There were several significant pieces of legislation debated in the House of Commons recently; notably, Bill C-14 and Bill C-241.
Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying) has been the subject of much debate and procedural wrangling. The Liberals are determined to suspend debate and move this Bill to a vote as soon as possible. I remain adamant that a matter of this magnitude and complexity deserves full debate.
I consulted widely with constituents of Saskatoon – Grasswood. I held 3 town hall meetings which were publicly advertised and drew a broad cross section of constituents who came to hear my guest speaker, Michael Cooper. MP Cooper sat on the committee studying Assisted Dying.
The feedback I received was extremely valuable. I have heard from medical professionals and concerned citizens, who took the time to attend, write and call my office. I thank them all for helping to inform my decision on this Bill.
I heard 3 things loud and clear. Citizens of Saskatoon – Grasswood are concerned about the rights of health care practitioners, safeguards for those with underlying mental health challenges and the inclusion of palliative care strategy. These issues deserve debate and consideration at Committee.
On May 18th, the Liberals gave notice of a motion which sought to quash the opposition and eliminate their ability to do their job. It effectively suspended the rules of the House and handed over control to Cabinet to decide the Parliamentary Calendar. It was a power grab designed to put an end to debate on Bill C-14 and rob the opposition of their ability to speak on the Bill and to bring the concerns of their constituents to the floor of the Commons.
This was an unprecedented maneuver designed to seize complete control of Parliamentary Proceedings.
On May 19th, in the face of strong, united opposition protest, the government finally conceded and agreed to withdraw Motion 6.
Our job in opposition is to hold the government to account. This was an unacceptable affront to democracy and I and my caucus colleagues will always remind this government that they are accountable to all Canadians.
On May 13, I was proud to debate Bill C-241, An Act to Amend the Excise Tax Act (school authorities) , at second reading. This is my Private Members’ Bill which seeks to have the GST rebate for schoolboards increased from 68% to 100% (eliminating the tax on tax). If passed, this Bill would return in the neighborhood of $187 million annually to classrooms across Canada.
Regrettably, it appears the Liberals are unsupportive. I am determined to keep up the fight. Together with the unprecedented support of schoolboards nationally, I intend to make a strong case that this Bill is a great first step in providing additional support for our students and their educational programming from coast to coast to coast. Public support can’t be underestimated. Your voice matters. I would encourage all Canadians to write their MP’s in support of this fair and principled Bill.
-Kevin Waugh, MP Saskatoon-Grasswood
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On Friday May 13th, Bill C-241 Kevin`s Private Members` Bill went to second reading in the House of Commons where the Bill was debated for an hour.
"I served for many years on the Saskatoon Board of Education as a trustee, and also became an executive member of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association. I know first-hand what this money would mean to our schools in Saskatchewan. In fact, it would have amounted to over $8 million in 2014-15, shared among the 28 school divisions." -Kevin Waugh
To view the full speech please click the link below:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=42&Ses=1&DocId=8263399#Int-8923905
To view Kevin`s Press Release from May 13th please click on the link below:
http://www.kevinwaugh.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/16-05-13-PR-ENG..pdf
Listen to Kevin discuss his Private Members` Bill on Friday morning before it was debated in the House of Commons:
http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2688570914/
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Top Right: Response from Kevin`s latest mailout regarding a referendum
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Since the last newsletter was sent out, there has been further discussion in the House of Commons regarding electoral reform.
On May 10th 2016 the Liberal government announced the government`s plan for a committee to study changes to the voting system. This committee will report back to the House of Commons on December 1, 2016. At this moment, there is little direction on the options of electoral reform that will be presented in committee. Canadians must have a say, in a national referendum, on the proposed changes to how Canadian’s elect their MPS as a referendum will ensure any changes have the clear support of Canadians.
For more information on electoral reform please view these articles written by my colleague, Scott Reid, which I think will help clarify the electoral reform issue and the need for a referendum.
http://scottreid.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/05.10.01-Reid-Scott-Cdn-Parl-Review-The-Road-to-Electoral-Reform.pdf
http://scottreid.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/01.07.01-Reid-Scott-Policy-Options-Developing-a-coalition-for-electoral-reform.pdf
Again, thank you to those in my constituency who responded to the mail out on electoral reform; I appreciate the opportunity to learn the opinions of those in my riding!
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The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Saskatoon held their 50 Year Anniversary Celebration Wednesday, May 18th at Civic Square beside City Hall.
