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GLADU: Eventful first week at Parliament

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The first week back to Parliament was an exciting time. We elected a new speaker, Anthony Rota. Mr Rota did serve very well as a deputy speaker in the 42nd parliament. He is proud to be the first speaker of Italian descent in our history, and I know he will do a great job in what will likely be a chaotic minority government situation.

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The Throne speech was a bit of a disappointment. It was full of nice words, and virtue signalled to all the usual groups, but there was none of the concrete substance or action of the previous Throne Speech. We know the government’s priority will be to help the middle class (although the Liberals could not define the criteria for “middle class”), and to heal Indigenous relationships (although it was not clear which of the 1200 outstanding actions they would take, including the persisting lawsuit against Indigenous children). On climate change again there were nice phrases, but no plan that would meet our Paris targets or the new commitment to zero emissions by 2050.

Finally, there was a hodge-podge of “helping Canadians” by getting everyone a family doctor, implementing pharmacare (even though there is no money budgeted?), and keeping Canadians safe through gun bans (to which we know criminals will not adhere). The Bloc has stated that they will support the government in return for the government supporting the needs of Quebec. This makes it likely that the Liberals will be able to pass the confidence votes they will receive in the coming months.

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Happily, I am back in the camera shot with my new House of Commons seat behind Andrew Scheer, the Leader of the Opposition, so those of you who are watching CPAC will be able to track my movements. It was wonderful to see many of you at the meet and greet at the Lambton Mall on Dec. 7.

Our first Opposition motion is on our relationship with China, which is significant on the anniversary of the detention of two Canadians in China, and with the many ongoing difficulties faced by farmers due to Chinese actions. With Huawei trying to get into our 5G network plan, and our allies all opposed, it is time for Canada to take a strong position.

Locally, our office will be closed from noon on Dc. 24 to Jan. 2 When parliament resumes in January, I will have a better idea of what is to come. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season.

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