Parliament Update
This week in Parliament, most of the debate centered on Budget 2017, which the Liberal Government tabled this week.
The following was debated in the House:
• Budget 2017.
• Bill C-17 – An Act to amend the Yukon Environmental and Socioeconomic Assessment Act and to make a consequential amendment to another Act (Second Reading). • Bill C-22 – An Act to establish the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and to make consequential amendments to certain Acts (Report Stage and Third Reading).
• Bill C-322 – An Act to amend the Railway Safety Act (road crossings) (Second Reading).
• Motion No. 100 – Role of co-operatives.
• Motion No. 103 – Systemic racism and religious discrimination.
• Motion No. 105 – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
• Conservative Motion – Budget 2017.
• Take Note Debate No. 12 – Operation UNIFIER.
On Tuesday, I took part in the debate on a Conservative motion regarding Budget 2017 by asking a question concerning rumours that the Liberals intend to privatize some airports in order to pay for some of their massive debt. You can watch my question on my Facebook page (www. jimeglinski.ca) or read my comments on Tuesday’s Hansard at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/HouseChamberBusiness/ChamberHome.aspx
Budget 2017 was tabled by the Liberal Government on Wednesday. I am disappointed by the increase on taxes and lack of assistance in Alberta’s oil and gas sector. At a time when Liberals are making life more expensive, Justin Trudeau could have offered lower taxes and a job creation plan that actually works.
On Thursday, the House of Commons voted on a Liberal MP’s motion, M-103. I received over 2,000 emails against this motion. I did not support M-103 because the wording specified ‘Islamophobia’. M-103 needed to include all Canadians regardless of their faith, as I believe everyone has the right to practice their religion in safety. The motion passed with 201 in favour and 91 opposed. For a list of those who voted, please go to: http:// www.parl.gc.ca/HouseChamberBusiness/ChamberVoteDetail.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=42&Ses=1&FltrParl=42&FltrSes=1&Vote=237
On Friday, I participated in debate on MP Alexandra Mendès’ Private Member’s Motion, M-100. This motion calls on the Liberal Government to to support the co-operative sector. My comments can be found on Friday’s Hansard.
Also on Friday, the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (ENVI), for which I am Vice Chair, released a report entitled, “Taking Action Today: Establishing Protected Areas for Canada’s Future.” To find a copy of the report and for more information on these meetings, visit: www.parl.gc.ca/ Committees/en/ENVI
This week, I attended¬ five meetings, three events, and recorded a video for social media. My next update will be on my travels throughout the riding as Parliament will not be sitting.