Opinion

VIEWPOINT

ALBAS: Parliament working together

Last week was the final sitting of the House of Commons before the winter break.

As is often the case, the government is typically in a hurry to pass certain bills before the House adjourns. This year was no different as Bill C-3 “An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code” was deemed a priority as it contained a provision to provide 10 days of paid sick leave in federally regulated workplaces. In a majority situation, a sitting government always has parliamentary tools available such as “closure” and “time allocation” to essentially force a bill through Parliament.

However, in a minority Parliament where a sitting government can be outvoted by the opposition parties, it becomes trickier for the government to pass a bill.

This is often where backroom deals and agreements are made between the government and one or more opposition parties.

In the case of Bill C-3, in the effort to reach an agreement between the government and the official opposition, a different approach was used.

In this case my Conservative colleague, MP Scott Aitchison from Parry Sound-Muskoka, proposed amending Bill C-3 to include a proposed Conservative MPs private members bill that would provide bereavements benefits to parents who have lost a child.

This Private Members Bill was authored by MP Tom Kmiec from Calgary- Shepard who, in 2018 sadly experienced the loss of a child and proposed this

bill to help other parents in this tragic situation. For this proposal from MP Scott Aitchison to work, it required support from the Liberal Government. On that note Liberal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan from St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, was the champion on moving this important proposal forward within the Liberal Government. Ultimately this agreement reached between the DAN ALBAS government and the official opposition helped pave VIEW FROM THE HILL the way for Bill C-3 to have an expediated passage through Parliament. Subsequently the Senate has also now passed Bill C-3 and this bill has received royal assent. The reason I have shared this experience is because it is an important example of our Canadian Parliament working together to benefit Canadians. As MP Aitchison pointed out “no parent should See ‘PARLIAMENT’ Page 7

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OPINION

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LETTER to the editor Coldwater needs to be dredged

Editor,

A few thoughts from an old guy: Why do we have so much water around? Yes, weather has changed since the beginning of time. However there have been floods and fires before so:

Growing up in the Mission/Abbotsford area, as children we used to tramp around the mountains. The mountains/hills of Abbotsford, there was nothing but trees, bush, and blackberries. As I recall there were two gravel pits and one auto wrecking yard.

Today, driving past Abbotsford towards Chilliwack what do we see? Hundred of houses (thousands?), paved roads/driveways, cement sidewalks, paved parking lots, roofs and/or other surfaces which water drains off. Each house has one or more occupants – showers are used at least once a day; washing machines, dishwashers, power washers - washing cars, trucks, RV’s, driveways, etc. This water is brought in from somewhere else or from deep down below the surface. With rainfall added, where does this water go. Water goes to the place of least resistance. It is quite evident where it went this year, as with other areas with the same problem.

Merritt is a lovely little town, and when we visit we see the river meandering through Merritt either going to flood/flooding/or after the flood. Every year there is the same concern and this year more than others. Today, in Merritt, more housing, etc, etc, as in other areas. What can be done????

Growing up alongside the Fraser River – it has/had the same problem. As all rivers silt up. When finally they silt up higher than the land beside them they overflow their banks, and as noted, taking the path of least resistance make a channel in any lower ground. If the Fraser River was not dredged it would become unnavigable.

To solve the flooding problem, the river going through Merritt needs to be dredged. The river should be straightened as much as possible as bends in the river lead to erosion during floods. What is dredged out of the river can be put on the sides for dikes and road access. Every so many miles (kilometers) there need to be spillways and small dams; also in convenient places small lakes could be made so all this water could be controlled, and at the end of the wet season the river/lake could be full.

The Farmers would love it – irrigation - more production on their farms – more revenue for Merritt; and also when fire season comes (and it always does) water could be used for fighting fires. If pumping stations were installed, it would be more efficient than a helicopter with a bucket of water. Also give sections of forest to the logging companies so fire breaks could be made and maintained, which would also make road access into these areas. This is kind of common sense which is rare these days. If fisheries and/or other important groups say you can not do this – have legal documents ready for them to sign so you can have someone to hold responsible for the next flood/ fire just incase they have no common sense.

Also rather than building homeless shelters, allow the farmers to build cabins for the homeless where they can now find work (as the farms with plenty of water will be much more productive).

Water ways would also encourage/provide more recreation/tourists, in turn bringing more revenue into Merritt.

To the people of the Nicola Valley, does this make sense? Let’s hear your comments – flood the paper with your comments and common sense. When I went to school (which is awhile back) we learned that Government is by the people for the people.

Laurie Langill Powell River, BC

Parliament not sitting as often as needed

From Page 6

have to choose between going to work and mourning the loss of a child”.

Thanks to the efforts of these Parliamentarians, this private member’s bill is now part of a Government Bill that has become law.

These are some of the important things that can and do occur when Parliament is sitting (virtually or in person) when MPs are doing the work in the House that Canadians elected us to do.

Regular demonstrations of accountability such as debate on bills, Ministers presenting themselves and their policies open to scrutiny at committee and ultimately confidence votes are all fundamental to our system of responsible government- where a government must show it maintains the confidence of the House.

I believe we need our Canadian Parliament to sit more frequently as has been the case in previous years but has deteriorated considerably under the current government

My question this week:

Are you concerned about our Parliament sitting less frequently?

I can be reached at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll free 1-800-665-8711. From the Herald archives: December, 1974

POLAR BEAR SWIM AT NICOLA LAKE

About eight hardy people will be making the New Year’s Day swim in Nicola Lake this year and an invitation goes out to any and all who would like to join them.

This year, the lake isn’t frozen over, so the swimmers won’t have to carry axes and picks as part of their gear.

The swim starts at 8AM and participants are welcome to warm up in Art MacDonald’s sauna at Kokanee Beach free of charge after taking the icy plunge.

LETTERS POLICY

The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.