Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 1 Study Tour in France Photos by Céline Brazeau Fraser

Marcia Frey, Kathy Gunter, Sydna Zeliff, Charlette Duguay, View of Canadian cemetery in Bény-sur-Mer. Glen McKinnon and Karen McKinnon at reception in Paris.

Jack Silverstone and Glenda Miller at reception in Paris.

Glenda Miller, James Farnham and Hon. Raymond Setlakwe visit Mont St-Michel.

Léo Duguay and Charlette Duguay at American Cemetery.

Former MP, Francis LeBlanc and wife, Marlene Royal Winnipeg Rifles Monument in CAFP Wreath laying ceremony in Shepherd, embrace under the famous “Uncondi- Courseulles-sur-Mer. Bény-sur-Mer. tional Surrender” statue in Caen.

Page 2 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Beyond the Hill Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians Volume 11, Issue No. 1 Winter 2015 CONTENTS Study Tour in France 2 How it works: Pondering the human race 29 Photos by Céline Brazeau Fraser By Hon. John Reid How the President Sees It 5 How does “Beyond the Hill” get published? 30 By Hon. Andy Mitchell By Dorothy Dobbie Executive Director’s Report 6 CAFP at 25 31 Story by Jack Silverstone, photos by By Scott Hitchcox Céline Brazeau Fraser The great flag debate 32 AGM business 9 By Harrison Lowman By Scott Hitchcox Rallying Round the Maple Leaf 35 Léo’s legacy 10 By Harrison Lowman By Scott Hitchcox The promise of Andy 11 Your chocolate bars at work in Guatemala By Adella Rose Khan and Kamloops 36 Story by Hon. Peter Adams, photos by Remembering those who have served 12 Joanne Simpson Story by Adella Rose Khan, photos by Denis Drever and Bernard Thibodeau Staying in Touch 38 CAFP honours Michael Wilson with Lifetime By Harrison Lowman and Scott Hitchcox Achievement Award 14 From the bookshelf: Fighting to Lose 40 Story by Harrison Lowman, photos by George By Carl Christie Pimentel and Jennifer Nehme. From the bookshelf: Morgan Le Fay 40 Tony Fell named honourary member at regional By Richard Cameron reception 18 From the bookshelf: Tragedy in the Commons 41 Story and photos by Harrison Lowman By Harrison Lowman We went to the Yukon 20 Story and photos by Dorothy Dobbie Stop bashing Question Period 42 By Keith Penner CAFP honours soldiers found where they fell in France 24 Political Passages 43 By Léo Duguay By Harrison Lowman D-Day: How changed the Great War Geoff @ 30: Abortion. Religion. Confrontation. and how it changed Canada 26 Election. Sound familiar? 46 Story and photos provided by Scott Hitchcox By Geoff Scott It seems to me: Home grown terrorists 28 Election oversight in Ukraine 47 By Dorothy Dobbie

ERRATA 1. In our previous issue, p. 24-25, we incorrectly stated that the Usher of the Black Rod plays a vital role in the ceremonial Mr. Greg Peters is Usher of the Black Rod “of the House of events of the .” Furthermore, the photo Commons”. As we all know, he is, in fact Black Rod for the on p. 25 should have been attributed to Deb Ransom, Office of , playing a vital role in the ceremonial events the Prime Minister. Beyond the Hill apologizes for these errors. of the Parliament of Canada. Given this, the caption on p. 24 2. In our previous issue, on p. 7, the subheading should have should read, “Greg Peters stands in his official uniform for his read, “The Douglas C. Frith Annual Dinner has raised over one role as the Usher of the Black Rod in the Senate of Canada.” million dollars in its 10 years.” Beyond the Hill apologizes for On p. 25, the caption should read, “Although highly symbolic, this error.

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 3 CAFP NEWS New BTH interns Hill Times offer Dear Former Parliamentarians; With your experience you have a unique perspective to bring to the dia- logue on Canadian federal politics. We are offering a special exclusive discount on the print and digital edi- tions of The Hill Times to members of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians. Scott Hitchcox With this offer you can receive the Born and raised in the United print newspaper at home, have the States, Scott Hitchcox brings a fresh digital edition sent to your email ad- Cover photo: Céline Brazeau Fraser perspective on Canadian politics to dress and have full access to the on- captured the group, that went to France, the magazine, delusions of grandeur, line news, opinion and photos. For re- in front of the Vimy Ridge monument. and a vague conception of what a kilo- search you will also have access to the metre is. In his third year at Univer- online archives and the digital versions of the print editions from the last two Editor-in-Chief sity of , Scott is completing a Dorothy Dobbie double major in criminology and po- decades. litical science and is a proud member Back To Parliament Exclusive Fall Assistant Editor of the school’s track and cross-country Offer $125 for print and digital and Harrison Lowman teams. Though he hasn’t quite found $99 for digital online. Email circula- [email protected] or phone us: 613- Associate Editor his skating legs, Scott loves the capital Geoff Scott city, and is excited to continue explor- 688-8832. Be sure to mention the spe- ing all aspects of Ottawa; from Rideau cial offer for the Canadian Association Editorial Interns of Former Parliamentarians. Scott Hitchcox, Adella Khan to Sussex. Despite his insistence on ne- glecting the “u” in words like “colour” Yours truly, Editorial Board and “favourite”, and a refusal to meas- The Hill Times. Bill Casey, Dorothy Dobbie, ure the cold Ottawa winters in tem- Hon. Betty Kennedy, Keith Penner, Harrison Lowman named Hon. John Reid and Geoff Scott peratures other than Fahrenheit, Scott hopes to be a worthy addition to the Assistant Editor Editorial Board Emeriti staff here at Beyond the Hill. We have had many wonderful senior Hon. Jim Fleming, Simma Holt, Adella Khan Claudy Lynch, Doug Rowland interns at Beyond the Hill in the past, Born in Palmerston, , Adella but Harrison Lowman has gone above Contributors Khan was raised between rural On- and beyond in his service to the maga- Hon. Peter Adams, Richard Cameron, tario and the side of a hill in Trini- zine. In view of this, we are thrilled to Carl Christie, Dorothy Dobbie, dad. She is in her final year of study at Léo Duguay, Hon. Andy Mitchell, name him Assistant Editor in recogni- Keith Penner, Hon. John Reid, Carleton University in journalism and tion of the time and care he devotes to Geoff Scott, Jack Silverstone women and gender studies. Although Beyond the Hill. Thank you, Harrison, she has called Ottawa her home for the for a job well done. Production Assistants last five years, Khan says she feels lucky Céline Brazeau Fraser, Jennifer Nehme, to have experienced different customs Susan Simms, Karl Thomsen Manitoba MLAs honour and countries. ISSN Being immersed in different cul- Dorothy Dobbie 1920-8561 tures has given her a voracity for tell- On Nov. 6, Dorothy was selected ing people’s stories and connecting for the Distinguished Service Award Our Mission Statement Beyond the Hill, a magazine for former par- them to the politics that affects their by the Association of Former Mani- liamentarians, is designed to engage, en- daily lives. toba MLAs. The award recognizes lighten and inform its readers about each “Politics is so interesting because exceptional career contributions and other, their Association and its Educational even when citizens are disengaged, achievements by former MLAs and Foundation. Its aim is to encourage partici- the work MPs do is so impactful,” she MPs, and in particular demonstra- pation in the Association and to promote says. “Working with Beyond the Hill tion of remarkable community service democracy. The views of the contributors means I get to pursue political report- since leaving political office. It was the to this publication do not necessarily rep- ing and meet people who really affect- second such award given by the asso- resent those of CAFP nor its Educational ed the lives of .” While her ciation. Foundation. Beyond the Hill welcomes letters to the editor, submissions and passion lies in journalism, Khan says In making the award, Association suggestions. P.O. Box 1, 131 Queen St., she would be happy to have any kind President Avis Gray announced: “Dor- House of Commons Ottawa, ON, Canada, of positive impact on the world. She othy your gift is to see an injustice, K1A 0A6. Telephone 1-888-567-4764, adds that she is excited to hear about an inadequacy or an opportunity for Fax: 613-947-1764 E-mail: exparl@parl. the passions of our readers and wel- change, to make a better community, gc.ca. Website: www.exparl.ca. comes story suggestions. a better nation, a better world.”

Page 4 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 YOUR ORGANIZATION

How the President Sees It

The Hon. Andy Mitchell.

n my first message as president of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians, I want to use the occasion to express how honoured I am to have been given the opportunity to serve the members of our Idistinguished association. Each of you have contributed to our country in a special way and it is my sincere desire that the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians provides an opportunity for you to continue contributing to public life in our country. Thanking predecessors I am fortunate in my role to have taken the reins after the excellent leadership provided over the past five years by our outgoing president, Léo Duguay. Léo worked tirelessly on our behalf. His efforts have resulted in a range of new programming that has raised the profile of the association both at home and abroad. He also provided services for members, and ensured the financial sustainability of the organization. It is my intention to build upon the great work Léo and his team have provided over the last five years. I am pleased that I will be assisted in my role by Hon. , who has taken on the role of president of the Educational Foundation. Gerry's boundless energy and wealth of ideas will serve the foundation well as he builds on the success achieved by past president Francis Leblanc. Without a hitch The association staged two very successful events last spring. Our Lifetime Achievement Award dinner in To- ronto honouring our colleague Michael Wilson was attended by over 500 people, including many former parlia- mentarians. The dinner raised significant revenue for the association, which will be used to offer a robust range of programming for our members and support organizations that assist us in our mission of democracy building. Our AGM in Ottawa was also a success with our various events attended by almost 100 participants. Our tribute that honoured our colleagues who have passed was well received by family and friends; as we remembered and recognized their contributions. Looking forward This fall, the association hosted three important events. In September our regional meeting was held in White- horse, Yukon. A host of special activities was planned that made for an interesting three days for those able to attend. Our tenth annual Douglas C. Frith dinner was planned for Ottawa on Oct, 22. The shooting on the Hill forced the cancellation of this event which will now be held March 31, 2015. In addition to raising money for programming undertaken by the foundation, the dinner provides an opportunity for both former and current parliamentarians to interact with guests interested in the public policy issues facing the country. In November our association, in conjunction with the United States Association of Former Members of Congress, began our 2014 study tour to Belgium and France. Participants toured the Normandy beaches and participated in commemoration events recognizing the 70th anniversary of D-Day. We also visited a number of World War I battlefields, which began 100 years ago. New Horizons As a new initiative, the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians has begun sponsoring a series of regional receptions. These events are designed to bring members together in different parts of the country to network with each other, discuss the issues of the day, and to learn about and provide input regarding our activities. The first of these meetings took place in Vancouver in September. In November, there was a meeting held in Toronto. Two additional meetings will be held elsewhere in Canada in the first half of 2015. In closing, let me once again express my appreciation for your support and I look forward to serving you in the year ahead.

Hon. Andy Mitchell, President

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 5 CAFP NEWS

Executive Director’s Report More than a study tour . . . A lesson in history Story by Jack Silverstone, photos by Céline Brazeau Fraser

Canadian and American study tour participants at Utah Beach Museum. The events of October 22 I express sincere appreciation to our to Juno Beach. My great sense of pride None of us in Ottawa, and indeed in generous presenting sponsor, our pa- continued as we toured the modest but the entire country, will forget the hor- trons and all our other many sponsors beautifully designed Juno Beach Cen- rific events of October 22. We were all for their unflagging support and coop- tre, which told the story of Canadian stunned by the violent attack on our cap- eration with us during and after the cri- heroism and military competence as our ital. That Wednesday was the very date sis of October 22. We extend gratitude forces stormed ashore on June 6, 1944. we had chosen for our 10th annual fund- to the courageous members of the po- I was astounded as the young Canadian raising dinner for our Educational Foun- lice and security services who valiantly guide took the group of more than 30 dation. In light of what transpired, we discharged their duties of protecting former Canadian and American legisla- had no choice but to postpone the event. Canadians and our institutions on that tors through the massive German for- After much deliberation, we have now fateful and tragic day. tifications and wondered how anyone rescheduled the dinner for Tuesday, 31 Study tour to Normandy could have overcome them. March, 2015. We are very pleased that and Belgium Our appreciation is extended to the our invited speaker, TVO’s Steve Paikin, To commemorate the 70th anniver- wonderful Canadian and local staff at will be there at the same venue, the Châ- sary of D-Day and the 100th anniver- the Juno Beach Centre, an institution teau Laurier Hotel, on the new date. We sary of the outbreak of World War I, very worthy of Canadian support. We have striven to keep everything the same, we undertook a joint one-week study were all enormously moved by our next except for the date, so that our event tour with our American colleagues at visit to the geometrically perfect Cana- will, in some small way, show those who the United States Association of For- dian military cemetery at Bény-sur-mer. advocate and commit violence that it will mer Members of Congress, to the D- As our guide pointed out, the well- not deter us as Canadians from continu- Day beaches in Normandy in France tended cemetery is completely open and ing our peaceful and democratic way of and to the battlefields of the Great unfenced and held by the French people life. We look forward to seeing you at War. As a Canadian, I was riveted by in the highest respect. our re-scheduled gala dinner which is al- the site of the memorial to the Royal The next day, November 11, was spent ways an Ottawa highlight. Winnipeg Rifles on our first day’s visit at the impressive Omaha Beach Muse-

Page 6 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 CAFP NEWS

Wreath laying ceremony at the Canadian Cemetery in Bény sur Mer.

“. . . all Canadians, but especially young Canadians need to be made more aware of the sacrifices of our service Flag presentation and wreath laying ceremony in Hallu. personnel in the two world wars.”

Dorothy Price and Hon. Vim Kochhar at American cemetery. Canadian and American study tour participants at Vimy Ridge. um and cemetery where so many brave victory, albeit at enormous human cost. ing and warm visit to the town of Hallu young soldiers are laid to rest. We were The same emotions and observations where the remains of Canadian soldiers honoured to be there during the wreath apply to our tour of the American land- from the First War were recently found laying ceremony and then visit the mas- ing site and Museum at Utah Beach (our immediate past president Léo Du- sive and immaculate cemetery. Again, and to the site of the airborne assault at guay, who led the Canadian component as we visited the beach defences, I was Sainte-Mère-Église made famous in the of the joint delegation, writes about this astounded at the heroism of the Allied epic movie “`The Longest Day”. elsewhere in this edition), we reached Forces who overcame so many man- After a long bus ride from Normandy Vimy. Nothing can adequately prepare made and natural obstacles to achieve to eastern France, including a very mov- you for the stark terrain. The ground

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 7 CAFP NEWS remains undulated with the craters of bombs and shells now covered with grass, but still clearly visible. Nor is one ready for the short distances between the trench lines of the opposing forces. One shudders to think of the horror and misery. Then the vision of the Ca- nadian National Vimy Ridge Memo- rial looms into view in what seemed to be one of the saddest and most forlorn places on earth. The sheer size of the Memorial statue almost overwhelms the eye. Every Canadian should be fa- miliar with it. To close out the study tour, we had the opportunity to lay a wreath at the Menin Gate in Ypres, on the Belgian side of the border, where every night for nearly 100 years, buglers have played The Last Post, and have told the story of one of the thousands of soldiers whose Study tour participants at Juno Beach. graves are unknown and to whom the monument is dedicated. Words cannot adequately describe the emotions that one inevitably feels at the ceremony. On the night we attended, there were liter- ally thousands of people, many of them young students, lining the route, but everything proceeded smoothly thanks to the good work of the Last Post As- sociation. A few takeaways from this abbrevi- ated travelogue: all Canadians, but es- pecially young Canadians, need to be made more aware of the sacrifices of our service personnel in the two world wars; the Juno Beach Centre deserves more Canadian support; Canadians need to understand the level of apprecia- tion and gratitude shown by the French and Belgians to Canada for freeing 10 year-old Hallu resident, Guillaume, and Sandra Hellyer, Hon. and Doro- them from Nazi tyranny and oppres- Léo Duguay.(See story page 24.) thy Price at reception in Paris. sion. They take commemoration and preservation of history very seriously indeed. We must seek to emulate that. Finally, cooperation with colleagues in the USA and Europe is always a good initiative. Toronto Reception On Wednesday, November 26, we held the second of our president’s re- ceptions at the Royal York Hotel in To- ronto. The first took place in Vancouver in September, with others planned for Montréal and Halifax in the near fu- ture. At the Toronto event, Mr. Tony Fell, O.C., was made an honorary member of the Association in apprecia- tion for his extraordinary work in mak- ing our Lifetime Achievement Award event, held in March for the Hon. Mi- Statue at Juno Beach. Marlene Shepherd, John Creighton and Jen- chael Wilson, such a great success. nifer Birchall-Creighton at reception in Paris.

Page 8 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 CAFP AGM Taking a break from the fun Story by Scott Hitchcox, photo by Dorothy Dobbie

Your new Board members, from left to right: Francis LeBlanc, Ian Waddell, Hon. , Geoff Scott, David Daubney, newly elected president Hon. Andy Mitchell, Hon. David C. Walker, Marlene Catterall, Hon. Gerry Weiner, Hon. Audrey McLaughlin, Hon. Paul Dick, Hon. Vim Kochhar, Immediate past president, Léo Duguay, Hon. Karen Redman, Hon. and Hon. .

he Annual General Meeting, New interns, Distinguished Service ner, which has raised $1.3 million since this year taking place on June Then, after the brief introduction of 2005, with proceeds going towards T 8th and 9th, was a chance for this year’s extremely talented, good- educational programs headed by CAFP former MP’s and their families to so- looking, and humble interns, the asso- and its partners. cialize, commemorate one another’s ciation recognized excellence amongst Democracy abroad accomplishments, and pay tribute to its peers, presenting the Distinguished Finally, the association reviewed re- those friends and colleagues no longer Service Award to former Liberal Sena- cent efforts as part of its objective to with us. However, a break in the festivi- tor the Honourable Michael Kirby. They promote democracy abroad. As a mem- ties was necessitated by the association’s also acknowledged the recent presenta- ber of the recently renamed Global De- business meeting, which took place just tion of the Lifetime Achievement award mocracy Initiative, the association has after lunch on the second day in the to former Progressive Conservative MP, worked with similar groups from es- main hall at the Library and Archives the Honourable Michael Wilson. tablished democratic countries to moni- Building. Once past achievements were recog- tor and improve budding democracies The first point in the itinerary was nized, the focus of the meeting shifted worldwide. Also, as co-creator of the the introduction of guests and the ap- to the future of the Canadian Associa- International Elections Monitors Insti- proval of the proposed agenda, which tion of Former Parliamentarians, whose tute, the association has observed elec- was followed by the review of high- reputation for excellence and democratic tions in over twenty countries; includ- lights from the past year. These includ- promotion continues to grow with each ing Uganda, Egypt, and Haiti. ed a continued growth in membership, passing year. Recent partnerships with a Though business can oftentimes be a productive regional meetings, as well as number of organizations, including the dry and tedious matter, this year’s an- successful study tours that association Parliamentary Centre, the Library of nual meeting served to accentuate the members took to Peru and Chile. These Parliament, and the U.S. Embassy, has association’s many accomplishments, trips allowed members to tour cultural expanded awareness of the association its continuous growth, and its posi- and historic sites as well as meet the and the effectiveness of its engagements. tive democratic impact worldwide. The current and former legislators of both This has led to successful ventures such coming year under a new executive and countries. as The Annual Douglas C. Frith Din- president, should be just as successful.

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 9 CAFP NEWS Léo’s legacy By Scott Hitchcox Léo Duguay served as CAFP president for five years. His leadership and energy moved the Association a long way forward.

increase in the services and programs tors, whom he describes as, “Giving up that the CAFP offers, all with the pur- their time to promote democracy, and pose, he says, of “promoting democracy all of them an expert at what they do.” in Canada, particularly amongst young “He will be remembered for his brief, Canadians, and abroad amongst young business-like meetings, his swift and parliaments”. sure decision-making abilities and his The Hon. Jean Bazin presented Léo with a Creating a solid financial foundation plaque recognizing his excellent service to energy, warmth, and consideration for CAFP. for CAFP has also been in an important the members,” says former colleague thrust of Léo’s term in office. Léo initi- Dorothy Dobbie. “Léo left partisanship hroughout a stellar career, Léo ated the Lifetime Achievement Award. at the doorstep of his former office,” she Duguay has held many differ- The first one, honouring the Rt. Hon. continued. “As president, he treated all Tent titles. These include a career , was held in Calgary members with fairness and respect and as a teacher, being a member of Parlia- in 2010. Conceived as a fund-raiser, this I know they appreciated this.” ment, serving as Chief of Staff to the dinner event has now been held four Although Léo’s term as president Rt. Hon. when he was min- times and has raised around a half a has ended, his influence in the Associa- ister of Foreign Affairs, being named million dollars to support the work of tion will certainly continue. As a past one of The Hill Times’ top lobbyists in the Association. president, Léo says his responsibilities Canada, and even a period as a competi- Léo has created stronger ties with now lie in, “Cheering on the current tive hockey player. the election monitoring institutes. He president and the board.” He is happy A lifetime fan of the sport, Léo still has endeavoured, with some success, to to help if called upon and hopes that plays up to three times a week with strengthen the Global Democracy Ini- future presidents will build on the pro- other, self-described “old-timers”. He tiative by working with the American gress made during his time. is no causal participant either; Léo is a and European association equivalents. Looking ahead member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall He has also supported the activities In regard to the future of the Associa- of Fame, Class of 2007. As a member undertaken by the Educational Founda- tion itself, despite its presence and pro- of the 1965 University of Manitoba Bi- tion to have members visit and speak at grams, Léo still refers to it as a work in sons, Léo’s school team was the only high schools and universities. progress. While the Canadian Associa- one in Manitoba history to capture a Léo professionalized the office of ex- tion of Former Parliamentarians draws Canadian University hockey title. ecutive director in the Association to support from an ever-increasing mem- More recently, and perhaps more rel- take some of the burden of business di- bership base, he would like to see more evantly, Léo has served as president of rection off the shoulders of the elected former members take advantage of the the Canadian Association of Former members. He has been very grateful for peer-to-peer support and friendship Parliamentarians, beginning his term in the support of Jack Silverstone as the that the Association offers. 2009 and passing the title onto the Hon. Association has moved ahead. “Finding the resources and support- Andy Mitchell in June of 2014. A CAFP A team effort ers to continue to do what we can, is member since its creation, Léo previous- When asked about his personal role as critical to the future,” says Léo. Thanks ly served as a board member and as sec- president throughout the Association’s to his efforts, corporate sponsors and retary, taking over as president after the many recent accomplishments, the long- other outside bodies have begun to take tragic passing of the Hon. Doug Frith. time hockey player in Léo really shows note of what the Association is doing, According to Léo, the role of the through. providing growing opportunities to president is similar to that of most of “It’s certainly a team effort. None of fulfill its democratic mission. the association’s other executive posi- the objectives we set get done with one Léo is stepping down from the head tions, only the president has the ad- person; they get done with a lot of peo- of a dynamic organization, one that is ditional responsibility for chairing the ple pitching in,” he says. “The Associa- certainly moving in the right direction. board of directors and acting “as a kind tion is very fortunate; it has very good If future presidents experience the of chief executive officer” for the asso- staff, and we’ve had a very dedicated same level of growth that the Associa- ciation. board of directors the whole time.” tion enjoyed under Léo Duguay, then An impressive tenure Léo modestly credits the growth and there’s no telling what else the Canadi- After five years as president, Léo expansion of CAFP to the efforts of an an Association of Former Parliamentar- leaves behind a tenure that saw a large army of volunteer former MPs and sena- ians can achieve.

Page 10 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 CAFP NEWS

The promise of Andy Andy’s reputation for fairness, dedication and integrity will serve CAFP well.

By Adella Rose Khan

ow the new president of the cabinets of both Jean Chrétien and Canadian Association of For- . Nmer Parliamentarians, the One of Andy’s most enduring con- Hon. Andy Mitchell has built his life tributions came under the lead of around hard work and public service. Chrétien, when the then-prime min- Andy’s first move towards public ister created a Secretary of State for service can be traced to his migration Rural Development, helping fulfill from , Que., where he was Andy’s goal of ensuring rural Canada The Hon. Andy Mitchell takes up the gavel born, to the nation’s capital, where he was “front and centre” in Parliament. at the CAFP Annual General Meeting last earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in “Although today we’re very much an June. Political Science at Carleton Univer- urban nation, our success depends on sity. the strength of not just the cities, but Davis said she never stopped learn- Encouraged by his late friend and also of the rural areas,” he said. ing from Andy, echoing Martin’s sen- then Manitoulin Liberal MP, Mau- Former prime minister, Paul Martin, timents that his work ethic in all as- rice Foster, to run, Andy first came praised Mitchell’s expertise in not only pects of his life is unparalleled. to office in 1993 as the MP for Parry rural and agricultural issues but said “He doesn’t sleep,” she said. “I ab- Sound-Muskoka in a federal Liberal he wasn’t one to be “pigeonholed”. He solutely admired that he could always majority government. added that what really marks Andy is fit in time for running, even if it was He said that throughout his career his “overwhelming concern for peo- just on his treadmill when I would be and time in office, the task of mak- ple”. complaining about not being able to ing a positive impact in people’s lives “The quality of people who run for work out, yet I know that he was go- drove his ambitions. Parliament and become MPs is abso- ing for a run at one in the morning.” “Although we do a lot of work in lutely crucial in the support for our Davis also praised Andy’s knowl- terms of legislation and the broad democratic rights,” the former prime edge of the community and the ease public issues,” he said. “MPs deal on minister said. “If I were to name the with which he engages with everyone an ongoing basis with individual con- kinds of people I believe absolutely around him. stituents and the challenges they face, should be in Parliament or should have “It’s hard to find anyone who would and I think the most satisfying times had a career at Parliament at one time speak badly of Andy because he carries as an MP are when you can help some- or another in their lives, Andy Mitch- himself with such integrity that he has body out.” ell would certainly fit that picture.” respect in all parts of the community,” Contributions to country Andy’s career as a member of Par- she said. As Andy Mitchell focused on creat- liament may have ended in 2006 but Andy has concluded his terms in mu- ing positive change in the lives of Ca- his dedication to community building nicipal politics, as well as his contracts nadians, he also worked as Secretary certainly did not. with Trent’s government relation de- of State for Parks, Secretary of State Outside of the House partment. Davis said the department for Rural Development, and Secre- Since leaving office, Andy has stayed held a farewell for him. Many young tary of State for the Federal Economic active in his passions, working in local people who the professor had given Development Initiative for Northern politics in Selwyn and Peterborough, advice to as they started their careers Ontario. He served as Minister of taking up teaching at Trent University, attended the event. Indian Affairs and Northern Devel- and heading the Greater Peterborough “We had a little bit of a joke with opment, Minister of Agriculture and Economic Development Corporation. him at the end about him being one of Agri-Foods, and Minister of State for While at Trent, he worked part-time the original wise men and leading the the Federal Economic Development under Julie Davis, vice president of new young folks through the desert,” Initiative for Northern Ontario. Andy external relations and advancement, she said. “He just has so much expe- also contributed to Canada’s input helping the university build greater rience and so much to contribute to in World Trade Organization agree- relationships with the community and every discussion. It was a real pleasure ments. He would ultimately sit in the government. to work with him.”

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 11 CAFP MEMORIAL SERVICE Remembering those who have served Story by Adella Rose Khan, photos by Denis Drever and Bernard Thibodeau

Hon. Andy Mitchell and Francis LeBlanc

Family Members, former and current parliamentarians gather in Senate Chamber for the annual Memorial Service.

he air was still and solemn as fami- The dedication of each member of Par- and over again. They will find something lies, friends, and colleagues found liament was felt in the warmth, respect, to be proud of.” Ttheir seats in the Senate Chamber and love throughout the memorial. After hearing about the dedication on Monday June 9, 2014. The Canadian The grandson of the late Honourable of those being remembered and what it Forces Brass Quintet welcomed loved Fred J. Mifflin, A.J. Shewchuck, read meant to Canada, the room listened as ones to the 15th annual Canadian Asso- from a speech by the Earl of Minto, the Hon. Don Boudria announced the ciation of Former Parliamentarians Me- Canada’s eight governor general. The honour roll call. Families rose one by one morial Service. piece showed respect for those who have in respect for their loved ones. On the Peace Tower, the Canadian served in public office in the past and Following a minute of silence, the flag flew at half-mast to celebrate the aimed to inspire a new generation of chamber filled with the sound of bagpipes lives of the 23 former parliamentarians public service. from Sergeant Thomas Brown. A wreath who passed away throughout the year. “Canadian men and women have made was laid in honour of those departed. The 15th annual Memorial Service, or- history and are still making it every day, Along with moving music and read- ganized by the Canadian Association of but the present generation have more ings, each lost parliamentarian was hon- Former Parliamentarians, honours par- time than of the old to write and to read oured together and separately for their liamentarians that have passed away. it,” he read. “I hope they will do so over work for their country.

Page 12 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 CAFP MEMORIAL SERVICE

Ottawa Police Chorus.

Sergeant Thomas Brown, Pipe Major.

Hon. Noël Kinsella and Hon. Andrew Scheer. Family representatives.

Mr. A.J. Shewchuk, grandson of late MP, Hon. Fred J. Mifflin, P.C., and Mr. Pierre Isabelle, son of the late MP, Dr. Gaston Hon. and Hon. Lisa Raitt. Isabelle.

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 13 CAFP NEWS Four careers, quadruple victories Story by Harrison Lowman, photos by George Pimentel and Jennifer Nehme

Left to right: Chair Tony Fell, the Hon. Michael Wilson, Co-Chair Bob Rae and then CAFP President Léo Duguay with the Distinguished Service Award.

n May, the Fairmont Royal York A trusted financier rybody in the firm thought he had no hotel was bursting at the seams, as Michael Wilson was born in Toronto chance of being elected to Parliament, Ithe Canadian Association of Former in 1957. He attended Upper Canada let alone win the nomination. They Parliamentarians invited nearly 800 for- College, Trinity College, and the Uni- were wrong. mer MPs, Senators, and members of the versity of Toronto, where he graduated A leader in Parliament business and mental health community in 1959. The young man had a passion In February 1980, Michael Wilson to honour the lifetime achievements of for investment banking that took him to became the Progressive Conservative the Hon. Michael Wilson. London and then to Canada’s capital to MP for Etobicoke Centre. Four years In the historic hotel’s sprawling Ca- train with the Department of Finance. later he was appointed Minister of Fi- nadian Room, underneath a gigantic In 1961, he joined a small investment nance. In 1991, he became Minister of metal Canadian coat of arms, the for- firm called Harris and Partners. Industry and Minister of International mer cabinet minister and MP, diplo- “His hallmark was always the high- Trade. While serving in these roles, he mat, investment banker, and commu- est standard of ethics and integrity, helped implement the GST and oversaw nity leader was awarded the CAFP’s and placing the interests of the clients NAFTA negotiations. esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award. first,” said former Chairman and CEO “I knew him in Parliament, I sat on The award was established in 2010, and of RBC Capital Markets Tony Fell, who his cabinet committee for the GST. I got is presented to former parliamentarians, chaired the event. a chance to see how a great, intelligent “who had a significant and positive in- It was Tony Fell’s office that Mike and humane finance minister worked,” fluence on Canadian life and politics Wilson, then 42, walked into in 1979 said former Prime Minister Kim Camp- and who were models of service to their to announce that he would be leaving bell. “He did things for Canada that constituents and community.” Michael the industry to seek the Conservative we’re still proud of and I think that’s Wilson is the fourth former member to nomination in Etobicoke Centre. important.” be granted this honour. Mike described how just about eve- During his speech, Wilson praised

Page 14 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 CAFP NEWS

Tony Fell chaired the event and CAFP thanks him for the incredible job he did.

The Hon. Michael Wilson speaks about the need for more focus on mental illness.

Above: Doug, Jennifer and Susan Bassett. Honoured guests of the Hon. Michael Wilson. Right: The Rt. Hon. Joe Clark and his wife, Maureen McTeer. Below: A dinner guest, Julia Foster, the Hon. Michael Wilson, Hon. , Former Ontario Premier the Hon. Bob Rae, who co- a dinner guest and the Hon. Ed Lumley. chaired with Tony Fell and the Rt. Hon. .

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 15 CAFP NEWS

former Prime Minister . He said the Progressive Conservative leader demonstrated strategic and po- litical skill, as well as the freedom and encouragement he needed to carry out his duties. The praise was not one sided. “If a is really lucky, he gets to have a Michael Wilson in his cabinet,” explained Brian Mulroney in a video message. Michael Wilson retired from politics in 1993. An exemplary ambassador Michael Wilson was soon called on yet again to represent the people of Canada. In February 2006 Prime Min- ister nominated him as Canada’s 22nd Ambassador to the Unit- ed States. As a diplomat, some of the issues he honed in on were softwood lumber, oil, and Afghanistan. He left the post in 2009. In 2010 he was pro- Charlette Duguay, Léo Duguay and Doro- Hon. Michael Wilson speaks with Hon. Brian moted to the Companion of the Order thy Dobbie. Tobin. of Canada, having been appointed an officer of the in 2003. A mental health advocate Michael Wilson then returned to the private realm, becoming Chairman of Barclays Capital Canada. It was here that he utilized the experience and at- tention he gained in the public sphere to shed light on the challenges of those who remained out of sight. “I think that in his post-parliamenta- ry life, Michael and Margie showed us the way of how to continue to serve. How to turn the private challenges in our lives into something that’s impor- tant for everyone,” said former Liberal Hon. Mary Collins with the Hon. Peter Van Honoured guests with the Hon. Raymond leader and co-chair Bob Rae. “How to Loan. Setlakwe (centre). make mental health the cause that be- comes not only a private cause but a public cause.” “There’s an old fashioned word and the word is duty,” said former Prime Minister Joe Clark. “And Mike was raised to recognize and respect that he had a duty to his larger community and I think he exemplifies this in how he performs that.” As an MP, Mike was audience to a va- riety of constituents affected by mental health. At the time as a politician he did not know a single person who had vol- unteered in the field. Eventually mental health touched him personally. Mike Wilson’s son Cameron suffered from mental illness, a fact that the young man was determined to keep in the shadows. “He said to me, and I’ll never forget this,” explained Wilson. “‘Dad don’t tell Friends of the Hon. Michael Wilson. anyone what’s wrong with me. If they

Page 16 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 CAFP NEWS know I’ll lose all my friends and never get a job again.’” As Wilson described, his 29-year-old son took this burden with him to his death, taking his own life in 1995. “This was a great loss to our family, but it opened my eyes to the terrible burden of stigma for those suffering from this illness,” he explained. Since then, Mike Wilson has spoken out about mental illness on countless occasions. He has been active in the Business and Economic Roundtable for Addiction and Mental Health, Brain Canada, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and the Canadian Insti- tute of Health Research. This devotion to the cause has not gone unnoticed. “Mike, let me take this opportunity to thank you and Margie in particular for tirelessly working on behalf of Cana- Charlette Duguay, Maureen McTeer and Francis LeBlanc. dians facing mental health challenges,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper in a video message. “Because you’ve coura- geously shared your own family’s story and through your work with the Uni- versity of Toronto, you’re bringing hope to thousands of others.” “This is the best of the best,” said Finance Minister Joe Oliver. “Some- one who brings private sector experi- ence and expertise involved in the pub- lic policy, and then goes on to devote himself to a cause that’s important very broadly.” Michael Wilson insists that speaking publicly about how mental touched his life is not a courageous act, but a neces- sary one. “How could I not speak out?” he said. “It was the best thing I could do to hon- Friends of the Hon. Michael Wilson with Hon. Joe Oliver. Hon. Joe Oliver with Hon. Bar- our his life.” bara McDougall. Mike says Canada is punching above The Rt. Hon. Joe Clark with friends of the Hon. Michael Wilson. its weight in terms of the attention it gives mental health. He points towards the promise of personalized medicine. However, he said, a fair amount of stig- ma remains. A man with many hats During the night’s celebrations, it was often mentioned that Michael Wil- son was the man with four careers. The consensus was that within these careers, he had quadruple victories. “I would say a hallmark of ethics and integrity, an investment banker par ex- cellence, a strong political leader and cabinet minister, a skilled diplomat, a community minded philanthropist, a dedicated husband and family man, and finally, a great Canadian,” said Tony Fell. “Actually, I think all of the above.”

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 17 CAFP NEWS Tony Fell named honourary member at regional reception Story and photos by Harrison Lowman

Left to right: The Hon. Vim Kochhar, Tony Fell, Hon. Michael Wilson, Ken Atkinson, and Léo Duguay.

n late November, former members Canadian Association of Former Par- Geoff Scott with his wife Janette Scott. gathered at the elegant Fairmont liamentarians. Tony helped lead the IRoyal York Hotel for a regional re- organization of the event that awarded ception of the Canadian Association of the Hon. Michael Wilson with CAFP’s Former Parliamentarians. Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. This event followed a similar recep- Tony’s award reads, “In recognition of tion held in Vancouver in September. your contribution to and respect for the CAFP is hoping to hold another event Parliament of Canada and your service in Halifax and then in Montréal some- to members of the Senate and House of time next year as part of an ongoing se- Commons, we welcome you among us ries of such events to give former mem- as an honourary member.” bers an informal opportunity to meet. “You do worthwhile work and I was During the reception, the associa- delighted to be part of it,” said Fell dur- tion’s new president, the Hon. Andy ing the ceremony, “not only because of Mitchell, announced that Mr. Tony the work that you do but because of Mi- Fell, former Chairman and CEO of chael of course, who I have known for RBC Capital Markets, would become so long and who has made such a great the 17th honourary member of the contribution to our country.”

Page 18 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 CAFP NEWS

Our new president, the Hon. Andy Former members in attendance listen closely to Midge Philbrook stands alongside Peter Mitchell speaks to former members. Andy’s speech. Ittinuar.

The Hon. David MacDonald joins Lynn McDonald.

Left to right: Léo Duguay, Hon. Andy Mitchell, Hon. , and Hon. David MacDonald.

Left to right: Alan Tonks, Hon. , Dr. Frank Philbrook, Midge Philbrook, and Hon. Peter Milliken.

Tony Fell and Michael Wilson have a chat.

The Hon. Vim Kochhar with Alan Tonks.

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 19 CAFP NEWS We went to the Yukon Story and photos by Dorothy Dobbie

President, The Hon. Andy Mitchell poses in the lovely Yukon Legislature. Yukon speaker, the Hon. David Laxton, is at his chair. n mid-September, CAFP held a re- cold weather building products and, of gional meeting in the Yukon, hosted course, testing methods to grow root Iby the Hon. Audrey McLaughlin. vegetables in a short season. They spend It was heartbreakingly lovely. All the a lot of time studying discontinuous birches and poplars were a brilliant permafrost and have to take this into gold, glowing against the dark green of consideration when they build. the conifers under a bright blue sky. The The city is well planned and very hills in the distance turned to purple clean. The roads are as smooth as glass and pink at sunset. The daytime tem- and they have added little extra touches peratures hovered around 22 degrees. of flowers and other motifs stamped in The people of Whitehorse have taken odd places in the cement of their side- advantage of the green and gold colour walks and planters. Art is part of the scheme by painting many of their build- city. In the middle of town, a quirky ings a yellow-ochre colour to match the Grand Chief Ruth Massie and Hon. Audrey metal sculpture of a table with an ink- fall trees. Some of the buildings are McLaughlin take questions about Yukon land well and a chair, pays tribute to poet trimmed with green. Touches of red claims. Robert Service. There are many murals show up here and there on the odd featuring the history and wildlife of the white or gray building. some brilliant research into phytore- Yukon. The population of the city of White- mediation, the science of cleaning up Downtown Whitehorse is snuggled horse is only about 30,000, but the citi- heavy metals from groundwater using between the Yukon River and a ridge, zens have everything they could want, plants and even bacteria. At the col- so it is about eight blocks wide at its including a local college that is doing lege, they are also testing and creating widest, making it seem very intimate,

Page 20 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 CAFP NEWS

At the Beringia Interpretive Centre in front of the bones of an ancient mammoth.

Right: The Yukon Legislature is next door to the Tourism Centre. Note the colour of the building and how it matches the trees.

Below: Hon. Andy Mitchell and Helen Row- land learn about the River Walk in Whitehorse.

Below left: Artwork detail at the Legislature. Centre: The Yukon River by the River Walk. Right: One of the charming denizens of the dog ranch.

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 21 CAFP NEWS

Downtown Whitehorse is full of art. Here, on a key corner, is a tribute to Robert Service.

Above: Hon. Peter Milliken poses with one of the stars of the dog ranch.

Jack Silverstone looks at the Tiny Library on the river walk in Whitehorse. Posing front of the lovely tapestry that dominates the chambers of the Yukon Legislature. Below left: The McBride Museum of Yukon History. Centre: Walking back along the waterfront road. Right: The dog ranch kennels and dogs.

Page 22 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 At the dog ranch, the group listens to Frank Turner talk about how he manages 150 dogs.

Above left: Artwork at the Legislature. Above: buildings are painted in harmony with the trees. although there are suburbs that now from a dog musher, has run 14 Yukon sprawl across the river. Quest dogsled races from Whitehorse The town is quite cosmopolitan; to Fairbanks, Alaska. He even won walking down the main streets you back in 1995. His kennel holds about hear a lot of German and French being 150 dogs which are treated like hon- spoken. Young people come to the Yu- oured guests at a dog hotel and his kon, fall in love with the place and stay. staff is an army of young people from Audrey McLaughlin says the town just all over to keep the dogs fed, exercised keeps growing and she can’t figure and interested. out where they all work because there In Whitehorse, out-of-doors is im- is so little industry outside of mining possible to forget; it calls you. You and government. But tourism has be- want to be outside soaking up the col- come big business with over 300,000 ours and the fresh air that is so clear visitors a year. That means that retail and clean it’s like champagne in the is a big employer; the shops are locally lungs. Nature is omnipresent. Ravens owned and authentic. rule the air and we saw a red fox walk- A highlight of our stay was a visit ing across the college campus. to the “dog ranch” of Frank Turner, It was a lovely three day tour and a who runs Muktuk Adventures. Frank, huge vote of thanks goes out to Audrey heavily bearded as one would expect for her hospitality.

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 23 CAFP TOUR CAFP honours soldiers found where they fell in France By Léo Duguay

Léo Duguay makes a presentation to the Mayor of Hallu, Mr. Patrice Vallée, while the Hon. Vim Kochhar looks on.

y office in Ottawa looks out on Somehow even worse, is the death of a Provencher School, Winnipeg Grena- the Cenotaph and the tomb soldier standing unsuspecting of danger diers Corps #323. Here I underwent Mof the Unknown Soldier. My while on duty, but still heroic; doing field training, learned to shoot and to assistant, Lynn Marks, was an eyewit- what it takes to keep us safe. dismantle a Bren gun and absorbed a ness to the brutal killing of Cpl. Na- As Churchill said: little discipline. I was lucky enough to than Cirillo on Oct. 22. We were locked “We sleep safely at night because rough become an officer, where I took my first down for nearly eight hours as our first men stand ready to visit violence on those steps at leading a platoon. responders put their lives in danger to who would harm us.” From Ottawa to France and WW1 secure ours. While Churchill was likely referring to These experiences link to another re- It is more than cruel that Cpl. Cirillo the Nazis as “those who would harm us”, cent series of events. was shot in the back while unarmed, he might as well have been referring to The Canadian Association of Former standing on guard for the thousands ISIS. Parliamentarians, with colleagues from of soldiers, many of whose graves have The Winnipeg connection the United States Association of For- never been found, who fought for our Business has taken me to live in Ot- mer Members of Congress, planned a freedom in two world wars. tawa but my heart will always be in study tour of Normandy Beaches and I have often envisaged the pain of los- St. Boniface, where I grew up, and in Vimy Ridge in honour of the 70th an- ing a son or daughter and, worse, never Winnipeg, where I lived and worked. niversary of D-Day and the 100th An- finding the closure that comes from Although I have never been to war, as niversary of the First World War. We knowing where the body is located. a young person I was a cadet in the were to visit Canadian and American

Page 24 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 CAFP TOUR

The death of Cpl. Cirillo and the bodies of the recently recovered unknown soldiers in France highlight the sacrifice made by our Armed Forces, whose members selflessly stand on guard for the freedoms we take for granted.

Left to right: Lt. Clifford Neelands, Pte. Lachlan McKinnon, Pte. William Simms, Pte. Sidney Halliday, and Lance Sgt. John Lindell. sites (Juno, Omaha, Utah, Vimy Ridge, asked if we could stop and pay our re- of Guillaume approached and asked if I Menin Gate) and lay wreaths to honour spects. He was very gracious and ob- would sign his notebook. I inscribed a our two countries’ contributions to the tained permission for us to actually visit note remembering the Grenadiers and Great Wars. the site where the soldiers were found. their sacrifice. I asked him to cherish the A horrific discovery The Grenadiers from Winnipeg were memory of their dying for his freedom In 2006, 14-year-old Fabien De- Clifford Neelands, Lachlan McKinnon, with the hope that his generation would meusere was digging in his back yard William Simms, John Lindell and Sid- avoid war. and found a bullet. Digging further ney Halliday Before the war in 1914, Canada’s mil- he unearthed 42 kilograms of bullets, So there I am on Nov. 13, 2014 – at itary numbered 3,100. Six months later, badges, collar pins, and hats of the Win- heart, still a little boy from St. Boniface, it grew to 360,000, all volunteers. Of nipeg 78th Battalion Grenadiers. Then now in a small French village, wearing the 600,000 Canadians (nearly 14 per he thought he struck a root only to find a Winnipeg Grenadier beret, holding a cent of Canada’s adult male population) that it was a rib. He had unearthed the Canadian flag and a wreath, and paying who served in the First World War, remains of eight soldiers buried in a tribute to a few of the 60,000 Canadi- some 60,383 died and nearly 11,285 are shallow grave during the First World ans who died in the First World War in buried in unmarked graves. War. They were the remains of a battal- a small village in France. We say it so easily, “unmarked graves”, ion of Winnipeg Grenadiers which had I was overwhelmed as I said a few but what of the families, mothers, fa- been sent to capture Hallu on Aug. 11, words and presented the mayor with thers, brothers, aunts and uncles who 1918. In one day, 46 died and 54 went Winnipeg and Canada symbols; I know of the bravery of those fallen men missing; 30 of them are missing still. grieved the loss of the great expedition- but do not know where or how? The second Winnipeg connection ary force now lying in this field in an A while ago I spoke with a relative In September 2014, a special depart- unknown (to Canadians) part of the of William Simms, in Russell, Man. ment of Canada’s forces that works with world. As Fabien’s dad, Hubert, said, He knew of his uncle but did not know the DNA of relatives to try to identify Hallu is recovering its history through where he had died and where his re- all remains located in battlefields, iden- this simple act of remembering Grena- mains lay. William Simms’ brother also tified four of the eight bodies found. A diers who came from another continent died in the war. fifth was identified shortly thereafter. to help save France. Mayor Vallée said it best. “I want These young soldiers were acknowl- On behalf of the Canadian Asso- to thank Canada and a generation of edged as being from the Winnipeg ciation of Former Parliamentarians, we young Canadians who gave their lives Grenadiers 78th Battalion; young men laid a wreath on the burial site and left to save France; we pray and thank them who fought a heroic struggle trying to behind a Canadian flag for Fabien. I and their families every day.” take the village of Hallu. was honoured to present Mayor Vallée I know Guillaume heard the mayor; I Learning of this, we took a quick with a Winnipeg Grenadier beret for his hope his generation gets it. look at a map and determined that our office. tour would pass very near Hallu on its Tremendous sacrifice Léo Duguay is past president of CAFP. He way from Caen to Vimy. We contacted In a really heartwarming moment, a served as the Progressive Conservative MP for the mayor of Hallu, Patrice Vallée, and 10-year-old Hallu resident by the name St. Boniface from 1984 to 1988.

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 25 REMEMBERING CANADA’S ROLE D-Day: how Canada changed it and it changed Canada

Story and photos provided by Scott Hitchcox.

f you want to understand the battle, you have to walk the ground. Ac- Icording to Mike McNorgan, a mili- tary historian who has spent 39 years as a service member for the Canadian Forces, this military truism is meant to emphasize the importance of first-hand exposure and experience in really ap- preciating and honouring a historical event. This level of understanding is exactly what the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians wanted to achieve during their November trip to the beaches of Normandy in remem- brance of the recent passing of the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Nearly three-quarters of a century af- ter the event, D-Day is still one of the most widely recognized military cam- paigns of recent history, and for good reason. As the largest ever amphibious assault, D-Day was the culmination of years of effort, planning, and manpow- er from several countries; all with the purpose of establishing an Allied foot- hold in Western Europe. Although the event did not necessar- ily win the war, it nonetheless has be- come the focal date most often associ- ated with the Second World War. According to McNorgan, this perse- verance can be attributed to a number Hitchcox with his father, Albert Dudley Hitchcox, who fought in France in WWI. of factors. “While it wasn’t necessarily the decisive factor in the war, D-Day people working back home to support good ways, others in bad ways.” did represent a psychological turning the war effort. Included in the good ways were doors point in WWII,” he said. “The date it- On D-Day, Canadian Forces were re- that opened for soldiers when they re- self, June 6, 1944, is easily remembered, sponsible for 20 per cent of the assault, turned home, explained McNorgan. and the story of the campaign itself is and despite enduring some of the most “WWII veterans were given generous fascinating; full of interest, excitement, adverse battle conditions, their storm- allowances for the time, and because of conflict, turmoil, personal egos, ambi- ing of Juno Beach was considered one of that many were able to attend secondary tious egos. Whatever you want, you can the most successful of the day. But, while school, learn trades and earn university find it in there one place or another.” Canada had a huge impact on WWII, so degrees,” he said. “When combined with Canada’s part too did the war impact Canada in ways far the demands of wartime production, While accounts of D-Day tend to be beyond the realm of the military. These WWII represented a great spur to indus- dominated by the presence of the Unit- effects still resonate today. Thus, when trialization for Canada.” ed States or Great Britain, the Canadian remembering the event, it is important to The association’s trip focused on edu- involvement in the campaign was, pro- expand appreciation past the battle. cation just as much as commemoration. portionally speaking, the greatest of any The trip back home Throughout the eight-day adventure, Allied force. With a population of only “Because of the Second World War, members received guided visits to the 11 million at the time, Canada supplied we are the way we are today” McNorgan beaches of Normandy, attended wreath- one million service members in uniform said. “Almost every aspect of our nation- laying ceremonies, and explored the sites during the conflict, not including those al life was changed by the war, some in of historic battles.

Page 26 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 REMEMBERING CANADA’S ROLE

The Great War, where we lost so many, brought Canada to emotional nationhood.

Dr. Frank Philbrook’s brother, James Philbrook, who died during the Battle of the Scheldt.

this country’s contribution in WWII are the dates “39-45” inscribed on the National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa. Outside of history books and personal experience, the Canadian role isn’t easily accessible. How future gen- erations decide to commemorate June 6 is impossible to predict, but optimists would say that an event that represents a point in history that shaped our country deserves to be recognized well past its 70th anniversary. They might add that it should be remembered not for its con- flict and violence, but for the heroism and sacrifice surrounding it. “Maps are fine, photographs are great, but ultimately this is about re- membering and understanding people, their motivations, why they do things, Douglas Hitchcox outside of his plane. Hitchcox was a navigator who flew over and the price they were willing to pay, 40 missions, and participated in the assault on D-Day. and sacrifices they were willing to make to involve themselves in something that For some former members of Par- why events such as D-Day still carry so profoundly influenced history,” ex- liament, such as Dr. Frank Philbrook, such profound meaning. However, as plained McNorgan. the trip was not just about remember- newer generations of Canadians begin Where we’ve been as a country is ex- ing the sacrifices of that generation, but to assume the responsibility of memo- actly what the association explored in of their family as well. Frank’s brother, rializing, it is unknown whether June 6 November. Much of our national iden- James Philbrook, was killed in the Bat- will retain the full weight of its histori- tity can be traced back to the role that tle of the Scheldt, a campaign in Bel- cal significance. Canada played in WWII, and the post- gium. His brother-in-law, Douglas Preserving D-Day war effects that impacted every level, Hitchcox, was a navigator who flew This is largely in part due to the lack from the personal, to the political, to on D-Day. (Beyond his role in WWII, of monuments dedicated to Canadian the economic. Douglas Hitchcox is also this author’s involvement in WWII. The Juno Beach “There’s many different ways of look- late grandfather. While I never had the Centre, founded in the 1990s by Ca- ing at these kinds of things, not all hav- honour of knowing him, his presence nadian veterans and fittingly located ing to do with soldiers, uniforms and on and primarily off the battlefield has within the site of Juno Beach, is one of weapons,” said McNorgan. “To block profoundly shaped every aspect of my the only memorials and was one of the out things like war, because it’s a very life today.) sites visited by the association this No- intense topic and very intense things Almost all members of Douglas Phil- vember. happened, is really to blind yourself to brook’s generation made personal sac- Back on home soil, the only official the realities of life, and the realities of rifices throughout WWII, and that is Canadian memorial commemorating how your country evolved.

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 27 IT SEEMS TO ME Home grown terrorists

By Dorothy Dobbie

ISIS is a murderous group of thugs with the usual menu of self-serving goals. Dorothy Dobbie.

sis, sometimes called Isil, is terrify- ing in some essential core philosophical cause and all pain will disappear for the ing the world with its determina- element that allows them to accept the good of the world,” they say. This is an Ition and ruthless brutality. This is things that don’t seem to make sense illogical lie, but who can prove it? the latest group to say that they alone within the ideals they may have inher- Truth is the ultimate weapon represent the religious ideal of Islam. In ited or learned. These people fear only one thing: de- the name of their cause, which is to cre- Providing all the answers monstrable truth. Since their world is ate an Islamic state according to their Authoritarian, fundamentalist groups built on a lie, the truth is their profound extreme views and to suppress all oth- such as Isis offer purpose, peace and se- enemy. If their followers are exposed to ers, they are recruiting young people curity to these people. They hold out a the truth in a way that is clear and rea- from apparently unlikely corners of the promise of absolute certainty that the sonable, the leaders lose their power. world. path they follow is the right path and Ironically, fear of the truth is a weap- At first glance, it is hard to understand that life has meaning. It is a black and on they use to keep their followers in the appeal of these groups to young peo- white world where there is only one line. That their mantra is threatened ple, mainly young men, although there right answer. There is no gray, no un- causes mental and physical anguish to are women involved also, who grew up certainty, no need to question, only the their followers who will kill to avoid it – in free and open societies. Yet, unlikely imperative to follow a comforting code think of someone going na-na-na-na-na as it seems, the freedom and openness that removes all questions. and holding their hands over their ears of our society may be partly at the root If that imperative offers the promise because they don’t want to hear what is of their interest. Here is why. everlasting life, all the better. It is easy about to be said. Even to the well bal- Independence is scary to shuck off your mortal cloak and kill anced, the truth can sometimes hurt. Democracies are based on the surviv- the infidel when you know that this Among the fundamentalists will al- al of the fittest which implies an obliga- opens to door to eternal happiness on ways be a scattering of the poor and tion to help those who are ill-equipped the other side. disaffected, people who are just look- to help themselves. For the strong, the The believers and the sociopaths ing for a better life and are willing to intelligent, the determined, this is an The leaders of these extremist groups believe the best offer they hear. These ideal system because it allows for un- probably fall into two categories: those folks ultimately discover the truth, but limited self-expression and opportunity. who came together because they believe by that time, it is too late. They are al- But what if you are unsuited to that in the path, and those who know how ready under the brutal thumb of the kind of competition as many are, yet to exploit the believers. These leaders, as budding regime, which has no more you still have aspirations which you are is often the case with leaders of funda- compunction about torturing and kill- sure you could achieve if only the world mentalist and extremist groups, are of- ing them than, they did about doing the followed rules that make sense to you? ten sociopaths whose existence depends same to the “enemy”. What if the illogic and confusingly on their ability to manage and manip- Bomb the hell out of them nuanced rules of democracy and free- ulate others. Notice that it is not they So what is to be done? How does dom were perplexing and worrisome, who offer up to blow themselves up for modern society deal with this phenom- filling you with insecurity and fear, and the good of the collective. enon? Can you “go in there and bomb leaving you wondering if life is worth These leaders are frequently char- the hell out of them,” to solve the prob- living? And what if that insecurity was ismatic and well versed in the habits, lem as Obama has suggested? It sounds so extreme that it became mentally and needs and motivations of their prey. simple and effective but it is neither. physically debilitating? Wouldn’t such They are very good communicators First of all, in today’s world these move- a person be looking for some anchor, and employ propaganda effectively to ments spread like amoeba, so the targets some sense of stability, some certainty intimidate their followers and their de- are widely dispersed among populations to use as a life raft to hold on to in a tractors, both. In the case of Isis and and there are lots of leaders-in-waiting world fraught with uncertainty? extremist Islamic groups, their story is if we do manage to destroy the cur- Many young people are desperately that they have a better understanding of rent one. Just like ant eradication, we looking for a purpose, for meaning in Islam than anyone else, that the reason may get the queen, but the colony will their lives. These are often people who life isn’t perfect is that the law has been quickly nurture a new one. are idealistic and intelligent but lack- followed imperfectly. “Follow our noble The leaders are highly mobile, easily

Page 28 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 HOW IT WORKS

Exposing their And they shall lies is the only way to deal with have dominion fundamentalist By Hon. John Reid terrorists.

The Hon. John Reid.

here has been a change in the name focuses on small, local issues excluding hidden in the crowd with communica- scientists call the present time. larger concerns. tion access to their followers for whom T“The Holocene” has been the usu- Marshall Mcluhan recognized early they care not one iota. I would say to al term for recent times, that is, the last on that the world had shrunk and devel- all the kids who think of joining one 12,000 years. “We’re changing the Earth. oped his concept of the “Global Village.” of these groups, that they actually hold There is no question about that. I’ve ‘There are no passengers on spaceship you in contempt while exploiting your seen it from space,” reported eight-time earth. We are all crew,” he remarked. If idealism and sincere desire to do good. spacewalking astronaut John Grunsfeld, you examine our media, the world is full These guys are cynical in the extreme now associate administrator for science at of problems, there is no escape from ac- – you are just fodder for the machine. NASA. He said there was no place on the tions taking place elsewhere. We humans Once they have you in their grip, the planet that did not have the mark of man. have not developed systems of govern- flattery and praise quickly disappear. However, we humans are a recent arriv- ance and control to deal with disease on a To government and the media, I al on the earthly scene. The earliest fossils world wide scale, for example. In Canada, would say that our best hope to discour- of anatomically modern humans are from we had the SARS epidemic, which fortu- age and ultimately destroy the power of the Middle Paleolithic, about 200,000 nately came to a relatively quick end, the these groups is to use their own weap- years ago. If you examine the life span of AIDS epidemic, and now Ebola. There on: propaganda. Tell the simple truth the dinosaurs, the current estimate is that will be more because humans are quite and back it up with evidence. Point out they lasted about 135 million years, sur- fragile, susceptible to a variety of deadly the obvious discrepancies, the double viving through many significant climate ailments. speak, the palpable lies in what they are changes before dying off. Birds are clas- In the Global Village, our problems claiming and saying. sified as part of the dinosaur family. As are world-wide; but the political mantra And the truth will set you free yet, there are no clear answers to why the everywhere is that “all politics is local.“ Call a spade a spade: they are mur- larger dinosaurs died off, but in so doing, That may have been true once, but if the derers, thugs, criminals. Don’t dignify they left room for the rise of the mam- problems and solutions are not local, how what they do by using the names they mals, of which we humans are the domi- are they to be addressed? Our economic claim for themselves because that is nating species. As a relatively new force problems are international and include their way of asserting their legitimacy. on the planet, the question is how long climate change, disease control, war – the Stop using euphemisms for murder. A can we last? Can we survive as long as the list could go on. Our international organ- beheading is a murder, plain and simple. dinosaurs? izations are fragile and not trusted, while Stop celebrating their atrocities. Report We humans have great advantages in the problems become more and more irk- a murder in the driest of language. Use our quest for species survival. We are some and dangerous. Our species finds it words of contempt in speaking of their more intelligent than other species, we difficult to look outward long term, and deeds, if they are to be spoken of at all. are ingenious tool makers, we are flex- to take actions on a world scale. They will attempt to outlaw access to ible, curious, social, and can work well Will the human race last as long as any information that exposes their lies in groups to common ends. However, we the dinosaurs? We are very young, quite – it is up to us to make the truth ubiq- are not perfect and we are prone to signif- bright, capable of learning but still very uitous. Meanwhile, continue to squeeze icant error; we are strong in our beliefs, tribal, suspicious of other humans, high- them by reducing their options. we find it difficult to look at problems ly emotional, reluctant to cooperate in The war against extremism will not objectively, we find it difficult to think many ways and in some ways, very unob- be won easily and we can no longer rely logically all the time, we tend to opt for servant about our milieu. Andrew Knoll, on governments to do all the work. The emotional actions, which cloud our better Professor of Natural History at Harvard leaders of Isis are exploiting the inno- judgement. We have not yet worked out University, said, “Humans have become a cence of youth for their own purposes. systems of social balance and governance geologic force on the planet. It is up to all of us to help take the truth which lead to appropriate identification of We are living in the age of the “Anthro- into schools and places where vulner- problems and possible solutions to them. pocene” and clearly, the jury is still out on able youth live. There is no one-step The human species appears to be a collec- the possibility of us surviving as long as gateway to the highest level of paradise. tion of warring tribes with each focusing the dinosaurs.” Dorothy Dobbie was Progressive Conservative only on its own limited concerns. And The Hon. John Reid was Lilberal MP for Kenora- MP for Winnipeg south from 1988 to 1993. of course, each group’s communications Rainy River from 1965 to 1984.

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 29 THE MAKING OF CAFP

How does “Beyond the Hill” get published?

By Dorothy Dobbie

I donate my own time and that of my art director, Karl Thomsen, to preparing the magazine.

ur new president, Andy Mitch- the actual layouts and to donate colour and written and the whole process ell recently asked that question corrections and other technical work starts over again. Oand it occurs to me that the to prepare the files for the printer. Once each year, in the springtime, answer, once so well known to all, has Once we have completed the layouts, we bring on a few new interns, as the probably been lost in the mists of time. the copy comes back to the CAFP of- young people move out into full-time Several years ago, way back when fice for proofreading and to ensure that employment. The magazine gives our Doug Rowland was president and the picture captions are correct. The interns a wonderful item to add to their Keith Penner was the Editor-in-Chief office sends the material back to us for resumés and several have gone on the of the newly created Beyond the Hill, corrections, then the whole thing goes bigger and better things in journalism. they asked for my help. They did this back to the House of Commons to do We have been very fortunate over the because publishing magazines is what the translations for the French edition. past two years to have Harrison Low- I do for a living and after struggling After translation, copy comes back man interning with us and taking the along for a year or two without any to my company, Pegasus Publications lead role in that regard. professional assistance, they were find- Inc., again and my staff do the lay outs Advertising ing it very difficult to get the magazine for the French edition, preparing both In the last two editions, you will out. At the time, it was printed by the editions for the printer. The printer have noticed a couple of commercial House of Commons on matte paper sends us a final proof and then it is ads. These were carried as part of “con- and in black and white with a com- printed. The copies of both editions tra” or in-trade arrangements for ser- mercially printed colour cover. are sent by truck back to the House of vices provided to the Association. I agreed to contribute my time and Commons by the printer for mailing While we at Pegasus Publications expertise. Shortly after this, Keith to the list prepared by CAFP staff. Inc. receive no monetary consideration stepped down as editor and asked me The only cost to the Association is for our part in producing the maga- to take over. I agreed if he would con- for the actual paper and presswork by zine, we are all very proud to be associ- tinue to write the back page, which he the outside printer. The printer invoic- ated with Beyond the Hill and we hope did for the next several years. A year es the Association directly. To have the that it does justice to the good work of ago, he asked that the back page be magazine professionally printed in col- CA FP. turned over to Geoff Scott, although our was a decision taken when Doug The role of the magazine for CAFP Keith will contribute from time to Frith was president. For my part, I feel the magazine time. Editorial board plays a role in helping to preserve the I have served as editor ever since with We have an editorial board consist- institutional memory of parliament the help, each year, of three or four ing of dedicated former members in- through the memories, wisdom and editorial interns who are paid a small cluding Bill Casey, the Hon. Betty experience of the former members. For stipend per issue. They do much of the Kennedy, Keith Penner, the Hon. John that reason, I would like to see the dis- writing and I encourage members to Reid and Geoff Scott. tribution extended to libraries, selected contribute editorial to the magazine as The committee meets after every media and universities. well. edition of the publication to offer the Currently, the magazine goes to all Production members’ thoughts and opinions, post former and current Parliamentarians. Neither I nor my company receive mortem, and to put forward ideas We welcome your participation as any fees, but I am pleased to contrib- for stories for the upcoming edition. former Parliamentarians: our number ute my time to write, edit, provide These ideas are massaged by the edito- one rule is that material has to be non- photography, do or have my staff do rial crew and the stories are researched partisan.

Page 30 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 THE MAKING OF CAFP CAFP has come a long way in 25 years! By Scott Hitchcox

s one of the most successful and mentary operations when required. The influential post-political organi- biggest problem was getting lists of for- The honour roll Azations amongst developed dem- mer parliamentarians and making them ocratic nations, it’s difficult to believe aware of the organization. In those that, as far as organizational lifespans days, we had no methods of getting CAFP Presidents go, the Canadian Association of Former the message out. We were essentially a 1987-1990 Hon. John M. Reid Parliamentarians is still in its youth. A hand-to-mouth organization with no 1990-1992 Mr. William H. Clarke mere 25 years ago the association was particular revenue and no efficient way 1992-1994 Mr. Jack R. Ellis a fledgling group, operating without a of recruitment,” Reid remembers. 1994-1995 Mr. J. Roland Comtois budget and with limited manpower. Though it would not be formally rec- 1995-2003 Mr. J. Barry Turner The notion of an organization com- ognized through legislation until 1996, 2003-2008 Mr. Douglas C. Rowland prised of former political men and the association was up and running by 2008-2009 Hon. Douglas C. Frith women was first put into play in the the mid-80s. It has grown considerably 2009-2014 Mr. Léo Duguay United States with the 1970 founding in the last decade. 2014 Hon. Andy Mitchell of the U.S Association of Former Mem- The association now boasts over 350 bers of Congress. paid-up members, a budget, a website, Distinguished Service Award The idea of implementing a similar and an external publication in Beyond 1999 Hon. John Ross Matheson group amongst Canadians was then the Hill. Membership is offered to all 2000 Mr. Stan Darling conceived by the Hon. John Reid, who former MPs and senators regardless of 2001 Mr. Douglas M. Fisher included the concept in a speech he gave the length of their tenure, and members 2002 Hon. John M. Reid in Toronto in the late 1970s. It surfaced can enjoy a wealth of services provided 2003 Ms. Aideen Nicholson again when his words were discovered by the association. This includes partici- 2004 Dr. Bruce Halliday by one of the parliamentary committees pation in international study tours, re- 2005 Mr. J. Roland Comtois after the 1984 election. The committee gional meetings, and memorial services 2006 Mr. Wilton Littlechild was headed by the Hon. Jim McGrath, for colleagues and friends. 2007 Hon. Jacques Hébert who would later become the Lt. Gover- Our meteoric growth in membership 2008 Hon. Sheila Finestone nor of Newfoundland. and influence eclipses what John Reid 2009 Hon. Douglas Roche “I was approached (having been de- had initially foreseen as the destiny of 2010 Mr. Keith Penner feated in 1984) to put the idea into ef- the organization, which now has an 2011 Mr. Jim Hawkes fect, with the support of the commit- international influence on new and es- 2012 Hon. Rev. Walter McLean tee and Speaker (of the House) John tablished democracies alike. But, despite 2013 Hon. Bill Blaikie Bosley,” recalls John Reid. “Later the the role of CAFP on the global stage, 2014 Hon. Michael Kirby Speaker of the Senate came on board. according to John, the association’s “From the beginning, there was sup- most important contributions lie in the Lifetime Achievement Award port from the House of Commons, for realm of education. 2010 Rt. Hon. Don Mazankowski example, the use of the Speaker’s frank “The association has gotten itself into 2011 Hon. Ed Lumley for postage. They also provided us with the education of young people wherever 2012 Ms. Alexa McDonough the mailing addresses of ex-MPs who possible, to help them understand how 2014 Hon. Michael Wilson were receiving pensions (not available political systems operate. It’s important today, and we could probably not have for young Canadians to understand Douglas C. Frith been able to put it together without that what a member of parliament actually Fundraising Dinner information). does, how they do it, and what their 2005 Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin “We got some informal assistance opportunities and constraints are,” he 2006 Hon. Michael Wilson from the parties but mostly from their says. “Not only does the association 2007 Mr. Derek Burney old staffers (both those still working benefit past parliamentarians, but such 2008 Mr. Ralph Klein and those retired) who did a lot of work educational initiatives will provide gen- 2009 Mr. Don Newman finding ex-MPs for us. erations of future parliamentarians the 2010 Mr. John Furlong “Eventually, with the support from tools and knowledge to participate ef- 2011 Ms. Amanda Lang the Speaker of the House and the Speak- fectively in a democratic Canada, at 2012 Mr. Mark Cohon er of the Senate, we were given access least until they become members them- 2013 Mr. Pat Cox to working space and access to parlia- selves.”

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 31 CANADA IN THE MAKING The great flag debate In search of our identity

By Harrison Lowman ts acclaim comes from its simplicity. A singular crimson maple leaf sits Iatop a pearl white heraldic pale, nes- tled between a pair of red bars. Once it was merely tacked to a peeling stucco wall inside a dimly lit committee room. Today, it is raised on front lawns, sewed to backpacks, pinned to lapels, and covers coffins. Last year, Canada celebrated the 50th anniversary of the great debate that determined our coun- try’s flag. This year will mark five dec- ades since the banner’s inauguration. The shifting sands of 1964 Previous prime ministers tried and failed to start a new conversation about a national flag for Canada, which had been informally using the British Red Ensign since the late 1860s. In 1925 and again in 1946, Prime Minister Wil- liam Lyon Mackenzie King assembled committees to recommend a national flag design; capitalizing on a wave of patriotism following world war victo- ries. However, on both occasions the decision making process was cut short. The mid-1960s would prove to be the most fertile soil for planting the ma- ple leaf’s seed. In 1961, Liberal Leader Lester Pearson deployed Liberal MP and heraldic expert the Hon. John Ross Matheson to start quietly researching what it would take to establish a Cana- dian flag. The 1963 election brought Prime Minister Pearson a shaky minor- ity government. Out on the hustings, the former diplomat promised the country it would have a new flag. A look at the flag committee room during the selection process. Photo by Cliff Buckman. According to former senator and daughter-in-law to Prime Minister North American society at that time they had fought under needed to be re- Pearson, the Hon. Landon Pearson, the was cracking,” she says. “You felt these placed. He was met by a slew of insults Liberal leader was responding to the real pressures for change.” and heckles. shifting tectonic plates within Canadian It was with this urgency that Prime The Hon. Landon Pearson, whose society. Hierarchies were changing. The Minister Pearson had his rarely worn husband was one of the Prime Minis- decade would feature both the Royal WW1 medals fastened to his lapel by ter’s most trusted advisors, says her fa- Commission on Bilingualism and Bi- Matheson and stepped onto a Winni- ther-in-law intentionally chose the 20th culturalism and the Royal Commission peg stage in front of 1,250 members Royal Canadian Legion Convention as on the Status of Women. of the Royal Canadian Legion on May the pulpit to launch the flag debate. She “The veneer that sort of covered over 17, 1964. He told them the Red Ensign says he wanted to go, “right into the

Page 32 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 CANADA IN THE MAKING

It was a heated debate that ended with a sigh.

The Red Ensign. Courtesy of the Government of Canada.

Courtesy of the Government of Canada. history,” recalls former MP Geoff Scott, would make the trip up to Ottawa to who covered the debate closely as a tel- watch the debate play out on the floor. evision journalist. “He was a guy who could stand up and Steadfast opposition go on for three hours no problem.” It was the mission of then Progres- Diefenbaker expressed his frustration sive Conservative Leader of the Official through filibusters, pushing the debate Opposition John Diefenbaker to ensure into the summer months. In an attempt the concerns of the veterans that voiced to appease all groups involved, Pear- their displeasure in Winnipeg, and oth- son responded by striking a special flag ers who valued Canada’s historical sym- committee in September. bols (both English and French), were The Committee is Struck heard. Diefenbaker wanted nothing The 15-member committee was head- more than for the Red Ensign to remain ed by the Hon. John Ross Matheson. atop Canada’s flagpoles, and he was of- It consisted of seven Liberals, five Pro- fire.” Pearson ultimately put forth his fended by anything else. According to gressive Conservatives, and one mem- choice for the country’s flag. The “Pear- Geoff, the Chief’s mind was made up. ber from the , son Pennant” featured three red maple “This was the finale of a Liberal plot,” Social Credit Party, and the Ralliement leaves joined by stems, guarded on ei- he explains. “It was symbolic of the fla- créditiste. During the next six weeks, ther side by blue bars. His submission grant violation of cherished British and the group met on 35 occasions, often would kick start a fierce conversation Canadian traditions.” gathering multiple times in a day. that would breach the doors of Parlia- “As Leader of the Opposition he Furthering participation, the govern- ment and enter Canadian homes from could speak for unlimited time. And he ment put out a call to Canadians across Calgary to Halifax. did,” describes former Speaker of the the country to submit designs. Each “It was one of the most memorable House and Peter Milliken. As a young morning, upon entering the commit- fire and brimstone debates in Canadian man and first cousin to Matheson, Peter tee room, another 400 or so submis-

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 33 CANADA IN THE MAKING

and a trio of fleur-de-lis on the right red bar. On October 22, 1964, the commit- tee reached a unanimous 14-0 decision that the single maple leaf between two red bars should be Canada’s flag. “And the red maple leaf on the white background and the two red on both sides, it looked very striking,” declares Jean-Eudes Dubé. “Nothing can be more peaceful than a maple leaf. You don’t get slapped in the face by a maple leaf.” “I am very proud to have been a mem- ber of those few members in the House of Commons, that sat for six bloody long weeks,” adds Marcel Lessard. “It was difficult, but I think we have achieved a great job.” Back to the Commons Nevertheless, the job was not over yet. When the committees’ modified deci- sion arrived in the House it was met by further filabustering by the Progressive Conservatives. Diefenbaker was con- vinced the choice looked like the Peru- vian flag. Debate dragged on until it was recommended by MPs from multiple parties that closure be applied, bringing debate to a close. Members of Parliament stand alongside Canada’s new flag. Library & Archives Canada photo. The final vote took place on December 15, where the committee’s recommen- sions would be waiting for the members. did not stand up or raise their hand, the dation was accepted 163-78. The flag According to Marcel Lessard, a former flag was tossed to the floor. The group debate had consumed 37 sitting days, Social Credit MP who sat on the com- also met with prominent Canadians such which included 210 speeches by the PCs mittee, some 7,000 flag designs were as artist A.Y. Jackson, who described the and 50 from the Liberals. brought before them. They came on tis- physical features of the country whose Raising the decision sue paper, cardboard and cloth. These emblem they were selecting. The Canadian flag’s eventual inaugu- suggestions were then pinned to the According to Robert Harper, chair of ration on February 15, 1965 was a more walls of the committee room for consid- the 50 Years of Our Flag Committee, solemn affair than one might imagine. eration. who spent over 1,000 hours interview- At the time of the flag raising ceremony “There were so many,” explains former ing John Ross Matheson before his death on Parliament Hill, some division still Liberal MP Jean-Eudes Dubé, who also in 2013, Matheson worked tirelessly be- lingered. Landon Pearson watched from sat on the committee. “The walls were hind the scenes to modify the designs her stepfather’s office window as the Red full of flags.” being considered and satisfy the various Ensign was lowered and the new flag was Dubé says that while the House of parties. In March, he met with historian raised. Then television journalist Geoff Commons heard insults lobbed back and George Stanely on the parade grounds Scott stood next to Prime Minister Pear- forth over the flag, the committee room of the Royal Military College, where the son, who donned his black homburg for was a civil environment. According to academic pushed the idea the flag should the overcast and cool February morning. some, the pleasant atmosphere was be- include the thick red bars of the school’s “He [the flag raiser] quietly took the cause of the presence of the committee’s banner, but with a maple leaf in the rolled up flag from an aid and he began only woman, Liberal MP Margaret Ko- centre. Matheson also met with former tugging on the lanyard and up she went, nantz. There was a lady in their midst NDP committee member Reid Scott to unfolding in a gentle breeze,” recalls and they felt they had to be on their best encourage alterations to the NDP’s rec- Geoff. “What struck me about the whole behaviour. ommendation, which featured a single thing was it was no fanfare, no band or The committee meetings followed maple leaf flanked by smaller blue bars, musical accompaniment of any kind, no a similar pattern, according to Marcel which are not Canada’s official colours of formal pomp and ceremony. Just a mild Lessard. Flags were separated into three red and white. round of applause from a small knot of categories: “Those stupid bad ones”, Eventually, the committee was left spectators.” symbols of British or French colonial ex- with three finalists – the Pearson Pen- Prime Minister Pearson did not give a istence, and those that featured the ma- nant, a 13-pointed red maple leaf with speech. “He just said sort of to no one in ple leaf. The committee’s secretary would red stripes, and the same flag accompa- particular something along the lines of, then point towards a flag. If members nied by a Union Jack on the left red bar, ‘Well that’s that.’”

Page 34 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 CANADA IN THE MAKING Rallying round the Maple Leaf By Harrison Lowman

ore than 50 years after the rice Harquail. “Let’s all sing O Canada. mons in 1997, Jesse issued a challenge to great flag debate, voices that Let’s all stay together here.” Canadians to come up with a pledge for Mreject Canada’s flag have all An envied Canada the flag, and received limited feedback. but faded into the background. The Others point to the modern flag’s abil- Given that 2015 is the 50th anniversary red maple leaf nestled between two red ity to represent a collective that is envied of the Canadian flag’s inauguration, he bands has been welcomed with open abroad. Marcel Lessard, former Social feels this year will be the perfect time to arms by our country’s ten provinces and Credit MP and member of the flag com- come up with a pledge that embodies our three territories, as well as countries mittee recalls giving his daughter a Cana- country. According to Len Westerberg, abroad. dian flag sticker to put on her bag as she a spokesperson for the Department of A unified Canada travelled Europe. Soon, he was getting Heritage Canada, “This anniversary is a Some even thank the flag for the requests from her American friends who key milestone on the list of Road to 2017 survival of Canada. Shortly before the were being refused entry into hostels. commemorations. Activities to mark the 1995 referendum vote, an esti- Former Liberal MP Jesse Flis remem- day will be announced in due course.” mated 100,000 Canadians from within bers travelling around the world with Worth the Squabbles and outside of Quebec filled the streets his family, learning from non-Canadian The great flag debate consumed Parlia- of Montreal to take part in the “Unity hitchhikers you are far more likely to get ment and pitted cultural groups head to Rally”. In taking part in what some a ride with a maple leaf sewed to your head. Nevertheless, the majority would ar- have called Canada’s largest political knapsack. gue that the result nullified the bitterness rally, participants waved hundreds of A Canada that Remembers of the process. An adolescent Canada’s Canadian flags. According to former In Parliament, Jesse Flis lobbied the growing pains has produced a flag the Progressive Conservative MP and tel- Liberal caucus tirelessly for the creation country is proud to stand behind. evision journalist Geoff Scott, it was of the National Flag Day of Canada, held In the end, the Hon. Landon Pearson, Prime Minister Pearson’s acknowledge- every February 15, to commemorate the former Liberal Senator and daughter-in- ment of the early rumbling of the Quiet inauguration of the flag. He reached his law to Prime Minister Pearson, tells us Revolution that spurred him to develop goal in 1996. to be happy the debate happened over 50 a “made in Canada” flag. The Canadian “In my opinion, Canadians knew so years ago and not today. flags at the Unity Rally did not harken little about the history of the flag,” says “Goodness knows what would have back to a colonial past. Crowds instead Jesse. “I figured let’s at least have it on the happened to the flag debate in the era of gathered around the maple leaf. calendars, let’s wake people up. The way social media,” she says. “Facebook would “That’s the symbol. That’s the im- the Americans do.” have been so full of flags, they’d have age,” insists former Liberal MP Mau- Before leaving the House of Com- been flying off the screens.”

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 35 MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Group at the end of a day’s building work (Peter, far right). Your chocolate bars at work in Guatemala and Kamloops Story by the Hon. Peter Adams, photos by Joanne Simpson

very MP has bought chocolate who had been on the Sa-Hali teams of bars or taken part in other fund- 2010 and 2012. Eraising activities for school trips. Our Mission Increasingly nowadays, in a shrinking In this case, the team’s mission in- world, high schools are organizing trips cluded building two houses, working overseas, often with some charitable with children in the village learning purpose. This is certainly true in our centre and delivering donations in kind home, Peterborough, where our Holy (several suitcases full) collected in Kam- Cross Catholic Secondary School re- loops and Peterborough. cently undertook a mission to Hondu- The two houses were to be new homes ras. for families who were on-site, as keen We were very happy to receive an in- observers, during construction. They vitation to join a team of Grade 11 and were made of concrete blocks and rebar 12 students from Sa-Hali Secondary reinforcing, with a corrugated iron roof School, Kamloops, B.C., on a work- and concrete floor. There was no hydro ing trip to Guatemala. For a number of or water on-site. A local mason did the Keegan Marchand and Shelby Kieper working years, Sa-Hali has been working with on concrete blocks. technical work and directed our labours. Developing World Connections (a reg- Our team’s main functions was hauling istered Canadian charitable organiza- As a former parliamentarian, I was blocks and fill, making metal ties and tion, based in Kamloops that sponsors intrigued by the fact that one of the using them to assemble double rod re- volunteer work in 10 developing coun- students involved, Keegan, was the bar and filling the vertical gaps between tries) in Honduras, on projects con- grandson of retired MP and Senator blocks (the horizontal gaps were too im- nected with a learning center called the Len Marchand, the first Status Indian portant for us to handle!) with mortar. Open Windows Foundation in the vil- to serve as a Member of Parliament and Jill and I were impressed by the fact lage of San Miguel Duenas. The U.S. the second Aboriginal to be appointed that on this project, the houses were so NGO provides 2,600 children in the to the Senate. I later discovered that small (100 square feet) that our team community with learning services and Keegan was following in the footsteps could build them from start to finish. other aid. of his elder brothers, Miles and Noah This is much more satisfying than help-

Page 36 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Jill Adams learning to make tortillas with a mother of Guatemalan family. Peter and Danielle with a child wearing clothing donated by Dorothy O’Brian and Joanne Walker (from Peterborough).

Sarah teaching a group of children to finger-knit at the Learning Centre. ing build part of a larger structure like volunteers like us, including medical together in strange, often difficult, sur- a school. We left more or less complete teams, and for the distribution, of do- roundings. homes for our families. nations in kind delivered by teams such As is so often the case with youthful The learning centre in San Miguel as ours. aid teams like this, students come home Duenas, just outside the city of Anti- The Sa-Hali students spent some of deeply disturbed by the overwhelming gua, Guatemala, has a modest library their time working with children at the needs of children in developing coun- and computer centre. In Guatemala, ed- centre. They also visited poorer parts of tries, although with a feeling of having ucation is free up to Grade 6, thereafter the village and a camp for the families done something to help. Interestingly, it costs the equivalent of $500 Canadian of migrant farm workers, delivering aid they also come back with a conviction dollars per year, a large sum. The center packages prepared in Kamloops. that they have gained more than the provides scholarships for bright students Our Lesson people they were trying to help. who cannot afford to stay in school. By the end of their stay, our students We believe that this last point is very However, its main function is a drop-in had a good grasp of the living condi- important. These students are now mo- centre for more than a hundred younger tions of the region, had witnessed ex- tivated Canadians, sensitized to prob- students. These come after school in or- treme poverty and had a taste of hard lems of the world and to the strengths der to do homework and read books un- physical labour in the sun. They had and weaknesses of Canada. They will be til they go home – activities that may be also climbed a live volcano, and narrow- better citizens for their experience. They almost impossible otherwise. Each child ly lost (5:4) in a full-length (90 minute) deserve great credit for their efforts. received a vitamin pill and soup. soccer game against a local girls and Peter Adams was the Liberal member of Parlia- The centre serves as base for visiting boys team. They had lived and worked ment for Peterborough 1993 to 2006.

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 37 Where are they now Staying in touch By Harrison Lowman and Scott Hitchcox

Hon. Herb Breau ing from people who were there with violence. I think it raised the recognition (Liberal MP, 1968-1984) experience, that the way to get things and understanding of the issue. I was as- Q. Describe what your riding was done was not necessarily to make a big sociate minister of national defence and like when you were an MP. issue to a minister, it’s to learn what the we opened up all the trades and occu- My constituency was Gloucester, New departments are thinking about, learn pations to women. I did a number of Brunswick. It’s now called Acadie-Ba- what the priorities are in the depart- things in the health portfolio, which thurst. At the time, in 68’ when I first ments within a policy that has already were firsts and have kind of established ran, I would say the economic activity been approved. precedents for years to come. was about a third the fishery, a third in Q. What was your most memora- Q. What’s it like to reconvene with forestry, and the rest in mining or con- ble experience during your political old friends? struction. I was born in the riding, in career? Even in B.C. I run into people who Upper Sheila, New Brunswick. I was a minister in 84’. And because were Members of Parliament at vari- Q. What were your aspirations I was a minister from New Brunswick I ous events and things. And yes, party when you were a child? received Pope John Paul II at the Monc- doesn’t really matter anymore. My father was a forester and trucker ton airport. When he came down the in the forest industry. He said he would stairs of the plane he shook my hand. He Hon. Raymond Setlakwe make sure I could go to college or uni- said, “Mr. Breau we have met before.” I (Liberal Senator, 2000-2003) versity. I thought I would be in business, said, “Yes we did Your Highness.” And Q. How did it feel when you were I thought I would be a lawyer, I thought then he went to my wife and gave her appointed? about the priesthood. I went to college two gifts for our children and said, “You I didn’t expect it. I was very happy and university and I graduated in 66’ have two children, I bless this for your where I was. And the prime minister ap- and I ran for Parliament in 68’. children.” And he touched my wife and pointed me president of the Clarity Act. Q. What did you go into politics said, “I bless you too.” And I was appointed on the same day as wanting to accomplish? My most fulfilling time as an MP, Betty Kennedy. We’ve been and remain I was educated by the Holy Cross policy-wise, was when I chaired the fis- close friends ever since. Fathers, which had a real strong social, cal arrangement task force in 1981. Fis- Q. What were you hoping to accom- moral and political base. The basis of cal Federalism in Canada, which was the plish in regards to the Clarity Act? the education was that you belong to title of our report, is still being referred A majority vote in the Senate in favour the community and that you have to to today as a basis for fiscal policy. of the Clarity Act, which wasn’t a given serve the community. My area, north- at that time. eastern New Brunswick, still is an area Hon. Mary Collins The Parti Québécois recently suffered in dire need of development. But in that (Progressive Conservative MP, defeat in Quebec. What was your re- day it was really bad. I saw people liv- 1984-1993) sponse when you saw the results? ing in houses with no floors, with just a Q. What was behind your desire to I was overwhelmed with delight. But I stove pipe and a little stove to heat their enter politics? don’t think the sovereignty issue is bur- homes. The federal government had just Public service and wanting to have ied yet. I think it takes more time and started thinking about regional devel- more women involved. I had been in- more reflection on the part of all Que- opment. They had signed a huge agree- volved in the party and promoting becers, but I think it’s a possibility for ment with the province of New Brun- women. the future. swick. I thought that, being a graduate Q. How would you describe your Q. What did you like most about of business administration, there was riding of Capilano-Howe Sound, the Senate? something for me to do there. I was an British Columbia? The committees. Where we were told idealist and I thought we could affect There’s seniors, Aboriginals, there’s by experts that testified before us that some change. a lot of immigration. During my years, they much preferred testifying before At the same time it was the time of there were a lot of people wanting to a Senate committee than a Commons the Royal Commission on Official Lan- bring over family members. That was a committee because of the expertise of guages. I’m a Francophone, an Acadian. big issue. the Senate. It was a time of hope. It was difficult, Q. What issues did you want to ad- Q. What was your expertise? but we thought things were going to get dress when you became a politician? I’m a lawyer and a businessman, and better. It was economic issues and then ulti- a poet. Q. When you got to the House, did mately free trade which we did in 88’, to Q. Now that you’re out of the Sen- you find you were able to bring for- expand the economy. I went on to be a ate are you writing more poetry? ward these issues? minister in my second term of five dif- I never write it, I just recite it. The ro- I found in the various departments ferent portfolios, so I was involved in a mantic poets- Dennison, Wordsworth, people I could work with. I learned very whole range of issues during those years. Keith. And Shakespeare of course is the quickly because of some good mentor- We started the first panel on domestic greatest of them all.

Page 38 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Where are they now

Hon. Herb Breau. Hon. Mary Collins. Hon. Raymond Setlakwe. Madeleine Dalphond- Hon. . Guiral. Q. When you left the Upper House, I introduced Bill M-380, which pro- have time hanging on my hands. When what did you hope to accomplish hav- posed official recognition of the Arme- I do, I enjoy fishing, golf and skiing. ing left public life? nian Genocide by the Canadian House Q. Do you miss the activities, at- Continue participating in my busi- of Commons. This was something I was mosphere, and responsibilities that nesses, which I hope to do until I retire very passionate about, and when it was came with working on the Hill? ten years from now when I’ll be 96. passed in 2004 I was very proud. This Not really. I enjoyed my 21 years on Q. Describe what is like to recon- meant that the Canadian government the Hill, especially the committee work. vene with old colleagues. officially acknowledged the breaches of I miss the people, but many of those I have a lot of political adversaries, human rights that had occurred in Tur- with whom I was closely associated are but I don’t have a single political enemy. key in the early 1900s. no longer sitting in the Senate, and cer- This is a typical example of the type of Q. What do you think is the most tainly recent events in the Senate are not politics we adhere to in Canada; which important role of the Canadian Asso- ones I would have wanted to be involved is what makes us such a great country. ciation of Former Parliamentarians? in. So my timing was, out of sheer dumb I think the association serves a num- luck, quite exquisite. Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral ber of important roles, among them Q. What would you consider to be (Bloc Québécois MP, 1993-2004) the promotion of democracy and the your most notable accomplishment on Q. What have you been up to since representation of various demograph- the Hill? your time as a Member of Parliament? ics throughout Canada. However, I also One of them was securing recogni- One of my main objectives has been believe that, as an association, we can tion of those Canadians who served in to become a more involved grandmother do more to organize debates and discus- Bomber Command during WWII, and and get to know my grandchildren bet- sions on important issues. also our efforts on the banking commit- ter. I have also been involved in various *Note: these answers have been trans- tee. We didn’t have any chairs, or huge organizations and investments with the lated from French. events, but I think the board did good Laval division of the Canadian Writer’s work. I enjoyed my time in National Se- Society, which gives both aspiring and Hon. Michael Meighen curity and Defense Committee and on established authors opportunities to (Conservative Senator, the Committee on Veterans Affairs, of share their art and ideas with one an- 1990-2012) course. Visits we made to Afghanistan other. I have also been very involved Q. What have you been up to since on the defense committee, and to France with the Association Québécois’s recent your time as a Senator? and Italy on the veterans committee, adoption of measures concerning end Since I’ve stepped down, I’ve been and also the work we did on trying to of life care; helping with record keep- busy with finishing up my time as secure the treatment for veterans were all ing and proper documentation. Beyond Chancellor of the University of Kings things I was happy with. I don’t know that, I love theatre art exhibitions and College in Halifax, and wrapping up the if we were entirely successful, there’s still travelling. I recently took a trip to Eu- McGill Capital Campaign, of which I much work to be done, but I think we rope! Overall I’ve been very busy. was a co-chair. I also have one for-profit made progress. Q. Do you still have strong connec- board that I sit on, and I’m chairman of Q. What don’t people understand tions with the riding you represented the Atlantic Salmon Federation, a con- about what it’s like to be a politician? as a Member of Parliament (Laval servation organization based in St. An- I’d like to reiterate that I think some- Centre)? drews, New Brunswick. Along with its times people are overly critical of par- Oui, bien sur! Unfortunately, the rid- sister organization in the United States liamentarians. There are an awful lot of ing no longer exists as it was redistrib- we work to try to preserve the habitats hardworking, talented people that do uted between the ridings of Laval and and lands of the Atlantic Salmon. So good work. I still believe very strongly Marc-Aurele-Fortin in 2003. But I re- that takes up a fair bit of time. that politics is a public service and a no- main very involved with my community. I’ve been doing some travelling with ble calling. I hope the trend I’m seeing, I am connected with some of the con- my wife; we’ve been to Indonesia, New that of cynicism towards political life and stituents, and I try to help and contrib- Zealand, and Italy. I suppose when activities, is a passing one. I hope we can ute wherever I can. you’re not as busy as you used to be, get back to a more appreciative kind of Q. What was your proudest accom- you worry that work stands to fill the stance, and I hope we can keep our de- plishment as a Member of Parliament? time you have available. I don’t seem to mocracy vibrant.

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 39 FROM THE BOOKSHELF

The intriguing story of how Searching German for Camelot Intelligence helped us win the war

Morgan Le Fay by G.F. McCau- Get ready to have your ley, Friesen Press. June 3, 2013, Canada. 272 pages. ISBN 978- cherished assumptions 1460212219. Reviewed by Richard challenged Cameron. ome people who review books are elitists. They claim to get in- Fighting to Lose: How the German human affairs, particularly with respect Sside the heads of authors and di- Secret Intelligence Service Helped to conflict. We cannot shy away because vine their intentions, their plots, their the Allies Win the Second World we expect the job to prove too difficult. writing styles, their very darkest and War. By John Bryden. Dundurn John Bryden, in two previous books deepest motivations. April 19, 2014. 416 pages. ISBN (Best Kept Secret: Canadian Secret Intelli- But I am not one of them; I am not 978-1459719590. Reviewed by Carl gence in the Second World War and Deadly an elitist. I am already inside the head Christie. Allies: Canada’s Secret War 1937–1947), of author G. F. McCauley because I showed us that dogged and imaginative grew up in the same small Ontario houghtful and thought-provok- research by a knowledgeable and persis- town he did, around the same time he ing, John Bryden’s Fighting to tent author can peel away many of the did and I share many of the swirling TLose: How the German Secret layers of secrecy to reveal what govern- bits of grey matter that coalesce in the Intelligence Service Helped the Allies ments kept from their citizenry during Big Bang creation of his ideas. Win the Second World War, can and the war. So, in a very real sense, I have met probably should be read by anyone with We must thank John Bryden for turn- Sanford Berkett McDougal, the Sandy even a mild interest in the Second World ing his considerable talents to the study who is the Knight Errant of Morgan War. You may not always agree with the of the German secret intelligence service Le Fay, McCauley’s story of desire, author’s views. You undoubtedly will during the Second World War. Read delight and despair; the sexcapade art- want to commend him for his diligent, Fighting to Lose, but pick up the book ist who is setting out on his own per- imaginative, and indefatigable research; prepared to have your take on the war sonal crusade for a not-so-holy grail. not to mention his use of sources hither- challenged. You may find yourself wres- His grail is the bewitching Morgan to not utilized by previous authors writ- tling with your own mind as long-held O’Halloran, and she is not hidden in ing about the mid-20th century global views are challenged by so many of this the sands of the Holy Land. She is conflict, that so radically reshaped our author’s new findings. You should also resident on New Zealand’s South Is- world, leaving legacies of transcendent consider Bryden’s advice, that you should land. But like any grail shrouded in importance for the following century. read his historical retrospective in the the mists of time, she poses a lot of A prominent Canadian military histo- appendix prior to beginning chapter questions for Sandy, she represents rian once made the rather flippant com- one. It helps put everything into a larger a lot of the loose ends in his life, all ment that the nature of Intelligence, the context, and therefore makes things a lit- those unfulfilled moments we all wish way in which its business is conducted tle more understandable to the layman. we could recoup, redo and remember. in secret, followed by the extremely re- Besides, this essay is a brilliant piece of Morgan O’Halloran is the Morgan stricted way in which its records are writing in its own right, compressing Le Fay of the story, as in the Mor- kept, make any attempt to write its his- and making comprehensible a few hun- gan Le Fay of the Arthurian legend, tory a fruitless exercise. We should not, dred years of conflict and intelligence. a powerful sorceress, the antagonist therefore, waste our time doing intelli- of King Arthur (she is his half-sister, gence history. I would argue the oppo- John Bryden is a former Liberal MP, represent- as legend would have it) and Queen ing the riding of Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough- site. The high degree secrecy, at the time Aldershot (1993-2004). Carl Christie is a Senior Guinevere. She is the Fay, or magi- and afterwards, makes it essential that Research Fellow at the University of Manitoba’s cian, who beguiles Sandy McDougal. the historian tackle this crucial aspect of Centre for Defence and Security Studies. He has come to realize he doesn’t

Page 40 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 FROM THE BOOKSHELF Canadian democracy from the dark side She knows things that Sandy has never A beetle-browed view of what it is like to be a member of Parliament dreamed of . . . these days.

Tragedy in the Commons: Former Trouble Defining know if she is friend or foe, supportive Members of Parliament Speak Out Loat and MacMillan highlight the or deceptive, evil or angelic. But like About Canada’s Failing Democracy. need to define “member of Parliament” any sorceress, she holds deep, dark se- By Alison Loat and Michael MacMil- in order to address the public’s aver- crets about him and their relationship. lan. Random House Canada. April sion to a position that once held such Let me pause here and say I am not 15 2014. Canada. 274 pages. ISBN respect. According to them, healing can going to recount the details of Sandy’s 978-0307361295. Reviewed by Har- begin when former MPs start to defend crusade, except to say that G. F. Mc- rison Lowman. their profession, their desire to enter Cauley has come into his own as a it, and why politics matters. Samara’s great storyteller. This is not a formula n 1968, ecologist Garrett Hardin interviews showcase a large number book, full of angst and anger. In for- penned an essay entitled “The Trag- of former parliamentarians that are re- mula writing the reader knows right edy of the Commons”, which illus- luctant to admit they had any plans to away where the plot is going. Think I trated how a shared pasture is eventually pursue political office; characterizing of that Harley-Davidson motorcycle completely exploited by farmers who, themselves as outsiders. The authors doing 90 miles an hour down a dead- in the short term, have no incentive to write, “Many portrayed themselves as end street. You, the reader, know safeguard the community’s resource. In having to be almost dragged, kicking where this storyline is going. Tragedy in the Commons, authors Ali- and screaming, into the job.” Numer- Morgan Le Fay is a deeply moving son Loat and Michael MacMillan bring ous former MPs also appeared reluc- telling of a man’s hunt for his own this economic concept under the roof of tant to admit they were once regular personal Camelot and his own Guin- the House of Commons. politicians who engaged in the system evere. He sets out full of sardonic brio Loat and MacMillan are co-founders themselves; eager to present themselves and comes up short. Is he speeding of Samara, a think tank dedicated to im- as concerned Canadians on the outside a one-way street? Has he set off on a proving political participation in Canada looking in at the flawed system. wrong road again? since 2009. According to research they The authors also point to the dense Morgan is both an idealized lover performed in 2012, only 55 per cent of fog surrounding the duties of an MP. and an antagonist. She knows things Canadians are satisfied with the state of Many Canadians are confused by what that Sandy has never dreamed of, and their democracy. The authors conclude MPs do. According to Samara, many she connives Sandy into a heroic act that democracy is at stake, writing that former MPs also presented conflicting of love that he could never have imag- MPs and their parties must realize they, job descriptions. They described the ined, something the Dutch and Swiss “…are approaching the point where citi- contention between acting as a “trus- have inculcated into their societies in zens view them as nearly irrelevant.” tee” – a representative who follows their the name of human dignity. In a search for reasons behind this dis- own judgment, and a “delegate”- who Sandy is learning as much about satisfaction, Samara travelled across the believes they should be led by the de- himself as he is learning about Mor- country performing exit interviews with sires of their constituents. gan. His despair deepens as the story 80 former MPs about their time in of- Within this, Loat and MacMillan de- deepens. He is surrounded by loss. fice. The group represented all five par- scribe how about a quarter of the inter- Only when he returns to his home- ties who sat in Parliament from 2004 to viewees viewed their service to constitu- town of Lowvert and can give the 2011. ents as the best part about being an MP. one-finger salute to his school chum Tragedy in the Commons interviews The pair nonetheless criticizes how, that Sandy comes into the presence of describe how reluctant community lead- “MPs are devoting substantial time his own understanding. ers often find themselves thrust into the and office resources acting as customer Camelot is not somewhere out ambiguous role of member of Parlia- service representatives for the federal there. It is always part of you. ment. Once on the Hill, these men and bureaucracy.” Undoubtedly many par- women, the authors contend, are left to liamentarians feel the most satisfying Gary McCauley is a former Liberal MP from Moncton, N.B. (1979-1984). Reviewer Rich- fend for themselves in an environment and engaging moment in their careers ard Cameron is the retired publisher of the with strict partisan boundaries dictated included looking into the eyes of new Georgetown Herald. by the leader’s office. Canadians, having nudged along their

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 41 FROM THE BOOKSHELF immigration claims. However, in sup- knowledge would be best used. Many The former MPs who were interviewed port of the authors, is tending to various will agree that it is unfair for parties to are considered victims of the tragedy of bureaucracy brush fires really the job of perform extensive research into candi- the commons, fearful of the political re- a member of Parliament or a member of dates and vocalize their positive attrib- percussions they would face if they spoke the civil service? utes and specialties, only to ignore them up against the flaws they now highlight. Party disregard and expectations altogether once signs are taken out of the Today, the tragedy persists. Part of the reason MPs enjoy navi- ground. Loat and MacMillan seem to put the gating their constituents through this Having been kicked from the nest fol- responsibility for the tragedy on the bureaucracy is because the safe haven lowing their election, MPs are expected shoulders of MPs. Samara admits that of their constituency offices seems to be to devote public appearances, specifi- shirking blame for these problems was only place where they are free from par- cally in Question Period, to insulting a constant during the interviews; where ty marching orders. The interviews re- one another to score points in front of former MPs blamed parties, staffers, veal that upon reaching Ottawa, many the media. According to the majority of leaders, the media, and Ottawa culture. rookie MPs are met with a bare bones those interviewed, some of the best and They conclude, “But at its root, any orientation and veterans who are pro- most productive work in Parliament parliamentary problem exists because tective of their knowledge, to prevent took place in committees and caucuses. the members of Parliament allow it to ladder climbing. Instead of nurturing, The authors conclude that this is det- exist.” They stress that we should not MPs seem to be greeted by a wave of rimental to the system, in that Parlia- wait for institutional or constitutional partisan expectations. These expecta- ment’s most important work, the only reform, which could take decades to in- tions are dictated to MPs from all-pow- settings where MPs can disagree with troduce. Instead, they put their faith in erful leadership offices that increasingly their parties, are outside of the public’s MPs currently sitting in the House who circumvent MPs to interact with con- sight line. Then again, what makes QP want to shake up the system and en- stituents directly, and value and reward entertaining is its theatrics. Is there a courage them to start now. This is a tall loyalty above all else. way to alter committee proceedings order, given it would require individual The authors write that parties, “… that would make Canadians want to ac- MPs to step out from underneath their showed themselves to be apathetic about tually watch them? well-established political banners and how the newcomers fared in nearly all as- Planting the seeds of Change instead fight under the more ambiguous pects of their jobs. Except for one: how Tragedy in the Commons leaves read- flag of democracy. Nevertheless, a wise they vote.” This extends to committee ers with the description of a flawed Ca- man once said, “The only thing neces- appointments, where there seems to be nadian democracy at a standstill, and a sary for the triumph of evil is for good little thought given to where each MP’s call to MPs themselves to invoke change. men to do nothing.” Stop bashing Question Period! By Keith Penner

the test. Those who, without notes and racer is fashioned for speed. An Opposi- looking the minister squarely in the tion House leader was asked what one face, can fire verbal missiles across the had to do to get on the list. He replied, aisle are our parliamentary stars. Minis- “Can you draw blood or get ink?” ters who can intercept these volleys and Is there any aspect of QP that can Keith Penner. hurl them back with little damage done, easily and swiftly be improved? The are the government’s shield and strong answer is yes. It pertains to those who ulminating against Question Pe- defenders. have failed to make the cut and become riod (QP) has become the default When the Speaker calls for questions, parliamentary hecklers. Fposition for most parliamentary a hornets’ nest is dropped into the Heckling is an art, which needs to be observers. Please cease and desist. There Chamber. The loosened predators dive, developed and encouraged. Every party is nothing that is fundamentally wrong swoop, buzz and sometimes sting. Able needs a cadre of these proficient prob- with our QP. In my view, only one small ministers swat these pests aside with fi- ers. Quality of voice and perfect timing modification is needed. nesse. Those who fail to do so let the are vital. The problem in QP lies with At Westminster, it was the notable government down. the less able and the inarticulate, who speech or speeches that served to mark In a past parliament, a new minister, simply make rude gestures, or worse, those with a political future. So it was on his own volition, decided to provide create disturbing background noise. for Robert Peel, W.E. Gladstone, Ben- fulsome and detailed answers to ques- QP needs to be open for really good jamin Disraeli, and Winston Churchill. tions that came his way. Quickly, he be- hecklers to perform. As for the others, In Canada, QP provides a screening came an object of derision and all que- let them be still and find their worth as mechanism for determining who are ries to him ended. MPs elsewhere. the effective MPs and ministers. Those QP is not a forum meant for informa- There is an excess of QP bashing. who are able to pose penetrating, rel- tion gathering. It is designed to score With this one small change, let the sta- evant questions on national issues pass political points, just as a formulae one tus quo prevail.

Page 42 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 POLITICAL PASSAGES Our tribute to those who have passed on By Harrison Lowman

John Browne. Norval Horner. Ronald McLelland. Hon. William M. Kelly. Father Raymond Gravel.

John Browne (Fergie) Horner, ran for office and eventually He was also involved in the Masonic Former Progressive Conservative MP served in the Senate. His brother, Hugh Fraternity for almost six decades. John Browne passed away peacefully Horner, was a former federal MP and In 1965, the Diefenbaker follower was at the Vancouver General Hospital on provincial MPP. His brother, Jack, and elected to represent the constituency of June 9, 2014. He was 94. cousin, Albert, were federal MPs. His Rosetown-Biggar, a post he would hold John began his life in Regina, Sask. nephew, Doug Horner, is currently Al- for four years. He was later honoured When war broke out in Europe, the berta’s finance minister. with the Centennial Medal as well as the young man answered his country’s call. Norval was first elected to the House 125th Anniversary medal in recognition John served in the Canadian Army dur- of Commons in the 1972 federal elec- of significant service and contribution ing WW2; the conflict took him to tion, becoming the Progressive Con- to his community and Canada. John is England, France, Belgium, the Nether- servative MP for Battleford-Kindersley. survived by his wife Agnes, son Cam- lands, and Germany. For his bravery he He was defeated two years later by 85 eron (Eileen), daughter Marlene, grand- was awarded the France and Germany votes. children Chrysten, Kristyanne (Chun), Star, the 1939-45 Star, the War Medal, He leaves behind 8 children, 7 grand- and sister Marion. the Defence Medal, and the Canadian children, and 3 great-grandchildren. Hon. William M. Kelly Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas Ronald McLelland After a lifetime of service, The Hon- Clasp. An athlete, farmer, and community ourable William McDonough Kelly John was first elected to the House man, former Progressive Conservative passed away November 16, 2013 at the of Commons in 1958, representing the MP Ronald David McLelland died in age of 88. riding of Vancouver Kingsway. In 1962, hospital February 1, 2014 at 88. A farm- Born July 21, 1925, the former Pro- he was defeated. Before entering the po- er through and through, Ron worked at gressive Conservative Senator was a litical fray, John had been a traffic man- farming his entire life until he became gentleman and described by his family ager. ill after the 2011 harvest. as a “big kid at heart.” Though Bill had John was predeceased by his lov- Born March 27, 1926 in Loreborn, a professional demeanor, he was pas- ing wife Margaret in 2006. He leaves Sask., Ron was a prairie boy at heart. He sionately opinionated and had a great behind his sons Doug (Margaret) and played hockey with the Loreborn Tigers sense of humour that he never lost. Stephen (Rayna) and nieces Judy, Carol, and later played three seasons with the Bill worked in the energy industry as Donna and Wendy and nephews Wayne, Lucknow Sepoys. It was in Lucknow a consultant, with a background in civil Larry, Robert, Allen and Walter. that he met his wife Agnes Conley. The engineering. When war broke out in Norval Horner couple married in March 1951 during a Europe, Bill served as a lieutenant in the Norval Horner passed away on April break in a playoff series. Ron also played Second Field Engineer Regiment. Later 3, 2014 in his new home in Nanaimo, baseball with the Cranes, who were later in life he served as Honourary Lieuten- B.C. He was 83. inducted into the Saskatchewan Base- ant-Colonel for the same regiment. Norval was born on August 21, 1930 ball Hall of Fame. In politics, he acted as an strategist in Blaine Lake, Sask., the seventh child Always an active member of his com- aligned with the Progressive Conserva- in a family of nine. munity, Ron was involved in many or- tive Party of Ontario in the 1970s and He earned engineering and teach- ganizations. Among them, he served 1980s. He was appointed to Senate by ing degrees from the University of Sas- on the Loreburn Town Council, School in 1982, in what the late katchewan. He was a farmer, business- Board, Curling Club, Hockey League, Honourable John Lynch-Staunton (for- man and a principal with the Sturgeon Loreburn/Hawarden Pastoral charge, mer Progressive Conservative Senator) School Division. In his retirement he Board of Stewards of the United Church described as “a flash of genius.” ran a golf course in Sunnybrook, Alta. of Canada, the Outlook Hospital Board, Over his 18-year term as a senator, with his brother Jack. The hours that re- Wheat Pool, and the Saskatchewan Bill was a part of several committees mained in the day were spent with the River Development. He was a part of and served as Whip and caucus chair- Edmonton bridge community. Lions International throughout his life man. He is most known for serving as Norval came from a long list of and was a founding member and charter Chair of the Special Senate Committee Horner politicians. His father, Ralph president of the Loreburn Lions Club. on Security and Intelligence and the

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 43 POLITICAL PASSAGES

Special Senate Committee on Terrorism and the Public Safety. In the late 1990s, Bill brought forward a procedural inter- vention that ended a filibuster, eventu- ally passing the GST (Goods and Ser- vices Tax). Upon retiring from the Senate, Bill was commended by his colleagues for his fierce disapproval of partisanship. “He is, and I say this in the most ob- jective sense, of the old school, that di- Hon. . Hon. Pierre Bussières. Andrew Chatwood. minishing one which believes that sober second thought, harmony, goodwill and recognized injuring a fetus as a separate In 1984, he was elected with Mul- collegiality should be the hallmark of crime from injuring it’s mother. He later roney’s Progressive Conservative, be- this place…”, said Lynch-Stauton in the showed his support for Dr. Henry Mor- coming an MP for the riding of Fron- Senate, shortly before Bill’s retirement. gentaler when he was awarded the Or- tenac. In the House of Commons, he “As we say goodbye to a very fine der of Canada. He was always in strong worked in Communications, Mines and senator and friend, I think of words like support of same-sex marriage. Resources, Energy, and National De- “calm” and “dignity” and the traditional After the Vatican asked that Ray- fence. In 1993 he resigned from cabinet very fine attributes of a true Canadian mond leave politics or the priesthood, and did not run in the federal election. gentleman,” added former Liberal Sena- he returned to the Church in 2008 but He was also president of Conseil de la tor The Honourable . remained politically conscious. He criti- langue française du Québec, Quebec's Outside of politics, Bill was director cized the Parti Québécois government’s delegate-general in Paris and chair of la of the Council on Drug Abuse, chair- proposed values charter in a public letter Commission des beins culturels du Québec. man of the Board of Governors at Ry- as “worthy of a dictatorship” and more Marcel’s love of history intertwined erson Polytechnic University and co- recently voiced his support for Quebec’s with his passion for the French language chairman of a 1984 task force on Crown right-to-die legislation. and culture. He helped to develop le corporations. Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent Festival international de Lanaudière, la Bill was father to Ann Kelly Walsh his condolences on Twitter, as did NDP Commission franco-québécoise sur les lieux (Larry) and Paddy Kelly Parr (Brian). leader Thomas Mulcair and Liberal de mémoire communs, la Société du patri- He was grandfather to Michael Walsh leader Justin Trudeau. moine politique du Québec, l’Encyclopédie (Vera Roncon), Stephen Walsh (Paul- “Laureen and I offer our condolences du patrimoine culturel de l’Amérique ine), Braden Parr (Lyssa), and Liza Parr- to the family of Raymond Gravel,” the française and l’Encyclopédie du patrimoine Swale (Luke). prime minister’s Twitter account read. politique du Québec. In 1995 he was Father Raymond Gravel “Raymond was a former colleague of made an Officer of the National Order Raymond Gravel died at 61-years-old mine from the HoC & will be missed.” of Quebec. from lung cancer Aug. 11, 2014 at the Former PQ cabinet minister Véro- “He was very reserved in many ways, Centre hospitalier régional de Lanaudière, nique Hivon, said Raymond was never soft-spoken in private although he was northeast of Montreal. Raymond served afraid to counter the Church’s positions a great speaker at political meetings,” both as a Bloc-Québécois MP and a and said his support helped to advance Mulroney told The Canadian Press. Catholic priest. her work with Quebec’s right-to-die leg- “He’d make his case and if he didn’t Raymond was born in St-Damien- islation. win, he would leave with his head up de-Brandon, Que. Leaving home at 16, “He added a voice of wisdom, hu- high and a smile on his face and move Raymond’s early life intersected with a manity, and compassion to the debate,” on to something else.” world of drugs and sex trade. He soon she said. “My condolences to the friends and worked in two gay bars in Montreal’s Hon. Marcel Masse family of Marcel Masse. He was devot- Village. When the 1980s came around, On August 25, 2014 former Progres- ed to serving his fellow citizens,” read Raymond found the Roman Catholic sive Conservative Marcel Masse passed Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Twit- Church. He joined the seminary in 1982, away at the age of 78. ter account, after Marcel’s passing. and became a priest. Marcel was born in Quebec’s La- Marcel leaves behind his son Jean- Raymond was a spirited social activ- naudière region. He attended the Uni- Martin (Marie -Claude Cossette), his ist and MP for the riding of Repentigny versité de Montréal. Marcel went on to daughter Marie-Hélène (Christophe from 2006 to 2008. He was granted work as a history teacher active in many Virondaud), his beloved grandchildren: special permission from the Pope to causes. Mathieu, Catherine, Louis-Éric Thom- run. While sitting, he acted as the Bloc’s In 1966, he became Union Nation- as, Cléa, Paul, his brother Jean-Michel critic for senior issues. ale MNA for Montcalm in Quebec’s (Solange Trudeau), his sister Maria Pia, Raymond’s progressive views often National Assembly, serving as a minis- his brothers and sisters Michel Gallay clashed with the Church and were re- ter. He was re-elected in 1970. Marcel (late Céline Masse), Madeleine Martin flected in his politics. Raymond won parted with politics in 1973 and joined (late Marcel Sansregret), Germain Vil- with the Bloc by a strong margin and the Lavalin Group, acting as there vice- leneuve (late Agnès Martin), Colette most notably went on to oppose the president of marketing and develop- Martin (Fernando Villeneuve), Mo- failed Bill C-484, which would have ment. nique Martin Sarrazin (Denis Bérubé),

Page 44 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 POLITICAL PASSAGES

gressive Conservative’s Ambrose Peddle, Harry leaves behind his sons Bruce now deceased. Mainly an administrative (Shelley), Doug and daughter Janet supervisor and sales manager by trade, (Dan), as well as his beloved grandchil- Andrew was also a veteran civil servant dren Cassandra, Holly (Lane), Caitlin, with Transport Canada and Veterans Ty, and great-granddaughters Danielle Affairs. Outside of government, he was and Lillian. Harry was predeceased by a naval cadet and a Hudson’s Bay Boy. Marg, his lovely wife of 64 years. The various hats Andrew wore took him The Hon. Archie H. Johnstone across the country. His family planted Former Liberal Senator the Honour- their roots in St. John’s and North West able Archie H. Johnstone C.D. passed Dr. Harry Harley. The Hon. Archie River Nfld., Vancouver and Victoria, away peacefully in his home in Kensing- H. Johnstone. B.C., Ottawa, Ont., and Charlottetown, ton, P.E.I. on Sat., Nov. 8, 201. He was Jacques Martin (Colette Ducharme), P.E.I. in his 91st year. and Peter Martin (Yvette Allaire). Those close to Andrew emphasized Archie was born June 12, 1924 in Hon. Pierre Bussières that his thoughtfulness and genuine Burlington, P.E.I. In 1954, he was Former Liberal MP Hon. Pierre Bus- kindness never faltered. Those around granted the prestigious Nuffield Schol- sières passed away on August 15, 2014. him often played audience to his uplift- arship, allowing him to voyage abroad He was 75. Before stepping foot into the ing quotes and tales. He will be com- to study Britain’s agricultural practices. world of elected politics, Pierre worked memorated by a bench plaque alongside In P.E.I., Archie worked with his as an executive assistant. Burnaby B.C.’s Fraser River; a location father to build Woodleigh Replicas, a In 1974, he was elected to the House frequented by Andrew and his canine park that housed miniature reconstruc- of Commons as MP for the constitu- companions, Chip and Molly. tions of famous landmarks in the U.K. ency of Charlesbourg, Que. He would Andrew is survived by his wife Leo- In 1963, he developed the amusement hold this post for 10 years. While in na and children, Andrew Chatwood park, Rainbow Valley. Later, he worked office, Pierre served as Minister of Na- (Kendra Simmons) and their children with his own son Ronald to develop tional Revenue, Minister of State, Par- Andrew, Lawrence and Edward of Co- tourist attractions. He was president of liamentary Secretary to the Minister of bourg, Ont., Elizabeth Chatwood of the Prince Edward Island Federation of Energy, Mines and Resources and Par- Vancouver, B.C., John Chatwood (Kim Agriculture and director of the Island liamentary Secretary to the Minister of nee Thrush), and their children Emily, Tourism Association. State for Science and Technology. Daniel and Samuel of Smiths Falls, During the Second World War, Ar- He is survived by Mrs. Gertrude Ont., and Susan Chatwood (Ewan Af- chie was a tail gunner in a four-engine Cloutier and his children Denis (Gui- fleck) and their children Alexander Halifax bomber. lande) and Marie-Pierre, his grandchil- and Anika of Yellowknife, N.W.T. He During the war, he crossed paths dren Gervais, Woopi and Derek, sisters is predeceased by his siblings Philippa with fellow Islander and future Senate Annick (Lucille) and Odile (Pierre-An- Chatwood, Ann Abraham, and Albert colleague, the late Senator Orville Phil- dre Cusson). Chatwood. lips, who also served in the Royal Ca- Andrew Chatwood Dr. Harry Harley nadian Air Force. They would go on to Former Liberal MP Andrew Chat- Former Liberal MP Harry Cruick- sit on the Senate sub-committee of Vet- wood left us on August 3, 2014, fol- shank Harley passed away on September eran Affairs; Orville as chair, Archie as lowing an eight-week battle with heart 27, 2014 at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital. deputy chair. They spent months criss- failure at the Royal Columbian Hospital He was 88. crossing the country, visiting more than in New Westminster, B.C. He was 83. Born on June 4, 1926, Harry would 70 per cent of Canada’s institutionalized Andrew’s loving wife of 59 years Leona go on to operate his own medical prac- veterans, learning how the government (nee Butt) was at his bedside. tice and hold positions at Crown Life could improve treatment. In 1998, Ar- Andrew was born in St. John’s New- Canada, and the Salvation Army’s Grace chie was summoned to the Senate by foundland and Labrador on July 3, Hospital. Those close to him said Harry then prime minister, Jean Chrétien. He 1932, to loving parents the late Jessie loved to challenge himself. retired at the age of 75 in 1999. Archie (nee Wilson) and Albert Chatwood. During WW2, Harry answered his then launched his writing and publish- He was elected to the House of Com- country’s call, becoming a soldier. From ing career and penned seven books after mons, as the Member of Parliament for 1944 to 1945, he was a leading aircraft- his 80th birthday. Grand Falls-White-Bay-Labrador on man in the Royal Canadian Air Force. “I was privileged to serve with Archie September 19, 1966, during a by-elec- In the 1950s, Harry served in the Royal in the Senate, where his warm personal tion. While in Parliament, Andrew sat Canadian Army Medical Corps. He qualities and dedication earned him the on the Standing Committee on Indus- was first a Captain and then promoted respect and admiration of his fellow try, Research and Energy Development, to Major in 1956. Harry also served senators,” retired Liberal P.E.I. Senator the Standing Committee on Northern abroad in Europe with NATO. and former Premier of P.E.I. Catherine Affairs and National Resources, the During the 1962 general election, Callbeck said. Archie leaves behind his Standing Committee on Transport and Harry became MP for the riding of beloved wife Phelicia; just this year they Communications, and the Special Joint Halton, Ontario. He was subsequently celebrated their 65th wedding anniver- Committee on the National and Royal re-elected in 1963 and 1965. In 1968, sary. He also leaves behind his three Anthems. Andrew lost his seat during Harry chose to leave politics, having sons, and one daughter. the federal election of 1968, to the Pro- served in the House for six years. Contiuned on Inside Back Cover.

Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 Page 45 GEOFF@30

Abortion. Religion. Confrontation. Election. Sound Familiar?

By Geoff Scott

Geoff Scott.

quarter century has passed basic rights of the people,” he said in an again, be faced with an election-booth since both the Supreme Court email to supporters. choice: Church or Party? When it comes Aof Canada, and those of us in The Liberal Leader clearly underes- to a subject like abortion, where reli- the House of Commons, weighed in timated the push back within his own gion and politics collide, you still have on the cantankerous abortion debate. party to his rigid policy: “I initially as toxic a mix in the 21st century. In a Drenched in emotional rhetoric on all thought it was a bozo eruption; and Toronto Star article, Heather Mallick sides, Canada's highest court ruled in he didn’t actually think about what he writes: “Fighting over personal matters 1988 that the abortion provision in the said,” said Liberal MP John McKay in a like abortion is a political sinkhole.” She Criminal Code of Canada was “uncon- private venue. Soon, Trudeau received a then quotes Conservative MP Gordon stitutional”; that it violated a woman’s letter from former Liberal MPs, calling O’Connor: “Abortion is and always will Charter Right to, “life, liberty and se- the leader’s decision undemocratic and be part of society…It cannot be elimi- curity of person”. While all abortions asking him to revoke it. nated.” were illegal throughout Canada’s early Trudeau’s response to the backlash Despite the fact that Prime Minister history, abortion today is not limited by following his decision: “The days when Stephen Harper's old Reform Party col- criminal law, but by the Canada Health old men get to decide what a woman leagues won’t keep quiet about social Act. In 1989-90, Bill C-43 narrowly does with her body are long gone. issues, the Prime Minister recoils from passed in the House, but became dead- Times have changed for the better. the very mention of abortion like the locked in the Senate. Since then, Cana- #LPC [] de- political hot flame it is. Mr. Harper has da has had no criminal laws governing fends rights,” he said in a tweet. repeatedly said he has no interest in ad- the subject. Abortion is a decision made Archaic church and state dressing the issue head-on: “As long as I by a woman and her doctor. And so, 25 involvement? am prime minister, we are not opening years ago, we members of Parliament “It is worth noting that if Pope Fran- the abortion debate,” he said in 2011. truly believed, rightly or wrongly, that cis, as a young man, instead of seeking “…[A]ny such legislation that is brought we had put the deeply divisive and po- to serve in the priesthood in Argentina, forward will be defeated as long as I am litically explosive issue to bed. But no. had moved to Canada and sought to prime minister.” On the eve of our nation's intense elec- serve in the noble vocation of politics, (Parenthetically, in his maternal care tioneering season, abortion may once he would have been ineligible to be a package, and with his international again emerge as a mainstream political candidate for your party, if your policy reputation for championing oppressed issue. To borrow a phrase from novelist were in effect.” women around the world, the Prime Stuart Woods, reigniting the debate is Enter His Eminence Cardinal Thom- Minister stops short of family planning, like tossing a live hand grenade into a as Collins, who made those remarks. In even though many thousands of women pond covered with a layer of gasoline. an open letter, he warned Justin Trudeau die from unsafe, illegal abortions.) The The pond has been simmering now for that there are two million members in Prime Minister's silence may well be in more than two decades. his Toronto-area archdiocese. “I en- tune with public opinion. While abor- The grenade, it seems, has been courage all of them, of whatever party, tion has troubled Canadian society for tossed by federal Liberal Leader Justin to serve the community not only by vot- several decades, polls repeatedly show Trudeau. He decreed, in effect, that ing but by active engagement in politi- that, in 2014, the vast majority of Ca- you’re not welcome under the Big Red cal life as candidates. It is not right that nadians don't want to be talking about Tent unless you share his pro-choice they be excluded by any party for being abortion right now. views on abortion. Mr. Trudeau stead- faithful to their conscience,” he wrote. My Worst Moments as MP fastedly holds onto his father Pierre “I urge you to reconsider your posi- Still, the issue is festering for anti- Elliott Trudeau's social beliefs: “…[M] tion,” he concluded. abortion sympathizers. There are the y father had no problem legalizing di- The Cardinal’s comments will be same tensions over abortion today as vorce, decriminalizing homosexuality, very troublesome for devout Catholics there were three decades ago. From and moving in ways that recognized the with strong convictions. Will they, once the mid-1980s, through the ‘88 elec-

Page 46 Beyond the Hill • Winter 2015 POLITICAL PASSAGES

Passages continued . . . tion campaign, and until the May 1990 an individual conscience matter, except vote in Parliament, I experienced my for cabinet ministers), I supported Bill most anguished period as a member of C-43. My own publicly stated view 25 Parliament, thanks to this one awful is- years ago, and it holds today, is that I sue. My sprawling riding of Hamilton- have always believed life begins at the Wentworth was half urban, half agri- moment of conception. Nothing should cultural. The farmers and other folks interrupt or interfere with that life, short in small rural towns and villages were of a medical emergency or major health Hon. Richard Honourary Member, Stanbury. Erik Spicer. vehemently anti-abortion, promoters of concern. That concern then becomes “Save the Storks-type” protest move- strictly a matter between a woman and Hon. Richard Stanbury ments, and highly vocal members of her doctor. I am not equipped to play Former Liberal Senator Richard Stan- the “baby-killer” chorus. In the larger God when it concerns a woman's funda- bury, better known as Dick, passed away centres, like Dundas (a bedroom com- mental right to choose. on July 21, 2014 at the age of 91. He was munity of Hamilton's McMaster Uni- Now, as I did back then, I realize devoted to his community, his country, versity) and on Hamilton Mountain that no matter what stance you take on his friends, and family. He helped to itself, there resided equally well organ- abortion, you are going to end up on shape and revitalize the Liberal Party of ized abortion rights advocates. the wrong side of someone! With peo- Canada in the 1960s and 70s, and served Demonstrations outside my constitu- ple holding such deeply held, personal as its President from 1968 to 1973. ency offices happened frequently, but views, it will never be over. Maybe it The Rt. Hon. Lester Pearson sum- the all-candidates’ debates brought out will all come down to the classic Cana- moned Dick to the Senate at the age Hamilton-Wentworth Police to keep a dian compromise: abortion if necessary, of 44 where he served for 30 years, 2 watchful eye. The pro-choice crowd and but not necessarily abortion. months and 20 days! As a Senator, he the pro-life movement numbered 100 or Geoff Scott was Progressive Conservative chaired many committees and led trade more, each side armed with bullhorns member for Hamilton-Wentworth 1978 to missions across the globe. and placards; half for, half against. 1993. He is a former journalist with many years Upon retirement Dick served on the After much agonizing (the vote was of covering politics. Board of Directors of the CAFP. He was predeceased by his loving wife Margie, with whom he spent many winters in CAFP around the world Naples, Florida and summers at their cottage on Shadow Lake in Coboconk. Dick was a wonderful person who will Election oversight in Ukraine be missed greatly by those left behind; especially his sister Elaine, brother Bob, daughters: Jane (Gordon) and Sally, grandchildren: Jen (Jeff), Jackie (Char- lie), Kelsey and David, and great grand- son Tyler. Honourary Member, Erik Spicer Erik Spicer, former Parliamentary Li- brarian of Canada passed away Sept. 27, 2014. He was 88 years old. Erik was appointed by then Prime Minister, Diefenbaker, in 1960 and spent 34 years at the Library of Parlia- ment. He was credited with developing its research branch and bringing in new technology. One of his projects was the recon- stitution of House and Senate debates, before the birth of Hansard, which was completed this year. Erik retired in 1994. He became a Member of the Order of Canada and was also presented with the Canadian Library Association’s Outstanding Ser- vice to Librarianship Award. Erik leaves behind his wife Helen, his Flashback to a less turbulent time in Ukraine: A group of former parliamentarians went to Kiev children John Spicer (Patricia Trott), in October, 2012. Left to right, former Canadian MPs Darryl Gray (PC-Quebec), Pierrette Erika Scott (Andrew) and his grand- Venne (PC, BQ, Ind-Quebec), Jim Hart (Ref-BC) and Hon. Roger Simmons (Lib-New- daughters Elizabeth, Katherine (Bradley foundland). The four former parliamentarians were in Kiev as members of the OSCE’s election Boehringer), Caroline Scott, and Gabri- observation mission to the Ukraine 2012 parliamentary elections. ella Spicer.

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