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
18.5.10
Oui, la vérificatrice générale devrait examiner les dépenses des députés
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
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
23.4.10
Déclaration/Statement: Parkinson
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.
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.
19.4.10
Déclaration/Statement: National Volunteer Week
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.
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.
6.4.10
Canada at 150: The Willowdale Experience
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
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
1.4.10
Canada 150
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
23.3.10
Raising Our Voices for Political Equality: a note from an Ottawa office volunteer
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
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
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