CAFP NEWS Regional meeting in Victoria Photo Credit: Paul Forseth, Susan Simms, Brian MacDonald and Francis LeBlanc

The CAFP hosted a regional meeting in Victoria, B.C. in September 2017.

Lt. Governor of Victoria, the Hon. Judith Business Meeting at BC Legislature. Maureen Forseth and Kathy Hays. Guichon.

Hon. Vim Kochhar, Janis Clarke and Hon. Left to right, Lynn McDonald, Libby Davies, Douglas Fee, Hon. Judd Buchanan and Bill Andy Mitchell. Bill Clarke, Lynn Hunter, Hon. Audrey Fee. McLaughlin and Jean Crowder.

Page 2 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 3 Beyond the Hill Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians Volume 14, Issue No. 1 Summer 2018

CONTENTS

Regional meeting in Victoria 2 Not just Canadian Confederation – CAFP News 4 a look back at 1867 22 By Lynn McDonald How the President sees it 5 By Hon. Andy Mitchell Personal legal files of five retired MPs disappear from federal mailroom 23 Executive Director’s report 6 By Maya Gwilliam By Francis LeBlanc It seems to me 24 Bryon Wilfert receives CAFP’s Distinguished By Dorothy Dobbie Service Award 7 By Hayley Chazan Parliamentary Intern Roundtable 25 AGM Memorial Service 8 Encouraging multi-party democracy internationally 26 AGM Business 9 By Hon. David Kilgour AGM Senate Reception 10 How it works 28 A tour of Rideau Hall 11 By Hon. John Reid AGM Speaker’s Reception 11 Parliament to campus program 29 Bob Rae receives CAFP’s Lifetime Where are they now? 30 Achievement Award 12 By Hayley Chazan and Scott Hitchcox By Harrison Lowman MPs who died in office 33 Parliamentarians celebrate 150th anniversary By Hayley Chazan of the first meeting of Parliament 14 By Maya Gwilliam Bookshelf: What Happened by Hillary Clinton 34 Reviewed by Hon. Peter Adams Defining the MP job description 15 By Hélène LeBlanc Bookshelf: On! Achieving excellence in leadership 35 Forget the lines – the company behind Reviewed by Hayley Chazan voting by “selfie” 16 By Harrison Lowman Bookshelf: Foreign voices in the House 36 Reviewed by Sergio Marchi From Parliament to City Hall 18 By Hayley Chazan Political passages 38 By Harrison Lowman and Lauren Malyk Demonstrations on the House floor – do they work? 20 Geoff @ 30 46 By Maya Gwilliam By Geoff Scott

Page 2 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 3 CAFP NEWS Beyond the Hill welcomes new intern

orn and raised in Ottawa, Maya Gwilliam is a recent Bgraduate of Carleton Univer- sity’s School of Journalism. She is a passionate writer who tries to bring A bird’s eye view of the new House of Com- a refreshing take on Canadian poli- mons chamber as of July 2018, where members tics, at each level of government. will sit for the next decade while Centre Block When Maya is not chasing down is under renovation. More on the story in the sources for this publication you can next issue. Photo by Bernard Thibodeau. either catch her with her nose in a Editor-in-Chief good book, or at the latest exhibit Dorothy Dobbie in one of the capital city’s many lively museums. Associate Editor Geoff Scott Maya has exhibited a keen inter- est in politics ever since she was a Assistant Editor child. She remembers the first time Harrison Lowman her father took her to Parliament Editorial Interns Hill. Maya Gwilliam. Hayley Chazan, Maya Gwilliam “I was about eight years old Editorial Board when I first stepped foot in the Dorothy Dobbie, Hon. David Kilgour, Parliament buildings and I still re- this tribute in such a special way. Derrek Konrad, Lynn McDonald, member the sense of wonder I felt Thank you once again to Céline, Hon. John Reid, Geoff Scott when I realized I was inside the Susan and your whole team. I hope Editorial Board Emeriti four walls where history often takes to see you again in the future. Hon. Jim Fleming, Claudy Lynch, place,” she explained. “It’s crucial Yours sincerely, Keith Penner, Doug Rowland to understand the immense impact Isabelle Guay, daughter of the late Contributors politics and politicians have on our former Liberal MP Raynald Guay Hon. Peter Adams, Hayley Chazan, society, and even more so, to report Christian Diotte, Dorothy Dobbie, on it.” • • • Maya Gwilliam, Scott Hitchcox, Hon. As a journalist, Maya hopes to be David Kilgour, Francis LeBlanc, Hélène a positive addition to Beyond the Dear CAFP, LeBlanc, Harrison Lowman, Lauren Malyk, Sergio Marchi, Lynn McDonald, Hill magazine and is excited to see I have been writing some com- Hon. Andy Mitchell, Hon. John Reid, where the future takes her. ments on articles in a paper in my Geoff Scott. old riding about proportional rep- resentation. The interest seems to Production Assistants Thank yous Céline Brazeau Fraser, be continuing with no sign of abat- ing. I very much enjoyed Dorothy’s Susan Simms, Karl Thomsen Dear CAFP, article in your Fall 2016 issue. ISSN 1920-8561 My family and I would like to thank you for organizing such a Thank you, Our Mission Statement Jim Gouk Beyond the Hill, a magazine for former lovely day and such a moving com- memorative service to honour our MP BC Southern Interior 1993 parliamentarians, is designed to engage, to 2006 enlighten and inform its readers about father and other former parliamen- each other, their Association and its Edu- tarians. cational Foundation. Its aim is to encour- I would like to thank you for hav- Corrections age participation in the Association and ing chosen me to read that wonder- to promote democracy. The views of the ful text. It was an honour for me From the previous issue: contributors to this publication do not to be able to pay tribute not only • p. 17, we failed to caption the necessarily represent those of CAFP nor to my father, but also to all former photo of the gentleman holding its Educational Foundation. Beyond the Hill welcomes letters to the editor, submis- parliamentarians who dedicated up the Stanley Cup. Our caption sions and suggestions. P.O. Box 1, 131 their lives to serving Canada and should have included former Lib- Queen St., House of Commons Ottawa, Canadians and have now passed eral senator and NHL player Frank ON, Canada, K1A 0A6. Telephone 1-888- away. Our country is what it is to- Mahovlich. He is third to the right. 567-4764, Fax: 613-947-1764 E-mail: ex- day because of them, and I was very Beyond the Hill regrets this omis- [email protected]. Website: www.exparl.ca. touched to be able to participate in sion.

Page 4 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 5 YOUR ORGANIZATION

How the President sees it

Hon. Andy Mitchell.

he women and men who are former parliamentarians have a body of knowledge and experi- ence that can be a valuable resource for shaping the public agenda in Canada. T The contribution of former parliamentarians takes many forms. Some go into careers in the private sector, where their knowledge of government helps shape their decisions. Others go into academia, where they have the opportunity to influence the next generation of leaders. Still others go into the not-for-profit sector and help deliver initiatives they helped shape while in of- fice. These are all important roles that allow former members to contribute immensely to public and private life in Canada. The reality is, however, that beyond our personal contributions, former parliamentarians can make a collective impact. The value of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This is where CAFP can and should make a difference. When one considers the many issues facing us today, such as managing the federation, re-negotiating NAFTA, preventing climate change, transporting our natural resources to market, adapting to a digital world, investing in Canadians and ensuring a safe and eq- uitable workplace, who better to provide advice and insight than those who have faced similar challenges in the past. As an association, we have worked hard to provide additional opportunities for our members to continue their contributions. I believe this needs to be a key objective as CAFP meets its mandate of strengthening democracy at home and abroad. In 2019 CAFP will welcome a new cohort of former MPs and senators who will have spent a number of years engaging in the debates shaping Canada. They are likely to want to continue to contribute. It will be important that CAFP help to make this happen. I welcome your ideas and suggestions on things we should consider doing as an association that will help our current and future members further contribute to public life in Canada. Please send your suggestions by email, or better still, come to the AGM where we can discuss them in person.

Hon. Andy Mitchell, President

P.S. At the AGM in June, 2018, Andy Mitchel completed his term as president. The new president is Dorothy Dobbie.

Page 4 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 5 CAFP News

Executive Director’s Report By Francis LeBlanc

Francis LeBlanc

have long felt that former parlia- us to keep in touch with one other and Promoting democracy abroad mentarians in Canada constitute a the wider world through news blogs, Whether it’s monitoring elections I potentially powerful network and a events, social media and web-based ser- abroad or speaking to your local high force for good in this country. We are, vices. It is my hope, too, that this web- school or service club, there are many in a sense, the “alumni” of the institu- site will showcase the many interesting things former members can do to be tion of Parliament. Therefore, we bear things our members are doing. champions of democracy and good a special responsibility, by virtue of our Adding to our services government. experience, to the continuing strength This association should be a natural The House of Commons would and vibrancy of our democratic system home for former parliamentarians from like former members to be more in- and values. the moment they leave office. To make volved in civic education in their The role of the Canadian Associa- this organization appealing, we have to communities and I have begun work- tion of Former Parliamentarians is to constantly find ways to be on the radar ing with the House of Commons fortify this network, by connecting our of current parliamentarians and to im- Clerk Charles Robert to help make members and promoting their work, prove the value proposition of becom- that happen. We both believe that the provide services relevant to them, ad- ing active members of the association. effectiveness of programs that our vocate on their behalf and find ways to One way we can do this is to assist Education Foundation helps to fund, deploy them in support of democracy with the difficult transition many de- such as the Teachers Institute on Ca- in Canada and abroad. feated members face. Defeated MPs nadian Parliamentary Democracy These aims have been foremost in from recent elections have valuable and the Forum for Young Canadians, my mind since I resumed my position, lessons to share on how transitional would be enhanced if teachers and more than a year ago. Let me offer a support from the House of Commons students, after returning home from word or two on some recent initiatives. could be made better. By working with their time in Ottawa learning about Improving connections the party whips we hope to enact some Parliament, could draw on the men- Last fall, on the margins of our very of these ideas, for the benefit of those torship of a former MP or senator liv- successful regional meeting in Victoria, who, inevitably, will face defeat follow- ing right in their community. You’ll I travelled to the four western provinc- ing the next general election in 2019. find more about how to be a part of es on an outreach tour. Events were or- We are working on other possible that in the pages of this magazine. ganized in Winnipeg, Vancouver, Cal- member services too: such as preferred Our members have valuable expe- gary, Edmonton and Saskatoon. It was travel rates, home and auto insurance rience in international democratic a great way to connect personally with and hearing services. We’re even look- development, and are often hired members who are unable to make it to ing into pre-planning for funeral ar- by organizations from the U.S. and Ottawa. More of these tours are being rangements, which could be available other countries engaged in this work. planned in other parts of the country. through affinity partnerships that offer This work includes support for free I have established the practice of discount programs. and fair elections and parliamentary sending out regular emails with news Working for you capacity building in fragile emerg- and information under the title “From Our association should be an advo- ing democracies. Unfortunately, de- the Executive Director’s Desk”. I al- cate for our members. Whether that in- spite its reputation internationally as ways appreciate your comments. If you volves lobbying for pension and related a shining example of democracy and do not receive these emails, it’s because benefits that are fair and generous, or good government, Canada provides we do not have your email address. working with authorities to ensure limited opportunities to share this Please send it to us so we can stay in that our access to the Parliamentary knowledge abroad. I am not alone better touch. Precinct is reasonable and convenient, in thinking that investing more in Over the past several months, staff members should be able to count on democratic development so that our have been working hard to revamp and their association to work for them. We expertise can be made available under modernize our website www.exparl.ca are establishing networks in order to be a Canadian brand, would be good for into a functional tool that will allow more effective advocates for you. Canada and good for the world.

Page 6 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 7 Distinguished service award A builder of bridges Bryon Wilfert receives CAFP’s Distinguished Service Award Story by Hayley Chazan, photo by Bernard Thibodeau

The Hon. Bryon Wilfert receives CAFP’s Distinguished Service Award. or more than 5,000 days, the than 10 years as chair and in other people who take their work seriously, Honourable Bryon Wilfert rep- posts on the Canada-Japan Interpar- but not themselves.” Fresented his constituents with liamentary Group. In 2011, Bryon Today, Bryon continues to be a both distinction and devotion in the was bestowed with the Order of the respected voice on Asia-Pacific is- House of Commons. Receiving the Rising Sun, an honour presented by sues as a result of his years spent greatest compliment a politician can His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, in the region building relationships receive from those he seeks to serve, to individuals who have made signif- and leading several successful inter- Bryon was elected five times be- icant achievements in international national trade missions. In 2014, he tween the years of 1997 and 2011 to relations, the promotion of Japanese was appointed honourary consul for represent the riding of Oak Ridges cultural advancements in their field, Canada to the Republic of Myanmar, and then Richmond Hill in Ontario. development in welfare, or preserva- where, for the past four years he has On June 5, 2017, as parliamentari- tion of the environment. been able to provide his experience ans both past and present gathered in While Bryon is perhaps most cele- and talents to the benefit of both Ottawa, Bryon received another im- brated for his contributions to for- countries. portant honour: the Canadian Asso- eign affairs, his colleagues are quick “The advancement of issues like ciation of Former Parliamentarians’ to fondly mention his sense of hu- human rights, empowering women, 19th Distinguished Service Award. mour and mischievous nature. promoting education and dealing The prize aims to recognize a former “Bryon has an important ability, with governance issues both at home member who has contributed greatly one that all parliamentarians should and abroad are very important to to the promotion and understanding have, and that’s the ability to occa- me,” said Wilfert during his accept- of Canada’s parliamentary system. sionally see the imperfections, not ance speech. “I take this award not Throughout his approximately 15- only of the other side, but of his own on behalf of myself, but on behalf of year career as an MP, Bryon worked side as well,” said House of Com- all parliamentarians both past and tirelessly to strengthen Canada’s re- mons Speaker Geoff Regan. “There present who work so hard in this re- lationship with Japan, serving more is nothing Canadians like more than gard.”

Page 6 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 7 AGM MEMORIAL Former parliamentarians recall political lives lived Story by Harrison Lowman, photos by Christian Diotte

Current and former parliamentarians and bereaved family members gathered in the Senate chamber to honour former parliamentarians who left us over the past year. t a gathering meant to bring bond built by the sacrifices members of mons Geoff Regan was es- together old friends and col- all parties make in leaving family and pecially moved by the cere- Aleagues, former parliamentar- friends, as well as the intense personal monies. The Liberal MP had worked ians were also reminded of the com- satisfaction they receive from serving closely with some of those who died, panions who were unable to join us for Canadians. including Mauril Bélanger, who suc- the festivities. During CAFP’s 2017 Elizabeth Rody, chief of protocol and cumbed to ALS at 61 years of age. Memorial Service, members remem- director of events in the Parliament of “On behalf of all the members of the bered 30 former parliamentarians, Canada, explained the rewards the pub- House of Commons, I offer my sincer- from across the country, who passed lic reaps from those stepping up to the est condolences on the passing of too away since the last time they gathered plate to serve their country. many friends and colleagues from Par- beneath the Senate chamber’s stained “Our democracy and the freedom liament, some of whom I had the good glass windows. Twenty served in the which we enjoy, relies on people step- fortune to serve alongside,” he said. House of Commons, six in the Senate, ping up and being accountable, doing “We are poorer for their departure, but and three in both houses. their work diligently, more often than richer for the time they spent in this “Whether our time here is brief, or not out of love,” she said. place.” whether it spans the course of many CAFP president Andy Mitchell de- In this time of condolences, where decades, parliamentarians are united tailed the lives of those who passed, the partisanship is washed away with by a passion to serve, their love for this some of whom lived long and fulsome the tears, Furey called for togetherness great country of ours and their desire to lives, others who were snatched from us and inspiration from across the aisle. improve the lives of fellow Canadians,” suddenly, and far too soon. “May we always remember to seek the explained Speaker of the Senate George “They applied their diverse talents to best in each other and value the time Furey. “We must never take for granted making Canada and the world a better that we spent together in this place,” he the privileges and the responsibilities place. We are grateful to them for their explained. “May we draw strength and that have been entrusted to us to serve service, and to their families for sharing courage from the experience of those for the betterment of our country.” them with us,” said Andy. “We all are before us and may the memory inspire Furey detailed an intense bond that enriched by their being with us.” us to overcome the challenges that still he feels all parliamentarians share, a Speaker of the House of Com- lie ahead.”

Page 8 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 9 AGM Annual General Meeting (AGM) Business Members met at the Sir John A. MacDonald building and received updates on the financial standing of CAFP. They also listened to a speech from Chris Ragan, chair of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission, an independent economics organization set on growing the economy while improving environmental prosperity in Canada.

Francis LeBlanc and Hon. Andy Mitchell. Maurice Harquail.

Jack Harris. Presentation by Christopher Ragan of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission.

Jesse Flis. Happy 30th birthday CAFP/ACEP!

Page 8 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 9 AGM AGM Senate reception

Following the memorial service, members and the families of the deceased gathered in the Senate foyer for refreshments and conversation.

Former members were treated to a private speech and Q and A from Minister of Transport Marc Garneau on trade ties between Canada and the U.S. in the Trump era.

Page 10 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 11 AGM A tour of Rideau Hall

Former members were taken on a private tour of Rideau Hall, home of the Governor General. AGM Speaker’s reception

Members were treated to speeches and drinks in Speaker Regan’s Salon in Centre Block. Lyn Murta and Hélène LeBlanc.

Left, Hon. Don Boudria, Auguste Choquette, Hon. John Reid and David Daubney. Hon. Eleni Bakopanos and Hon. Sue Barnes. Hon. Mary Collins and Doug Rowland.

Page 10 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 11 Lifetime Achievement Award “Don’t count us out”: Bob Rae addresses former parliamentarians upon being presented CAFP’s Lifetime Achievement Award Story by Harrison Lowman, photos by George Pimentel

Hon. Bob Rae is presented with the CAFP’s Lifetime Achievement Award. hile former Ontario premier, efits of our experience.” to be elected. His premiership was federal Liberal interim leader On Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in short-lived however. Ontarians are still Wand special envoy Bob Rae downtown Toronto, the Honourable divided over Bob’s ability to respond to has worn many hats over the course Bob Rae was awarded CAFP’s fifth the economic recession of the time. In of his forty-year career, he is not ready Distinguished Service Award. The 1995, the electorate rejected his party, to pack them away in storage just yet. award aims to recognize former mem- losing him 57 seats. Instead, the veteran politician said it is bers who have contributed greatly to Bob left the legislature a year later the job of him, along with other former Canadian life and politics and acted as to work in law and serve as an advi- parliamentarians, to tell those now en- community role models. sor. This included helping the Liberal tering public life, what it is like to wear A wearer of many hats government investigate the Air India them. Bob Rae’s career spans across various bombing and assisting the Canadian “I’m tired of being ‘former’. We’re countries, peoples and levels of govern- Red Cross in recovering from a major alumni of the political process,” said ment. Bob was first elected to Parlia- blood scandal. Bob to a packed room at Toronto’s Fair- ment in 1978, as the NDP MP for the Bob is not ashamed to admit that the mont Royal York Hotel. “We still have Toronto riding of Broadview. hats he has worn over the course of his stuff to do. We still have stuff to give.” In the early 1980s, he shifted his political career have changed colour. In “Don’t belittle experience. Don’t en- focus to provincial politics, becoming the early 2000s, the politician said he gage in this stupid kind of ageism,” said the leader of Ontario’s NDP. It was at felt his party was misguided in its bias Bob. While he understands this coun- Queen’s Park where Bob finally got a against Israel and its rejection of glo- try’s more seasoned politicians have to chance to govern. During the 1990 balization. He soon left the NDP for make way for the next generation. “We election, he won a stunning victory, be- the federal Liberals. also have to share with people the ben- coming the first and only NDP leader “Like Winston Churchill, Bob Rae

Page 12 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 13 Lifetime Achievement Award

A packed room at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal Leo Duguay. Hon. Bob Rae. York Hotel.

A musical interlude. Hon. Bob Rae with partner Arlene Perly Rae.

changed political flavours,” explained tunate, working outside of the legisla- award recipient reminded the audience former journalist John Fraser. ture. In 2013, he became chief negotia- that in Malaysia, the population just Bob admitted that while he did tor for First Nations in talks with the elected a 92-year-old prime minister. change teams, “the driving force be- Ontario government about the develop- “In 2041, I’m ready,” the 70-year-old hind my politics has never changed.” ment of northern mineral deposits. Bob, quipped. He said he has always tried to do good Bob describes working towards truth What one can glean from Bob’s re- for people. and reconciliation as “the greatest piece marks that night is that whatever hat he After losing the 2006 Liberal leader- of unfinished business in our country”. wears next, he will wear it behind the ship race, Bob returned to Parliament Bob’s latest assignment took him scenes, rather than front and centre- a Hill donning red, having been elected overseas, to the Southeast Asian na- tactic that could be seen as stepping on in a Toronto Centre by-election. In tion of Myanmar. In 2017, Prime the toes of the latest crop of parliamen- 2009, he tried again to be leader but Minister Trudeau made Bob Canada’s tarians. withdrew from the race. When former special envoy to Myanmar. The coun- “One of the reasons I left Parliament Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff lost try is currently undergoing what many was I said, ‘I’m not going to be crazy big during the 2011 election, Bob was believe is the ethnic cleansing of the uncle Bob in the attic coming down made interim leader. Rohingya Muslim people. The result and saying to people, ‘Now don’t do Throughout his time in the House of has meant nearly a million people are this.’” Commons and Queen’s Park, Bob is re- still crammed into unsanitary refugee Instead, his role will likely be impart- membered fondly for his oratory. camps. Bob released his final report to ing wisdom to Canada’s next genera- “He was a good master of words,” the prime minister on the refugee crisis tion of politicians, something he said proclaimed former Prime Minister Jean in April. is not seen as valuable, or happening Chrétien in a tribute video. “Bob, you’ve spent a lifetime cham- nearly enough. “The whole without notes, in both pioning the needs of others and mak- According to Bob, there is much to languages. And with a judicious, com- ing a difference for Canadians. Your be learned from “listening to the el- pelling, self effacing demeanor, that one contributions have gone beyond Par- ders”. “The fact is we are living longer. plaudits from all sides of the House,” liament and beyond partisanship,” said And hey, we’re not going away,” said added former Minister of Justice and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Bob the former interim Liberal leader and Attorney General of Canada and Lib- through a video message at the dinner. Ontario’s 21st premier. “We’re still eral MP Irwin Cotler. “You show us what it means to lead here.” Stepping away from politics with integrity and serve with courage.” After all, Bob joked, “My life isn’t In Bob’s third act, he left Parliament Taken as a whole over yet, I’d like to, sort of, reflect on to enhance the voices of those less for- Does Bob Rae have a fourth act? The that at a later date.”

Page 12 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 13 Canada 150 Parliamentarians celebrate 150th anniversary of first meeting of Parliament Story by Maya Gwilliam, photos by Christian Diotte

n Nov. 6, 2017 past and pre- Following speeches, House of Com- sent political figures came mons Speaker Geoff Regan unveiled a Otogether to celebrate the ses- new stained glass window commemo- quicentennial anniversary of the first rating the 150th anniversary of Con- meeting of the first Parliament of federation, designed by Phil White, Canada. Canada’s Dominion sculptor. It is The celebrations began during White’s job to carve statues, portraits Question Period, where speeches and decorative pieces that commemo- were made by various party leaders, rate Canadian history for government who reflected on the changes within buildings. Parliament since June 8, 1866, when Dozens of parliamentarians, in- a mere 84 members met in the not yet cluding four former prime ministers, fully constructed parliament build- along with sitting and former MPs, ings in Ottawa. attended the unveiling and the rest “Day after day, year after year, of the proceedings. Former Speaker members sit in this House and do im- of the House Peter Milliken said the portant work on behalf of Canadians, event was the perfect opportunity to work that impacts families and com- reconnect with his former peers. munities, work that shapes the course “It’s not often we get together as a of people's daily lives,” Prime Minis- group, with former prime ministers ter Justin Trudeau said during his re- and speakers,” the former Liberal MP marks. “Let us never lose sight of the acknowledged. “Some of us haven’t fact that we are all here for the same seen each other in years and it was a reason, to make our country better, nice opportunity to visit and have a to improve the lives of the people we good time together.” serve. We may have different ideas on Former Speaker John Bosley had how to get there, but there is always only returned to the House of Com- common ground.” mons a few times since he left in Conservative leader Andrew Scheer 1993, but during the reunion, the for- echoed Trudeau’s sentiments and also A new stained glass window commemorating mer PC MP said he felt as though he spoke of the importance of taking the 150th anniversary of Confederation was never left. pride in Canada’s merits, despite its unveiled. “There’s a feeling about being in the past flaws. House of Commons that any former “For 150 years, our Parliament has MP will tell you. There are no words been a reflection of Canada and Ca- for it, but it’s a wonderful feeling that nadians. It is more than a building. you’ve been part of something useful It is the embodiment of our nation- and important, and it’s very uplift- al character, its virtues and vices, its ing,” Bosley explained. strengths and its weaknesses,” Scheer He also praised additions that had expressed. “It is in our nature as Ca- been made to the House of Commons nadians to be self-deprecating, but since his last visit. “There are new gar- sometimes, maybe once every 150 goyles and an Indigenous collection. years, it is okay to acknowledge what It was really special to me, seeing how the rest of the world tells us: we occu- the art of the building, which tells the py a special place in the fellowship of story of the building, has been aug- free nations, and our institutions, in- Left, Hon. Jean-Jacques Blais, Ross Milne, mented, through the last 20 years, cluding this Parliament, are the envy Hon. Lorna Milne, Henri Tousignant, Fran- and especially from its beginnings of other nations.” cis LeBlanc and Hon. Raymond Setlakwe. from 150 years ago.”

Page 14 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 15 Balancing Act A balancing act The MP’s job description By Hélène LeBlanc

n May 2, 2011, I was elected constituency that welcomed about a the NDP member of Parlia- thousand new Canadians each year Oment for LaSalle–Émard, from four continents and more than Quebec. As you can imagine, it was 40 different countries. I organized a very unlikely victory. To everyone’s an annual reception for those who surprise, a Liberal stronghold had had recently received their Canadian just turned NDP. Like many new- citizenship. It was during these local comers in politics, I knew about the events that marked my mandate and role of a candidate but less about the remain some of my best memories of role of an MP. Upon my arrival in my time as an MP. the House of Commons, it seemed I In recent years, constituency office was not the only one. budgets have increased. This has al- During my first few days in my of- Hélène LeBlanc. lowed for a full-time team to answer fice on Parliament Hill I had to go establish harmonious interactions citizens’ questions and concerns, through a large pile of mail that had between various parties? I loved that whether it involves immigration, tax- accumulated since election day. One part of my job. es, or employment insurance. This text in particular caught my eye. It I also appreciated the work in the part of the job gave my team and I was an article written by Samara standing committees of the House of the satisfaction of helping our people Canada (a non-profit organization Commons. I still believe these com- in a meaningful way. interested in the work of Canadian mittees play a vital role in our demo- Confronted by complexity parliamentarians) about interviews cratic system and that there is a need Nevertheless, it was difficult at they had conducted with former to make their work better known to the beginning of our mandate to set members. Participants had agreed the general public. In committee, guidelines and understand my role in to answer a fundamental question: members from all parties can ide- handling constituents’ cases. Citizens What is the role of an MP? The result ally work together to achieve com- found the governments’ complex was surprising. There were almost as mon goals. This is unfortunately not rules confusing. As an elected official, many definitions of the role as in- always the case. From my observa- I had to explain that it was impossible terviewees. Samara grouped the an- tions, there is still room for collabo- for me to reverse decisions made by swers into different categories. While ration rather than confrontation. public servants. Instead, my role was some considered riding work to be Going home to guide constituents through ad- the most important, others thought The House of Commons can be ministrative mazes, while working to work on Parliament Hill was the frustrating at times, especially dur- introduce bills and motions to allevi- main task of elected representatives. ing Question Period and debate. ate problematic practices. To this day, Still others believed it was a balance During my mandate, I realized my I ask myself, “Is it our role as MPs to between the two. limitations. The traditions that pre- be the intermediary between public Come together vail in that place -verbal jousting and servants and Canadians?” I believe I belonged to the final partisan strategy- are wasting the Throughout my term, I saw that category. I found the work on Par- valuable time of elected officials and the role of a member of Parliament liament Hill extremely stimulating. Canadian citizens. This was the case has many facets. Freed from the cur- The meetings I had as the Official in the 41st Parliament. To counter rent constraints that impede their full Opposition critic for science and this, I found refuge and energy by participation, members could better technology, industry and co-opera- meeting with my constituents. It was combine all aspects of their work as tives, taught me a lot about current in my riding, alongside those I rep- citizens’ representatives and as parlia- issues. I was fortunate to meet lead- resented, where I felt I could make a mentarians. Whether it is work in the ers from various spheres of Canadi- difference. House or in their riding, working as an society and industry. I took the I had a great time in my riding. I an MP is an art form, a balancing act opportunity to see everything, to met people who were warm and com- that involves juggling the numerous know everything and meet as many mitted to the well-being of their fam- aspects of the job. people as possible. Is it not the very ilies and their community. LaSalle- Émard was (the boundaries have Hélène LeBlanc served as an NDP MP in essence of politics to make connec- the riding of LaSalle–Émard, Quebec from tions, build relationships and try to since changed) a culturally diverse 2011-2015.

Page 14 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 15 VOTING SELFIE Forget the lines: The company behind voting by “selfie” By Harrison Lowman n Monday October 19, 2015, the Lawsons had had enough. OIt was federal Election Day across Canada, and the Halifax couple travelled all the way to their voting sta- tion, only to be met by winding lines and sluggish staff. And so they left without marking their ballots. “I’m so damn fed up with it. I’ve never seen a system so bad,” Donald Lawson told CTV News. “They just got it all screwed up. You get fed up. They don’t seem to know what the hell they’re doing.” “We’re in our 80s and it’s ridiculous that you gotta stand there and wait so long,” added his wife Shirley Lawson. “I don’t think I’m even gonna vote.” Any way that helps make voting easier is at least worth checking out. Photo courtesy of Smartmatic. It is these voices – those that believe the way we currently vote is inefficient, archaic and perhaps even insecure – had to go to a town hall because you using their electronic voting system that inform the work of Smartmatic, a didn’t have telecommunications, so will mean “significantly” less costly multinational company bent on upend- you didn’t have internet or anything elections. According to Elections Can- ing the ways in which citizens across like that.” ada, our last federal election cost tax- the globe choose their governments. Rather than a lack of faith in the payers $471 million dollars. In 2011, They want to ensure that those like the democratic system, Summers believes it cost us merely $290 million, albeit, Dawsons have the chance to mark their it is barriers to accessibility that are the latest election featured a longer Xs on E-day, assuming that they know keeping people away from the ballot than usual campaign and more rid- how to use a smartphone. The com- box. When one looks at the Canadian ings. pany is trying to get people to vote via data, it would seem Summers is cor- More importantly, Summers said selfie and they’ve developed the tech- rect. using their application would lead to a nology to make it so. According to Elections Canada, 48 boost in voter turnout. He noted that Bringing the ballot to the voter per cent of those who chose not to vote some jurisdictions in the United States Unlike the current Canadian vot- did so because they were “too busy/ that have used online voting for those ing process, voters using this system family obligations/conflicting work or overseas and members of the military, are able to make their pick from any- other schedule”. Fifteen per cent said have increased turnout from around where; no lines, no paperwork. Those they were “out of town or away from 20 to 30 per cent up to 90 per cent. at Smartmatic believe this will appeal home”. Meanwhile, nine per cent said However, Canada seems to be buck- to a population on the go and used to they “felt voting would not make a ing the disengagement trend already, consuming services remotely; for in- difference”. Another nine per cent said without tossing aside pen and paper. stance, those who shop for clothes or they were “not interested in politics”. During the 2015 election, 68.5 per order tickets online. In the Canadian Summers said the selfie technique cent of Canadians came out to vote. In context, it could also service remote In- would also lead to more accuracy, 2011, 61.1 per cent of the population digenous communities. criticizing the judgment of human showed up. “The problem is that the old tra- vote counters who can make mistakes. Holes in the process? ditional method is fundamentally Implementing his method would es- While this convenience-focused flawed,” said Mike Summers, the UK- sentially mark the end of the recount. technology would no doubt eliminate based director of online voting for “Electronic systems count things some accessibility barriers, concern has Smartmatic. “It was created at a time more accurately and precisely than been raised over how secure Smart- when there was no other way of people tired human beings that have to count matic’s online system is from hacking getting together to cast their opinion. pieces of paper,” he said. or technical malfunctions. Following It was created in a time when people Those at Smartmatic also insist that the 2016 U.S. presidential election,

Page 16 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 17 VOTING SELFIE

beyond spreading misinformation perts advise that we stick with what we throughout the public, Russian op- How it works have, “because the reliance on paper- eratives were accused of hacking elec- martmatic’s electronic vot- ballot results is a more secure system.” tronic voting systems in as many as 39 ing system, called “TIVI”, “Polling places will continue using states. Scovers registration, authen- paper ballots, marked and counted by “We are in a climate of fear about tication, voting and tabulation. hand,” wrote government officials in a elections and potentially state-spon- It can be accessed through an ap- recent Elections Canada request. sored manipulation of elections,” ex- plication users can download on When figuring out what is fueling plained Summers. their cellphones. the current concern, look no farther But he stressed that there has nev- Users register to vote by scan- than the NDP’s 2012 online leader- er been a single incident of some- ning something like a driver’s ship vote, where hackers attacked the one hacking his system. Summers license that features a picture of balloting system, slowing down the said the application cannot be fooled themselves. The application then process. into thinking a photograph or video asks you to take a selfie – which While he recognizes the Canadian of someone is the actual person tak- the Oxford Dictionary defines as, federal government’s hesitancy, Sum- ing the selfie and explains that once “A photograph that one has tak- mers called this country “one of the someone casts their vote it cannot be en of oneself, typically one taken pioneers of online voting.” Online changed by someone later on or be in- with a smartphone or webcam systems have been used in Canadian tercepted. and shared via social media.” municipalities and townships, and A sacred act? Smartmatic says it ensures the have led to small increases in turnout. There is also the question of wheth- person in the selfie is the same The 2019 federal election will feature er voting via selfie online dilutes the person on the scanned ID card. It electronic polling books – laptops or seriousness that comes with casting a tells picture-takers to remove hats tablets managed by an outside firm, vote. It could be argued that choos- and sunglasses and have a “natu- allowing workers to find and cross off ing your leaders should require real ral and neutral facial expression.” names digitally, rather than using pa- effort on the part of citizens; that it It then shoots this information per poll books and voter lists. shouldn’t be mere button clicks away, profile off to servers to be certi- But Summers wants this country made from the comfort of your couch; fied further. to take the extra step, eliminating the that it shouldn’t be as easy as buying a When voting day arrives, the need for our country’s 25,000 polling sweater or U2 tickets. user can log back onto the appli- stations. He’d like to have a word with Former Ontario Premier Kathleen cation, where they are instructed our minister of democratic institu- Wynne even mentioned we might be to take another selfie. This photo tions. losing something by taking votes on- is cross-referenced with the pre- “I would sit down with the minis- line. “It is a community activity. It is vious selfie and ID photo. If all ter and I would get her to break down people coming together to do a collec- pans out, the voter is presented the process, end-to-end, and I would tive thing,” she said. “Let’s be a little with a digital ballot specific to show that every step of the way, our bit careful about doing away with the their riding. They can then make electronic systems mitigate the risks opportunity for people to take part in their candidate choice and hit the they’re concerned about,” he said. this democratic exercise together,” she vote button. “And address the failures of current told an audience of Ryerson University paper-based elections.” students. mote voting system. The company has Whether or not that meeting will When voting is done using a pho- run elections using similar technology ever happen and whether it would ac- tographic technique made famous by in Estonia, the international leader in tually lead to substantive changes to egotistical social media users, is the online voting, since 2005. During the the way Canadians vote is, of course, democratic process not made petty country’s last election, in 2015, citi- completely up in the air. and frivolous? Absolutely not, said zens cast ballots from approximately Until then, Donald and Shirley Summers. 116 different countries. Around 30 Lawson will continue to be greeted by “I don’t believe in any way, shape or per cent of eligible voters voted online lines; the next one will form in Octo- form that voting – the process or the in that election. However, electronic ber 2019, during the next Canadian importance of the process – is dimin- voting has not led to a noticeable in- federal election. Meanwhile, across the ished by not having to stand in line,” crease in turnout. pond, Mike Summers will likely be he argued. “That is absolute nonsense. The company has yet to make major stewing over a queue of his country’s Why should you have to wait to do inroads into Canada, where our gov- own making. something that’s so important?” ernment insists on sticking with tried “I’m probably the most frustrated Catching on? and true methods. Canada’s minis- voter in the UK. Full stop,” he admits. Smartmatic says more governments ter of democratic institutions Karina “I stand in line, and I know there’s a are becoming interested in their re- Gould, has said that cyber security ex- better way.”

Page 16 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 17 MAYORS From Parliament to City Hall The journey from federal to municipal politics By Hayley Chazan

Halifax Mayor Mike Savage, centre, attending a renewal of vows ceremony at Halifax’s Grand Parade.

t was a warm and sunny day that significant moment in Canada’s people who came up to me after the in July 2015; a fitting day for history and was determined to do event and said, ‘I really feel welcome Ia celebration and to take in the something to honour the occasion a here.’ To me that’s what politics is re- moment. As Halifax Mayor Mike decade later as the head of a munici- ally all about,” says Savage. “It was a Savage gathered outside of the Mari- pal government. way for me to bridge what I did as an times city hall, he couldn’t help feel- And so, he did. Mike and his team MP with what I do as a mayor.” ing nostalgic. invited 27 Nova Scotian couples, in Answering the call Ten years ago to the day, back in both same-sex and straight marriag- In all, the Library of Parliament the summer of 2005, Canada marked es, down to city hall to partake in a estimates that over 800 parliamen- the legalization of civil marriage for vow renewal ceremony called “You’re tarians have gone on to serve as may- same-sex couples. As a Liberal MP Still the One”. Mike presided. Each ors. at the time, Mike played a small role couple, including the local police For Mississauga mayor Bonnie in the passing of that landmark leg- chief and his wife, recited their vows Crombie, a former Liberal MP, and islation. Nevertheless, he always felt in front of a crowd of 150 onlookers. Vaughan mayor Maurizio Bevilac- proud to play a parliamentary part of “I was struck by the number of qua, another former Liberal MP, a

Page 18 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 19 MAYORS

Vaughan mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua stands alongside Prime Minister Trudeau and then Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne during the 2017 grand opening of a subway station. Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie addresses crowds during her 2016 State of the City Ad- Vaughan is located just north of Toronto. dress. Mississauga is a large city neighbouring Toronto on Lake Ontario.

strong devotion to serve the public door if she could count on his sup- Making a difference was the reason they eventually de- port. He skeptically replied, “I want on the big issues cided to get involved locally. you to tell me right now what you’ve Mayor of Halifax Mike Savage “My major focus was public service done for me.” explains that more and more, the and how I could best use my skills She responded confidently, citing world is seeing mayors move the to serve the people,” says Maurizio. her committee work, community ad- ball forward on big issues that have “For me it’s really about answer- vocacy and debate on the budget bill. traditionally been left to other levels ing the call. Wherever I am needed, But as soon as she said it all out loud, of government. These include the wherever I am required, that’s where she realized how trivial it sounded. environment, health, immigration I choose to serve.” All of her hard work seemed so far and human rights. Bonnie, who represented the fed- removed from the residents she was Maurizio feels that the role of eral riding of Mississauga for three so devotedly trying to represent. mayors has become enhanced in re- years, had never considered a career At the municipal level, Bonnie cent years, since most people now in municipal politics until her unex- says, she is able to do so much more live in or around large urban cen- pected defeat in 2011. that directly affects the lives of resi- tres. “I knew that I wasn’t through dents. While he’s proud of the econom- serving the community,” she ex- “As a mayor, you can very quickly ic success his city has experienced plains. “There was a lot I still wanted change peoples’ lives for the better,” since he took over as mayor in 2010, to accomplish from a public service explains Bonnie. “With one phone Maurizio says what is most impor- standpoint.” call, I can call and say the trash tant is that it has been matched by a After becoming a city council- wasn’t picked up, a neighbour didn’t social conscience. That, he explains, lor, she went on to become mayor mow his lawn, get those leaves col- comes with a recognition that the of Mississauga in 2014, succeeding lected. I can really fix things.” only way to move the city forward is Hazel McCallion, now 97, who had Crombie says municipal politics is to not leave anyone behind. been the city’s mayor since 1978. the level of government where the His advice for federal politicians Measuring municipal politic’s “rubber meets the road”, since in an considering a move to municipal direct impact instant, you can touch people’s lives. government is first and foremost to Bonnie says she’ll never forget the Nevertheless, city hall is not Parlia- always focus on serving the public. moment she realized that the most ment Hill, and MPs turned mayors “Whether you go and give your relevant level of government was mu- do miss certain elements of their fed- gifts and blessings to the city and nicipal. eral careers. They yearn for the ca- or to the country, as long as you’re It was 2011, and she was out maraderie of being part of a caucus, serving for all the right reasons, knocking on doors in her riding dur- where you can feel like you are part you’re going to have a very enjoya- ing the federal election campaign. of a team. They describe the “magic” ble, meaningful and rewarding life.” Bonnie was just starting her canvas of working inside such a majestic Beyond the Hill did reach out to and walked up to the first door on building, feeling the history as you MPs turned city councillors beyond the the street. After introducing herself, push open the old doors of Centre former Liberal MPs but they did not she asked the man who answered the Block. immediately respond to our requests.

Page 18 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 19 DEMONSTRATIONS Demonstrations on the House floor – do they work? By Maya Gwilliam n Australian senator breast-feed- ing while addressing the Senate, Aa Canadian MP wearing braids while delivering a speech on body sham- ing in the House of Commons, an elect- ed member throwing a dead salmon onto the House desk of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney after criticizing his ap- proach to West Coast salmon fishing. What do these actions all have in com- mon? They’re all demonstrations made in legislatures by people determined to bring attention to issues they believe have been overlooked by their govern- ment. Their method: to put the problem squarely in policy makers’ sightline and within the view of cameras. The question is whether these public demonstrations and performances actu- Australian Senator Larissa Waters of the Greens Party carries her baby daughter Alia Joy. ally lead to substantive change. While Photo credit: Reuters. some of these actions may lead to greater conversations, others have lackluster ef- the Australian senator likely accom- momentary attention, they would be fects based on the way individuals sought plished her goal of raising awareness. very short-lived.” attention for their cause. The academic noted that because this Stressing the need for repetition, In June 2018, Australian Greens Sena- is one of many worldwide instances of Smith said that if similar activist acts are tor Larissa Waters moved a motion on parliamentarians breastfeeding at work repeated elsewhere it leads to a snowball black lung disease which affects coal and because the image is so striking, it effect. Look no further than those who miners, while breastfeeding her daugh- has likely had a sizable impact. When it rejected the Vietnam War, said Smith. ter Alia in the chamber. Funnily enough, comes to public demonstrations on the “The decision took a long period the parliamentarian admitted that her floor, it appears to be power by num- of time and it was an issue people had 14-week-old also “moved her own mo- bers. strong emotions about. I don’t see sin- tion” in the process. Alia is the first baby “This has likely encouraged a broader gular demonstrations as having a very to be breastfed in the federal parliament culture of respect for breastfeeding in strong or continuing impact on either Down Under. A year previous, such an public and at work, though it is hard to public opinion or the actions and opin- act would not have been allowed. quantify whether it has had an impact ions of politicians,” he explained. “We need more women and parents in on public opinion in that regard. But A place for disruption? Parliament. And we need more family- the symbolic importance certainly was Macfarlane said the most memorable friendly and flexible workplaces, and af- reflected in media coverage,” he added. political demonstration he has witnessed fordable childcare, for everyone,” insisted David Smith, a distinguished visiting was not carried out by a sitting member, Senator Waters, who regularly has her scholar at the department of politics and but by another type of parliamentary baby accompany her around the upper public administration at Ryerson Univer- employee – a Senate page. chamber. sity, seemed to agree with Macfarlane. In During the 2011 throne speech This June, Democratic Institutions order to have effect, the protest message 22-year-old Bridgette DePape broke Minister Karina Gould breastfed her must be replicated elsewhere, involve an protocol and brandished a sign reading, baby boy Oliver in the Canadian House issue that already touches the lives of a “Stop Harper!” in the middle of the Sen- of Commons, during Question Period. large portion of society and be recorded ate chamber. The young woman was dis- Gould is the first Canadian federal cabi- so that it can be quickly exchanged. satisfied with the direction then Prime net minister to ever take maternity leave. “Unless the protests are linked to Minister Harper was taking the country, Power in numbers some kind of policy that has a public claiming that his policies encouraged According to Emmett Macfarlane, an impact or public responsibility, I don’t “fear and war” over “compassion”. She associate professor of political science at quite see that they would be effective,” was ultimately let go from her job for the University of Waterloo, in this case, Smith said. “While they might attract breaking non-partisan protocol. The

Page 20 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 21 DEMONSTRATIONS

“If you’re a member of the House of Commons, you have a legitimate place with- in that chamber, a page or a spectator doesn’t. They are welcome to say what they want outside the chamber but not to speak in it.” - Stephen Azzi, associate professor of political management at Carleton University

stunt made national headlines, but Mac- farlane said he thinks the spectacle had very little influence, largely due to when it took place. “The page’s protest came right after the 2011 election when the Harper Con- servatives received a majority govern- ment,” recalled Macfarlane. “There was something absurd about the timing, in that respect, and there’s no evidence the protest had any impact on public opin- Liberal MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes wore her Former Senate page Brigette DePape is ion.” hair in braids in the House of Commons to draw escorted out of the Senate by the sergeant-at- Stephen Azzi, an associate profes- attention to body shaming. Photo credit: CPAC. arms after unveiling a “Stop Harper” sign. sor of political management at Carleton Photo credit: Chris Wattie/Reuters. University, said he believes the activist’s afros or hijabs. The Ontario politician tend to be sharper than outsiders.” choice of location deserves criticism. emphasized her point by wearing her Smith said he believes people need to While he said there are certain instanc- hair in braids. “I will continue to rock understand that regardless of the type es where you need to break the rules to these braids,” she emphasized during her of demonstration, it takes a substan- make a point, it was inappropriate for speech to the House. tial amount of time for a policy to be the page to disrupt the chamber while it Azzi said he approved of this particu- altered; that revisions don’t instantane- was in session, just because she selfishly lar demonstration. ously appear. At the end of the day, he wanted to convey a message. “She’s raising an important issue, she’s said, a demonstration within Parliament “If you’re a member of the House of doing it within the rules and confines of is successful if it actually changes Cana- Commons you have a legitimate place the House of Commons and that strikes dian policy. within that chamber, a page or a specta- me as perfectly legitimate,” he noted. “I think a demonstration’s success is tor doesn’t,” he said. “They are welcome Choosing a messenger measured by whether the policy is al- to say what they want outside the cham- When parsing parliamentary demon- tered, or conforms to what the demon- ber but not to speak in it.” strations, the question becomes, what strators are seeking,” Smith insisted. Tools at their disposal has more of a long-term impact, a pro- “It just depends on the legitimacy of It is these rules and regulations that test group unraveling an environmental the place, of the person in that place and limit a politicians’ ability to add colour banner from the public gallery, or an MP the [question of whether] they’re bring- to their potential demonstrations. Those below speaking passionately and analyti- ing an important issue to the public’s that want to be heard need to be inven- cally about reducing climate change? attention or just drawing attention to tive. According to de Clercy, because politi- themselves,” added Azzi. According to Cristine de Clercy, an cians are the ones who actually have the While demonstrations performed by associate professor of political science at power to create policy, they are the best the public within Parliament usually get Western University, Canada’s Parliament ones to raise red flags within Parliament the most media attention because of out- has internal rules on what types of com- when change needs to occur. While pub- landish actions, Azzi said there are effec- munications are permitted. For instance, lic demonstrations by members of the tive ways for those who aren’t members members aren’t allowed to use physi- public have a spotty success rate, politi- of Parliament to voice their concerns. cal props while making speeches in the cal representatives know the legislative Apparently, they just have to do it be- House of Commons. system that change must travel through, yond the walls of Parliament. As a result, demonstrations rarely in- and therefore know how to direct that “In the U.S. right now, school children volve physical aids. Unless they’re willing change for maximum impact. are marching in the streets for gun con- to face punishment, federal politicians “People who are or were members of trol. They’re not disrupting the proceed- must strictly rely on oral communication the legislature are more privy to the rules ings in the House, but they’re drawing to deliver their demonstrations. and nuances regarding communication, a lot of attention to the cause through However, some MPs are more inven- that other people who tune into the leg- peaceful demonstrations in the streets,” tive than others. Last year, Liberal MP islature might not appreciate,” she ex- he said. “I think it depends on the cir- Celina Caesar-Chavannes brought atten- plained. “So when people make impact- cumstance, but I think what they’re do- tion to the fact that some girls in Can- ful communications in the House, they ing is very successful and I think if they ada and abroad have faced prejudice in do so in a way that is sort of a privileged start disrupting the proceedings of Con- or been banned from schools for their communication, aimed at members of gress, that public opinion would turn hairstyles; whether it be braids, dreads, the House, so those people’s evaluations against them.”

Page 20 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 21 1867 Not just Canadian Confederation – a look back at 1867 By Lynn McDonald Lynn McDonald.

Now that we have recovered from celebrating the 150th anniversary of Canada’s founding, we might look at some of the other great events of that vintage year, 1867.

here was electoral reform, care generally. Both bills would great- a move to higher quality care. Work- health care reform, and the ly influence Canada. houses with progressive governors Tfirst recognition of the state’s On May 20 1867, philosopher- and boards not only upgraded the obligation to provide care. There were turned-MP, John Stuart Mill, moved nursing and established nursing notable achievements in technology an amendment to the Representation schools, but built new, safer hospitals. (Alfred Nobel patented dynamite, of the People Bill, requesting to sub- Without these advancements, the es- where profits later funded the Nobel stitute the word “person” for “man”, tablishment of the United Kingdom’s prizes), medicine (surgeon Joseph Lis- thus giving women the vote. It was National Health Service, a body that ter pioneered antiseptic surgery and defeated 196 votes to 73. Numerous greatly influenced Canada’s approach cut post-surgery death rates), pollu- attempts in the following decades to publicly funded hospitals and med- tion abatement (to reduce acid rain in would also be defeated. Nevertheless, ical care, would not have been possi- the UK), protection of biodiversity (a his motion inspired women’s suffrage ble. petition to protect bird habitats led to movements around the world. Most Social reform versus Communism legislation and the early conservation Canadian women only got the vote German philosopher Karl Marx’s movement). after the First World War. 1867 book Das Kapital, alongside Other events of note in 1867 were The Metropolitan Poor Bill, which The Communist Manifesto of 1848 the Alaska Purchase (making America Mill also responded to, can be seen as (by Marx and Friedrich Engels) theo- greater), the first publication of Karl a major step towards the public pro- rized the overthrow of capitalism, ar- Marx’s Das Kapital (his theoretical vision of healthcare in the UK, even- guing that it could not be reformed. justification for the downfall of capi- tually provided through the National However, the two reforms previously talism). And last but certainly not Health Service in 1948. The bill im- mentioned can be seen as key meas- least, 1867 was the year the Canadian proved hospital standards and estab- ures that belied that prediction. The Lacrosse Association, for Canada’s na- lished medicine dispensaries, but fell Metropolitan Poor Bill led to vast im- tional summer sport, was founded. short of what the workhouse reform- provements in the provision of health Reducing suffering and ers, including Florence Nightingale, care for all, regardless of one’s ability expanding suffrage the founder of nursing, had hoped for. to pay. The Representation of the Peo- While the British North Ameri- Nightingale gave a brief to the par- ple Bill helped to extend franchise, al- can Act was making its way through liamentary committee that preceded though groups like Canadian women Westminster, so too were two other the bill on the inclusion of trained and Aboriginals still had a long fight bills that got much less attention: the nursing (the workhouses then had ahead of them. Both laws showed that Representation of the People Bill, occasional visits from doctors, but significant reforms could be made, which extended the franchise to ur- only drunken “pauper nurses”). She short of revolution and violent over- ban working-class men, and the Met- had sought the requirement of pro- throw. Contrary to what was written ropolitan Poor Bill, which upgraded fessional nursing care, while the bill in Marx’s 1867 text, democratic insti- the workhouse infirmaries of London only permitted it. On amendment, tutions could make life better. – the hospitals for the poor notorious the bill allowed for nursing schools Considering the environment for bed sharing, vermin and lack of to be founded at workhouses, again The progress made in 1867 on bio-

Page 22 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 23 LEGAL FILES Personal legal files of five diversity protection was prompted by a petition to UK Parliament to “limit retired MPs disappear from the slaughter” of birds, seen especially on the east coast, thanks to the growth of steam travel. Day trippers killed for federal mailroom sport, even bringing some species to By Maya Gwilliam near extinction. The petition called for a heavy tax on guns and the protec- tion of habitats. Birds were not only federal department has lost when they were being transferred “ornamental” and gave pleasure, but the sensitive information of between Ottawa and Gatineau. He destroyed insects that damaged crops: Afive former members of Par- gave his assurance that more safety “Birds perform a most useful part in liament, in what appears to be gov- precautions have since been put in the economy of Nature.” Scientists ernment-wide privacy breach. place. took up the call, a Sea Birds Preser- Public Services and Procurement A March 31, 2016 internal review vation Act was adopted in 1869 and Canada (PSPC) allegedly lost pack- of the department’s privacy policies the Royal Society for the Protection ages of original legal files concern- showed large oversights. of Birds was hatched. Canada’s Mi- ing retired MPs and their spouses in “There is no formal privacy train- gratory Birds Convention Act, which a suburban Ottawa mailroom. The ing provided to employees to pro- protects certain bird species was estab- documents included home address- vide them with the knowledge and lished in 1917. es, telephone numbers and pension awareness necessary to meet privacy Environmentalists today can also information, along with their origi- obligations,” it read. “Processes for learn from the discovery of various nal or notarized power-of-attorney managing personal information emissions in 1864, with a damn- declarations. The department was shared with third parties are not in ing report by chemist Robert Angus in the process of attempting to re- place.” Smith in 1867 that led to major pol- turn the documents to the former Two years ago, in one of the worst lution abatement measures. Smith parliamentarians. reported breaches, the department discovered that the required 15 per Since the November 2016 slip-up, accidently emailed out the unen- cent reductions in acid rain emissions PSPC has been reassuring the af- crypted personal information of had been achieved, but total emissions fected parties that they are still on 12,901 federal employees, including rose as the number of emitting facto- the hunt to retrieve their personal salaries and test results. ries increased. The same holds for “per information. In an effort to mitigate a future barrel” reductions of greenhouse gas “While the loss of this document privacy breach, the administra- emissions in the oil industry. The at- is regrettable, we want to assure tion of MPs’ pension plan has been mosphere is influenced by total emis- you that safeguards and quality as- transferred to the federal pension sions, not per capita or per barrel. surance measures remain in place to centre in Shediac, New Brunswick. A final (curious) note ensure the ongoing integrity of your “As the pension centre in Shediac The British North America Act, pension account,” a copy of a letter only has one document centre, this 1867 that established this country sent to those affected, obtained by eliminates the risk associated with all those years ago may have actually the CBC, said. “In the event that documents being transferred,” Lé- given some Canadian women the vote the document is ever located, you tourneau said. “The pension centre on July 1, 1867, were it not for a draft- will be contacted and advised im- has put in additional security meas- ing mistake, missed in the House of mediately.” ures as it relates to these files. Only Lords, where the government intro- PSPC’s communications advisor a limited number of employees have duced the bill, that was “corrected” Jean-François Létourneau said that access to the files and the access is in the House of Commons. An MP the department is obligated to re- controlled by a rigorous authentica- asked if the intention was “to give port all material privacy breaches to tion process,” he added. the franchise to females,” because the the Office of the Privacy Commis- Létourneau also explained that original wording specified “every Brit- sioner of Canada for their review. when a privacy breach occurs, it is ish subject” would be allowed to vote They did so in August of 2017, policy that the identities of those af- in a certain region of northern Ontar- more than nine months following fected are withheld. What is known io, without mentioning gender. The the loss. is that some are retired MPs and response? The word “Male” was in- Those affected had the option spouses who receive part of the pen- serted to avoid such an unintentional of filing a formal complaint. To sion of a deceased MP. mistake. It was the only change British his knowledge, none have done so. Despite the fact the files have legislators made to the document. Those affected were originally con- yet to be found, no other pension- Lynn McDonald served as an NDP MP in the tacted by phone last June. related privacy breaches involving riding of Broadview–Greenwood, in Toronto, Létourneau further explained former or current MPs have been Ontario from 1982-1988. that the documents went missing reported since the last incident.

Page 22 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 23 It Seems to me

Leaving the Indian Act behind to find freedom and a future By Dorothy Dobbie Dorothy Dobbie

hen I was a newly minted Nation, Waywayseecappo, won an servant name Harry Price, who was member of Parliament, I international baseball championship, then deputy minister of the depart- Wwas made Parliamentary but it was not covered in the local ment. Over dinner, Harry proposed Secretary to the Minister of Indian press. I was appalled. Any other group to me that one way for First Nations and Northern Affairs. I was genu- would have made it onto the front to shuck off the yoke of government inely thrilled at the appointment, as page. This got me thinking about role dominion over their lives was to of- it seemed to me to be just the place I models and how important achieve- fer an open door policy wherein a needed to be. I spent two fascinating ments like these are to youth. These First Nation could opt to leave the years in the portfolio and loved every kids were just beginning to obtain shelter (or shackle) of the Indian Act minute. a higher education, but their focus and take control of their own destiny. The first day on the job, I was greet- then was largely on social work, po- This would give them ownership of ed with a stack of briefing papers. I lice work, nursing or, in a few cases, the lands reserved for their commu- read everything in the stack, but the law – positions of authority they were nity and autonomy in running their document that gripped me the most exposed to in their everyday lives. own affairs. One time compensation was the Indian Act. By the time I fin- The fact that they weren’t aspiring would be part of the deal. ished reading it, I was trembling with to be scientists, business people, or That doesn’t mean to say that the rage. How could generations of sensi- athletes seemed to be a direct result of Indian Act could not be altered in the ble people have imposed such a mali- our lack of recognition of those who meantime, just that there was an es- cious set of rules on another group of had succeeded in the larger world. cape hatch for those who wanted it. people in a free and supposedly demo- So, I wrote an impassioned memo to The open door policy would over- cratic society? my minister, the Hon. Pierre Cadieux. come the difficulty of getting all First The next morning a dozen people His response was the birth of the Ab- Nations to agree on some universal from the department trouped into original Achievement Awards, which terms of autonomy. Indeed, many my office to brief me. My first reac- continue to this day under the name Indigenous People I spoke to were tion was to throw down the copy of the “Indspire Awards”. resentful of the way previous govern- the Act and ask, “What’s the long I like to think this act of recognition ments had ignored their individual term plan to get rid of this pernicious was one of the things that contributed voices by putting all the negotiating document?” to the changes I witnessed at a recent control in the hands of the Assembly They looked at me in dismay, and Business Council of Manitoba dinner, of First Nations. “We are many na- then explained with great patience, where scholarships were presented to tions, not one,” they told me. At the “But Madame Dobbie, we do not a variety of young Indigenous People. time, the department frowned on the make long term plans in this place.” I was delighted to see that the scholar- use of the term “First Nations” (plu- That did not deter me. Over the ships were offered within a variety of ral), deliberately steering Indigenous next two years, I struggled with how disciplines- from the trades, to busi- People into a collective that the bu- to change things; not that I was able ness, to sciences, as well as in law, reaucrats could better “manage”. to do much, but I felt I had to try. One welfare, education and health. One It seems to me that the open door small accomplishment, however, was young woman at my table was on her policy is still a valid option that should to convince the minister to under- way to a PhD in physics! I can’t wait be available to and encouraged among write a new program to recognize the to learn how she views the world in First Nations communities. Those achievements of Aboriginal youth. scientific terms. who have moved forward through the Role models The open door door have prospered. This came about when a group of The second thing that sticks in The Indian Act young people from a Manitoba First my mind came from a brilliant civil The Indian Act is still a pernicious

Page 24 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 25 IT Seems to me

document that gets my hackles ris- ing the separation of the department ter, governing a new economy that ing as I read it. It is supercilious, pa- into two parts: one that governs land will emerge from the acceleration tronizing, degrading to both women claims and the other to deal with of technology. Everyone must work and men, but especially to women; everyday affairs. (Note that I avoided at something, or human nature will in spite of Bill S-3, that proposes to saying, “the management of Indians take us down the same path to de- treat women equally when it comes on Reserve”, although that is what it structive dependency that was visited to handing down “status”. Every mi- still does and basically says.) upon our Indigenous brothers and nor and major act of governance is I hope this process can be expedit- sisters. still referenced to the minister and all ed in a way that is advantageous to Governments and their servants reserve land is held by the minister. our first peoples. It is their only road cannot do our thinking for us. Free- Even a band member’s estate is sub- to a positive future. dom depends on autonomy. ject to the will of the minister. The new economy Dorothy Dobbie was the Progressive Con- Currently, there are moves to dis- The foregoing is a lesson for servative MP for Winnipeg South from 1988- mantle the Act, with a first step be- those who will write the next chap- 1993. Parliamentary Intern Roundtable

The Parliamentary Interns who were part of a roundtable discussion. n September of last year, former par- The former parliamentarians in- (Bloc, 1993-2004); Hon. David Kilg- liamentarians met the 10 new Par- volved in the roundtable were: Hon. our (PC, LIB and IND, 1979-2008); Iliamentary Interns for a roundtable Don Boudria (Liberal, 1984-2005); Hélène LeBlanc (NDP, 2011-2015); discussion. CAFP Executive Director Marlene Catterall (Liberal, 1988- and Hon. Jack Murta (PC, 1970- Francis LeBlanc was the moderator. 2006); Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral 1988.

Page 24 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 25 MULTI-PARTY Encouraging multi-party democracy internationally A niche role for former Canadian parliamentarians? By Hon. David Kilgour Hon. David Kilgour

West German citizens gather at a newly created opening in the Berlin Wall at Potsdamer Platz in November 1989. Photo credit: U.S. Depart- ment of Defense.

n 1989, as the Berlin Wall came Since 2006, 113 nations have experi- of government in all but Austria, down, it appeared that totalitarian enced a net decline, and only 62 have but their success at the polls helped Igovernance was mercifully gone seen an overall improvement. to weaken established parties from and a peaceful and rule of law world Troubling trends across the political spectrum. Centrist was finally attainable. Government Nations that a decade ago were dem- newcomer Emmanuel Macron hand- of, by and for citizens was thought to ocratic success stories – Turkey and the ily won the French presidency, but in have won the great ideological battle Philippines, for example – today face Germany and the Netherlands, main- of the 20th century. authoritarian if not totalitarian mis- stream parties struggled to create sta- Unfortunately, it is democratic gov- rule. Some long-established democra- ble governing coalitions. ernance that is today under attack in cies are also mired in seemingly in- Basic human rights are also reported many of the world’s almost 200 in- tractable problems at home, including to have been diminished in almost dependent nations. According to the rapidly widening economic disparities, two-thirds of the 113 countries sur- Freedom in the World report recently cynicism among citizens and terrorist veyed for the 2018 Rule of Law Index. published by the United States-based attacks. There continues to be widespread con- non-governmental organization, Free- Populist leaders who appeal to xeno- cern that there is a rise of authoritar- dom House, democracy faced its most phobia and offer short shrift to civil ian nationalism and a failure of gov- serious crisis in decades during 2017. and political liberties gained votes ernments to meet international legal Seventy-one countries suffered net and parliamentary seats in France, obligations. Venezuela is last on the declines in political rights and civil the Netherlands, Germany and Aus- list and the Philippines fell 18 places liberties, with only 35 showing gains. tria during 2017. They were kept out to 88th.

Page 26 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 27 MULTI-PARTY

Non-discrimination, freedom of ex- pression and religion, the right to pri- vacy and workers’ rights were all exam- ined when calculating the index. The respondents’ belief in the protections afforded by such rights dropped in 71 of the 113 countries measured. Exporting anti-democracy Not coincidentally, the world’s larg- est dictatorships, China and Russia, have not only increased domestic re- pression, but have exported their prac- tices. Beijing recently proclaimed that it is “blazing a new trail” for developing countries to follow; one that in practice would not provide rule of law, free and fair multi-party elections, gender equal- ity or social inclusion, while fostering crony capitalism, official corruption and state violence against disfavoured communities. Carl Gershman of the U.S.-based Na- At the Initiative for Parliamentary and Diplomatic Engagement panel on Tuesday February tional Endowment for Democracy not- 6, 2018, the all-party Democracy Caucus introduce themselves and explain their motivations ed: “Russia, China, and other authori- for forming it. From left to right are vice-chair Kennedy Stewart, MP Burnaby South, chair; Anita Vandenbeld, MP Ottawa West-Nepean; director Randy Hoback, MP Prince Albert; tarian countries are using sophisticated and vice-chair Elizabeth May, MP Saanich–Gulf Islands. Photo by Justin Tang. soft power techniques and multilateral coalitions like the Shanghai Co-opera- tion Organization to subvert the global tance project budget to strengthening Commons). Only around 14 heads of norms contained in the Universal Dec- parliaments and political parties. state are women. How can parliaments laration of Human Rights and to replace Among the issues raised at a Febru- and political parties make measurable them with the norm of unlimited state ary 2018 joint event of the House of progress for greater participation of sovereignty.” He added, “They’re using Commons’ all-party Democracy Cau- women in politics? trackers, trolls and other instruments to cus and the Carleton Initiative for • Parliamentary and election sup- subvert the integrity of the media space Parliamentary and Diplomatic Engage- port initiatives are cost-effective “force in Europe and elsewhere to spread con- ment: multipliers”, in the sense that those fusion and divisions and to undermine • Canada as a respected nation is well involved interact daily with MPs, pro- the institutions of the West.” placed to “up its game” significantly in grams and the executive branch of gov- The spread of anti-democratic prac- helping to strengthen parliamentary ernments. Parliaments of other major tices internationally also poses eco- democracies and civil societies around nations are able work directly with leg- nomic and security risks. When more the Commonwealth and in other na- islators abroad. nations are free, all countries are safer tions, with significant help coming • Francis Le Blanc, executive direc- and more prosperous. When more are from former MPs and senators. One ex- tor of the Canadian Association of autocratic and repressive, treaties and pert told those present at the event that Former Parliamentarians, noted that alliances weaken, nations and regions Canadians working internationally on as part of offering “more Canada” to become unstable, and violent extremists governance issues for Canadian NGOs strengthen democracy elsewhere, our have increased room to operate. are virtually non-existent. ex-MPs, having been in Parliament, are Worrisome, too, is that some young • Globally, political participation now available to programs expanding people, who have little memory of the remains the sphere where the least across the globe. long struggles against totalitarianism in progress has been made in closing the In short, if ever there was a good various forms, might be losing faith in equality gap between women and men. time for Canada to do significantly democratic governance. A determined Women are especially effective at nego- more in this area of international coop- struggle to rebuild it must begin im- tiating security and social issues. Jac- eration, it is on democratic governance, mediately. queline O’Neill, president of Inclusive and now. Canada’s role Security, a Washington-based group The Hon. David Kilgour was a member of Canada, as an internationally respect- that works to increase the number of Parliament for 27 years (1979-2006), on two occasions serving as a secretary of state. He ed parliamentary democracy, is not car- women in peace and security activities served under the Progressive Conservative rying its weight in encouraging multi- internationally, noted that currently Party and the Liberal Party, and sat as an in- party democracy. It has been estimated only around 24 per cent of parliamen- dependent. that our government allocates a mere tarians globally are female (around the A different version of this article ap- 1.4 per cent of its international assis- same percentage as in our House of peared in The Epoch Times.

Page 26 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 27 How it works

Our new nuclear age By Hon. John Reid

Hon. John Reid.

hen the American President Donald Trump and the Wleader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, threatened nuclear warfare last August, my mind went back to 1945. I was eight years old, in elemen- tary school, and understood that some- thing monumental had taken place in the war. Atomic bombs had been dropped on two Japanese cities, Hi- roshima and Nagasaki, with unprec- edented power and destruction. But no one was able to tell me what an atomic bomb was, except that it was some- thing new, very powerful, highly de- structive and had helped to end the war in the Pacific. I was told that someone named Albert Einstein had invented it, but not until I got to university was I able to get a full explanation. We were A North Korean navy truck carries a submarine-launched ballistic missile during a military told that while only our side had the parade in April, 2017. Photo credit: Reuters. new bomb, dangers existed because we did not know how to handle it. While this was going on, the Ko- Missile Crisis when it appeared that the Nuclear tit-for-tat rean War ignited. Although China USSR was building a nuclear missile After the Second World War, the intervened militarily, no nukes were base in Cuba, directly threatening the United States continued to test bombs involved. When the war halted with U.S., just as the Americans had threat- in the Pacific. It was not too long after, the signing of an armistice in 1953, ened the Russians by building ballistic in 1949, when the news came out that around 2.5 million died, a large por- missile bases close to the USSR. For- the USSR had their own bomb. The tion of them civilians. Canada sent tunately, the matter was resolved, but Cold War began with each side armed 26,791 military personnel, and suf- there was a great deal of tension in the with nuclear weapons. Just before Ei- fered 516 causalities with over 1,500 Americas because it meant the oceans senhower became president in 1952, wounded. But there was no peace trea- no longer provided protection. Now the Americans succeeded in testing a ty made then and there still isn’t one that the superpowers had developed hydrogen bomb. The Russians were today. Unless the recent photo oppor- intercontinental ballistic missiles, the not too far behind in their research. In tunity between President Trump and old age was gone forever. the 1950s, strontium-90, a byproduct Kim Jong Un amounts to substantial Over the 40-year period of the Cold of nuclear testing, started showing up cooperation, technically, North and War, there were sufficient emergencies in dairy products. Because the USSR South Korea, along with China and to deal with as the nuclear club gained had a nuclear arsenal as well, people the United Nations are still at war. new members, like China, Britain, began to take precautions. The Cold War started in 1947 and France, India, Pakistan, Israel, and lest I recall the drills where we hid under lasted until the dissolution of the USSR we forget, North Korea. our desks, and elders ensured we knew in 1991. We are the children that grew Fearful flashbacks how to quickly get down to our base- up in that period, and lived through all Nuclear technology was just so new. ments (we did not have one). There those threats of war. The doctrine both The sensing systems to keep an eye were even families who built bomb sides adhered to was Mutually Assured on the enemy were also new. There shelters, stocked with emergency food Destruction – MAD. The incident I seemed to always be incidents of either and water. remember most vividly is the Cuban the USSR or the U.S. making forays

Page 28 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 29 Parliament to Campus

into the other’s territory. Parliament to The Canadian Arctic, both air and sea, was a very busy place. In the last few years, there have been acknowl- edgements that competent military campus program officers in charge of ICBMs on either side prevented missile launches when their sensing equipment gave false How to get involved in readings. That continues to be a problem even today, as we discovered in January educating the next generation when a false reading came in and all of Hawaii was warned that a missile about Canadian democracy was coming at them. It took 38 min- utes before people were told it was a false alarm. It was harrowing for the residents of Hawaii and a reminder of the Cold War. Now that the Ameri- cans and the Russians are modernizing their nuclear weapons, one hopes that these false positives will no longer oc- cur. However, since we are still in the early days of understanding artificial intelligence, this is not likely. Our generation grew up under MAD. Until 1991, there was always the fear that an incident could trigger a nuclear war, where there would be no winners. The fear twisted North American societies. The rise of Mc- Carthyism, the Nuclear Bomarc ques- tion in Canada, the USSR successfully launching Sputnik into space, Ronald Reagan’s Star Wars project, all helped mould a culture of fear. We are the first generation to live with the real- ity that weapons we created could wipe out humanity entirely. It was Albert Einstein in 1905 who first uncovered the code to help explain nuclear energy. It took 40 years to un- he Canadian Association of are eager to engage in a conversation derstand how to unleash this power. Former Parliamentarians “Par- about the relevance of an institution Like most things, this power can be liament to Campus” program they appreciate critically. Created in used for good or ill. The clash between T brings together former parliamentar- 2007, hundreds of former parlia- the president of the United States and ians, university and college students, mentarians have taken part in the the ruler of North Korea and the recent as well as their teachers. Professors program. Reflecting on their past as scare in Hawaii, are reminders that we from schools across Canada are invit- political activists and as members of not only live on a fragile planet, but ed to request the presence of former Parliament, their aim is to help stu- that we humans are also very fragile in parliamentarians to address classes dents discuss the merits of political our emotional and intelligence states. or simply to participate in events on life, the functions of Parliament and As technology advances, it becomes campus. Specialized courses where the quality of democracy in Canada. easier to make nuclear weapons but it former members may prove to be They base their comments on their is clear that we have not worked out most beneficial can be Canadian personal experiences and speak about how to cope with the challenges of the politics, democratic theory, law, in- the realities of Canadian politics in a expansion of the nuclear age. The nu- ternational affairs, journalism, or non-partisan manner. clear threat has been re-born. public administration. There are no If you would like to get involved The Hon. John Reid served as a Liberal MP in the riding of Kenora–Rainy River, Ontario, fees involved. with the Parliament to Campus pro- from 1965-1984. He is also a former presi- Former parliamentarians have gram, please contact the CAFP office dent of the Canadian Nuclear Association. much to offer today’s students and at exparl.gc.ca or 1-888-567-4764.

Page 28 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 29 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Staying in touch By Hayley Chazan and Scott Hitchcox “I remember commenting to a friend that I clearly didn’t get the memo that I was retired, because when you look at my agenda, I’ve actually got several things on the go every week. There’s hardly a day that goes by where I’m just sitting at home.” – Hon. Marjory LeBreton Gerald Keddy (Conservative MP, 1997-2015) Q: You retired from politics just prior to the 2015 federal election. What does a typical day look like for you now that you’re back in Nova Scotia full-time? The first year or two of retirement, you end up working as hard or harder than you did than when you were an MP. You do all these little projects around the home that you didn’t get done when you were traveling back and forth to Ottawa. Before I started working in politics, I was a Christmas tree farmer. When I retired and came back to Nova Scotia, I was able to get my business back up and running. I own a small Christmas tree acreage, about 25 acres of trees, and I sell them to a wholesaler. In re- turning to the business, I put my fenc- es back up, fixed up my land, got my Gerald Keddy visiting the Arctic Circle. Hon. Marjory LeBreton. roads back in shape and even bought a little flock of sheep. It’s been a whirl- life and part of your responsibility. I association. It’s not something I plan wind of activity. know parliamentarians who have been to do forever and I think they need Q: What do you enjoy most about in politics for so long that they end up someone with a bit more free time, but being back in Nova Scotia? losing their connections to the world they had a vacancy they needed to fill The best thing about being home is outside of Ottawa. When you actu- and I felt it was my duty to give back. being able to spend more time with my ally have those connections again, you family. It takes a while to realize that cherish it. Hon. Marjory LeBreton you’re not getting up in the morning Q: Do you miss politics? (Conservative Senator, 1993-2015) and heading to the airport. Every once in a while an issue ap- Q: What have you been up to We have four kids living in the Yu- pears in the news that makes you nos- since you retired from the Senate? kon and they are doing well. So, in the talgic for the cut and thrust of the par- I’ve been retired from the Senate for summer time, it’s not a matter of find- liamentary system. But I’m more than about two and half years. Immediately ing a long weekend to go up and see happy in retirement. After serving for after, I got involved in the 2015 feder- them. We try to go for three weeks or 18 years as an MP, I was ready to move al election campaign, so that occupied a month. The first year that I retired I on to another phase in my life. my time for the first few months. went up to the Yukon and went hiking Many parliamentarians find it diffi- Even though I’m not on the Hill on with my three sons. We had an amaz- cult to make the transition. Some have a daily basis anymore, I still stay on ing time and got to see a big piece of trouble finding work, others just go top of the news. I have three news- the country that is just a wonderful back to their normal lives. In my case, papers delivered to me daily. I spend part of the world. It’s very “frontier- I just went back to running my busi- the first couple of hours each morning spirited”. There are a lot of good folks ness, albeit on a smaller scale. watching and reading the news. Simi- who live there. Lots of opportunity. I also continue to stay involved at lar to many people, I’m fixated with As an MP, you forget just how much the local level. I recently took on the what’s going on south of the border. I time you spend on the road or abroad, role of president of the South Shore- can hardly believe it. because it really becomes part of your Saint Margaret’s Conservative riding

Page 30 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 31 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

“I sat on the subcommittee on international human rights, which really affected me. I still keep in contact with some of my colleagues on the committee. I believe there’s a very strong connection between arts and culture and human rights, so I’m working on bringing those a little closer together.” – Tyrone Benskin

Q: You now have more time to be in the Senate. I do miss my caucus col- with family. What’s that been like? leagues and the political side, but I’ve My family life has kept me busy managed to stay involved. I go up to throughout my retirement. In 2016 we the Hill regularly and have lunch with had a wedding, then my granddaugh- people in the media and with former ter made me a great-grandmother at colleagues. I still watch Question Pe- the end of October, 2017. riod as much as possible. I have also been dealing with my Q: What are your hobbies? husband’s health issues. Having been I’m an avid gardener. I live on the involved in organizing and events shores of the Rideau River and have came in handy, because I became a full a perennial garden. I’m always experi- time organizer and advocate for my menting with new plants. I’m also a husband’s health. It’s very important pet lover. I have several cats. And I’m to be an advocate in our health system a big hockey fan, although I’m kind of these days. disappointed with what the Senators Q: To what extent are you still in- are up to these days. volved in your community? I went back on the board of direc- Tyrone Benskin tors at Mothers Against Drunk Driv- (NDP MP, 2011-2015) ing. I attend a lot of community events Q: What have you been up to in Manotick, a suburb of Ottawa since your time in Parliament? where I’ve lived since 1975. I recently Well, before I became an MP, I got involved in an organization called was, and still am, an actor. I’ve been a Rural Ottawa South Support Services. working actor for 30 years, so I found I bring expertise to that organization myself very quickly back in the creative because I was minister of state for sen- Tyrone Benskin. Photo credit: Reisler Talent. field. I guess it was rather poetic that iors for three years. I also try and at- I had my first gig on October 19 (the tend events put on by the Monarchist the race, including excitement and new day of the 2015 election); I was in the League of Canada. members. He got people debating is- studio doing some voice recording. I remember commenting to a friend sues that really mattered, like the state Since then, I’ve also done film, TV that I clearly didn’t get the memo that of our economy and Canada’s place in episodes, theatre pieces and voice I was retired, because when you look the changing world. I thoroughly en- work. I’ve been staying busy. During at my agenda, I’ve actually got several joyed that. the last two years or so of my man- things on the go every week. There’s Q: Do you miss parliamentary date, I sat on the subcommittee on in- hardly a day that goes by where I’m life? ternational human rights, which really just sitting at home. I worked on the Hill since 1963 and affected me. I still keep in contact with Q: You were involved in Kevin I never ever tired of walking up that some of my colleagues on the com- O’Leary’s bid to become leader of main walkway and looking up at Cen- mittee. I believe there’s a very strong the Conservative party. What was tre Block. I was always quite in awe of connection between arts and culture that like? the place and I know that anyone who and human rights, so I’m working on I actually didn’t involve myself at has been involved in politics and Par- bringing those a little closer together. first. I just went to events as the vari- liament, in whatever role, has had that Q: Looking back at your time on ous candidates declared. Then, when same feeling. But you know, I did it the Hill, what would you say are Kevin O’Leary expressed an interest so long and I met so many interesting some of your proudest moments? and asked if I’d be willing to have a people that I felt, after all those years, I Even though the bill was defeated, I chat with him, I said of course. I was was ready to move on. So I don’t miss was pretty proud to put together Bill very happy to have been part of his it on a day-to-day basis. I certainly do C-427, which called for income tax campaign. I think he brought a lot to not miss some of the things going on averaging for artists. This was some-

Page 30 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 31 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

“I crossed the floor from the NDP to the Liberals, which was part of a trade with then Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, in exchange for a process that would divide the Northwest Territories; once an agreement on a boundary and a referendum was held. The result was eventually the creation of Nunavut in 1999.” – Peter Ittinuar

thing that, during my time as national I was the first Eskimo member of vice-president of ACTRA (the Alli- Parliament in Canada, so I guess tech- ance of Canadian Cinema, Television nically speaking, I made a bit of histo- and Radio Artists) before I became ry. I tried to represent the people that an MP, was high on the list of things beforehand had not been represented that we artists were looking for. To be by any of their own race. able to draft a bill and have that bill de- Q: What do you consider to be bated was definitely a proud moment. your biggest accomplishment dur- I also drafted a bill to amend the ing your time in politics? Immigration and Refugee Protection A couple of things stand out. One Act to allow individuals fleeing con- was Section 35 of the Canadian Con- jugal violence from any country to be stitution, which recognizes First Na- able to claim refugee status in Canada. tions, Inuit and Métis, and I had a This came out of a situation where a pretty good hand in that. That’s my Mexican woman from my riding was baby. fleeing conjugal violence. She built a The second thing I can think of was life in Canada, had two children, and of a bigger nature. I crossed the floor was living here for six years while her from the NDP to the Liberals, which claim was processed. Ultimately, the was part of a trade with then Prime claim was rejected and she was de- Minister Pierre Trudeau, in exchange ported back to Mexico. Now in her for a process that would divide the case, she was able to re-apply, not as a Northwest Territories; once an agree- refugee, but as an immigrant, and was ment on a boundary and a referendum granted status. But, another woman was held. The result was eventually the was deported for the same reason, and Peter Ittinuar. Photo credit: The Cord. creation of Nunavut in 1999. she was killed. So, the impetus for me Q: What have you been up to was, whether you’re fleeing from the since you left politics? U.S., Europe or wherever, if you feel a person that you’ll meet that will say Quite a number of things, but for the need to leave your country to pro- anything different. I think the last 10 the last 14 years or so, I’ve been a land tect yourself, it should be our duty to years or so were probably the most claims negotiator for the Ontario gov- offer you asylum. To say that a country extraordinary 10 years this country ernment, which I still am today. I find has laws on the books against conjugal has ever faced. I was a part of making time to go back to the territories and violence that will infallibly protect you people aware of what was happening visit family, but I now live in Brant- is quite frankly nonsense. We have an in Canada and within its democracy. ford, Ontario, work in Toronto and obligation to help those that fear for It is a flawed system for sure, but it is travel all over the province. It’s a pretty their lives. a system that deserves respect. It is a fulfilling life. Q: Do you still have connections system that requires us to sit down and Q: What do you like to do for with your riding of Jeanne-Le Ber, work together to make the necessary fun? Quebec? changes to make it better. Anything I like to golf. I also write a little. I’ve Oh yes, I still live there. I’m still in- can grow, no matter how good it is. written a book. I dabble in films. I’m volved in organizations there in vary- And to be a part of that for four years now working on a Hollywood biopic ing degrees, and I still obviously care was pretty extraordinary. about my grandfather. Just living now about the area. It’s my home and has at our age is fun. Getting up everyday been since 1990. Peter Ittinuar and saying, “Wow, I’m still here,” is Q: How would you summarize (NDP, Liberal, Independent MP, fun. your time as an MP? 1979-1984) It was the most extraordinary expe- Q: You were the first Inuk MP. Interviews have been shortened for rience in my life. I don’t think there’s What did that mean to you? length.

Page 32 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 33 DYING IN OFFICE Capturing parliamentarian perspectives By Hayley Chazan

ast summer, Scarborough MP Arnold Chan stood up in the LHouse of Commons to deliver an impassioned plea to his fellow par- liamentarians. Chan, who at the time was fighting a losing battle with cancer, implored his colleagues of all political stripes to elevate the debate in the Commons and to treat one another with respect and civility. Listening may be more important than talking, he said. Three months later, nearly to the day, Chan lost his battle with cancer and died while in office. His pass- ing prompted an outpouring of sup- port from colleagues past and present. They praised him for his positivity, energy and optimism, and most im- portantly, for his commitment to serve Canadians. Of the 4,419 MPs elected to the House of Commons since 1867, 521 have died while in office. That number Members of Parliament who passed away during the 42nd session of Parliament, from top left: includes four in the past parliamenta- Liberal MP Arnold Chan, Conservative MP Jim Hillyer, Liberal MP Mauril Bélanger and ry session: Arnold Chan, Mauril Bé- Conservative MP Gord Brown. langer, Jim Hillyer and Gord Brown. tional anthem gender neutral. Several series of exit interviews with 65 for- The death of four sitting MPs in the months after his passing, the Liberal mer members. From these interviews span of merely two years stood out for government made his dream a reality. emerged four reports, which recorded longtime political staffer and Ottawa Capturing the stories of the living reflections of their time in office and law professor Penny Collenette. But, Collenette also strongly be- advice and recommendations for fu- In a column in the Toronto Star lieves that it’s not just departed MPs ture parliaments. Samara is currently published shortly after Chan’s death, who should be entitled to memoriali- releasing findings from a more recent Collenette wrote that honouring the zation. All parliamentarians, departed round of exit interviews with mem- memories of departed MPs in mean- or not, deserve to have their stories bers who sat in the 41st Parliament. ingful ways can give their legacies told and their legacies guarded, she Collenette, a former PMO senior di- more influence and stamina. However, argues. rector during the Chrétien years, said she says more needs to be done. While “So many good people get elect- she believes that this initiative should parliamentarians who have passed can ed for short periods of time, some be formalized to include glimpses of live on in the names of public build- of them in a minority Parliament, Canada’s history through the eyes of ings and streets, she has other ideas. and for them, it was the highlight all MPs. She thinks the best way to “Establishing scholarships for stu- of their life,” she explained during a do this would be to conduct exit in- dents or awards for outstanding in- telephone interview with Beyond the terviews with former members within dividuals inspire and tell new stories Hill. “Then they go back and do their a year of their retirement, resignation while simultaneously allowing a legacy regular jobs and I’m not sure we tru- or defeat. to be inclusive and diverse,” she wrote. ly capture their descriptions of what “MPs have formed the backbone Dying while in office brings with they saw or what they thought about of Canada’s history for the past 150 it unique considerations, says Collen- the events they observed.” years,” explained Collenette. “Know- ette. Often times, the causes that MPs In 2009 and 2010, Samara Canada, ing their valuable stories and guarding championed take on a greater weight a charitable organization focused on their memories can serve to connect after they die than they had during strengthening Canada’s democracy, us with the past, while at the same their lifetime. An example is that of tried to address this issue. Through a time linking us to the future. We may the late Mauril Bélanger, whose death- partnership with the CAFP, Samara even learn to listen to each other – just bed wish was to make Canada’s na- conducted the country’s first-ever as Arnold Chan wished.”

Page 32 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 33 FROM THE BOOKSHELF Hillary Clinton’s cracked glass ceilings – how she lost to Trump Reviewed by Hon. Peter Adams

What Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton. Simon and Schuster. Sep- tember 12, 2017. United States. 512 pages. ISBN 978-1501175565.

illary Clinton was the most prepared candidate ever to run Hin a United States presidential election. Her lifetime in politics covered all the bases. She served terms as an ac- tive first lady in both Arkansas and the White House. She was senator for New York and secretary of state under Obama. She ran tough nomination races against Obama and Sanders and became the first female running for the presidency in U.S. history to represent a major party. She pierced or badly damaged glass ceilings as she went. Hillary Clinton’s book, What Hap- Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail during the 2016 election campaign. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore. pened, is a personal account of her win- ning the Democratic nomination and portunity to discuss global affairs, a then director of the FBI, close to elec- her grueling campaign against Donald topic right up the alley of a former sec- tion day. Trump in the election of 2016. It is her retary of state. Each candidate would It still smarts explanation of her defeat in the Elec- have a half hour or so to answer ques- Clinton reveals herself to be a remark- toral College, after winning the popu- tions in separate sessions. Clinton went ably thin-skinned policy wonk. For ex- lar vote by almost three million votes. first and virtually all of her session was ample she devotes a whole chapter to a The book is more readable than many spent talking about her use of private “gaffe” she made in a piece on the U.S. political memoirs. It systematically cov- email services (already an old issue) coal mining industry and the great tri- ers all aspects of the campaign and the while she was secretary of state. This als of people in coal mining (and rust election, with portions that reach back allowed Trump to avoid detailed ques- belt) states. As part of an answer on into her personal life from childhood tioning on his approach to internation- energy policy she said, “We’re going to on. One chapter, “On Being a Woman al affairs. Preparation did not matter. put a lot of coal miners and coal com- in Politics”, should be read by all actual Clinton was almost too prepared, panies out of business.” This was im- and prospective MPs, male or female. too pre-programed. As she herself says, mediately interpreted as an admission She surely is the authority of her era on the voters were simply looking for a that she was fighting a “war on coal”. this topic. candidate as angry as themselves. Clinton says it’s the comment she re- Too much prep? She devotes one whole, dense, chap- grets most. She devoted precious cam- As a self-described policy wonk, she ter to her use of those personal email paign time to explaining her true po- never gets over the fact that she had to services. She sees this as a dumb mis- sition on this meeting with concerned run against Donald Trump who did take made by her, a relatively techno- families and community leaders. not believe in meticulous preparation. logically challenged person. Inquiry Russian meddling An extreme example of this is her de- after inquiry found little improper and Russian interference in the presi- scription of the “Commander-in-Chief nothing illegal. But the issue pervaded dential campaign, is something that Forum”, carefully staged aboard an the whole campaign, culminating with could undermine democracy for years aircraft carrier. The event was an op- the public comments of James Comey, to come. As Clinton says, cyber war-

Page 34 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 35 FROM THE BOOKSHELF

fare is the future. It is interesting that both Trump and Clinton had experi- ence with Russia before the election. Clinton as secretary of state was the Leadership civil servant tasked with “resetting” Reviewed by Hayley Chazan (complete with reset button prop) America’s relationship with Russia in 2009. Instead, the relationship eroded as Clinton criticized Putin. Trump’s involvement was through various business dealings, including a Miss On!: Achieving Excellence in of two MPs who passed two private Universe pageant in Moscow. It now Leadership by John Weston. Pub- members’ bills and got three private appears that the Russia government, lished May 19 2017. Canada. 192 members initiatives to first reading in through the hacking and leaking of pages. ISBN 978-09959927902 Parliament. Witnessing how John ap- the Democratic National Committee plied these principles of leadership to emails, had an almost daily influence eing a hard-charging, over his own life gives readers confidence on the campaign. achiever is almost a prereq- that they will work in their lives, too. Isolating the issues Buisite for anyone who wants In explaining why he wrote the After combing through the entrails to serve their country as a parlia- book, the former parliamentarian of the most divisive presidential cam- mentarian. But former Conservative says our society has fallen into a sort paign in U.S. history, Clinton sees MP John Weston (West Vancouver- of malaise; we’ve become disengaged, the key reasons for her loss as being Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, disinterested and generally blasé. His her private email server (exacerbated 2008-2015) takes productivity to a goal with the book is to help people by the untimely intervention of the whole new level. learn how to turn themselves “on” so director of the FBI), Russian interfer- In his new book, On! Achieving that they can make valuable contribu- ence and her own inability to capture Excellence in Leadership, John pro- tions to their families and communi- the deep anger many Americans feel vides readers - whether they’re parlia- ties. towards the state of their government. mentarians, CEOs, doctors, students, Fighting fit Every Canadian MP can relate at or regular Joes - a blueprint to build Although some of his principles of some level to her description of elec- themselves into principled, produc- success are predictable, such as always tion day. Until late afternoon the Clin- tive leaders who consistently perform acting with integrity, others are more ton campaign thought they had it in at a high-level. At the age of 21, John surprising. For example, he dedicates the bag. Then cracks appeared and was already helping to patriate the an entire chapter to physical fitness. widened into the early hours of the Constitution in British Columbia It is not immediately clear what fit- morning. They had won the popular and Quebec. Since then he’s served in ness has to do with leadership, but vote only to lose in the college. Parliament and practiced law in Tai- John goes on to make the case. In es- Throughout her book, Clinton is wan (he can speak Mandarin). sence, he says that to lead others, we seized with a sense of her place in his- What makes John’s book stand first need to take care of ourselves. A tory. She clearly feels a responsibility out from the plethora of other lead- leader who feels fatigued and physi- towards young women. Having done ership and self-improvement books cally unwell is going to have a diffi- so much over a lifetime to bring wom- on the market is his credibility. It cult time helping others reach their en into politics, she felt the burden of is easy for authors to tell people to full potential. John then goes a step her role as the champion of women, as “find direction”, but John not only further. He makes a plea for every- she approached the “highest and hard- talks the talk, many would conclude one in the public eye, including par- est of the ceilings”. She clearly blames that he walks the walk. Consider how liamentarians, to act like role models herself personally for the defeat. he approached his new job when he in order to achieve a healthier, fitter After a lifetime of public service, was first elected. While newly-mint- society. The reason? So that all Cana- Hillary Rodham Clinton had the mis- ed politicians no doubt have a wide dians can function at their best. Dur- fortune of undertaking her greatest array of files they want to impact ing his time on the Hill, John even challenge, the 2016 presidential elec- when they enter Centre Block, John helped launch a national program on tion, in a year when a significant num- decided he and his staff would focus health and fitness and formed an in- ber of Americans were not looking on three core priorities: national se- ter-party fitness regime for MPs. for a president highly experienced in curity, Indigenous affairs and Senate By thinking big while putting pen government. They were simply seek- reform. Pointing to private members’ to paper, John sets On! apart from ing someone who would shake that bills and his committee work, the au- other leadership books on the mar- government up. thor says this focus allowed him to ket. His principles aren’t just narrow- Hon. Peter Adams served as a Liberal MP accomplish more during his time in ly focused on making the individual in the riding of Peterborough, Ontario from Parliament than the average back- reader a better leader. Instead, they 1993-2006.” bencher. John says he was only one try to raise the bar for all Canadians.

Page 34 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 35 FROM THE BOOKSHELF

Foreign voices in the House Reviewed by Sergio Marchi

Foreign Voices in the House: A Century of Addresses to Canada’s Parliament by World Leaders by J. Patrick Boyer. Dundurn Press. Feb 2017. Canada. 600 pages. ISBN 978-1-45973-685-6

got to first know Patrick as a fellow MP, and he always struck me as an I astute and articulate representative. This also applies to his writing skills. Patrick’s new book, Foreign Voices, is a fascinating compilation of speeches given in our Parliament, by a rich va- riety of foreign leaders – elected and non-elected, young and old, women and men. We read their visions, 64 Nelson Mandela receives a standing ovation in the House of Commons on Sept. 24, 1998. in all, spanning from 1917 to 2016. Photo credit: Tom Hanson/The Canadian Press. Moreover, Patrick provides the reader with a sprinkling of behind the scenes nuggets, as well as insights and analysis that transcends the years. Going through these speeches, we come to better understand ourselves, our country and the world around us. Through these addresses, you are transported on a global journey, high- lighting the critical forces and institu- tions that defined the moment: wars, famine, poverty, disease, the ending of colonial and imperial eras, the develop- ment and transformation of the UN, NATO, and NORAD, JFK’s “New Frontier”, the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the ending of South Africa apartheid, and so much more. British Prime Minister addresses Canadian Parliament in 1941. Photo credit: Library and Words of wisdom from abroad Archives Canada. The bonus is that the speech-givers all had a hand in and front row seat for learn much from their insights. Most of these leaders found a way those international events, allowing For the most part, their speeches to humour and entertain us. Some in- their audiences to get a rich take on the were complimentary towards our coun- spired us. Others tugged at our emo- globe’s messy ebbs and flows. try. They celebrated our sense of gener- tions. Whether it was the 1941 address Outsiders to Canada’s Parliament of- osity, tolerance, diversity, serenity, and by Britain’s war-time prime minister, fer a unique and valuable lens into the unity between French and English and Sir Winston Churchill, a master word- workings of our own society. They see old and new Canadians alike. They of- smith; or the moral messages weaved things we don’t. They have different fered a ringing endorsement of the Ca- by Nelson Mandela; or French Presi- interpretations. We therefore stand to nadian experiment. dent François Hollande’s stirring words

Page 36 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 37 FROM THE BOOKSHELF

disapproval. When Thatcher made an unabashed pitch for selling us British- built submarines, the Rt. Hon. John Turner, then Liberal Party leader, was not impressed. My view, though, is that these ruf- fled feathers served a purpose, because they helped stir a debate on issues here at home. Our guest speakers, inadvert- ently or intentionally, became tools for stimulating public discourse among Canadians and their elected representa- tives. All for the good, I say. Playing audience This book helped me recall those speeches I had the privilege of hearing from my seat in the House of Com- mons. Excitement always filled the air when the guest speaker was minutes away from entering the House, accom- panied by our own PM. For me, the most stirring remarks were those from the mouth of Nelson Mandela. The first was delivered in 1990, in his capacity as deputy presi- dent of the African National Congress. At the time, he wasn’t even allowed to address his own parliament. Mandela then returned even more triumphantly in 1998, and spoke as the president of a very different South Africa. It was ob- vious to all that Mandela was a giant of a man, evoking unmatched integ- rity and aura. But to see and hear him up close was magical. His words were moving, and combined with a life lived by principles and sacrifice, his speeches were powerful moments that spoke to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Ottawa. the embodiment of true moral and po- litical leadership. For me, he was in a so soon after a terrorist attack within other world capitals. Their words have league of his own. our own parliamentary buildings, their thus become part of a much broader Finally, I was left wondering who words served to lift our spirits, rekindle political narrative. the next prominent foreign speakers our confidence, and maintain our hope As such, Foreign Voices, chronicles to grace our Parliament will be. One in mankind. our history. Readers get the opportu- day, given their global leadership, the They spoke to shared values. These nity to relive the passions and tensions president or premier of China will be a are values that don’t pay homage to of eras gone by, when the likes of a sure bet. Will Russia have to wait for a any borders, ethnicity, skin colour, lan- Václav Havel, Barak Obama, Margaret post-Putin era in order to finagle an in- guage, or God. These are values that Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, King Hus- vite? And will we ever hear The Donald could potentially bridge our divides sein, Boris Yeltsin, or a Kofi Annan, speak from our House of Commons? and unite citizens from all corners of took to the podium. Clearly, the story of Foreign Voices is the globe. Not all roses an ongoing one. These leading figures did not merely Proceedings did not always follow Author J. Patrick Boyer served as a PC MP speak to the assembled MPs, ministers, a standard, feel-good script. Some for Etobicoke–Lakeshore from 1984-1993, at senators and other dignitaries in the speeches elicited negative reactions. one point serving as parliamentary secretary galleries. Through the power of the When then U.S. President Ronald Rea- to the secretary of state for external affairs. media, they had the ability to touch gan addressed a joint sitting, an NDP The Hon. Sergio Marchi served as a Liberal our nation, while creating headlines in MP was not shy about yelling out his MP for York West, Ontario from 1997-1999.

Page 36 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 37 Political Passages Our tribute to those who have passed on By Harrison Lowman and Lauren Malyk

Hon. Robert Stanbury Former Liberal MP the Hon. Rob- ert Stanbury passed away on Febru- ary 10, 2017 in Burlington, Ontario. He was 87. Born in 1929, “Bob” was born in Exeter, Ontario. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario. He went on to study law at Osgoode Hall, graduated in 1955, and prac- tised law for many years. Bob first tasted politics in the early 1960s, Hon. Robert Stanbury. Gérard Lamy. Dr. Charles-Eugène Marin. when he was voted in at the North York School Board. In 1965, Bob was elected the rep- resentative for York–Scarborough, Monts, Quebec. He was 91. working under then Prime Minister Gérard Lamy Charles-Eugène was born in 1925; Pierre Trudeau. He would serve as a Former Social Credit MP Gérard the ninth of 14 children. Before cabinet minister for a variety of de- Lamy. left this Earth on October 26, knocking on doors, he worked as a partments; this included working as 2016 in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. He physician, having studied at the Uni- minister of national revenue and Min- was 97 years, having been born in versity of Montreal. He then began ister of communications, minister 1919 in Grand-Mère, Quebec, just a to specialize in psychiatry, which without portfolio responsibilities for few months following the close of the brought him to Worcester State Hos- citizenship and information. He was First World War. During his younger pital in Massachusetts. also made parliamentary representa- years, he worked as a contractor. In 1977, Dr. Marin became mayor tive at the United Nations. He left Lamy ran for the Social Credit Par- of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, a position politics just before 1978. ty of Canada, and won at the ballot he held until 1984. Upon leaving public life, Bob box in 1962, in the riding of Saint- He was first elected to Parliament worked his way up at Firestone Can- Maurice-Lafleche. That year, he was in 1984, in the Quebec riding of Gas- ada Inc, eventually becoming their one of 26 Social Credit candidates pé. He was re-elected in 1988 but de- chairman and CEO. In the mid- from Quebec who were granted a feated in 1993. Among other duties, 1980s, he returned to law, providing vote of confidence. While on the Hill he served as the chair of the standing his services to the Hamilton law firm he took part in the standing com- committee on forestry and fisheries. of Inch, Easterbrook and Shaker. mittee on miscellaneous private bills While in office, Charles-Eugène at- He continued to give back to his and the standing joint committee on tracted major investment to his re- community as president of the Ham- printing. In 1963 he lost to future gion. He helped form an addictions ilton & District Chamber of Com- prime minister Jean Chrétien. Lamy centre, bring the Sainte-Anne-des- merce, the Hamilton Foundation, the attempted to run under different par- Monts airport to the area and also Canadian Council for Native Busi- ty’s banners but was unsuccessful. worked to have various ports in the ness, and the Art Gallery of Hamil- Lamy was predeceased by his wife Gaspé repaired. ton. Bob was also the founding mem- Simone, his son Denis, his daughter In 1995, the doctor founded the ber of the Nunavut Arbitration Board Suzanne and his sons-in-law Alain Exloramer museum, a place meant and became the territory’s first integ- and Marc. Lamay leaves behind his to educate visitors about the Gaspe rity commissioner. children Clauge, Paulette, Nicole, Peninsula and its marine life. At his The former parliamentarian is re- Michel, Lisette, Hélène, Carole, Lu- death, he left $200,000 to the addic- membered for his humbleness, his cie, Estelle, Claire, Pierre, Yves and tions centre. He was awarded the Or- love of this country’s North and his Diane. He also bids adieu to his 33 der of Canada. great sense of humour. grandchildren and 48 great-grand- “He was completely devoted to im- Bob was predeceased by his wife children. proving his community and always Miriam Rose Stanbury. He leaves be- believed in our region’s potential,” hind his loving children Susan, Carol, Dr. Charles-Eugène Marin said Liberal MP Rémi Massé. Ian and Duncan. He will be sorely Former Progressive Conservative “He would take a file in hand, we missed by his five grandchildren and MP Charles-Eugène Marin left us heard about it for a short time and four great-grandchildren. on June 7, 2017 in Sainte-Anne-des- suddenly, it was settled,” explained

Page 38 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 39 POLITICAL PASSAGES

Canada’s national security review sys- tem, then persistently advocated cor- rection of its shortcomings; a warm mentor who supported more junior colleagues; a politician who put coun- try before party and a humanitarian who acted on his principles,” recalled law professor Craig Forcese. He leaves his wife, Marie, his chil- dren Matthew, Erin and Jennifer, and four grandchildren.

Fred King Hon. Ron Atkey. Fred King. Former Progressive Conservative MP Fred King passed away on Au- gust 30, 2016 in Penticton, British Columbia. He was 93. Fred was born in Kaleden, British his friend Jean-Pierre Pigeon, who Cambodia in 1979. Another 10,000 Columbia in 1923 to parents Billy and worked with Charles-Eugène on were welcomed by the close of 1980. Annie. During the Second World War many elections. “He had this gift of Ron also reconfigured the sponsor- he served with the RCAF in what was approaching ministers and it worked. ship system, to allow churches, com- then Burma. Once Fred was back on ” munity groups and citizens to spon- Canadian soil he was, unfortunately, The former politician is survived by sor immigrants. Before his passing, diagnosed with tuberculosis. The di- his brothers and sisters, his brothers- he worked hard to bring Syrian refu- agnosis however would come with a in-law, sisters-in-law and his nieces gees safely into Canada. silver lining. While at a sanatorium he and nephews. “Many of us in public life have crossed paths with Audrey. They were had the privilege of being present wed in 1948 and would be together Hon. Ron Atkey when the world turns, but Ron had for the next 65 years. He put money Former Progressive Conservative his hand actually turn the wheel that on the table by working as a postmas- cabinet minister the Hon. Ron Atkey turned the world,” said Joe Clark at a ter, fruit farmer and manager of the passed away on May 9, 2017 at his memorial service. provincial crop insurance program. home in Toronto. He was 75. Following his time in the House Fred tried his hand at politics Ron was born in Saint John, New of Commons, Ron returned to prac- in 1978, and he won his first elec- Brunswick and raised in Petrolia, On- ticing law. He was named the first tion in 1979 to become the MP for tario. The Atkey household hummed chairman of the security intelligence the Okanagan-Similkameen riding. with discussions of politics and cur- review committee, which reports to He was victorious again in 1980 rent affairs. Ron sought his education Parliament on the activities of CSIS. and 1984. Immersed in the political at Trinity College, Western Univer- He was also an advisor on the com- world, Fred worked to assist farmers, sity and Yale University, focusing on mission of inquiry into the wrongly and was also elected chair of NA- law. He later taught as a professor. accused terror suspect Maher Arar. TO’s human rights commission. He In 1972, Ron first won the sup- Ron also acted as a legal advisor to worked tirelessly to assist Jewish dis- port of the constituents of St. Paul’s former Prime Minister of Pakistan sidents in the Soviet Union. (Toronto). A few years later Prime Benazir Bhutto. After receiving some In 1988, after losing the federal Minister Joe Clark made him minis- writing tips from star Canadian au- election, Fred returned to Kaleden ter of employment and immigration. thor Margaret Atwood (she told him and decided it was time build a new While at the helm of this ministry, to stop writing like a lawyer), Ron house overlooking the Skaha Lake. and working closely alongside his col- even penned a spy novel entitled The Although he had left politics, he league Flora MacDonald, Ron greatly Chancellor’s Foot. remained active in the community. influenced the government’s decision Ron was a lover and supporter of He worked as director of the South to accept 50,000 Vietnamese refugees the arts. He often encouraged fam- Okanagan Similkameen Medical into Canada. The minister was deter- ily and friends to gather around the Foundation and worked hard to have mined to show “the world that we are piano as he took to the keys. When veterans recognized. In 2016, Carey a compassionate nation.” In the end he wasn’t entertaining, he could be Theological College awarded Fred an and following threats to the Atkey found on a bike or on skis in Colling- honorary doctorate. family, Canada would accept 50,000 wood, Ontario. Friends, colleagues and family re- refugees from Vietnam, Laos and “Ron was a lawyer who helped build call Fred’s warmth, honesty, humour

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and down-to-earth nature. Current Conservative MP for Cen- tral Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola, Dan Albas reports it was Fred who encouraged him to get into politics. “I always appreciated Fred’s smile and his advice, and they were always delivered in that order,” he said. “He always met you with a handshake and a smile,” he added. “Everyone should have a Fred King in their life; I will Dianne Brushett. Hon. Allan J. MacEachen. miss him greatly. “He always had a lot of energy and it was inspirational to see his spunk and passion for the region and com- munity,” remembered Penticton witty, irreverent personality, Dianne years later, then lost, then went on to mayor Andrew Jakubeit. “He was a was an adventurer, gourmet cook, win eight elections. great personality and certainly will be avid gardener, lover of animals and Alan was assigned his first cabi- missed.” music, faithful church member, de- net role as labour minister in 1963 Fred leaves his children, Gordon, voted daughter, mother, and grand- by Lester Pearson,. In 1966, he was Margot and Cathie; eight grandchil- mother,” recalled one of her children. appointed the minister of national dren: MacKenzie, Riley, Trione, Josh- “Words just can’t express my pro- health and welfare. It was in this po- ua, Jordan, Tara, Lucas and Tasha, found feeling of loss with losing Di- sition that Alan arguably made the and 11 great grandchildren. His wife anne, wrote her friend Karen Norrie most change, implementing Medicare Audrey passed away in 2013. Awad on a memorial website. “She in Canada. was a powerful lady, a great mom, a “In 1966, when Prime Minister Dianne Brushett good business partner and… she had Pearson needed someone to actually Former Liberal MP Dianne Brush- a curiosity and capacity for learning make it happen, to design the legisla- ett left us on July 11, 2017, after a bat- that was a constant with her.” tion and to get it through a minority tle with leukemia. She was 74. Dianne is survived by her daughter parliament, he turned to Allan J. For Dianne was born in Bath, New Samara and son Sean; many nieces that and for so many other things, Brunswick. She attended the Univer- and nephews and her four cherished Canada is a better country because he sity of New Brunswick. Rewarding grandchildren, Shannon, Sammy, was in it and he served it,” said Prime herself, Dianne spent the following Willa and Hanna. Minister Justin Trudeau. six months hitchhiking across Eu- Alan was an asset to Pierre Trudeau rope. Hon. Allan J. MacEachen as his right-hand man. He worked In 1966, Dianne married her hus- Former minister and Liberal MP, tirelessly to steer Liberal policy band Sam. They had two children. the Hon. Alan J. MacEachen died on through Parliament, often pitting op- While raising a family, Dianne built September 12, 2017. He was 96. position parties against one another. Dominion Biologicals, a maritime Described by many as one of the As House leader, he led Liberal MPs biotechnology company. She also pre-eminent parliamentarians of his to reject the PC’s first budget, thus obtained a master’s degree from St. time, Alan wore many ministerial defeating Joe Clark and leaving a hole Mary’s University in Atlantic Canada. hats during his parliamentary tenure. for Trudeau senior to return from In 1993, Dianne gained the confi- Through it all, however, he never for- semi-retirement to lead the party. dence of Cumberland-Colchester vot- got that he was the son of a Cape Bre- “Alan was like a great political ers and was voted in as their MP, the ton coal miner who retired without a bloodhound, sniffing the parliamen- first female to be elected in that rid- pension. tary air, detecting the changing cur- ing. While in the House, she served Alan entered this world in 1921 in rents and nimbly setting off in a new on a variety of parliamentary com- Inverness, Nova Scotia. The backdrop direction with the parliamentary pack mittees. She was defeated in 1997. of his childhood was the Great De- baying at his heels,” recalled Tom She loved keeping up with her pression. After receiving his educa- Axworthy, a key advisor to Pierre granddaughters Willa and Hanna tion, he served as an economics pro- Trudeau. during the summer months. She fessor at Francis Xavier University. Alan went on to serve as the first watched over and took care of her When he was first elected for Inver- deputy prime minister, as finance mother Margaret until her death in ness-Richmond in 1953, the Liber- minister and twice as the govern- 2014. als were led by then Prime Minister ment’s secretary of state for external “A graceful warrior, with a sharp, Louis St. Laurent. He won again four affairs.

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ary 15, 1965. Reid considered the role he played in that decision to be one of the proudest moments of his life. The former parliamentarian also served the city of Toronto as an alder- man and his province as a provincial court judge, having worked early in his career as a lawyer. Reid, who in the end served all three levels of Canadian government, leaves behind his children Janette, Judge Reid Scott. Derek Blackburn. Karen, Lesley, Greg and his grand- children Lindsey, Michael, Katie and Sash.

Derek Blackburn Former federal Liberal interim lead- Reid Scott Former NDP MP Derek Black- er, one-time NDP MP, and premier of Former NDP MP Reid Scott passed burn left us on October 12, 2017 in Ontario, Bob Rae recalls seeing Alan away on March 2, 2016 in Ajax, On- Gatineau, Quebec, after struggling as a guide on the Hill in 1966. Years tario. He was 89. with a lengthy illness. He was 83. later, he found himself facing off Reid was born in 1926. He attend- Derek was born in 1934 and raised against the then finance minister as ed the University of Toronto, study- in Stratford Ontario. He attended the NDP’s finance critic. When Bob ing economics and political science. Western University. Derek would go decided to run for the Liberal lead- He was also a graduate of Osgoode on to teach himself (high school), be- ership in 2006, Alan called him out Hall Law School. fore making his way into politics. In of the blue and asked to pitch in. He In 1948 Reid was elected as a pro- a 1971 byelection, he was elected the ended up co-chairing his campaign. vincial MPP in Ontario, representing MP for Brant. He stayed there until Bob would this past September give the Co-operative Commonwealth 1988. Alan’s eulogy. Federation in the Toronto riding of In 1993, Prime Minister Brian “He had a philosophical, sometimes the Beaches. He was the youngest Mulroney then made a judge on the theological, even mystical, quality of MPP ever elected in Ontario, at the Immigration and Refugee Board of mind, but he was also intensely prac- age of 21. His record was only broken Canada. tical, pragmatic, and shrewd. He was two years ago. Friends and colleagues recall nu- also very funny, loyal, and warm,” He entered national politics in merous times Derek went well out of Bob said during the proceedings. 1962, when the Danforth riding his way to lend a helping hand to his In 1984, Alan was welcomed to the in Ontario made him an NDP MP. constituents. Former NDP candidate Senate, where he served until 1996. In the House Reid had the honour Marc Laferriere recalls Derek once in- Even in the red chamber, the Cape of being selected to be a part of the sisting on personally driver a women Bretoner made some waves. In the 15-member parliamentary committee escaping an abusive relationship to a late 1980s, Alan led Liberal protests tasked with coming up with a flag for shelter. against the Progressive Conservative Canada. Reid was the only NDPer in Current Liberal Brant MPP and government’s free-trade treaty with the group, and would one day be the Queen’s Park Speaker Dave Levac the United States. He was named committee’s last surviving member. said the community lost an “icon”. an officer of the Order of Canada in Reid stayed in the House until 1968. “You could see at the door just 2008. Reid worked closely with Liberal how loved Derek was,” said Wally As noted above, Alan never forgot MP, heraldic expert and committee Lucente, a former Brantford city where he came from. He was not head John Ross Matheson. Debate councillor who used to canvass with afraid to don a kilt, could speak flu- over the flag consumed Parliament Derek. “What stands out in my mind ent Gaelic and made frequent trips to for 37 sitting days, while the com- was at the doorsteps people may not Scotland. mittee worked tirelessly in the back- have liked the party he ran for, but “He was the son of Inverness, Cape ground, pouring over thousands of they would vote for him because he Breton,” declared current Nova Sco- designs submitted by citizens across was such a likeable guy and they often tia Premier Stephen McNeil. “He was the country. would tell you how he helped them.” focused and dedicated to his commu- The NDP’s recommendation which When he wasn’t discussing poli- nity, his province, the country and its featured a single maple leaf, flanked tics around the dinner table, Derek people.” by small blue bars. After much de- adored reading, painting and caring bate, group made its pick. The flag for animals. was officially inaugurated on Febru- He leaves behind his nieces Robin,

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Carole, Lisa, and his nephew Edward. He was predeceased by his loving wife Monique.

Hon. Tommy Banks Former Liberal Senator, the Hon. Tommy Banks, passed away in Ed- monton on January 25, 2018 after struggling with leukemia. He was 81. Born in Calgary in 1936, Tommy had a passion for music and started his Hon. Tommy Banks. Arnold Chan. Louis-Paul Neveu. professional career at age 14 years old, playing in the band of jazz saxophon- ist Don Thompson. At age 18, he was music director of Edmonton’s Orion Musical Theatre, and co-ordinator for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Tommy is remembered by many of Excellence, the Sir Frederick Haul- family, Arnold later earned a masters Canadians and music enthusiasts for tain Prize, a Juno, a Gemini and Life- in urban planning from the Univer- his numerous albums and CDs, per- time Achievement awards from AC- sity of Toronto. formances with symphony orchestras TRA, among other accolades. Prior to entering the federal arena, all across North America and televi- Even when diagnosed with leu- Arnold was an aide in the Ontario sion programs. His show, The Tom- kemia, Tommy was still on the road Liberal government, working for my Banks Show, ran throughout the sharing his love of music. now minister of international trade, 1970s and 1980s. “Edmonton, Alberta, and Canada Michael Chan, as his first chief of He had a profound respect for his have lost a cultural icon. My deepest staff. He was also a senior adviser on country, and represented Canada at sympathies to the family and friends intergovernmental affairs to Ontario the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary, of Tommy Banks – former senator, Premier Dalton McGuinty. having composed the music for the jazz pianist, and true champion of Ed- Arnold was first elected to the opening ceremonies. He repeated this monton and its vibrant music scene,” House of Commons in a by-election at various other major international said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. in 2014 in Scarborough-Agincourt. sporting events. In addition, he pro- “Senator Banks made Alberta proud From 2015 to 2017, Arnold served as duced and conducted performances through his tireless work in music deputy House leader of the govern- for special guests, including Queen and culture. He was a star abroad ment. Elizabeth II and U.S. President Ron- but focused on serving others here at Arnold was first diagnosed with ald Reagan. home: helping young artists, build- cancer in 2015. He was forced to A member of the Canadian Senate ing communities and as a senator. In take time off from his political duties for 11 years, he was first appointed to my neighbourhood we remember his to pursue treatment. After a routine the position by then Prime Minister jazz at Yardbird Suite. Thank you, checkup he learned that his cancer Jean Chrétien in 2000. He served on Tommy,” said Alberta NDP Premier had resurfaced in March 2016. a panel that advised the government Rachel Notley. His last speech in Parliament made during the NAFTA negotiations. He is survived by his wife Ida, his an impression on many, as he urged A fixture in the community, Tom- children, Jill and Tom Junior, and his MPs to elevate their behaviour, drop my was a founding member of the Al- grandchildren, Mallory, Matthew, their talking points and to listen to berta Foundation for the Performing Thomas and Jenna. one another. Ontario MPPs paid Arts and chaired various music com- their respects by having a moment of mittees and centres. He also founded Arnold Chan silence in Chan’s honour. the Yardbird Suite jazz club in 1957. Former Liberal MP Arnold Chan Just over a month after Arnold’s Tommy was “instrumental” in left us on September 14, 2017, fol- passing, his wife Jean Yip announced forming MacEwan University’s mu- lowing a battle with nasopharyngeal her intention to seek the Liberal nom- sic program as a faculty member and cancer. He was 50 years old. ination for her husband’s seat. She program chair. He would frequently After high school, Arnold went on picked up her husband’s legacy and speak to students and try to encour- to pursue an undergraduate degree won the federal by-election race for age the next generation of musicians. and master’s degree in political sci- the Scarborough-Agincourt riding in Tommy is a member of the Edmon- ence at the University of Toronto and December 2017. ton Hall of Fame, a recipient of the a law degree from the University of “He reminds us that real democ- Order of Canada, the Alberta Order British Columbia. While raising his racy means listening to each other in-

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urging them to remember their loyal- ty lies with “the man who brought us here, the man who has wanted Senate reform since he entered politics, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper.” Over the course of his career, Bert was a farmer, a property development consultant, a property manager and a columnist with the Calgary Herald and the Calgary Sun. Hon. Bert Brown. Dr. Frank Philbrook. He served his community in many capacities, including as past director of the Calgary Chamber of Com- merce, working with the Fraser In- stitute, the Woodrow Wilson Centre and the TransAlta Utilities Southern Alberta Advisory Board, among oth- stead of talking over each other, and He is survived by his wife Mo- ers. In 2003, he was the recipient of that our civic duty includes not just nique, his children Mireille, Lyne and the Alberta Centennial Medal. Bert casting a ballot but taking care, in Colette, and his grandchildren Kevin, also earned a pilot’s licence after Viet- our everyday actions, of the country Anouk, Miguel, Alexie and Fannie. nam veterans taught him how to fly. we are lucky to call home,” said Prime “My thoughts and prayers are with Minister Justin Trudeau referring to Hon. Bert Brown his daughter, Angela,” said the Hon. Arnold’s final speech. Former Conservative senator, the Kevin Sorenson, Conservative MP “Heartbroken to hear we have lost Hon. Bert Brown, died on Febru- for Battle River-Crowfoot, Alberta. friend, fellow MP Arnold Chan to ary 3, 2018 at 79 years old. He was “So sad to learn of the passing of a cancer. He was a brave, caring and the second senator to be elected by a good friend, Senator Bert Brown. A decent man. Love and sympathy to province and appointed by a prime wonderful man, a great senator and a Jean,” said Green Party leader Eliza- minister. visionary Canadian,” said former Cal- beth May. Born in Calgary in 1938, Bert at- gary city councillor Jim Stevenson. He is survived by Jean and his chil- tended Mount Royal College and He leaves behind his daughter An- dren, Nathaniel, Ethan and Theo- later completed a civil engineering de- gela. dore. gree at the University of Oklahoma. Prior to his appointment, he was Dr. Frank Philbrook Louis-Paul Neveu the only man to have run in all three Former Liberal MP Frank Phil- Former Liberal MP Louis-Paul Senate elections in Canada’s history. brook passed away at 85 years old on Neveu passed away at the age of 86 In 2007, Prime Minister Stephen Oct. 30, 2017. on December 14, 2017. Harper announced Bert would join Born in 1931, Frank was a native Louis-Paul was born in Saint-Cé- Canada’s upper chamber. He served of Port Credit. He studied pharmacy saire, Quebec in 1931. On top of his there until his retirement in 2013 at in 1954 and medicine in 1958 at the public service, Louis-Paul spent 50 the age of 75. University of Toronto. years of his professional life working Bert was dedicated to fighting for Frank practiced medicine in as an insurer, with 30 of those years an elected, equal and effective Senate Oakville and Cochrane before be- employed as a manager in the indus- and founded the Committee for a Tri- coming supervisor of a mission hospi- try. ple E (Elected, Equal, Effective) Sen- tal in Kashmir, India in 1961. He also From 1965 to 1968, he served the ate. His passion led him and a team served as a medical officer for a World Quebec riding of Shefford. During of fellow farmers to plow their mes- Bank foreign aid project in Mangla, his time in office, he was a member sage “Triple-E Senate or else” into his Pakistan from 1963 to 1967. He later of, among others, the standing com- neighbour’s barley field. In addition returned to Oakville and became the mittee on northern affairs and natural to his efforts, he was also an advisor director of medical research and a resources, the standing committee on to Alberta’s former premier Don Get- member on the board of directors for public accounts, the standing com- ty during the Charlottetown Accord. a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson mittee on agriculture, forestry and Bert was also known as a loyal Con- called Ortho Pharmaceutical. Prior rural development. servative. Two weeks after the Con- to seeking the Liberal nomination, he He later ran for office three more servatives tabled the Senate Reform was a partner at the medical office of times in 1968, 1972 and 1974 – but Act in June 2011, Bert wrote a letter Brickley, Thurley and Philbrook. was unsuccessful. to his fellow Conservative senators Frank was elected as an MP for the

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Liberal Party in 1974 for Halton and served under former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. During his time in the House of Commons he was vice-chair of the standing committee on heath, welfare and social affairs. “I would like to thank Frank for his service to Oakville, this place, and to all Canadians. My thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Frank,” said Liberal MP for Oakville John Royal Galipeau. William Douglas Stewart. Oliver. He is survived by his daughters Marni, Catherine and Jacqueline, and his grandchildren Zachary, Alexis, Harrison, Courtney and Patrick. that created Canada’s National Tree in 1968, and later elected again in Day, which passed through Parlia- 1972. During his time in the House Royal Galipeau ment in March 2011. of Commons, William served as vice- Former Conservative MP Royal A year before the 2015 election, chair of the standing committee on Galipeau died on Jan. 27, 2018 from Royal was diagnosed with cancer but privileges and elections as well as sit- complications with multiple myelo- chose to run again. After his defeat he ting on the standing committee on ma. Royal held the riding for Orlé- pledged to step back from politics to agriculture, the standing committee ans (formerly Ottawa-Orléans), for focus on his health. on finance, and others. almost 10 years. He was 71. “Royal was always a true gentleman Post politics, he and his family From 1982 to 1985, he was a mem- and was a passionate voice for Orleans moved to Victoria, where he worked ber of the Gloucester city council, as a city councillor, library board for the ministry of the attorney gen- where he promoted the development member and MP Rest in peace,” said eral until his retirement in 1992. of light-rail transit. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. His wife Penelope and his four chil- Royal was also dedicated to edu- “A proud Canadian, historian, dren Duncan, Allison, Cameron and cation, serving two terms as trustee staunch defender of Canada’s official Lauren all survive him. and vice-chair of the Ottawa Public languages and a passionate public Library, championing the installation servant. He will be missed,” said for- Dave Barrett of adult filters on children’s library mer Conservative MP James Moore. Former British Columbia Pre- computers. He is survived by his wife Anne, mier and NDP MP the Dave Barrett In addition, former Ontario Pre- children Louis, Paul, Claude and passed away on February 2, 2018 mier Bill Davis appointed Royal to Miriam and his grandchildren Oona after his struggle with Alzheimer’s. the board of the Ontario educational and Lila. Dave was B.C.’s 26th premier and the communications authority (TVO) province’s first elected New Demo- not once, but twice. While active as a William Douglas Stewart crat in the position. He was 87 years TVO board representative, he worked Former Liberal MP William Doug- old when he died. on the implementation committee of las Stewart passed away at the age of Dave was born in 1930 and grew the Ontario French-language Edu- 79 on March 2, 2018, following his up in east Vancouver. After gradu- cational Communications Authority battle with cancer. ating from Britannia Secondary (TFO). William was born in Victoria, Brit- School, he studied at Seattle Univer- Royal was a longtime Liberal who ish Columbia in 1938. He was elected sity in 1948 and later earned a mas- worked for MPs Mauril Bélanger and student president of Oak Bay Senior ters in Social Work from St. Louis Eugène Bellemare, but chose to run Secondary, The University of Toron- University. He worked as a social for the Conservatives in 2006 because to’s Victoria College, the Beta Theta worker at the Haney Correctional In- he agreed with former Prime Minister Pi fraternity, and the University of stitute in Haney, B.C. There, he came Stephen Harper’s economic ideas. He British Columbia’s Alma Mater So- in contact with members of the Co- won the seat for the Tories that year, ciety. He graduated with degrees in operative Commonwealth Federation and in turn in 2008 and 2011. commerce and law. (which later became the provincial In the House of Commons, Royal William started his career in poli- New Democratic Party), which even- served as a deputy speaker. He left his tics in Kimberley, British Columbia, tually persuaded him to seek office. mark as an advocate for cleaning up where he was practicing law at the Dave was first elected with the CCF the Ottawa River and as the proud time. He was elected a Liberal MP in 1960, and then re-elected under sponsor of the private member’s bill for Okanagan-Kootenay B.C. riding the BC NDP banner in 1963, 1966

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he founded a chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In 1959, Howard joined the Uni- versity of Windsor’s biology depart- ment, where he became the first Af- rican-Canadian to be a department head and the first tenured black pro- fessor in Canadian history. Later in 1962, he founded the Guardian Club, a civil rights organi- zation dedicated to fighting racial dis- Dave Barrett. Dr. Howard McCurdy. crimination in Windsor. Years later in 1969, he founded and became the first president of the National Black Coalition of Canada. Before shifting his attention to the and 1969. Dave led the province from threw his efforts behind investigating federal level, he served on Windsor 1972 to 1975 and in those three years a leaky condo problem in Vancouver city council from 1979 until 1984. passed 367 bills. at a public commission in 1999. In In 1984 and 1988, Howard won During his first meeting with his 2005, he was appointed an officer of election as a New Democrat MP in cabinet, he is remembered for posing the Order of Canada. Membership in Windsor. In that role, he pushed in the question: “Are we here for a good the Order of B.C. came May, 2012. Ottawa for Canada to exert pressure time or a long time?” Known for his “He was an inspiration to me and against South African apartheid. It sense of humour, Dave referred to many other British Columbians, and was his influence that went on to im- himself as “fat lil’ Dave” after report- I am grateful for his friendship and pact then Prime Minister Brian Mul- ers nicknamed him the “little fat guy.” guidance over the years,” said B.C. roney, who was at odds with British In 1983, following a debate over a Premier John Horgan. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher spending restraint program, he was “My favourite B.C. politician! Had and U.S. President Ronald Reagan, hauled off the floor of the legislature a chance to run twice for legislature giving him all important encourage- after refusing an order by the Speaker under his leadership. Always caring, ment to stand his ground. to leave. He was subsequently banned passionate and entertaining,” said for- Howard was defeated in the 1993 from the legislature for several months mer B.C. Premier and former Liberal federal election. because of his actions. Minister of Health Ujjal Dosanjh. In the late 1990s, following his During his term, his work made an Dave is survived by his wife Shirley retirement from politics, Howard impact on the province with the crea- and their three children Dan, Joe, dedicated his time to his family, golf, tion of the Agricultural Land Reserve Jane and their grandchildren Andrew, cooking and watercolour paintings. to protect farmland, the creation of Hannah, Jacob and Noah. When Nelson Mandela visited Cana- the Insurance Corp. of B.C., setting da for the first time in June 1990, he up Pharmacare, banning pay toilets Dr. Howard McCurdy asked to meet Howard. and spanking in schools, lowering the Former NDP MP Howard Mc- Among the accolades Howard has drinking age to 19 years-old, increas- Curdy died in his hometown on Feb. received are the Canadian Centennial ing the minimum wage, establishing 20, 2018 at the age of 85 from cancer. Medal and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee air ambulance service, introducing He was the second black member of Medal. He was named to the Order of French immersion into the British Parliament in Canada. Ontario and designated a member of Columbia school system and imple- Born in 1932 in London, Ontario, the Order of Canada in 2012. menting a mineral royalties tax, to Howard moved to the Amherstburg “He was a trailblazer – a powerful name a few of his measures. In the area, near the Detroit River, at the civil rights activist, our party’s first legislature, he left his mark with the age of nine. In his youth, he became black MP, and a role model from my introduction of question period and passionate about civil rights, and was hometown of Windsor,” said federal Hansard. intent on pursuing more equality in NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. Dave successfully ran for the fed- his community. He graduated with a “Scientist, civil rights activist, New eral NDP and was elected MP for bachelor of arts from Western Univer- Democrat, husband, father, grand- Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca in 1988. He sity, a bachelor of science degree from father and the NDP’s first black MP went to bat for pro-choice causes, the University of Windsor and went - we all owe a huge debt to Howard improved child care, introduced aid on to earn a master of science fol- McCurdy,” said Ontario NDP leader initiatives for homeless children. He lowed by a PhD in microbiology and Andrea Horwath. held the riding until 1993. chemistry from Michigan State Uni- Howard leaves his wife Brenda, After leaving politics, Dave publicly versity. While studying in Michigan, four children and 10 grandchildren.

Page 44 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Beyond the Hill • Summer 2018 Page 45 Geoff @ 30

The Trumpocracy By Geoff Scott

R. Nixon (1973): I am not a crook. D. Trump (2018): I am not a bigot. Geoff Scott.

s the old adage says, history ture of their government mastermind- of hot rhetoric and Congress getting repeats itself, and we may be ing an attack on American democracy hardly anything done. We can only im- Awitnessing 1973 all over again. leading up to, and since, the 2016 elec- agine what the end of Trump year two There are astounding parallels between tion domestically, presumably with will look like. the unraveling of the Nixon White Donald Trump’s tacit approval; the A new CNN slide? House over the Watergate scandal, and stunning fall from grace and criminal Every day is Groundhog Day in this the current Oval Office reality show investigation of the President’s per- administration. A new slide should re- episodes about Donald Trump’s con- sonal lawyer; along with the dismal place CNN’s “Breaking News” title. It nections with Russia. Carl Bernstein personal popularity ratings due to should read “He Said WHAT Now?!” and Bob Woodward, who together Trump’s behaviour, could conceivably So many of this president’s statements investigated the Watergate scandal for eclipse Watergate. It could even mean just don’t add up with reality. the Washington Post, say today, “We’re that this president may not finish his The way President Donald Trump here again. A powerful and determined first full term. speaks has become a real problem. President is squaring off against an in- Historians are assessing whether You can’t really be sure what exactly dependent investigator operating inside America has ever seen anything like it. he means. The President Trump you the Justice Department.” Many conclude there are all the other see on Tuesday is not the same Presi- Trump’s Russia responses are eerily presidents of U.S. history, and then dent Trump you’ll see on Thursday. similar to Nixon’s leading up to the there’s Donald Trump. He has pushed He takes everybody utterly by surprise Watergate scandal’s Saturday Night the boundaries of the presidency in sev- with his seat-of-the-pants decisions. Massacre. Both presidents Nixon and eral strange directions: as a New York Donald Trump’s Twitter tweets are Trump wanted to make their probes go City tabloid sensation, as a real estate all about himself. He tends to person- away by their incessant, compulsive and billionaire, as a reality television star, alize everything so that it fits his world continual lying. Both scandals hinge on as a beauty pageant owner, as a man view and is prone to sound off on any the existence of secretly recorded tapes. famous for messy divorces and behav- issue. His posts are then deemed offi- For Donald Trump’s downward spiral ing inappropriately towards women, as cial presidential statements. Anything after only the first year-and-a-half of someone who uses bar-room language or anybody that the President doesn’t this 45th Presidency, it’s the same feel- to trash anyone who challenges him, like will be the subject of inflammato- ing as Watergate, which has explosive by firing an FBI director who says he’s ry, knee-jerk, and sometimes incoher- relevance today- the walls are closing in running the White House like a mob ent comments. Trump’s mood swings at the White House. Mr. Trump really, boss, by calling the media “among the are something to behold. It has been really doesn’t want to see this investi- worst human beings on earth”, observ- reported that, “he’s bouncing off the gation go forward. He will take great ing that some white supremacists are walls” with rage. The psychology of risks to try to stop it. “very fine people”, while referring to Donald Trump is at the heart of why There has been mounting evidence of portions of the developing world as he acts so abnormally. Reporters are potential obstruction of justice against “shithole countries”, facilitating a re- trying to peel back the curtain and find the President himself, as well as mem- volving door of staff, fending off legal out why the he behaves so erratically. bers of his family. battles over hush money paid to si- They only add to peoples’ armchair di- For more than four decades, the lence a porn star, and finally by forever agnosis. scandal of the Watergate break-in and tweeting nonsensical propaganda at the Sometimes I wonder if the Presi- cover-up had been history-making and crack of dawn to prove he’s the most dent is living in a time warp. It seems legendary. It was the stuff of reporters’ consequential president in the modern as though he is trapped two or three instant fame, followed by sensational era. You couldn’t make this stuff up. generations ago. He is dealing in racial books, movies and conspiracy theories. This past year and a half has featured stereotypes from his childhood, ques- Until now. a whirlwind of chaos - a discombobu- tioning the need for immigration from The perpetual darkening cloud of lated White House where staffers don’t non-white countries. In many ways he Russia abroad and the now clear pic- seem to know which way is up, a lot is kind of like your old grandfather.

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1990s, most of the New York banks wouldn’t deal with Donald Trump af- ter his series of bankruptcies, so he used Deutsche Bank exclusively. If there’s an- ything untoward there, special counsel Mueller is going to find it. This is what has fueled the President’s erratic and ex- plosive behaviour: he is furious about the overhanging Russia investigation, as they follow the money. A blue wave coming? Think of what a massive approaching wave looks like when you’re standing on the beach looking out toward the ocean. You can’t tell how tall it is. You can only guess that it’s a big one. Will the The infamous Richard Nixon. Photo credit: Associated Press. expected “blue wave”, crashing on shore Anti-media voices are the loudest is the undisputed headline of the Don- this November during the midterm elec- Never in my memory can I think of ald Trump White House during his tions, be enough to topple one or both a president whose relationship with the first year-and-a-half as President. There Houses of Congress to the Democratic media is so poisonous. When Donald are serious and troubling decisions still side? Trump says, “There’s nothing there”, looming like a great bear’s shadow over Republicans no doubt fear the 2018 the media’s first reaction is, “There’s the administration. David Frum, a sen- midterms will be based, not only on something there”. When Trump’s people ior editor at The Atlantic, author of the potential criminal indictments of brush off an obvious untruth or allega- Trumpocracy: The Corruption of the people surrounding Donald Trump, tion as a “nothing burger”, you can bet American Republic, and a Canadian, but on a profound, personal reaction to it’s a 21st century version of “Pay no at- observes that while there is no smoking Trump himself. They admit the Grand tention to the man behind the curtain”. gun, “the floor is littered with cartridge Old Party, like it or not, has become the Forgive me a slight detour here. Hav- casings, there’s a smell of gunpowder in Donald Trump Party. Off-year elections ing spent all my life in journalism (with the air, bullet holes in the wall, and a are almost always a referendum on the a 15 1/2-year detour via the House of warm weapon on the table.” president. This time, Americans will Commons), I have very real sympathy This has been like reading a spy novel. likely be voting based on the conduct, for my fellow reporters in Washing- What is coming clearer into focus is that character and the temperament of this ton. The unprecedented challenges they President Trump has surrounded him- commander-in-chief. must face 24/7, covering the avalanche self with a lot of people who are very There is an incredible amount of of scandals and mini-scandals emerg- dishonest, who have committed crimes, real energy out there. What to make ing from the Trump administration has who have contact with the Russians of the thousands of angry women who been unequalled by anything we’ve had and who have lied about those contacts. marched in hundreds of U.S. cities to to cope with on the Canadian political Each passing day, special counsel Robert protest the President? The post-Harvey scene. A close exception might be the Mueller’s team is proving there’s been Weinstein #MeToo movement has only declining stages and chaotic months something terribly nefarious going on gained more traction, with constant of former Prime Minister John Diefen- beneath the surface. news stories about indignities to porn baker’s reign. In 1962, “The Chief’s” Follow the money stars and Playboy bunnies. A poll by narcissism and paranoia about the hated As they said in the film All the Presi- Harvard CAPS/Harris in April showed media meant that he felt that everybody dent’s Men, “follow the money” if you only 35 per cent of women support was out to get him, “except the people!” want to find out the truth about any- Trump. If that number holds up in No- When it comes to communications, thing. If there’s one thing this president vember, the Houses may change col- President Trump has basically made it holds more dear than anything else, it’s our. Meanwhile, we could experience a his own brief. He is constantly adding money. Money laundering could likely youthquake, as young voters voice their to or contradicting his own message. As be a large component of the special in- frustration over gun rights. I’m feeling with almost every issue swirling around vestigation. The President’s finances are tremors. Stay tuned. the White House, reporters rightly con- a deep well, and he and his family may As we near the year-and-a-half mark clude somebody is lying. The atmos- be in deeper trouble than most people of the Donald Trump Presidency, what phere of suspicion and cover up suggests think. Jared Kushner’s financial dealings will resonate most with voters the next that the President’s men knew they were with Moscow are being actively pursued time they head to the ballot box? We doing something wrong, or have some- by the special counsel. This look at the leave the last word to the incomparable thing to hide. President’s son-in-law could lead to a jazz pianist Fats Waller: “One Never Where there’s smoke… devastating revelation. Knows, Do One?” The word around Washington is that If money laundering is indeed at the Geoff Scott served as a Progressive Conserva- if you shake every tree in the Trump for- heart of the Mueller probe, it could in- tive MP in the riding of Hamilton–Wentworth, est, a Russian will fall out of it. Russia volve Deutsche Bank. In the 1980s and Ontario from 1978-1993.

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