Vaz is a bully
THE EDITOR, Sir: “The streets aren’t made for everyone and that’s why they have the sidewalk” (Anonymous). IT IS the same way with the Parliament, and I draw this parallel because of the constant bully behaviour of the member of parliament for West Portland, Daryl Vaz. It is clear to me as night follows day that Mr Vaz comes to the Parliament to contribute nothing save and except his thuglike behaviour and mannerism.
This is the second time that I have seen where the shadow minister of health is asking questions of the health minister and the MP has sought to use his loud mouth and his bullying way of life to prevent questions of national importance being asked.
Of note as well is the fact that on both occasions, it was the deputy speaker of the House, Franklyn Witter, who was presiding over the proceedings of the Parliament. Also in both instances, of which the public is aware, Deputy Speaker Witter did not call on Mr Vaz to control his vulgar attitude.
CRINGEWORTHY
I cringed watching Mr Vaz’s behaviour on Tuesday (April 23, 2019). It was behaviour of the worst kind and unbecoming of a member of parliament. What if there were students in the gallery or visiting dignitaries? Would this be what we want them to hear?
The onus must be on the speaker or his deputy to either sanction Mr Vaz or have him removed until he learns how to control his bullying temperament.
Are we to understand that based on Vaz’s utterances, Chris Tufton is not competent to manage his portfolio ministry?
Mr Vaz needs to know that every MP was elected by their constituents to go to the Parliament and ask questions, and him trying to silence another MP is tantamount to bullying. Good and proper debate on the issues of the day must take place. He is a vulgar bully and I would caution the Opposition that if they cannot get to ask questions in the Parliament because of people like Daryl Vaz, they are to take the matter to the streets where the people can hear. RALSTON CHAMBERLAIN Toronto, Ontario ralston.chamberlain@alum.utoronto.ca