Independent MP Brent Rathgeber (Edmonton-St. Albert, Alta.) tabled Private Members’ Bill C-697, An Act to establish a process to recall Members of Parliament. This Bill, also known as the “Recall of a Member of Parliament Act”, seeks to provide voters a process by which to recall, or “fire”, their elected member if a prescribed number of them have lost confidence … Read more
Independent MP André Bellavance (Richmond-Arthabaska, Que.) issued a statement welcoming the news that Gilles Duceppe has taken the leadership of the Bloc Québécois, with whom Bellavance had worked with for seven years in the House of Commons. However, Bellavance reiterated he will not be running in the next federal election. Call 613 995-1554.
Independent MP Peter Goldring (Edmonton East, Alta.) issued a statement that “the Scottish referendum for separation, for the breakup of a nation, of an entity, was an absolute sham of democratic principles. The fact that the No side against the breakup succeeded is merely a stroke of good fortune.” Call 613-992-3821.
After a summer of reflection, MP Jean-François Fortin (Haute-Gaspésie-La Mitis-Matane-Matapedia, Que.) concluded that his fellow citizens will be better served if it pursues its mandate outside the Bloc Québécois. Fortin announced that he now sits as an independent in the House of Commons. The full release is available online. Call 581-232-0445.
Independent MP Maria Mourani (Ahuntsic, Que.) issued a statement on the passing of Jim Flaherty. “I wish to convey to his family and to his colleagues and friends, my deepest condolences. My thoughts are with you through this ordeal.” Call 514-241-1723.
New Brunswick Senator Pierrette Ringuette gave notice on a motion to start the process of transforming the Senate of Canada. The motion will create and authorize a senate committee to study and recommend changes to the Senate to; help reduce partisanship and increase the role of regional representation by realigning the Senate along regional rather than partisan … Read more
Former Liberal, now Independent Charlottetown Senator Percy Downe has written all party leaders in the House of Commons urging one of them to show leadership in moving a motion inviting the Auditor General to conduct a comprehensive audit of members’ expenses. “Canadians expect Parliamentarians to manage their budgets with careful consideration, but they also expect … Read more
Former Liberal, now Independent Quebec Senator Dennis Dawson introduced Bill S-215, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (election expenses). This bill would classify all advertising bought by political parties in the three months immediately preceding the call of an election as an “election expense,” which would be included in the limits imposed on party expenses … Read more
Independent New Brunswick Senator Pierrette Ringuette spoke in the Senate chamber in support of her recently tabled motion to ask the Senate Standing Committee on Banking, Trade, and Commerce to study the trade between the United States and Canada to determine the adherence to the letter and spirit of the trade agreements between the two nations. In … Read more
Independent MP Maria Mourani (Ahuntsic, Que.) suggested during Question Period that the government create a national Nelson Mandela Day. Mourani said, “Mr. Speaker, I have listened with interest as my colleagues praised Nelson Mandela. I think we all agree that future generations should remember the strong bonds of friendship and ideals that have united Canada and … Read more
