How the web can work…

Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on February 11th, 2012.


I have always believed in the importance of communicating with citizens. That is why when I was a city councillor I started a blog which was very helpful for me to hear what was important to the taxpayers of Penticton. From time to time issues would arise that some on council thought would have been publicly supported at City Hall, but often I would hear a very different message from citizens on my blog and I was able to take the same feedback and incorporate it into discussions on council. Since becoming an MP I have found the internet to be a very valuable tool.  It is not infallible and has limitations in many areas, but it can effectively help communicate my activities in Ottawa on behalf of the taxpayers in Okanagan-Coquihalla.

A good example was a recent post I put up only a few days ago talking about my new role on the Standing Committee of the Status of Women and already some opportunities have arisen where I can share information back and forth in between Ottawa and our riding on some of important topics we are currently studying. This kind of direct response is very encouraging and will be helpful for me as a committee member. I look forward to learning more as we study some of these issues.