March 23rd, 2009
Brad Trost MP Report
This last week, there was an item in the news which you may have missed. An appointment to Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) has stirred up some supposed controversy.
NDP MP Olivia Chow (immigration critic for the federal NDP) and homosexual rights activists say the appointee named is unfit for the position and that he is not qualified to make decisions on immigration appeals and questions involving refugees. Why was he unfit? Well, because prior to his appointment to the IRB, he had opposed “homosexual marriage”. So, in the name of “tolerance” (that is, because he didn’t agree with the agenda of the NDP regarding marriage) he should be fired.
This so-called “controversy” got me thinking: What if I, as a Conservative, demanded that everyone who didn’t agree with me on an issue (for example, gay marriage) be banned from government positions? What would the puffed up, self righteous, left wing activists’ (who are criticizing this IRB appointment) say? They would rightly conclude that I was intolerant, unable to deal with opposing views and unwilling to consider a person’s professional judgment and skills. They might even say that I was unable to deal with disagreements in a democratic and open way.
The point is: A democratic society only functions properly when citizens enjoy freedom of speech and freedom of conscience. People who disagree with the opinions of their fellow Canadians should not fear to express such opinions in public. Politicians, special interest groups and our Human Rights Commission commissars shouldn’t threaten one’s employment, engage in implied threats or use the power of the state to coerce people to be silent, In contrast, I believe in toleration. Too bad we can’t say that for all Canadian politicians and political activists.
I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt. You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt Tuesday and Wednesday. I always appreciate your feedback.
March 18th, 2009
Just a quick note this week to let you know what is being done to help repair and renovate senior citizens’ clubs across Saskatoon-Humboldt so that our seniors can continue to offer and participate in activities and programs. In our area, the following grants were approved recently: $3,780 for the Englefeld Good Neighbour’s Club to replace the front door, fridge, dehumidifier and to upgrade a cement pad. There is $11,704 for the LeRoy Senior Citizens Club to repair/replace windows, toilets, ramp and a door at the LeRoy Drop In.
The Naicam Senior Citizens will receive $12,809 to replace a furnace and repair the bathroom and flooring. The St. Benedict Senior Citizens Association will receive $14,984 to replace the toilet, water softener, windows, tables, cupboards, flooring and countertops.
The St. Brieux Senior Citizens Club will receive $23,727 to replace the roof, furnaces and the windows of the St. Brieux New Horizons Drop-In Centre. There is also $25,000 for the Vonda Golden Age Club to repair flooring, storage and replace a furnace, tables and chairs.
The replacement of furnaces, windows and doors, roof repairs and other upgrades will also help our seniors clubs reduce the cost of utilities. These projects are under the New Horizons for Seniors Program through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Congratulations to all of the Seniors Associations involved. I hope everyone puts their clubs to good use.
I’m Brad Trost your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt. You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt Tuesday and Wednesday. I always appreciate your feedback.
March 12th, 2009
If everything goes as planned, Canada will soon have its first National Cemetery. We will have a cemetery to honour distinguished Canadians who came before us and honour and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa will be designated Canada’s national cemetery under Bill C-17. Beechwood is a large cemetery where over 75,000 Canadians are buried, including 23 “National Historic Persons” like Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden and scientist Sir Sanford Fleming, the “Father of Standard Time.”
Since 2001, Beechwood has been the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces—a place to remember our soldiers, sailors, airmen and women. In 2002, Beechwood was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. In 2004, the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery was established at Beechwood to honour our Mounties.
As someone who believes that it is important that we learn, understand and apply our history, I am proud to say that Canada will soon have a national cemetery of Remembrance—a place where we can honour and remember the achievements and sacrifices which made Canada great.
If you are ever in Ottawa, take time to stop and see Beechwood. Take time to visit the National Memorial Centre. Take time to visit the final resting place of many who helped build and defend Canada.
I’m Brad Trost your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt. You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt Tuesday and Wednesday. I always appreciate your feedback.
