Summerland Review: Albas learning parliamentary rules

Published: June 01, 2011 3:00 PM
Updated: June 01, 2011 3:17 PM

For newly elected MP Dan Albas, it has been a time of learning as he has been introduced to the protocols of federal politics.

On May 26, Albas was officially signed in to Parliament.

“It’s been a very busy time,” he said. “I’m really enjoying learning about the traditions and procedures and meeting with the people.”

While Prime Minister Stephen Harper is preparing the various committees, Albas is waiting to learn where he will be serving.

“It’s a big country and there are a lot of things that need to be looked after,” he said. “Right now, our number one priority is the economy.”

While Harper’s Conservatives received a majority government in the May 2 federal election, Albas said issues must be addressed by the House of Commons as a whole.

He said he has already had the opportunity to meet with many of the other Members of Parliament from all political parties. “I’m looking forward to finding out how the new dynamic will work,” he said.

The majority government is the first elected since 2000.

The Conservatives won 166 out of 308 seats.

Despite the majority, Albas said much of his work as a federal politician does not deal with party politics.

“Constituency work is a top priority for me,” he said. “If they’re citizens of Okanagan Coquihalla, I’m their Member of Parliament. My office is non-partisan in nature.”

He said his role is to represent all constituents, no matter whether or not they supported him in the election.

“Every Member of Parliament is elected to represent the constituents first,” he said.

“It’s my job to make sure all are being represented.”

He said Stockwell Day , the Member of Parliament for the riding from 2000 to 2011, was an excellent example of an effective constituency worker.