My commitment and the Stellar Jay

Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com website on May 31, 2011.


I have talked a bit on my blog about the need to do things differently. Throughout my campaign on doorsteps, in coffee shops and in all candidates forums I often heard from citizens who wanted to see a positive change in Ottawa. But what exactly does that mean? I think part of doing things differently is respecting a good idea. I have not yet met Jack Layton but I have met some of the new members of his caucus and they seem every bit as excited and honoured to represent their constituents as I am. I have read reports in the media that as leader of the Opposition, a commitment has been made by Mr. Layton on behalf of his caucus to eliminate heckling in the house. I think this is a good idea and one that I believe my constituents will be in full support of.

Today I am attaching a Stellar Jay pin to the lapel of my blazer. Why the Stellar Jay I will get to in a moment, however the Stellar Jay pin I plan to wear while in Ottawa alongside my MP pin will be a symbol of my commitment to do things differently and that includes avoiding heckling in the House.

I am also going to bring along a few extra pins in the hopes that a few of my colleagues may wish to join me.

Why the Stellar Jay? Not unlike the west coast and east coast of Canada, the Jay family is also made up of the Stellar Jay in western Canada and the Blue Jay in eastern Canada. One interesting aspect about the Jay family is that they can actually exhibit unique characteristics depending on the geographical region they are from.  In other words they are a diverse species spread out across Canada (and in fact North America) and in spite of having notable differences between the east coast and west, they are still ultimately members of the same Jay family. I believe as Members of Parliament we must always be mindful of the importance to represent our constituents in a manner that they can be proud of.