|
Published on the DaninOttawa.com site on July 1, 2011.
Never let it be said that being an MP is not a very interesting or rewarding job. It’s hard to believe that one week ago today I was in Ottawa, engaged in the great filibuster debate of 2011 with my fellow government caucus colleagues and members of the opposition. Today Ottawa seems like a million miles away and spending the day in the beautiful riding of Okanagan– Coquihalla for Canada day (my first as your MP) is one that I will never forget. One of the more interesting stops along today’s journey was in the community of Okanagan Falls. I plan on profiling more about Okanagan Falls in future posts but what made today so special was being on hand to help open a new waterfront park. Okanagan Falls was a community created with a vision a great many years ago. The majority of the waterfront in Okanagan Falls was always protected in the hopes that one day a park would grace the shores of Skaha Lake for all citizen’s to enjoy. However with a small tax base and challenges to provide other important civic infrastructure, the park has been slow to evolve. But not today. Thanks in part to Federal Gas Tax funding, and the leadership of local RDOS Area “D” director Bill Schwarz, we had a ribbon cutting ceremony for what will truly be one of the best family waterfront parks in the Okanagan. I say one of as Peachland has also done an amazing job in increasing public use of their waterfront as well. What made today’s ribbon cutting all that more special was the attendance of two lovely seniors who are lifelong residents of Okanagan Falls. For them this was a truly special day, and for me to hear them share fond memories of their childhood in this exact same location were very rewarding. I was also really happy to see that those with mobility challenges can also now have access to the waterfront in a way that they could not previously do so prior to this project getting underway. I also have to pay a tribute to Bill Schwarz. I was probably not one of Bill’s favorite persons in local government, but I have always had a deep respect for Bill’s commitment to his community and for getting things done on behalf of his ratepayers. Bill is soon to retire from local government and not only would I like to wish him well, but also formerly acknowledge that Bill’s efforts have left behind a better community where citizens will enjoy a higher quality of life. Happy Canada Day to the community of Okanagan Falls! Related articles
0 Comments
Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on July 1, 2011.
As Canadians we all share a deep love for this Country that we call home. Our history is made up of hard work and opportunity. The climate in Canada has always been a challenging one and yet those who came before us would always persevere and triumph. At times, though we were not a wealthy country we stood with our allies, fighting against tyranny and oppression. As Canadians we have always fought for what was right and just. Doing our part was as much a responsibility as it was our duty to serve our Country and those in need. This has always been our way, the Canadian way, of doing things. As we gather to celebrate Canada Day let us all take a moment of pause and remember those who came before us and built the country we now enjoy. Let us also take a moment that we might reflect on what it is that sets us apart as Canadians and let us never loose sight of our values and those same principles that we used to build the foundation of this great nation. Let us give thanks for the sacrifices of our soldiers who have and continue to honour all that we hold dear. Before this day ends please take a moment to share with your friends and family, what it means to be a Canadian. We must never take for granted this great country and just how truly fortunate we are to share our love with others in this great place we call home. From my family to yours, may we all share in the enjoyment of Canada Day together. sincerely, Dan Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on July 1, 2011.
This has been an incredibly busy week of constituency work within the riding. As an elected official there are a great many meetings, community events, emails and return phone calls that matter a great deal to the people you represent. Getting to those calls and emails and preparing for those meetings is very important and gratifying work for me. But when the opportunity to get out and about arises, such as attending the 100th birthday bash for Elsie Oates in Summerland, I am there in a flash. I was happy to bring congratulations from the Government of Canada (that got me in the door), but the truly fun part was sitting with Elsie, chatting and eating cake with her as a choir sang many of her favorite songs. Surrounded by fifty or so friends who clearly care deeply for her, we celebrated her health (she still golf's regularly see this CTV video here), toasted her humour and many recalled fond memories. Making it to 100 years is certainly an achievement to aspire to, but in Elsie's case is just the icing on the cake. Happy Birthday Elsie! Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on June 30, 2011.
It was one week ago today that our record-breaking “filibuster” debate began in the House of Commons over back to work legislation for Canada Post. Throughout that debate there was an unprecedented use of electronic devices in both the House and the Precinct. Blackberries, iPad’s and tablets among other devices have all increasingly found their way into the House and all around Parliament Hill. Historically the House was never intended to have such devices and many Provincial Parliaments, including our own in British Columbia, still prohibit them. There are legitimate criticisms to these devices as they can become a distraction if not used in a responsible way and certainly enforcement considerations must also be measured. However there are also advantages that I believe should also be taken into consideration. For perhaps the first time, a constituent can now share their concerns directly with their Member of Parliament on an almost real-time basis. I know from the recent filibuster hearing from the people of Okanagan-Coquihalla on an ongoing basis really helped me better understand that challenges citizens were facing with the continued disruption of our postal service. There was also a certain irony that with postal services being suspended the normal means of sending a letter to convey your concerns to Ottawa were unavailable. Because of a device like the iPad, I was able to take the serious challenges facing a daycare provider and directly read those into the house with a question to the members opposite. These were important concerns and deserved to be heard and there is no question that technology allowed that to happen in an expedited manner. I have also noted that technology allows many citizens to stay more informed and directly follow the work that we do on your behalf in Ottawa. As you can see I appreciate the benefits of utilizing the internet, social media and the iPad among other devices to help me communicate with you as your Members of Parliament. Having said that, I would also like to hear your thoughts on my use of technology as your MP. It should be noted that some of my colleagues have questioned me on the use of these devices. What is most important to me is to hear from you and what your thoughts are for the use of technology in the House. I welcome your comments on this topic. Sincerely, Dan Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on June 27, 2011.
It’s nice to be back in the beautiful riding of Okanagan-Coquihalla and I can say with all sincerity that Canada Day will have new meaning for me this year. We all share a love for this country, but over the past 72 hours of which 58 hours was spent nonstop debating. I also began to realize that what really sets us apart as a Country is our people. Over the past few months since becoming elected as your Member of Parliament I been fortunate to meet citizens from every region all across Canada. This most recent debate had at one time or another almost every member of the house share concerns from their constituents. There was a wide range of issues to ponder. Often when we think of politicians we wonder if they will be there for us in our times of need. From my own perspective I discovered that my constituents were there for me. Hearing your concerns firsthand on not being able to buy groceries because a daycare payment did not arrive in the mail gives real meaning to the work we do here. Hearing concerns over the loss of a job, or how would the rent be paid at the end of the month are issues that demand attention. In fact it was the overwhelming amount of citizen’s I heard from that made the work we were doing here all that much more important to me. I also know that in many cases the concerns that I heard were also being shared with members of the NDP. While I cannot speak for the NDP, I can point out that they could have continued to push on with the filibuster and further delay getting Canada Post back to work again. For whatever reason, the NDP choose not to. I would like to think it was because in small part they also heard the desperation from so many citizens whose lives were being severely impacted by this labour disagreement carrying on. This debate was, in my opinion, more about putting the rights and entitlements of a select few ahead of the responsibilities we all share as Canadians. I am thankful that in the end of this debate the interests of those who elect us and pay the taxes that run this country came first and foremost. Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on June 26, 2011.
Now that the house is adjourned, I plan on spending much of July and August doing a road trip of the riding of Okanagan-Coquihalla. I am calling this my listening tour. I would like to cover every community and area that I possibly can. As much as I value the importance of staying in touch electronically, nothing beats meeting in person and having a face to face conversation. Your concerns are important to me so and when the House of Commons resumes sitting in the fall I will have the opportunity to voice what is important to you and your community in Parliament. I also intend on profiling each community on my Dan in Ottawa Blog. Slowly our blog has attracted a small following of citizens outside of Okanagan- Coquihalla and I would like to share a little bit about what makes Okanagan-Coquihalla one of the most beautiful and diverse places to live in our great country. If you would like to meet with me in either July or August please feel free to send me an email so I can start making plans and a schedule to come and meet with you. I am happy to meet with you at a coffee shop, your home or business or wherever you are most comfortable. Thanks, Dan Related articles
Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on June 26, 2011.
History is made in different ways. I never expected to be part of what was apparently one of, if not the longest House of Commons debates in history. It is hard to believe it is now finally over and tomorrow I can return back home to Okanagan-Coquihalla. At this point it is difficult to reflect on everything that has occurred over the past near 48 hours. I have to start by saying a sincere thank you. The comments and words of encouragement and support that I received from so many of you at all hours of the night was really inspiring. The ability to share this experience as best as I could through this blog and tweets helped get me through it I know that there will be some who will be unhappy with what occurred here in Ottawa this past week. To those who took the time to talk with or write to me please know that I heard from an overwhelming amount of citizens who truly needed this legislation to be passed, and passed promptly. This is legislation that will provide a great amount of relief for many who depend on Canada Post. For some this will mean putting food on the kitchen table. If there is one positive that I believe we can all take from this experience is that Canada Post remains an important institution that Canadians still very much depend on. As we go forward and the mail again starts to flow I hope we will not forget this debate and hopefully in the future all parties can work together and reach a consensus. I am feeling truly exhausted but also grateful that we can live in a Country as great as Canada, have respectful debate and truly take the concerns of our citizens to our nation's capital. I again would like to thank everyone for your comments and support. I will never forget this experience and what it means to be your Member of Parliament. Sincerely, Dan Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com on June 25, 2011.
I am not sure what is less comfortable- sleeping in your suit or trying to sleep on an uncomfortable couch. However I do know that trying to sleep on an uncomfortable couch in your suit is difficult to do and that is what led me to posting another update for you as sleeping didn’t seem to work for me today. The debate within the house has now reached the point of coming full circle. Points have been made, positions taken and the lines are drawn. The question that hangs over the house now is how long will this process continue? One day? Two more days? Into next week? However there also comes a point where I believe that we as Parliamentarians have to collectively ask ourselves to what end do we continue and at what cost? The longer we continue to sit at an impasse more and more Canadians will suffer. I have heard from constituents who literally cannot buy groceries or pay bills because the money they are desperately waiting on is in the mail. I have heard from citizens waiting on ashes in an urn for a funeral, another who may have to cancel a wedding, seniors waiting for important medical lab tests results, small business owners that may have to start laying people off. We must also be careful not to forget the postal workers as they are impacted as well. I spoke with a gentleman in the riding this morning. They are not getting a full pay cheque and their benefits are suspended. And meanwhile literally thousands of Canadians are sharing with me they are setting up for direct deposit, electronic billing and whatever else they can do to prevent becoming victimized in these labor disputes in the future. None of this is good for our Country nor does it serve the long-term interests of Canada Post. There is no perfect solution but in the interests of the citizens, who we serve, the taxpayers who pay the bills, we need to get Canada Post working again. The opposition can continue this filibuster as long as they choose, and on the Government side of the house we will stand united to serve the citizen’s who gave us a majority government to move Canada forward during these difficult times. However we must move forward and get Canada Post working again. No solution is without criticism and not all parties will agree but I believe we owe it to our fellow Canadians to minimize the impact this labor dispute is having on their lives. There are citizen’s who are unemployed, and who do not have a pension or a job with six weeks of vacation that are horrified at what is going on in Ottawa right now. We must not forget them, nor the working seniors or the small business employers who are the backbone of our Canadian economy. As Parliamentarians I believe we need to be part of the solution and I dare say that we are soon to become part of the problem if we do not recognize that importance of serving the interests of all Canadians as opposed to the interests of a select few. That is what this debate is really all about. Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on June 25, 2011.
Kudos goes to my friend Kim Lawton for reminding me through twitter of the Penticton Beach City Beach Cruise! This is a truly great event in my hometown and one I was hoping to attend in person today! Ottawa currently seems a million miles away, but the work we are doing here is of critical importance for the many Canadians who depend upon Canada Post. For more information on the Peach City Beach Cruise, please go to: www.peachcitybeachcruise.com/ Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on June 25, 2011.
My most recent shift began at 3am Pacific. There was a vote on the NDP hoist motion (asking for 2nd reading to be conducted six months hence) several hours earlier. The hoist motion was not endorsed and debate moved on to the next chapter, although in many respects it does seem like a page has yet to be turned in the actual discussion. It is almost a surreal dynamic in the precinct right now. Fatigue has come and gone while sleep remains scarce. From my seat in the House it is apparent that morale and camaraderie remains strong on both sides. For those of you asking, there is still no end in sight, although it should be noted that we are now on ways and means as opposed to second reading. I am fortunate the my office has a small bathroom in it, as my sink has become my shower and my couch remains my bed. Although it is unusual living out of an office, I am increasingly hearing from citizens back home who remain hopeful that this legislation will be passed shortly. Shortly is a term that can not be defined at present; however the debate continues... I would like to again thank so many of you for sharing your comments and words of encouragement. They are always appreciated Dan Related articles
|
In addition to his weekly MP Report. the Dan in Ottawa blog is another resource for residents of Okanagan-Coquihalla. Chronicling Dan’s personal experiences as he travels to Ottawa and throughout the riding as your MP.
For more information about Dan Albas, click here. Archives
October 2014
Categories |
RSS Feed