my mum, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews (a bunch of us had a great time together 'til the wee hours Sat. night :-) ); so many friends and colleagues for whom I have such respect and affection; and a job--a calling--that I absolutely love.

Oh yes, and a new puppy in the family!

I am incredibly fortunate that the past 50 have brought me to this place in my life.

Thank you to everyone who is sending in birthday wishes!! They all mean a great deal to me--thank you so much.

Martha

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don’t

2009-08-12T17:21:00.005-04:00

By Jim Collins (co-author of Built to Last); 2001, HarperCollins

See my original book review at Macleans.ca

Jim Collins is an internationally renowned business strategy guru, and is a bestselling author of business strategy books.

My son Everett gave me this “Good to Great” book, knowing my interest in business—but he also thought that I’d recognize that many of the business principles outlined in the book could also apply to politics, political parties and, indeed, Canada. That’s how I read the book—with the applicability to politics, politicians, political parties and, ultimately, Canada, in mind. It proved to be a fascinating and very instructive read.

Mr. Collins and his research team identified and then studied a set of companies that made the leap to great results (GtoG) and sustained those results for at least 15 years, and they diligently compared them to a carefully selected set of “comparison” companies.

I can’t do the full book justice in these brief notes, so I encourage anyone interested in either business or political success to read the whole book. I try here only to summarize a few key points that really hit home for me—as a former business person, but now very much as a federal politician.

I have added into my notes the words [party] and [Canada] to encourage readers to think in those terms.

LEVEL 5 LEADERSHIP: The “great” companies were all led by individuals who showed the traits of what Colllins calls “Level 5 Leadership”. One of the most surprising conclusions was that the GtoG companies were NOT led by people who were high-profile, with “big personalities” who made headlines and became celebrities--to a person, these individuals showed a mix of personal humility and professional will. They were ambitious, very much so, but ambitious first and foremost to the company [party] [Canada] not themselves. A “Level 5 Leader” is resolved to do whatever is needed to make his or her company [party] [Canada] great, no matter how big or hard the decisions. “Level 5 Leaders” very clearly understand that the company [party] [Canada] comes first....

FIRST WHO...THEN WHAT : Transformation in the GtoG companies began by “getting the right people on the bus, and getting the wrong people off, before figuring out how to drive it.” Efforts at determining strategy and vision were only effective AFTER the right people were brought on board. The “genius with a thousand helpers” model fails as soon as the “genius” leaves. Level 5 Leaders were rigorous in people decisions; they acted when they knew they needed a people change, and they put their best people on their biggest opportunities, not their biggest problems. GtoG management teams consisted of people who debated vigorously in search of the best answers, yet who then unified behind decisions. (Interestingly, no correlation was found between greatness and executive compensation.)

CONFRONT THE BRUTAL FACTS (YET NEVER LOSE FAITH): Moving to greatness requires an honest and diligent effort to determine the truth, the real truth, of the company’s [party’s] [Canada’s] situation. This requires a culture where people are encouraged to speak and, importantly, can be heard.

THE HEDGEHOG CONCEPT: To me, this applies so much to the success of a political party and, indeed, to the success of Canada. It requires determining (i) what you are deeply passionate about; (ii) what you can be the best at (importantly, NOT what you WANT to be best at, rather what you CAN be best at); and (iii) determining what drives, in the case of a company, the “economic engine”—in the case of a political party, what drives voter and funder support. In the case of a country, the corresponding concept could be, perhaps, what makes us most proud of being Canadian. (A case in point: we might want to be a world power, but we can’t be---what we CAN be, however, is a significant participant, diplomatically, on the world stage, out of proportion to our size—we can certainly strive to be the best at that, and we know that achieving that is something that makes Canadians very proud.)

A CULTURE OF DISCIPLINE: Sustained great results require a culture of self-discipline, and a group of self-disciplined people. And it is a discipline that involves first engaging in disciplined thought, and THEN taking disciplined action. This is NOT to be confused with one person who “disciplines” the rest—as Collins puts it, “when you have disciplined people, you don’t need a bureaucracy.” This ties, of course, to the idea of “First Who... Then What”--that you need, first and foremost, to get the right people “on the bus”.

TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATORS: Interestingly, the GtoG companies never used technology as a panacea, as the “primary means of igniting a transformation.” They were, however, often “pioneers in the application of carefully selected technologies.” Key was the realization that technology was never a CAUSE of greatness---only as a source of well-selected TOOLS to more effectively implement the strategies otherwise decided on.

THE FLYWHEEL: Here I will simply quote from the book: “Those who launch revolutions, dramatic change programs, and wrenching restructurings will almost certainly fail to make the leap from good to great. No matter how dramatic the end result, the good-to-great transformations never happened in one fell swoop. There was no single defining action, no grand program, no one killer innovation, no solitary lucky break, no miracle moment. Rather, the process resembled relentlessly pushing a giant heavy flywheel in one direction, turn upon turn, building momentum until a point of breakthrough, and beyond.” In other words, achieving greatness takes time and effort, applied consistently.

FROM GOOD TO GREAT TO BUILT TO LAST: The last chapter focuses on how to take a company [party] [Canada] with great one-time or temporary results, and turn it into something enduring. Collins is unequivocal: “To make that final shift requires core values and a purpose beyond just making money.”

In that last sentence, replace “making money” with “getting votes”...... See what I mean?

- Martha

A novel nomination idea?

2009-07-27T14:36:00.003-04:00

A novel nomination idea?

There is much talk about how the nomination process for political candidates is flawed. There are concerns that the current process poses particular barriers for potential women candidates.

Much of the problem lies with "instant members"--people who are persuaded to join the party in question (all major Canadian political parties do it this way), solely for the purpose of electing a particular candidate. Many of us have been through the process, some of us several times, and we have all seen the flaws. Some of it can be downright ugly.

It is, technically, "democratic", insofar as the candidate is chosen by vote of all the members. However, I have always been concerned about how that particular group of members is established. Enough to say that the process and the methods used often leave a fair bit to be desired, in the drive for those all-powerful numbers. It also begs larger questions about what "membership" means, and about political engagement itself, when someone joins a political party for no real purpose other than for a single vote for a specific candidate.

Have a look at Preston Manning's suggestion in today's Globe and Mail.

What do you think?

-Martha

Korean Canadian Liberal Association Gala

2009-07-23T11:45:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to the Korean Canadian Liberal Association on the terrific Gala event last night, with big thanks to Justin Trudeau who gave the keynote speech. Thanks also to David Zimmer, MPP for Willowdale and Kathleen Wynne, Ontario Minister of Education and MPP for Don Valley West, both of whom came to show their support, with David also bringing greetings from Premier Dalton McGuinty. Congratulations to Sonny Cho, president of the KCLA and to all of the volunteers who helped create a such a successful and well-attended event--well done!! On a personal note, it was great for me to see so many friends, to be able to bring greetings and congratulations to the KCLA on behalf of Michael Ignatieff, and to do Justin's introduction. I didn't even have to mention that all you need to do is offer him kimchi and he'll come---he pretty much did that himself :-) I also took the opportunity to say thank you to the Korean Canadian community for being so extraordinarily warm and welcoming to me, as the relatively new MP for Willowdale, and how much I look forward to a long and strong future together. A great evening was had by all.

Here are a few photos from the night, more will be available on Flickr very soon!

A different kind of wildlife.

2009-07-16T16:24:00.007-04:00

I'm back in Ottawa today for a news release (see Issues at the Moment), Ottawa has different wildlife in the summer....

-M

Canada and the world

2009-06-25T10:27:00.002-04:00

Particularly with my background in international relations and international law, I feel very strongly about what role Canada can and should be playing internationally--and what that means, or can mean, to us at home. I wish I'd written what Joe Clark (former Prime Minister) just did, but credit where it's due, he has just written an excellent piece in the Ottawa Citizen ("Play to Canada's strengths; If we measure our influence by military might or economic influence, it will continue to decline -- Canada should focus on its talent for diplomacy", The Ottawa Citizen Wed Jun 24 2009) I highly recommend it to everyone, and I thank you, Mr. Clark, for expressing what I also believe so eloquently.

Here is the article:

Play to Canada's strengths; If we measure our influence by military might or economic influence, it will continue to decline -- Canada should focus on its talent for diplomacy

The Ottawa Citizen
Wed Jun 24 2009
Page: A15
Section: News
Byline: Joe Clark
Source: Citizen Special

Once, Canadians played an influential and innovative role on the international stage. Now there is a relative absence in global affairs that is aggravated by declining budgets for diplomacy and development.

The decline in Canada's capacity to address significant changes in the world did not happen suddenly. Most of it is due to developments beyond our borders and the emergence of new powers and economies.

When Canada and Italy became members of the G-7, the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) among others were not considered part of the competition. Now, emphatically, they are.

As the world's religious, cultural and economic divides grow deeper, our diversity and our diplomatic abilities have become more relevant.

The critical international skills needed to shorten these divides include prominently the ability to draw differences together, to manage diversity, to generate trust -- the traditional and genuine signature qualities of Canada.

To the Harper government's credit, Canada is now increasing its defence spending. For too long, we had let other countries carry an increasing share of our defence burden. But our diplomatic and development resources are being run down now as steadily and certainly as our defence resources were run down in earlier decades.

It is worth asking: Why the double standard? Why is Canada more prepared to accept our share of the military burden than we are of the diplomatic and development burdens?

In this world of shifting power, how long would Canada have a place at the table of a G-8 Summit? Would we make the cut of a G-20? In other words, would we keep our seat in the inner circle of countries that define international trade and military, diplomatic and development policy?

Not if we focus narrowly on trade and economic policy, or define our international profile disproportionately by military presence. For all our growth and innovation, Canada can have more influence in politics and diplomacy than we do in trade. Economic power reflects size; diplomacy depends more on imagination, and agility, and reputation. Canada's political strengths have more currency again, if we choose to use them.

From some perspectives, foreign policy is just another necessary function of the state -- self-respecting countries need a police force, a tax policy, a foreign policy, a defence policy. In that view, foreign policy is a function, not an attribute -- and some of the traditional foreign policy functions are less relevant in this highly connected, mobile world.

Twenty years ago, the end of the Cold War changed the fundamental dynamics of foreign policy in western countries. The priority became trade and economic growth. Governments chose to believe that trade would combat poverty, that market models would release energies that were inherently democratic, and that military force would contain local challenges and disorders.

The twin failures of the military intervention in Iraq, and the collapse of the financial system, demonstrate the limitations of that faith.

At the same time, there is a shifting of power -- economic, cultural, political, even military. Fareed Zakaria argues this is not about anyone's decline -- but rather the rise and assertion of new forces. Call it a "post-American world," call it a BRIC world, this is a new situation, in which Canada needs to evaluate its assumptions and capacities.

If British economist and author Barbara Ward was right in describing Canada as the "first international country," if Canadian travellers and businesses who stitch on the maple leaf are right, if we have something distinctive to offer, we should treat Canada's "international vocation" as an asset -- as we treat our energy resources, our literacy and ingenuity, and our diversity as assets.

Let's list just five of our assets as Canadians that can be most relevant in this changing world:

1. Our diversity at home.

We have more capacity than most to build and enlarge relations with the cultures and societies whose global influence is on the rise. For one thing, so many of those cultures are dynamic parts of our own identity -- South Asian, Chinese, African and Caribbean diasporas, and a disproportionately large and innovative refugee population.

But, as importantly, those citizens are treated with respect, and now guaranteed equality before the law, in this open, immigrant nation whose tradition of diversity is so deep that it pre-dates our confederation itself.

2. Our ability to bridge differences.

We have earned respect as a partner in the developing world and generally carry the advantage of not being seen as seeking to impose our views and values on other countries.

We are the only member in the G-8 that carries neither an imperial nor a colonial taint and in that we have been a natural and practised bridge between the richer world and the poorer.

3. The different North America.

The world still reveres the American ideal of equal opportunity, even if it is bruised or disappointed by what U.S. policy has actually been in practice. Canada is closest to that democratic reputation that is so admired about the United States, and we are not yet subject to the negative stereotypes.

We are the other North America, and we need to emphasize that distinction.

4. Our multilateral instinct.

For more than half a century, Canada has promoted a multilateral system precisely because nations our size were not big enough to protect ourselves alone. We have a profound interest in a world that works -- SARS strikes here, refugees come here, pollutants pollute here, and close relatives of Canadians die in virtually every conflict in the world.

Our national interest has always included international co-operation -- not in any airy-fairy way, but as the practical centerpiece of our trade policy, through the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and the World Trade Organisation; our security policy, through NATO and other alliances, and our support for international standards and agreements in health, human rights, and the environment.

This isn't a posture -- it is a Canadian characteristic, as real as winter.

5. Our ability to work with non-state actors.

International affairs have been transformed by new phenomena -- the emergence of powerful and focused foundations, such as NGOs; the new commitment, for whatever reasons, to corporate responsibility; and the role of remittances.

The World Bank estimates that, in 2008, remittances totalled $375 billion, most of it going to developing countries, involving some 200 million migrants -- or three per cent of the world's population. Those are big figures.

Yet, for all these private or non-government initiatives, this is still an institutional world. Sovereign states still make the critical decisions -- to cut or increase budgets, respect or break treaties, send or withdraw troops, pay or withhold their membership contributions, confront or ignore crises.

The challenge and opportunity now is to marry mandate with imagination -- combine the creativity of these independent forces with the capacity-to-act of institutions. Who could do that better than Canada? Those partnerships are what happened in the fight against apartheid, in the negotiation of the Land Mines Treaty, in the Kimberley Process to stop the trade in blood diamonds, and in a wide range of less-publicized initiatives.

Canada has always been an act of will. We didn't come together naturally. We haven't stayed together easily. Confederation was an act of will. So were medicare, equalization, the Charter of Rights, and free trade. One reality of our country is that we have to keep proving our worth to our parts.

We are a wealthy, lucky country, increasingly self-absorbed. It is easy to take our good fortune for granted, or to see ourselves principally as British Columbians, or Quebecers, or environmentalists, or simply taxpayers, and thus to become smaller than our whole.

So we need to look to issues and aspirations that reach across the lines and attitudes that might otherwise set Canadians apart, and to characteristics that distinguish us, legitimately, from comparable societies.

Foreign policy is that kind of issue.

Our sense of "international vocation" has helped define and reinforce Canadian identity since the end of the First World War. It is an asset with a double value. It could strengthen us at home, and now, in an era when the mediation and management of diversity are such critical components of international affairs, it could have an important impact on the world.

Joe Clark is a former prime minister of Canada.

2nd Annual Toronto Regional Day

2009-06-16T14:16:00.002-04:00

Hi! My name is Ryan and I am a volunteer for TeamMHF. This Saturday, I was one of several Willowdale representatives at the 2nd Annual Toronto Regional Day organized by the Liberal Party of Canada (Ontario). “Ready to Win” was the event’s title, as the purpose of the day was to help prepare those of us at the grassroots level for an election campaign, if an election is called.

The lobby of the Ryerson University meeting room was buzzing when I arrived a few minutes before 8:30 in the morning. There were a lot of familiar faces present, including a number of people I recognized from the Vancouver convention in May. There wasn’t a lot of time of time for chatting over coffee, though, as the schedule was packed!

For the first break-out session of the day, we were assigned to tables with people from other ridings as well as our own. Along with several other Willowdaleans, I was seated with number of people from Etobicoke-Lakeshore, the riding of Michael Ignatieff, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. We were given ten minutes to come up with an election preparedness plan given the hypothetical scenario of an election in six months. The mixed seating arrangement gave us the opportunity to exchange our ideas and our experiences from past campaigns.

After each table shared their plan, an “expert panel” composed of experienced past campaign managers provided advice and recommendations for improving the plan. Several more break-out sessions throughout the day continued on this theme, with variations on the time frame from 6 months to two days.

We broke in the middle of the day for a lunch of sandwiches and salads (which was included with registration!). This provided more opportunities to meet and chat with Liberals from all over the Toronto region.

The highlight of the day for me was a speech by Rocco Rossi, National Director of the Liberal Party of Canada. He spoke with great conviction about the challenges facing the party, but also about the huge strides that we have made. Mr. Rossi stated that the party needs for every Liberal in Canada to see themselves as personally responsible for the party’s future. He challenged each of us to recruit at least one new Liberal—which would double membership if everybody did this!

The event was a great opportunity to hear some expert advice from seasoned campaign runners. For me, the most helpful input came simply from connecting with people from other ridings in Toronto, sharing ideas and stories from past campaigns. I should mention that Eileen Shuchat, who is Toronto Region president for the LPC(O), did a great job in organizing the event and is actually from Willowdale herself! We left the event energized and ready to fight an election regardless of when the next one will be held.

- Ryan

Une journée sur la colline

2009-06-12T13:59:00.004-04:00

Une journée sur la colline

Bonjour à tous! Je m’appelle Anne-Sophie Belzile. Je suis l’adjointe exécutive et conseillère politique de Martha à son bureau d’Ottawa. Je m’occupe de son agenda, de l’organisation de son bureau, ses voyages, j’essaie de m’assurer que ses journées soient bien organisées et bien remplies, bref, je veille à ce que Martha puisse accomplir son travail de députée le plus efficacement possible!

Toutes mes journées de travail sur la colline sont uniques et généralement bien remplies… Je vous raconterai ma journée du mercredi, 3 juin : une très belle journée ensoleillée et stimulante. Arrivée à mon stationnement près de la Cour Suprême, j’attrape un minibus vert de la Chambre des communes pour me rendre à l’Édifice de la Confédération où se trouvent nos bureaux.

Après un court détour par le bureau de poste et la cafétéria – café oblige – j’arrive enfin devant mon ordinateur. Martha est déjà en caucus, Puneet, mon collègue, est en réunion et Élizabeth, notre étudiante, est fidèle à son poste.

Il est déjà 10h30, Élizabeth et moi devons nous rendre chacune à des réunions différentes. Nous nous reverrons que vers midi. Les courriels n’ont pas cessé d’entrer durant la réunion – des invitations, des demandes d’entrevues, des questions sur les comptes de voyages…

Nous sommes tous à l’œuvre dans notre petit bureau. Puneet travaille sur les sujets qui seront étudiés par le comité demain et relié un projet de loi. Élizabeth essaie de mettre en ligne certains vidéos de Martha tandis que je mets à jour son agenda et prépare son voyage vers Saskatoon, Whistler et Calgary qu’elle fera la fin de semaine prochaine.

L’heure des votes prévus aujourd’hui a changé, certains collègues ont besoin d’un remplacement pour un comité, j’accepte donc une demande et j’envoie Martha au comité de l’Accès à l’information et de l’Éthique pour rendre service à l’honorable Larry Bagnell.

Je n’ai toujours pas vu Martha de la journée sauf à la télévision!
Depuis le matin, elle a assisté à trois réunions de caucus, un barbecue organisé par Ingénieurs Canada et l’Association canadienne des Travaux publics, ensuite ce fut la période des questions, les votes, le comité et maintenant, elle est en chambre jusqu’à 18h30. Elle se rendra ensuite à deux réceptions. La journée est loin de s’achever!

L’après-midi s’achève… Je quitte le bureau avec mes collègues en direction d’une réception « Dégustation de bières et fromages québécois » organisée par le député Scott Reid, à l’Édifice du Centre.

Je ne goûte qu’à deux bons fromages qu’il faut déjà que je me rende subito presto dans la cours intérieure de l’Édifice de l’Est où je dois faire du bénévolat pour le party organisé par les adjoints libéraux du Québec. Eh oui! Un autre super party, et c’est nous qui l’avons organisé... Pour 15$ par personne, nos invités ont droit à de la musique folklorique, des hamburgers et hot-dogs, des breuvages et de multiples prix de présence.

Finalement, vers 20h00… Martha arrive pour saluer les fêtards.

Une belle journée! Espérons que nous en aurons d’autres tout aussi festives pendant l’été.
Certaines journées sont plus occupées et exigeantes que cette dernière, mais reste que nous ne nous ennuyons que rarement - voir jamais – dans le milieu de la politique.

Anne-Sophie

Red Bras Really do Rock!

2009-06-09T14:17:00.004-04:00

Red bras really do rock :-). The annual "Red Bras Rock" martini night in Saskatoon, beautifully and enthusiastically hosted by Marie-Therese Verma, was another great success. It is a combination breast cancer research and liberal fundraiser. This was my fourth straight year attending. The first one was in the early stages of the 2006 Liberal Leadership campaign, and I was thrilled to be back for the fourth year in a row. (There is a great story about that first time, certain red lingerie, and certain promises made--and kept!! But that story will have to wait for another time. Maybe the book :-))

A real treat this year was meeting Lisa Rendall, a former radio personality who has lived with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer for 9 years now. Since her diagnosis she has raised large sums of money for cancer research, and is a very motivational person. We all wish Lisa continued success in her brave battle.

I am already looking forward to next year's Red Bras Rock.

Canvass in Willowdale: a day of non-election, non-campaign door-knocking

2009-06-01T09:35:00.005-04:00

In Willowdale, we have decided to some non-election, non-campaign door-knocking. We hope to do this about once a month, although after the success of our first one Saturday, we may do it even more often. It was great. We had a terrific group of volunteers out--Markus, Rose, Ken, Ryan, Katie, Allessia and Adrian--the weather was gorgeous, and most of all, the reaction was just great. A couple of people were nervous that an election had been called without them knowing it (!!) but once reassured no, they were genuinely pleased that we were out, without an election. It was such a good opportunity to just ask folks what they were concerned about; what issues were top of mind for them, etc.

We received some good ideas, some good suggestions, a few important concerns about the current government were raised---and we all really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks to all who came out, and thanks to all who opened their doors to engage in some discussion.

Watch for the next date for our "non-election" door-knocking (assuming, of course, that we'll still NOT be in an election). All are welcome to come out with us!

-Martha

Happy Bike Week Toronto!

2009-05-27T09:17:00.001-04:00

This week is Bike Week, and I was really looking forward to saying a few words at the launch of Bike Week at City Hall Monday morning.

But, oh the irony!! The lack of bike paths in Toronto and the limited public transit both hit home---personally. I ended up too late to speak at the event at City Hall—but because I was in a car.

Here’s the story: I used to work downtown, and for years rode my bike. I stopped riding, however, when it simply became too dangerous—a few crunches with suddenly-opened car doors, some close calls with cars turning right, and a collision or two with pedestrians who looked for cars but not bikes, finally moved me to the next alternative—the subway, which I then used daily to get to work.

As a result, it had been YEARS since I had driven a car downtown during rush hour. But Monday, I had a rented car; I needed to drive for other reasons. I had no idea how awful the traffic had become!! I was completely shocked at the continuous traffic jam to get downtown---and at how long it took me, making me late. Were more people able to ride, either bikes or transit, to work, the less traffic there would be; the less pollution there would be; the more fit the population would be. All good.

So, unintentionally, and not without a little irony, my rare car drive downtown became my personal big advertisement for more bike lanes and more public transit.

(And lo and behold, the City of Toronto agreed, yesterday, to significantly improve its bike-lane capacity. Congratulations, Toronto!)

A trip to Willowdale

2009-05-25T11:04:00.001-04:00

Hello and welcome to the first blog entry from a member of Team Martha! Let me quickly introduce myself. My name is Rhea and I'm a Parliamentary Intern on the Hill. I'm part of the Parliamentary Internship Programme (check out: http://www.pip-psp.org/) that gives ten young professionals who have completed at least one degree the opportunity to work with MPs from both sides of the house for ten months. I started my internship working for Conservative MP Merv Tweed from Brandon-Souris Manitoba and am thrilled to be finishing my year as part of Team Martha.

This week I had the opportunity to go along with Martha to Willowdale to spend time in the riding. My very first trip to Toronto ever! Coming from British Columbia I really haven't seen much of Ontario yet, something I'm working hard to fix. The past few days in Willowdale have been incredible and very fast paced (although trying to keep up with Martha's schedule is always an endurance test).

First on the agenda was a meeting with the Ontario Liberal Interns at St. Michael's Campus. There was a super turn out with more and more people streaming in during the afternoon meeting. Martha was great at getting the whole group involved and the discussion covered everything from federal-provincial relations to parliamentary prorogation, and the dangers of partisan politics.

One evening I had the chance to attend a meeting between leaders from the Iranian Community in Willowdale and Martha. Ten extremely inspirational members attended all passionately advocating not only for their community, but also for support to promote cross-cultural exchange encouraging understanding and appreciation between ethnic communities.

Time spent at the constituency office really seems like a blur as I was introduced to many Martha supporters who dropped by with completed membership forms as part of the membership drive, and various constituents (individuals and groups) who came to have meetings with Martha.

Back to the little government town of Ottawa on Saturday. Thanks to Martha and the Willowdale Constituency Staff for showing me the ropes out in the riding. Check back soon for entries from some of the other members of Team MHF!

Getting Around the Hill in a Wheelchair

2009-05-19T10:57:00.001-04:00

Getting Around the Hill in a Wheelchair: I join 10 MPs and Senators in Raising Awareness for the Canadian Paraplegic Association

When I heard about the opportunity to join in the Canadian Paraplegic Association`s Members of Parliament in Wheelchairs Event on May 7th I knew I had to sign up. In particular, I wanted to participate because the idea behind the event brought back memories of a specific incident in my youth.

As a competitive skier I travelled frequently and spent many hours in airports. Once, when I was about 14 or 15, I remember being especially bored waiting in between flights. Spotting a few wheelchairs sitting unused in a corner, I decided to try one out and started wheeling myself around the airport. What began as a harmless attempt to pass time soon became an incredible learning opportunity.

Wheeling around the airport I was struck not so much by the accessibility challenges (although they did exist), but mostly by people’s reactions. Many would pretend not to see me. Some would look and then quickly look away. Others would glance at me with pity in their eyes. A few even clearly assumed that because I couldn't walk I was somehow mentally impaired as well. I was amazed at how no one treated me as a normal person. It was a powerful experience and something that has stuck with me ever since.

Now many years later I am truly pleased that I had the chance to experience a full day in a wheelchair thanks to CPA`s awareness event on the Hill.

On the morning of May 7th, I picked up my wheelchair from the Honorable Steven Fletcher`s office. As the first quadriplegic Member of Parliament and Cabinet Member, he welcomed all Senators and MPs who were taking part in the event. The wheelchair I was given was one that was not equipped with brakes. I quickly learned the limits of the wheelchair in Finance Committee where the slanted floor had me rolling backwards away from the table. I finally had to use my briefcase to backstop the wheel.

After Finance Committee I usually find myself running to make it in time to Operations and Estimates Committee, with one starting directly after the other. This proved especially challenging in a wheelchair, taking three times longer than usual and involving multiple elevators, a sloping tunnel, mobs of school children and concerned or curious colleagues.

The afternoon passed by quickly as I faced numerous challenges. I had to adjust the location of meetings due to the time constraints of the wheelchair, learn how to get by without an umbrella, take care of rain collecting on my lap as I made my way from one end of the Hill to the other and deal with social situations where walls of tall strangers made it hard to successfully join in conversation.

The day finished on a high note with CPA organizing a wheelchair race in front of the Eternal Flame. I had the chance to race against MP Justin Trudeau, a formidable opponent who may have won against me, but had no such luck in his race against CPA Ontario’s Peer Support Coordinator Madelyn Scanlan and the Honorable Steven Fletcher in the motorized chair event that followed. At the end of the many races I was pleased to take home the award for “Fastest Female MP on Wheels”.

It was an incredible and eye-opening day. Eye-opening for those of us in wheelchairs and I hope also eye-opening for the many observers of the event. At the end of the day I was able to get back on my feet. My respect and admiration goes to all those who cannot, and who meet these challenges every day.

I look forward to taking part in this important event next year as the CPA aims to have 65 Senators and Members of Parliament participate in celebration of their 65th anniversary!

The first post.

2009-04-26T15:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome! Bienvenue!

First, I have a confession: I have resisted doing a blog for a very, very long time.

Many people have recommended that I do one. People know that I am not shy with my opinions, and they have suggested, many times, that I put them down in writing. I just know myself well enough, that my days just seem to fill up before I get anything written, and I’m intimidated by the requirement that a blog be kept current, with frequent, regular new postings. But the time has come—no more procrastinating. Now that we have a new and improved web site, it’s time to bite the bullet.

I will be posting blogs on what I hope to be a regular basis (note that I don’t define “regular”—we’ll just have to see what that ends up meaning). I also plan to post longer opinion pieces (we’ve affectionately termed these longer ones “clogs”) on the issues that I feel a need to comment on in a more substantive way.

BUT—knowing me and my schedule, we’ve decided to make this a “Team MHF” Blog, which means that from time to time another member of our team will post a blog. They won’t be pretending to be me (when my name is on it, it’s me who’s written it). Rather, these will include information and/or comment from members of our team. There are no restrictions on topic—they could perhaps include a note on what it’s like working in our offices; on their perspective on what’s happening on Parliament Hill; maybe even a bit of gossip.

If you would like to contribute a “Team MHF” blog posting, please let us know: TeamMHF@gmail.com.

Aussi, au lieu de traduire tous les ‘posts’, je vais essayer d’ecrire de temps en temps en anglais, et de temps en temps en français. J’ai besoin de pratiquer mon français!

So stay tuned. And let us know what you think.

Martha

* Because all submissions will be under the “Team MHF” name, we reserve the right to accept or reject any submission.