Visit to Vietnam Regional meetings in Newfoundland and Labrador and Serving independently YOUR ORGANIZATION Vietnamese study tour Feb. 4th until the 18th, 2020.

Hon. Eleni Bakopanos. Dorothy Dobbie and . A fountain in the courtyard of Sophie’s Art.

Warren Redman and Dr. Hélène Bertrand. Charlette Duguay gets her temperature taken as she enters a restaurant.

Danielle and Massimo Pacetti pose with the server Léo Duguay luxuriates in one of the VERY comfortable Ken Hughes. at the restaurant where we made our own dinners. National Assembly chairs.

Page 2 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 3 Beyond the Hill Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians Volume 16, Issue No. 1 Spring 2020

CONTENTS Lynn McDonald’s private member’s bill...... 25 By Matt Reekie Vietnamese study tour...... 2 How it works...... 26 Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians By Hon. John Reid – who we are and what we stand for...... 4

Election Observation: Social media and China’s treatment of the Uyghurs rings alarms.....28 accessibility on the agenda...... 5 Reworded by Gina Hartmann from By Gina Hartmann Hon. David Kilgour’s text and notes

Update from the President: Oh what a year!...... 6 Do Canadian elections meet the accessibility By Dorothy Dobbie challenge?...... 29 By Wade Morris CAFP Delegation tours Vietnam...... 7 By Francis LeBlanc puts parliamentary experience Quebec hosts meeting of provincial formers.....12 to use...... 30 By Gina Hartmann Meeting in St. John’s, Newfoundland...... 14 Centre Block restoration: Keeping historical Jack is back: One man’s journey in and out of the craftsmanship in a modern space...... 31 House of Commons...... 16 By Gina Hartmann By Gina Hartmann

Bill Casey was a winner...... 17 From the Bookshelf: By Dorothy Dobbie Too Dumb for Democracy?...... 32 Reviewed by Wade Morris The secret lives of independents: What does it mean when a member of parliament From the Bookshelf: breaks with their party?...... 18 The man who built 24 Sussex...... 33 By Matt Reekie Reviewed by Geoff Currier It seems to me...... 20 By Dorothy Dobbie From the Bookshelf: Bootstraps Need Boots...... 34 How comedy cuts the tension in Parliament.....22 Reviewed by the Hon. By Wade Morris Political Passages...... 35 A trick on a trickster...... 23 By Daniel Birru, Gina Hartmann, Wade Morris By Arnold Malone and Matt Reekie Social media and politics: Connecting with constituents authentically...... 24 Geoff @ 30...... 46 By Gina Hartmann By Geoff Scott

Page 2 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 3 YOUR ORGANIZATION The Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians Who we are and what we stand for s individuals, former members of Parliament and senators mirror the values and expectations of the citizenry. We are a dependable source of Apractical experience in government and are the keepers of a vast store of knowledge and parliamentary wisdom. Entrance to My Son Hoi An, Vietnam. has the highest turnover of MPs in the world, averaging 30% and Photo by Dorothy Dobbie. ranging to as high as 60%. The Canadian Association of Former Parliamentar- ians acts as a stabilizing resource for the good order of government. Editor-in-Chief The goal of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians is to put Dorothy Dobbie this collective experience at the disposal of and their replacement Associate Editor representatives. CAFP is here to: Geoff Scott 1. Preserve and promote Canadian democracy at home and abroad. 2. Preserve the corporate memory of Parliament and serve as a resource for Assistant Editor serving, retired and incoming members. Gina Gill Hartmann 3. Advise and inform young people about the processes and exercises of Editorial Interns power and good government. Daniel Birru, Wade Morris 4. Encourage democratic participation by new generations. and Matthieu Reekie. 5. Provide the public with non-partisan information and experienced analy- Editorial Board ses of how government works. Dorothy Dobbie, Hon. David Kilgour, Our programs include: Derrek Konrad, Lynn McDonald, 1. Beyond the Hill. The magazine carries informative and inspiring stories Hon. John Reid, Geoff Scott about political life and situations from the past. 2. Parliament to Campus program. Speaking to schools and universities. Editorial Board Emeriti 3. Speaker’s Bureau. Participating with the media and speaking to groups Hon. Jim Fleming, Claudy Lynch, about the Canadian Parliamentary system. Keith Penner, Doug Rowland 4. Overseas Election Observation. Fielding members to do work in other Contributors countries. Hon. Bill Blaikie, Geoff Currier, 5. School of Public Service. Members provide advice to new federal re- Dorothy Dobbie, Hon. David Kilgour, cruits. Arnold Malone, Hon. John Reid, 6. Equal Voice. Members provide the mentorship to encourage women to Geoff Scott. become involved in politics. 7. Parliamentary Interns. CAFP has supported this and many other initia- Production Assistants tives supporting democracy. Céline Brazeau Fraser, Carina Legault 8. Website and Social Media. CAFP is an active participant on the Internet Meek, Susan Simms, Karl Thomsen and on social media platforms to engage in debate, provide information and serve as a resource for the community. ISSN 1920-8561 Our Mission Statement Beyond the Hill, a magazine for former parliamentarians, is designed to engage, enlighten and inform its readers about each other, their Association and its Edu- cational Foundation. Its aim is to encour- age participation in the Association and to promote democracy. The views of the contributors to this publication do not necessarily represent those of CAFP nor its Educational Foundation. Beyond the Hill welcomes letters to the editor, submis- sions and suggestions. P.O. Box 1, 131 Queen St., House of Commons , ON, Canada, K1A 0A6. Telephone 1-888- 567-4764, Fax: 613-947-1764 E-mail: ex- Editorial interns from left to right: Matthieu Reekie, Wade Morris, Daniel Birru and Gina [email protected]. Website: www.exparl.ca. Hartmann.

Page 4 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 5 DOP Election Observation Social media and accessibility on the agenda By Gina Hartmann

DoP group photo. Hon. Consiglio Di Nino. ormer senator, the Hon. Con- Security and Cooperation in Eu- the distribution of misinformation.” siglio (Con) Di Nino has been rope (OSCE), which describes itself Though it’s difficult to monitor Fobserving election processes as dealing with the human dimen- social media and technological de- for some time now. As a Senator, he sion of security. During Con’s time velopment, Con believes the focus of travelled the world to monitor elec- in the Senate, he was one of a group the conference on identifying prob- tions and continues to participate in of international parliamentarians lems and successful solutions will reviewing electoral best practices. within the OSCE that was involved continue to improve election pro- “I participated in International in election monitoring. cesses and participation worldwide, election observation missions for Keeping things fair particularly in countries where de- about ten years, when I was in Par- “Observing” elections is critically mocracy is evolving and developing. liament. It’s one of the truly positive important in making sure elections Accessibility activities for Parliamentarians. Help- around the world are fair and have Another topic discussed at the ing to improve democratic practices up-to-date rules and technology,” meeting in Poland was voting acces- leaves a lasting legacy. I have moni- said the former senator. “You deal sibility and how participation can be tored elections or participated in with problems discovered while ob- improved by allowing more persons conferences in a number of coun- serving elections and recommend with disabilities, full access to their tries, including Ukraine, Georgia, changes to insure future results bet- right to vote. Azerbaijan, Albania, Serbia, Russia, ter represent the will of the people. “It was an incredibly positive ex- USA and, on behalf of ODHIR, led Like you would in any endeavour, perience, indeed a welcome surprise. electoral missions in Kazakhstan you are constantly upgrading and I have been involved with the issue and Kyrgyzstan” said Con. updating.” of recognizing the abilities of all Con goes to Poland The Warsaw conference took a citizens and in creating ways to im- In Nov. 2019, Con agreed to closer look at social media, technol- prove opportunities for those with participate on behalf of CAFP in a ogy and the impact on elections. The disabilities for many years and the recent visit to Warsaw, Poland for variety of sources now bombarding subject was keenly and positively the Declaration of Principles for society, demands that accurate and discussed. The fact that accommo- International Election Observation reliable information be provided to dations need to be made for those (DoP) 14th implementation meet- voters. with mental disabilities was partic- ing. Social media and technology ularly recognized, needs to be ap- “Participants from around the “This last conference was as good plauded. world get together, organized by the as any in identifying problems or Ways to insure participation in the ODIHR organization, to review and issues that need to be addressed to election process is as fair and as wide refine best practices for more effec- improve election results,” explained as possible, is the principal purpose tive and democratic elections,” said Con. “The main subjects discussed of these conferences.” Con of the meeting. at the conference were the impact The Hon. Con Di Nino was appointed ODIHR stands for Office for of social media and technology on Senator in 1990 representing by Democratic Institutions and Hu- election participation and results. Prime Minister Mulroney. He represent- man Rights, which is the principal Both can have a huge role in the dis- ed the Progressive Conservative Party. He institution of the Organization for tribution of information, but also in resigned from the senate in June 2012.

Page 4 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 5 YOUR ORGANIZATION

Oh what a year!

We may be able to help volved with the Canadian association. Now that several months have We agreed that we can all learn from Dorothy Dobbie. passed since the election, you may be each other. finding it tougher than you thought it A number of members attended s we move forward in 2020 would be to make the transition from the excellent Regional Meeting in St. and look back at 2019, it has elected to non-elected. This can be a Johns, Nfld. Our heartfelt thanks to Abeen quite a year. difficult time personally. Jack Harris, Ross Reid and Bonnie New members We know that you often enter a pe- Ashley for their wonderful efforts in The election this fall, brought some riod of post-traumatic stress, a kind of putting together a first-class event new members who may be reading grieving, that you may not have real- that was enjoyed by all who attended. this issue of Beyond the Hill for the ized in the initial flurry of moving There is more on this story in this is- first time. To you, I offer my condo- away from your previous duties. This sue. lences on your loss, but I welcome you is not unusual, and you can feel awful- Your vice-president, Hon. Eleni Ba- to the Canadian Association of For- ly alone as you encounter the new re- kopanos, represented us in Washing- mer Parliamentarians, which we hope alities. Many of us have been through ton last spring at the Annual Meeting you will formally join. the same thing and we understand. of the Former Members of Congress Being a member of the Association We know that it is often most diffi- and, subsequently, a study tour to has many intangible benefits, not the cult for members who are not eligible Canada was organized by their asso- least of which is being able to get to- for a pension and/or who have not yet ciation for constituency staff members gether with folks who understand been able to transition to a new job (it of sitting members from 10 states. and know what you know – all those often takes a long time – we have been Former Senator Con di Nino attend- subtle things that are hard to express. through it and know this). ed the 14th Annual Implementation When we get together, we have an Our staff in the offices at 131 Meeting for Endorsers of the Decla- immediate bond, no matter what our Queen Street – Susan Simms, Céline ration of Principles for International party affiliation. We have more things Brazeau Fraser, Carina Legault Meek Election Observation in Warsaw, Po- in common with each other than we – are knowledgeable and helpful. land on our behalf at his own expense have with anyone else who has not They can often help you in ways you earlier this year. Con has agreed to been in elected office. haven’t thought about yet. And if not, chair the committee examining ways Consequently, new friendships are between us, we can find you someone to restart the election monitoring forged that are very close and, in who can. activities by former members. Fur- some cases, new opportunities present We are here for you. Please, just call ther to his duties, Con met with Zoe themselves as a result. Even if you plan the office and we will put you in touch Dugal, Canadem’s Deputy Director to run again at some time in the fu- with someone near you who can offer Operations. She told him that, in the ture, getting involved with CAFP is a support and guidance. last couple of years, the only election good way to stay in touch or transition What’s new monitoring mission funded by Cana- to your new life as a former member. Your Association has been very da was the mission to Ukraine! Con Perhaps most importantly, we have busy as you will see as you go through continues to explore the possibilities. fun. Despite the negative nellies in the this issue of the magazine. We partici- The Hon. Bill Blaikie has been news, parliamentarians are generally pated with the Association of Former heading up the membership commit- exceptional people who are intelligent, members of Provincial Legislators at a tee and sent a letter in January to all engaging, interesting and involved. meeting in Quebec City. Our thanks the recently defeated members to re- When we get together with no po- to Hélène LeBlanc, who has been mind them about the Association. litical axes to grind (or to bury!) we working to raise our profile among Léo Duguay, your fundraising discover a very like-minded, congenial former Quebec members. We learned chair, has been very active, setting up community. that former MLAs have many issues a very successful study tour to Viet- We hope you will take out a mem- similar to ours and several of the as- nam. There is a full report and photos bership. The cost is just $125 a year sociations have initiated programs in this issue. He has met with several and $40 for spouses. And if things are to support their defeated members key players to determine the best way a little tight right now, we can make through their own transitions. forward to the next fundraising initia- some special payment arrangements. There is interest in being more in- tive. Continued on next page.

Page 6 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 7 Vietnam trip CAFP Delegation tours Vietnam By Francis LeBlanc

The whole crew at China Beach. Left to right: Susan Simms, Léo Duguay, Charlette Duguay, Ken Hughes, Hon. Karen Redman, Denise Hughes, Marlene Shepherd, Francis LeBlanc, Midge Philbrook, Herb Grubel, Hon. Sue Barnes, Massimo Pacetti, Dorothy Dobbie, Warren Redman, Hon. Eleni Bakopanos, Hélène Bertrand, Ian Waddell, Danielle Maclean. ietnam was the chosen desti- And Senator Raymond Setlakwe, ruptions. For those able to make it, nation for CAFP’s sixth Study who, with his wife Yvette, has been the virus caused ongoing worry but VTour and from Feb. 4th until a joyful participant of all previous no serious impediment to our activi- the 18th, 2020, a group of 19 former CAFP Study Tours, was obliged to ties. Instead, we got to explore this parliamentarians and spouses ex- decline this time for health reasons. dynamic and vibrant society, from plored this fascinating country. Sadly, We missed them both. the bustling business centre of Ho though, we were without two of our Our tour took place as the current Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the South most loyal members and ardent trav- coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to the political and cultural heart of ellers. Senator Jean Bazin, the first was beginning to wreak havoc with the country, Hanoi, in the north, to sign up when the tour opened, international travel. We lost three with many stops and side trips in be- regrettably passed away in late 2019. more of our participants to these dis- tween.

Continued from the previous page. Francis LeBlanc continues his work AGM postponed till fall COVID-19 with the House to improve access to In light on the epidemic, our AGM, As we go to press with this issue, we services for retiring members. Hon. which was scheduled to take place in are in the midst of the intense lock- Eleni Bakopanos represents this com- June, has been postponed to the call of down of our nation in our attempt mittee on the Board of Directors. the chair, but will hopefully be held in to slow the spread of the corona vi- Finally, I must also mention with early September. The Regional meet- rus. Just like everyone else, we are all warm thanks, Ian Waddell, who is ing has been postponed indefinitely. working remotely, doing our best to the current president of our Foun- I welcome the input from all mem- keep things going so we can quickly dation. Ian has been actively trying bers and encourage you to let us know recover from this most extraordinary to raise funds, visiting the heads of if there is some way in which you event. Know though, that we will re- some banks and so on, and attend- would like to make a contribution. cover and things will get better. We are ing various functions on your be- We will have several openings on strong. half. Ian’s energy and enthusiasm are the Board this year and are looking Dorothy Dobbie much appreciated by the Association. for nominees. President

Page 6 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 7 Vietnam trip

Léo and Charlette Duguay being greeted at Meeting with Ambassador, Her Excellency, Francis LeBlanc, Dr. Hélène Bertrand and the National Assembly. Ms. Deborah Paul. Dorothy Dobbie in the National Assembly.

Highlights of our trip included accepted many Vietnamese refugees entrepreneurial, and forward look- an overnight boat cruise in the Me- and “boat people” fleeing the repres- ing this country has become. Every kong Delta, hair-raising rickshaw sive regime, and the more recent street corner pulsates with activity. riding through the crowded streets opening up of the country with the For the past two decades, the Viet- of Hué, shopping for tailor made restoration of diplomatic relations namese economy is growing at an clothes and classes in Vietnamese with the US in 1995. We know that average annual rate of more than 6 cooking in Hoi An, sombre tours of Vietnam is a socialist country with per cent, and the government has the Vietnam war experience at the a one-party state government. What been promoting open trade and War Remnants Museum (Ho Chin came as a revelation was how young, good relations with all countries in Minh City) and the Hao Lo Prison the world. (the “Hanoi Hilton”) and memora- In Saigon, we met with repre- ble meals throughout the country. sentatives of the Canada-Vietnam As in previous tours, our delega- Chamber of Commerce, including tion was led by Léo Duguay and prominent members of the Viet- supported by staff from the CAFP namese diaspora who have returned office. This time it was Susan Simms to help rebuild the country. They who kept our group together and spoke of a vibrant business culture, happy. However, it was Nora McCa- smart and hard-working people, and be, an expert on travel in Vietnam, abundant investment opportunities, who arranged the intricate and var- in insurance and business services, ied program, and accompanied us in education, natural gas, high-tech our travels, choosing our restaurants, manufacturing to name but a few. explaining the food and local cus- In Hanoi, we found government toms, and providing a running com- wedded to its socialist principles, mentary on all things Vietnam. Her but forward-looking and intent on former husband and good friend, Mi- building a prosperous future for its chael McCabe, who has led a 15-year people. We encountered a dynamic cooperation CIDA program with artistic and cultural scene and saw Vietnam Government, arranged for the works of some of Vietnam’s best some valuable meetings with the Na- artists. We sampled a wide assort- tional Assembly in Hanoi. ment of Vietnam’s extraordinary We all know the recent history of cuisine, and came home with high Vietnam. The tragic war with the quality, tailor-made suits and new US that ended in 1975, the dark pe- Hon. Eleni Bakopanos with the fabulous light respect for this remarkable country. riod afterwards, in which Canada fixture that is centred over the National Assembly. The pictures tell the story.

Page 8 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 9 Vietnam trip

The official delegation poses in the courtyard of the Canadian Embassy in Hanoi. Left to right: Hon. Eleni Bakopanos, Léo Duguay, Massimo Pacetti, Ambassador Deborah Paul, Hon. Karen Redman, Hon. Sue Barnes, Dorothy Dobbie, Francis LeBlanc, Ian Waddell, Ken Hughes and Herb Grubel.

The main entrance to the National Assembly. Ho Chí Minh’s tomb, guarded by one of the Gateway to a river cruise. Water is central to faithful. He is worshipped in Vietnam as their all travel in Vietnam. This waterway has the Liberator. romantic name of Perfume River.

Page 8 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 9 Vietnam trip

The best loved part of the trip was a day and Sightseeing in Hue. Hon. Karen Redman - currently Regional night on the Mekong River in this boat. Chair, Region of Waterloo.

The hikers, while the others were off biking. A rice paddy in the Hon. Sue Barnes in the Botanical Garden in Saigon. background.

Herb Grubel and Dr. Hélène Bertrand. Hon. Sue Barnes catches up with old friend Midge Philbrook at the famous Metropole Michael McCabe who was a long time trade Hotel in Hanoi. attache in Hanoi.

Page 10 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 11 Vietnam trip

Hon. Eleni Bakopanos and her friend Hon. Léo Duguay notices something fishy on the Massimo Pacetti and Danielle Maclean. Sue Barnes. boat as it cruised the Mekong River.

A rainy day at the Vietnam answer to Angkor Wat, My Son Sanctu- Hon. Karen Redman and Warren Redman. ary.

Hon. Eleni Bakopanos, Charlette Duguay Midge Philbrook and Marlene Shepherd. Ken and Denise Hughes with Léo Duguay at and Marlene Shepherd. Lang Co Beach.

Page 10 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 11 Quebec City Meeting Quebec hosts meeting of provincial formers

Front row from left to right: Guest, Rita Dionne-Marsolais, Karen Haslam, Jean-Marc Lalonde, Dorothie Dobbie,Yvan Bordeleau, Second row: Ian Wadell, Hon. Eleni Bakopanos, Marie Malavoy, Karen Lebovici. Back row: Serge Geoffrion, Monique Richard, Hélène LeBlanc et Normand Jutras. he provincial former members Quebec has 268 of a possible 558 rently have 75 honorary members! met in Quebec City, Oct. 31 to members, dues are $75 a year. They also has a legacy video cel- TNov. 1, 2019. The meeting was are accorded a staff member and a pri- ebrating past members. They meet sev- organized and hosted by the Quebec vate meeting room in the Assembly eral times a year over luncheon with a provincial former members, Amicale Building. For many years, they have guest speaker. Manitoba still supports des anciens parlementaires du Québec. been assembling videos of past mem- a Mock Parliament every winter. It was attended by Rita Dionne-Mar- bers as a historical record. Alberta, represented by Karen Lei- solais, President; France Dionne, VP; Ontario reported that they also have bovici, Past President, is re-organizing Normand Jutras, Secretary; Yvan Bor- a YouTube channel consisting of vid- since their president recently passed deleau, Past President; Serge Geoffri- eos that they use as part of an educa- away. The Association is working on on, Communications chair; and Marie tion program. They also produce a a benefits plan for those who are over Malavoy, Women's President. PowerPoint presentation for use by 75 years old. At the time of the meeting, members who go out speaking. They Ian Waddell, who is also president l’Amicale had a Bill (Bill 390) pending publish a small publication, called The of the CAFP Foundation, represented to change their name to The Council Informer. The Legislature provides B.C. president Jeff Bray. They receive of Ex-parliamentarians of the National them with $5,000 a year. $4000 a year. Assembly of Quebec. This is to ensure Ontario has started a Foundation to CAFP was well represented by Pres- gender neutrality and to assist in creat- which they donated $10,000 to get it ident Dorothy Dobbie; Vice-president ing more positive exposure. The word started. Membership is only $50 per Hon. Eleni Bakopanos; board mem- "Council", it is hoped, adds a certain year and formers over 80 are honorary ber Hélène LeBlanc and President of dignity. members who pay no fee. They cur- the Foundation, Ian Waddell.

Page 12 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 13 Quebec City Meeting

First row from left to right: Karen Lebovici, Dorothy Dobbie, Marie Malavoy, Rita Dionne-Marsolais, Monique Richard, Karen Haslam, Jean-Marc Lalonde, Hon. Eleni Bakopanos, and hostess. Second Row: Serge Geoffrion, host, Yvan Bordeleau and Ian Waddell.

First row seating: Marie Malavoy, Dorothy Dobbie, Rita Dionne- Marsolais, Jean-Marc Lalonde and Karen Haslam. Second row standing: Ian Waddell, Monique Richard, Yvan Bordeleau, Fran- Bottom row: Guest of Mr. Lalonde, Yvan Ian Waddell, Hélène LeBlanc, Dorothy çois Paradis Président de l’assemblée nationale du Québec, Karen Bordeleau and Rita Dionne-Marsolais. Dobbie, and Hon. Eleni Bakopanos pose Lebovici, Hon. Eleni Bakopanos, Normand Jutras, Hélène LeBlanc 2nd row: Hélène LeBlanc, Jean-Marc outside the National Assembly. and Serge Geoffrion. Lalonde and the Hon. Eleni Bakopanos.

Ian Waddell was impressed with the reading The old senate Chambers in the National Grand staircase in the Assembly Building. choices at the National Assembly Library Assembly. It mirrors the House but is now alongside Karen Haslam. used only for special events.

Page 12 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 13 Newfoundland Meeting Meeting in St. John’s, Newfoundland

The sheltered harbour where St. John’s lies snugly nestled. he Regional Meeting of to understand that this was once through my Sister Elizabeth Davis the Canadian Association an independent nation. As we who didn’t stand for any nonsense! Tof Former Parliamentar- were told, St. John’s had a popu- Meetings such as this and the ians was held in St. John’s, Nfld., lation of 10,000 when opportunity to get in touch with this past September. It was ably was still a hamlet. The air of latent former members from across the organized by three former mem- sovereignty here is hard to escape, country, is one of the indefinable bers who had all held the seat of even after 70 years as a province of but irreplaceable benefits of be- St. John’s East in succession: Tory, Canada. ing a member of CAFP. Not only Ross Reid, Liberal Bonnie Ashley Indeed, we met at the Legisla- do you get to meet a lot of old and NDP member, Jack Harris, ture in the chamber for a panel dis- friends and make some new ones, who was recently re-elected. cussion by a quartet of learned his- you have an opportunity to learn a There is something other-world- torians who were still arguing the great deal more about our country. ly about St. John’s; a sense of his- events, merits and causes of Con- Many thanks to our three organ- tory pervades the air and it is easy federation! They were kept in line izers of a very successful meeting.

Murray McBride and Hon. Bryon Wilfert. Chungsen Leung and Hon. Vim Kochhar. Howard Meeker.

Page 14 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 15 Newfoundland Meeting

Historic picture of our three hosts who all rep- resented St. Johns East at various times: Jack A tour of the House of Assembly was followed by a panel session about Confederation. It was Harris, NDP; Bonnie Ashley, Liberal; and the province’s 70th anniversary as a part of Canada. Ross Reid, Progressive Conservative.

The meeting started with a reception at the Joey Smallwood’s chair at the museum. Keith Penner and one of the panelists. Munroe House, where guests were treated to a female barbershop quartet.

Maurice Harquail and guest. Céline Brazeau Fraser, Ross Reid and Hon. Taking a rest in the private quarters of the Alphonsus Faour. judges at the Supreme Court.

Page 14 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 15 THEY CAME BACK Jack is back! One man’s journey in and out of the House of Commons By Gina Hartmann

ack Harris first entered politics in Still lots to fight for 1987 after winning a federal by- “There are battles that are not over Jelection representing St. John’s to have an equal and fair society that East and, though his first time on I believe we can afford. We have seen the Hill was short lived, his career in other countries be successful. It’s a politics didn’t stop there. human problem, not a problem that “I had been involved with the needs to be solved. It’s a decision that NDP for several years. I believe in needs to be made.” the party and believed politics was a After the 2015 election, The NDP way to change the system and change Caucus went from 97 seats to 43, with the world, and I still do,” said Harris 53 of Jack’s teammates finding them- regarding his choice to pursue poli- selves without a job. tics. “There is a lot of unfairness in “The whole notion of being defeat- the system and it needs to be fixed. ed comes as a shock to some people, When you look at economic justice especially when you are getting used and social justice, and now the era of to being an MP and all of a sudden environmental justice, I believe peo- you have to figure out what to do ple have to work to change the world next,” said Jack of his experience in to make it better. If you have the 2015. “I thought the provisions were willingness to do that and the desire not adequate, and some people didn’t to do that, politics is a way to do it.” understand what access they had to After his first stint in the House, them.” Harris entered provincial politics For example, some former MPs had and had a career as a member of the left their line of work and may need House of Assembly from 1990 to help to transition back into their ca- 2006. He was also the leader of the Jack Harris in the House of Commons. reer. There is a fund available to them, NDP party of Newfoundland and but a lot of members weren’t well Labrador until he resigned his role With all of the east coast painted aware of those options. and seat in the same year. With the in red, Jack Harris was no longer rep- Worked hard for CAFP encouragement of , Har- resenting St. John’s East in Ottawa. Jack recognized this need for im- ris ran for federal politics again. However, he wasn’t ready to walk provement and worked on a commit- Layton brought him back away just yet. In 2019, Harris put his tee with the Canadian Association of “I wasn’t sure if I would end up name back in the ring for the same Former Parliamentarians to address in politics again after I retired from seat and won the election with over accessibility and look at the transition the provincial scene, from my own 71 per cent of the vote. process out of the House. choosing. With the urging of Jack “That was my involuntary sab- The committee surveyed members Layton, I did. We were successful batical. I wasn’t ready to retire from of Parliament and former members and had a good team. We did well politics. I had something to offer and to hear about their experience. They in 2001 with 102 seats. Unfortunate- I still do. I was encouraged by a lot also worked with the House of Com- ly, Jack died later that year. We got of people in my riding to run again mons staff who administer the pro- a new leader and I ran in 2015 and and eventually I decided to do so,” grams and former clerk and honorary lost,” recalled the returned member said Harris. “I like the role. I believe member of CAFP, Audrey O’Brien, of Parliament. “I wasn’t expecting to in the democratic system. I am very as well as gaining advice from former lose and neither were some people ex- privileged to be in the House of Par- speaker, John Bosley. The commit- pecting me to lose. We had been the liament. We had a wonderful platform tee met with party whips about some official opposition. Going into the to run on this time. I was proud to be suggested changes. election, we were the team to beat. a part of it, the things we were cham- One issue the committee noted was As we all know, we were beaten to pioning in the campaign and in the that the same department was deal- the third party with .” House.” ing with new members entering par-

Page 16 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 17 THEY CAME BACK

liament, as well as defeated members that you are doing things that are im- who needed support leaving the Hill. portant and important for the country. “The reality is with each election, If we didn’t have good people willing there are around 100 or more people to do them then democracy wouldn’t who are in the situation. If 200 leave, be much of a system. I’m doing what then 200 are coming in and that’s a I want to do, what I am happy doing. lot of people to deal with,” said Jack. I’m happy to be doing a job and rep- “You’re in the middle of your career, resenting St. John’s East. It’s a big re- in a profile of high prestige, and then sponsibility to live up to and I am hon- suddenly you aren’t without warn- oured to have that privilege.” ing. Many people in the public might The committee continues its work think it’s all a bed of roses, but the with Francis LeBlanc, Brian Hayes and fact of the matter is, when the election Hon. Eleni Bakopanos at the helm. comes you’re re-applying for your job They have made considerable progress and many times, through the political but continue to look for ways to help winds of change, without necessarily Jack in St. Johns, acting as a host of the the transition of former members into any fault of yours, you’re out of work Formers in September, 2019. their unelected role. and your identity is tied up with their to the transition process for members Jack Harris served in the House of Com- role.” leaving the House. mons from 1987-1988 representing the Jack said he respects the democratic And now that he has transitioned out, riding of St. John’s East with the NDP system and is not complaining by any he looks forward to his transition back in. and returned to Parliament from 2008- means, but was happy to find success “Politics is a challenging position, as 2015 for the same riding. He returned in with the committee to make changes well as a rewarding one, in the sense 2019. Bill Casey was a winner no matter who he ran for! ill Casey says sitting on the back The following year, Bill’s Conserva- benches as an independent with- tive riding association confirmed his Bout the camaraderie of his col- candidacy for the 2008 election, but leagues was challenging. “Mostly there the Party refused his nomination and were no committee roles or caucus fired the board. So, Bill ran as an inde- meetings, etc., to attend. I still was able pendent. He won by a landslide. It was to ask questions, table Private Members a pyrrhic victory. He soon discovered Bills and put questions on the order pa- he had prostate cancer and resigned his per. I had the same budget and staff as seat in April 2009 on the advice of his everyone else. I still had access to the doctor. ministers and some even agreed with Unlike two of his colleagues, Bill re- my stance of the Atlantic Accord.” covered, becoming active in CAFP. But Bill was first elected as a Progressive during his stint as an independent, he Conservative in 1988 to the second had been seated near then backbencher Mulroney mandate. He developed a Justin Trudeau. A bond was created solid relationship with the prime min- through their shared derision for the ister who not only answered his calls prime minister. but helped him in several ways when Bill had one of the winningest re- he ran into difficulties. Bill was used to Bill isn’t worried at all about being out of cords ever. He had never won with less politics or the Covid-19 isolation. He now has the respect and consideration of the top plenty of time to work on his antique cars. than 42 per cent of the vote and, in his guy and saw that as the proper order last three elections at the time, his mar- of things. tions as Bill’s first prime minister had gins were 50.9 per cent in 2004, 52.02 He lost his seat along with all but two been. In 2007, concerned with what he per cent in 2006 and 69.01 per cent in PCs, and Elsie Wayne, in saw as an illegal breach of the Atlantic 2008. He was clearly a desirable catch. 1993. He ran again in 1997, 2000 and Accord, Bill went to his leader to tell So, when the new leader of the Liberal 2004 regaining his seat each time with him his concerns. He was not met glad- Party called, Bill said, “What the heck. increasing majorities. ly. When the budget was handed down, Why Not?” Bill was still there in 2006 when Bill voted against it, He ran as a Liberal in 2015 and won won his first minority He was expelled from the Conserva- with 63.73 per cent on the vote. At 75, government as a Conservative. tive caucus and sat for the rest of the Bill announced that he would not seek This was a vastly different party than mandate as an independent. Known re-election in 2019. Having twice had the one Bill had served for so long and for his good humour and gregarious pneumonia, he found the lifestyle a lit- while he continued as a loyal servant, warmth, Bill found a niche among the tle more than he or his beloved wife, this leader was not as open to sugges- backbenchers of the Liberal Party. Rosie, wanted to handle.

Page 16 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 17 Independents The secret lives of Independents What does it mean when a member of parliament breaks with their party? By Matt Reekie

avid Kilgour’s career in fed- keep the promise.” eral politics saw its fair share Aiming to register his discontent of twists and turns over its 27 at such a broken key promise and the D likely consequences, he voted against years. He holds the uncommon dis- tinction of having resigned from both the budget tabled by his government in Liberal and Progressive Conservative 1996. Nunziata was expelled from the caucuses, serving a short stint as an in- Liberal caucus by order of the Prime dependent on both occasions. When he Minister. was expelled from the Progressive Con- In hindsight, Nunziata concedes that servative caucus in 1990, he had a few keeping the GST was the right choice, axes to grind with the party, not least but nonetheless stands by his actions. of which was an all too familiar com- His duty, as he saw it, was not to his plaint: he claimed that any dissension party, but to the voters and taxpayers in from party lines or criticism for the his riding. This tension between loyalty party or the prime minister was met to the party and duty to constituents with a loss of privileges in the House. is a recurring theme in the decision of In Kilgour’s estimation, party disci- many to break ranks with their party. pline in Canada is amongst the strictest Tough choice between party of the world’s democracies. As a result, and constituents he believes our legislature is abnormal- Jody Wilson-Raybould currently serves as an Bruce Hyer, former MP for Thunder ly constricted and backbenchers take a Independent MP for the riding of Bay-Superior North, also felt pressure diminished role. Granville. from his party to fall in line when it Voting the Party line came time to vote on the Long Gun The average MP in the 42nd Cana- of MP Jody Wilson-Raybould made Registry. Hyer and fellow NDP mem- dian parliament has reportedly voted headlines due in no small part to the ber John Rafferty were disciplined by the party line 99.6% of the time. As novelty of her running as an independ- party leadership for their support for Memorial University of Newfoundland ent. Such a thing had not happened in the Conservative government on the is- professor Alex Marland wrote in Policy over a decade. sue. “I was a hero in my own riding” Options, “Backbenchers need remind- But in 1997, against all odds, Nun- he says, but his party leadership didn’t ing that they are not part of the gov- ziata was accorded a fourth term by his quite see it that way. ernment.” A Liberal member, Marland constituents. “I was very honoured,” Besides banishment to the political summed up the backbencher’s predica- says Nunziata of his re-election, but it wilderness, the party and its whips have ment thusly: “In a government caucus, amounted to a Pyrrhic victory: though at their disposal a number of carrots to there are those in cabinet, and [...] those substantive, his 12 point lead was a far keep the ranks in line. For example, working hard to join it.” If one wants cry from the 70% electoral trouncing he whips assign offices, sanction partici- to be rewarded with a coveted cabinet was meted out in 1993, and he would pation on committees, and authorize or critic position, then they have to play be unseated by a Liberal challenger in travel. In Hyer’s case, he was stripped the game. But what happens when an the next election. Breaking with party of his critic role and denied opportu- MP doesn’t play nice? discipline all but ended Nunziata’s ca- nities to make members’ statements. Good luck on your own! reer in federal politics, but he wasn’t Feeling increasingly unable to toe the “Good luck getting elected as an in- the first and wouldn’t be the last. Why party line while representing his con- dependent!” John Nunziata received would anybody take such a risk? stituents, Hyer announced his depar- these parting words from then Prime As a Liberal MP, Nunziata had tak- ture from the NDP caucus in 2012. He Minister Jean Chrétien. Nunziata had en at face value the campaign promise ran for re-election in 2015 after having dutifully represented his constituents made by his party that they would re- joined the Green Party, but was unseat- under the Liberal banner for 12 years, peal the GST. However, he became in- ed by the Liberals. but going forward, his representation creasingly uneasy with the inaction of Running against the odds would be free from party constraints. his caucus’ to uphold their pledge. “We Running as an independent is an up- Mr. Chrétien is not alone in express- promised to do what we said we were hill battle. Though Nunziata defied the ing skepticism for the viability of in- going to do.” He recalls. “By 1996, it odds, Hyer and many others are not so dependent candidates. The re-election was obvious that they weren’t going to fortunate.

Page 18 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 19 Independents

government on support for causes oth- erwise unrecognized. In some cases, the law itself is tilted against Independents. Unlike parties, Independent candidates are prohibited from spending any campaign funds before the writ is issued, setting them back in the already difficult task of rais- ing awareness for their campaign. They are also required to return any leftover campaign funds to the crown. Mean- while, party riding associations are able to keep their leftover funds and re-use them in later campaigns. Though they may have their day in the House or in the media, the his- torical consequences of Independent members are debatable. As for Mrs. Wilson-Raybould, it is still too early Ex-Liberal MP John Nunziata was successfully elected as an independent MP in 1997 for the York South-Weston riding. to judge her stint as an Independent in parliament. Will her momentum carry Conservative-turned-independent people said they love Jane, but that they over to the next election cycle, or will Brent Rathgeber recalls the surprise he can’t vote for her because they can’t let she bleed support despite her efforts, encountered from people in his riding [the Conservative candidate] get elect- as John Nunziata did over his final for whom the very fact that one could ed.” said a volunteer on Jane Philpott’s term in office? As the first Independent run as, or vote for, an independent, was 2019 independent campaign. elected in a decade, her future in federal unknown. Others are discouraged by the belief politics, and the credibility of future Strategic voting also plays a role. Ac- that an Independent cannot advocate Independents, will depend on whether cording to a Leger poll published in for their interests as effectively as a par- or not she can show that “strong, inde- 2019, 35 per cent of respondents voted ty affiliated candidate could, but John pendent voices matter”, as she defiantly while “taking into account the chanc- Nunziata points out that opportuni- claimed. es that your vote will prevent another ties exist for Independents to be heard. David Kilgour was a member of Parlia- party’s candidate from winning.” Inde- Amending procedure can require ment from 1979 to 2006. pendent candidates are seen by many unanimous consent of the House. By John Nunziata served as an MP from as a wedge that may divide voters with denying his consent, he was able to 1984 to 2000 representing York South – similar interests. Voters may hesitate to bargain with house leaders to ask ques- Weston. back an independent candidate over a tions and participate in committees. Brent Rathgeber represented Edmonton party-affiliated representative, even if Their support can also be very valuable – St. Albert in the House of Commons from they share similar views, for fear that in minority governments, as was the 2008 to 2015. a split vote will propel a rival candidate case with David Kilgour, who condi- Bruce Hyer is the former MP for Thun- to victory. “Every door we knocked on, tioned his continued confidence in the der Bay-Superior North from 2008 to 2015. MPs who have run and won as independents ince Confederation, filiation. ent in 2004 and won. Was Reform. there have been 93 Louis Riel. Ran in 1873 Bill Casey. Ran and won in 2009. SMPs who crossed and was elected three times Originally Progressive Conservative, the floor and sat as Inde- as Independent. Never took then Conservative. Later ran for Lib- pendents. Only a handful his seat as there was a war- erals. were re-elected. A few rant out for his arrest for the Andre Arthur. Won as an Inde- ran without any previous execution of Thomas Scott. pendent in 2008. No previous party political affiliation and Camillien Houde. Won affiliation. won. as an Independent in 1949. John Nunziata. After several terms (Joseph-Napoléon-) Served one term. Was a Con- as a Liberal MP, ran as an Independent Louis Riel. Henri Bourassa. Served servative. in 1997 and won. as Independent from 1925 to 1935. Gilles Bernier. Ran and won as a Jody Wilson Reybould. Won as an Was a Liberal. Independent in 1993. Had been Pro- Independent 2019. Was Liberal. Tony Roman. Ran and won as In- gressive Conservative. Twenty-nine MPs have crossed the dependent in 1984. No prior party af- Chuck Cadman. Ran as Independ- floor since 2010.

Page 18 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 19 IT Seems To ME Vietnam The non-socialist communist country

Dorothy Dobbie.

hen you think Vietnam, you think “communist” Wand you expect a totalitar- ian regime with a heavy-handed ad- ministration. What we found on the recent study tour undertaken by the Canadian Associations of Former Parliamentarians was a very different case. Here is a nation of 95 million peo- ple (up from 45 million since the war!) that is very much trying to find its way into the modern world. The cur- rent president, Nguyen Pho Trong, is the head of state and the third leader since unification. His term is five years and he is only allowed to serve three terms. While he gets to appoint everybody with any power, and this is a one-party state where Party mem- bership bestows immense prestige and power, it appears there is little of the whisper-whisper, secret-secret atmosphere of many similar regimes. Speaking out quietly Indeed, we found the people to be very open in their criticism of both the Party and the regime. There is an underlying sense of fierce, personal independence among the populace that is expressed in nu- merous ways; the most obvious is the Vietnam has changed a lot since the 1960s. There is lots of screen time. Above, a wife seems to way they ignore traffic rules. It is jok- tell hubby to get off his seat and get to work. ingly acknowledged that the best way to get killed in Vietnam is to cross that “non-employment income” rates hard, often at more than one occupa- the street! Automobiles, trucks, and vary from .1 per cent to 25 per cent tion. the ever-present motorbikes see traf- and is income earned from business Women are highly respected, tradi- fic lines and lights as hints only and activities among other things. Many, tionally playing a large role in war and pedestrians are dodged. Somehow, many people are in business. The last sustaining the family fortunes. That weaving in and out of what we would census says there were 517,000 busi- doesn’t mean they have an equal place consider orderly lines, is the way of nesses in Vietnam, but that counts in the National Assembly and their the road, with each seeming to have only those who registered! Small participation is about the same as it is an invisible antenna on either side business accounts for 40 per cent of in Canada, yet even though a woman that governs the distance to be kept the GDP and represents about 98 per is currently leader in the National As- in order to avoid collision. It’s like a cent of all commercial activity. Every- sembly, there has never been a woman ballet, choreographed to the last inch. one seems to have something going. in the Politburo. However, a surpris- Who pays? Out for business ing number have become leaders in It is also said that many don’t pay Vietnamese are entrepreneurial in enterprise and industry. Women own income tax, which ranges up to 35 per the extreme. They waste nothing and about 22 per cent of all formal enter- cent (20 per cent for non-residents) find ways to make a buck doing just prises which are just as large as those for those with a job. The “out” here is about anything. And they work very of their male counterparts.

Page 20 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 21 It seems to me

20th Century technology just never really had a good People live in their places of busi- chance to take hold here. Back in the day, only Party ness. Here a dad teaches his toddler members had phones. Loudspeakers were installed to to walk on the street. disseminate propaganda. They still try. Nobody listens.

Everyone has a motorbike. A 4-litre tank can take you 160 to 200 km for less than $5. Cen- tre: The old letter writer at the Saigon Post office has less business now that most young people The Mekong starts 3000 miles to the north can write. Right: The War Museum. This poster may explain why the Vietnamese seem to and has always been the main source of harbour so little resentment toward Americans. There was such revulsion from ordinary transportation. Top is the floating market. soldiers about what was happening towards the end of the war, they just stopped fighting. Bottom, a market in Hoi An.

On the surface the Vietnamese peo- GDP goes into health), although the laughed, clearly embarrassed. Yet, it ple seem happy but dig a little deeper state is apparently working toward an seems to indicate that they are acutely and you will find a well of sadness go- improved system. There is no univer- aware of how tenuous their hold on ing back to memories of the war and sal education system, yet the literacy power is. While the Party apparatus the pain of loss and hunger. It would rate is over 95 per cent! tries to keep control, the spirit of capi- seem natural for them to be angry This may explain a story they told talism has gripped the nation and it with America, but quite the opposite: about a toll road the government in- seems that they are forging a new po- they seem to have an abiding affection stalled to pay for the Cai Lai road. litical system that works for them for for Americans and all things Ameri- The people paid for a while, we were now. can. This is the opposite to their reac- told, but once they felt they had paid What does the future hold? tion toward the French, which is quite enough, they objected. Some started Will they move closer to democra- negative, although they have sensibly paying the fee of about 25,000 Dong cy in the future? Only time will tell. left the French buildings intact and (USD $1.10) in very small bills which What is clear is that the former tools have adopted their wonderful baking backed up traffic for miles. Their pro- of control, the loudspeakers droning as part of the culture. tests ultimately resulted in this toll out propaganda, for example, are not Where are the social services? being removed. making the same deep impression on Most surprising for a so-called com- Meeting with Foreign Affairs a nation buried in their cell phones munist country is the lack of social At the meeting we held with the and distracted by the endless possi- services. Citizens pay for everything; foreign Affairs Committee in the bilities of enterprise and freedom. Most health services are self-paid National Assembly, I asked how they Dorothy Dobbie was the Progressive Con- (only .9 per cent of the Vietnamese handled these mild protests. They all servative MP for South, 1988-1993.

Page 20 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 21 Comedy in parliament How comedy cuts the tension in Parliament By Wade Morris t’s no secret that the political world can be draining at times. Dead- consume politics. In fact, one research Ilocked votes and flying insults can project between two Canadian universi- leave the process feeling dry and joyless. ties has studied this. Canada has a low voter turnout, and Political communication students at if you ask, you’ll find many Canadians both the and Con- don’t follow politics because “it’s bor- cordia University have been studying ing.” political memes – images with funny But laughter is the best medicine, captions that use wordplay or jokes to right? Canadians are supposed to be make a clever observation playfully. The funny – we’re known for speaking with image might represent someone’s reac- goofy accents, owning pet beavers, and tion to a debate, or a comparison be- drinking maple syrup straight from the tween a politician and a movie character tap. But seriously, we’re lucky to have – the point being that it’s funny. so much room for humour in our po- Voters have historically expressed po- litical system. We’re home to excellent litical support by putting a sign up on columnists, sketch television shows, and their front lawn, but, usually, younger podcasts dedicated to framing politics. voters would rather take the digital way Some of our politicians are funny too: Geof Scott performing politically satirical songs. of doing that: expressing their support Consider recently retired MP Rodger on social media websites. This often in- Cuzner. While representing Cape Bre- ley laugh. Eventually, they performed cludes sharing memes. ton between 2000 and 2019, he became nationally on TV. Geoff also worked in “Humour is always in play,” said known for delivering snarky quips, joy- the parliamentary press gallery where he Concordia professor Fenwick McKel- fully corny ‘dad jokes’, and delivering would write skits for parliamentary din- vey. “Jokes become a way of performing Dr. Seuss-style speeches in the House of ners. There, he learned that “you can al- ‘in-group’ and ‘out-group’ identities, as Commons around Christmastime. One ways look on politics from a lighter and well as expressing what’s politically ac- year, he delivered a parody of ‘Twas the more humorous point of view.” ceptable and unacceptable to partisans.” Night Before Christmas, written to de- That approach followed him into of- The first half of the research project scribe his perspective on the state of Par- fice, he explains. The ability to take your saw students tracking the impact of liament at that time. Rodger would earn job seriously while making room for hu- memes that were created during the national attention; Maclean’s called him mour is a balance worth considering. 2019 election period, and with so many “Parliament’s sense of humour”. “You should never take yourself too different characters and scandals, stu- “It’s something that I had a lot of fun seriously, because no one else does,” he dents had a lot of material to work with. with,” Rodger said, “and I know a lot said. “You’ll find that humour attracts The second half of the project saw the of people had fun with it in the 19 years a lot of people. It’s a really good way of formation of an online encyclopedia of that I was there.” Rodger’s quips were communicating.” He also reiterates that these images. delivered in good fun, and most would humour transcends party lines: “it’s an The research found that memes were agree that he made a positive impact. elixir and it affects people of all parties not necessarily influential on the elec- “When you’re working in a tense at- and all persuasions.” tion’s outcome, but there were still plen- mosphere, sometimes a witty remark or Humour gives voters a comfortable ty of images tracked. a funny observation cuts the tension.” way into the political process. Canada’s voter turnout is low; hope- Rodger would be careful not to overdo Geoff can name plenty of political fully, Canadians keep looking at hu- it, though. “It’s like seasoning you have writers who earned a following through mour as a way to stay engaged with the to sprinkle. It makes a good dish if you comedy. Among them is Allan Fother- political process. don’t overuse it.” ingham, whose column filled the back Roger Cuzner represented the riding Another MP who brought laughter pages of Maclean’s magazine for nearly of Bras d’Or–Cape Breton from 2000 to to Parliament is Geoff Scott, who repre- three decades. “People would open the 2004 and Cape Breton–Canso 2004 – sented the Hamilton – Wentworth rid- back page first just to get a dose of his 2019 for the Liberal Party. ing between 1978 and 1993. sardonic humour,” Geoff explains. Geoff Scott was a member of Parliament At a young age, he teamed up with Print media has certainly declined representing Hamilton–Wentworth from “man of a thousand voices” Rich Little, in popularity, but the next generation 1978 to 1993 for the Progressive Conserva- making audiences in the Ottawa Val- of voters still uses humour as a lens to tive Party.

Page 22 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 23 Arnold Malone A trick on a trickster By Arnold Malone

gathering at Big Knife Park near the need to share that in farm country if centre of my riding. As usual he did his someone waves at you, then you better impersonations of a variety of political make sure to wave back. Otherwise you personalities. He excited the audience may be challenged in the curling rink and was, to use the queen’s language, “a next week for being stuck-up. In fact, Arnold Malone. smashing success.” many people have been caught waving The next day I asked Geoff, an urban at an unknown driver who was reach- his column is about country stuff. MP from Hamilton to come with me ing upward to flip his sun visor down. The riding I held for more than as I attended a meeting in Acadia Val- The very hint of a wave means you must T19 years was a huge swath of ru- ley. When I drove out of my farmyard, wave back, it is expected in farm coun- ral real estate. The Crowfoot riding had Lawrence Wenig was driving out of his try. more square miles than any one of the yard and gave me his traditional wave. Throughout the remainder of the long smallest forty-two nations at the United I waved back. Geoff Asked, “Who was trip to Acadia Valley I waved at every ve- Nations. During my tenure Crowfoot that?” and I told him about my neigh- hicle that approached and always Geoff had one hundred and thirteen towns, bour. A mile later the Brewers were exit- asked, “Who was that?” I always had an villages or hamlets. I lived at the very ing their driveway and again there was a answer prepared even though I didn’t northwest boundary of the riding. To wave. Geoff asked, who that was? So, I have a clue who they were. “Oh that was attend a meeting in Acadia Valley, in the told him about the Brewer’s. Fitzgerald Hepsteperowski, he farms far southeast corner, it was a three-hour After we entered the secondary high- just beyond that hill”, I would reply. We one-way drive. That drive was entirely way #83 towards Camrose we met five met dozens of vehicles on that drive and through farming and ranch country. vehicles that flashed a wave and Geoff every wave I gave was returned with a In farm communities’ people primar- asked, “Who they were? So, again more huge smile and vigour’s wave. Geoff al- ily work and play within a forty-mile descriptions about people I knew. ways wanted to know who that driver radius of their home. Additionally, they After leaving Camrose I had decided was and I always had some fictitious know a lot about the others in their cir- that I would take Geoff forty miles to- name and background information cle. wards the village of Rosalind, my origi- ready. Geoff was impressed. Most persons in rural Canada know nal home community, a place where I was fortunate that Geoff never asked the make and colour of a vehicle that my two brothers still farmed. I wanted me to recall any of the names or descrip- others drive. They can identify Jim’s Geoff to see the beautiful Battle River tions of a driver we met minutes ago. half-ton truck with the side mirror bro- Valley and the farm area where I once My neuron supply had a limit such that ken off; the faded blue vehicle named lived. the manufacturing of a new name re- Old Blue that Hank has driven for two About ten miles north of Rosalind quired that I had to forget those past and a half decades and Jordan’s new I was back in familiar country. I knew names to make room for another lie. white three quarter ton truck that he this community. So, as we approached The next day I drove Geoff to the replaces every two years. Farmers know on coming cars/trucks there was a suc- Edmonton airport. By now the mischie- their neighbours and the cars and trucks cession of waves and each time Geoff vous activity was history so there was no they drive. asked who they were? Again, I was able consideration of a confession. It follows therefore when neighbours give a description of the person and Back in Ottawa I was going for lunch are friends and two vehicles are moving what they did. As we drove south from at my party’s common table in the par- towards each other on a country road Rosalind towards our home farm the liamentary restaurant. Just as I was ap- there is a vigorous wave from one ve- same experience took place. These were proaching the alcove I paused – beyond hicle to the other. Every driver has his once my very close neighbours so I was the view of the members - as I could or her own wave pattern. Joyce’s arm able to talk in detail about each of them. hear Geoff Scott speaking to his col- would go straight out from her shoul- It was obvious that this activity was a leagues, “No wonder he got elected. We der then bend upward at the elbow and surprise for an urban chap. Geoff made drove for hours upon hour and he knew stay fixed while her hand vibrated like some comments about his marvel of my every person on the road. Every one of a Hummingbird wing. Fred didn’t re- seeing a vehicle and knowing whom the them waved and smiled at him. ally wave he just gave a nod and touched occupant would be. So, the lesson is: Never believe every- the brim of his hat with his forefinger; This also excited those neurons that thing you think. Emile did a large sweeping arch across cause one to engage in mischief. As we Arnold Malone was the Progressive Con- the inside of the windshield. People in a drove further from my home commu- servative member for the Alberta riding of community knew the vehicles that oth- nity towards Forestburg and then near Battle River, elected in 1974. He became the member from Crowfoot in 1979, serving until ers drove and what wave to expect. other small prairie villages, I continued 1993. He currently lives in Invermere, B.C. So it came to pass that I had asked to wave at every vehicle we met. and writes a weekly column for the Columbia Geoff Scott to speak at a constituency Just in case this all seems strange I Valley Pioneer.

Page 22 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 23 Social Media Social media and politics Connecting with constituents authentically By Gina Hartmann

hen it comes to politics, social While she believes it’s important for media outlets can be a double- people to use social media as a means Wedged sword. While it’s a free to post about their beliefs and stand up way of promoting campaigns and an to injustice. opportunity for elected officials to con- “Once you are in it, you are in it. nect with their constituents on a differ- The only time I was hesitant was after ent platform, it can also invite harsher that exchange because it started getting criticism and conflict. scary. But it was not enough to make me Former parliamentarian, Celina stop talking about equity and justice is- Caesar-Chavannes is well versed in the sues. There is no sort of putting it back world of social media. With over 20k in the jar and closing the lid. It’s either I followers on Twitter, she has seen the continue or fade into nothingness and I benefits of such a platform for politics didn’t want to do that.” and connecting with people in a genu- Soon the hashtag #HereforCelina ine way. started up and began to show a differ- “It provided an immediate response, Celina Caesar-Chavannes (submitted photo). ent opinion about the experience and either positive or negative, to everything her post. Both responses allowed Celina I did. It gave me the temperature gauge than offline and the study stated, “So- to recognize the role that social media to what people were feeling. I came in cial media’s status as a primary source can play. as a sort of unknown and my profile of news and information for Canadians “It was a wave of change in how peo- grew over the last four years based on has more than doubled in two years.” It ple responded. That for me, was the the things that I said or did, really early was also discovered that four in 10 Ca- other critical moment in understand- on,” she recalled. nadians describe themselves as people ing social media and how it works,” In 2016, Celina decided to share her who like to share their opinions about she said. “It doesn’t work by powerful personal story of depression with the politics. people or powerful political folks, it’s public. She used her platform to create Social media is an outlet that allows regular people who can galvanize a mes- discussion on the topic of mental health, politicians to provide insight into their sage and gather to become powerful. a topic that had a tendency to be avoid- real lives and share their stories with the It’s the epitome, the realization of the ed. A portion of her Twitter profile now public, but because it’s an open form of term ‘power to the people’. Social media states that she is “a woman with a mas- communications, there can be negative has given them that platform to say we ter to #destigamatize #mentalhealth.” response – particularity for women. A stand with you, or we don’t.” “When I talked about my mental study of women politicians across the The Abacus Data report stated that health issues, I received an overwhelm- globe performed by the Inter-Parlia- 71 per cent of Canadians can be per- ingly positive response. Going viral on mentary Union stated that 41.8 per cent suaded to change their mind, and the social media allowed me to connect to of the respondents believed that social change in response to Celina’s message more people on different levels. I re- media had disseminated images of or is proof of that power. For politicians or sponded personally to every person that comments about them that were highly anyone looking to spark change within sent me a private message. It gave me contemptuous or sexually charged. Re- their community or to an even larger that intimate connection to the people spondents reported receiving threats audience, social media can provide that I was serving. and harassing comments through social outlet. “I would use it to show the human media platforms. “Social media has allowed me to find side of the politician. I wanted to con- “I would say, even when I talked who I am and to be authentic doing it. nect with people in a way that I knew about my mental health in 2016, there I found a voice there and I found Celi- was Celina before politics. I didn’t want was ‘get thicker skin’ and ‘if you can’t na on social media. I am not going to to engage by knowing when the budget do this job, you shouldn’t be here,’ but I change that person to fit back into a lit- came out, I would be engaged if that think those comments were few and far tle box. She is out of the box – there is person was saying something I was in- between,” said Celina. no containment, it’s authentically Celi- terested in and snuck in a little politics.” However, she found there was a big- na.” In 2016, Abacus explored how Ca- ger pushback when she decided to push Celina Caesar-Chavannes served as nadians used the internet to discuss harder for equity and inclusion on social member of Parliament from 2015 to 2019 and learn about politics. Fifty-one per media. When she questioned another representing the riding of Whiby. Elected cent of people gain information from a member about their privilege, the re- as a Liberal, she later sat as an Independ- digital news source (online news), rather sponse was not as welcoming at first. ent.

Page 24 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 25 Where are they now? Lynn McDonald’s private member’s bill She put Canada on the non-smokers map By Matt Reekie n November 18, 2019, a piece ing to solve, and that cannot be authored by former NDP MP solved by the current established OLynn McDonald appeared parliamentary procedures. in The Hill Times. In it, she discussed A: There are lots of things govern- her proposal for a new tier of Private ments don’t want to do. In the case Members Bills. When she discussed the of my Non-Smokers Health Act, it idea with me at the CAFP holiday re- should have been brought in by a ception, my interest was piqued. Two Health Minister. It could have been months later, I reached her in London, brought in years earlier, but no Health England, where she was more than Minister would do it. There are lots of happy to continue our conversation and things that Private Members can see share her vision for a more cooperative the point of doing, they can’t persuade setting in the House of Commons. ministers to do it. It means that people Q: As I understand it, what you can propose ideas and get them dis- are proposing is a different kind of cussed. Private Member’s Bill which can be Q: So promoting a diversity of sponsored by two or more members ideas, in a way that fosters cross from different parties. How would party-cooperation? you describe it in your own words? A: That’s the beauty of having this A: I am proposing that there be a sec- Lynn McDonald. second tier. I think the Canadian pub- ond tier of bills that would have to be lic is pretty fed up with the strident sponsored by members of two or more power, it’s very nice for them to keep tone in the House, they would like parties, and they would have separate their own backbenchers quiet and not to see more cooperation. This is why time, there would be more time allot- raising any trouble, so why would MPs would look at fellow MPs as pos- ted to them so that they would not be they want to give them more chances sible colleagues across party lines, not crowding out the initial [Private Mem- to show initiative, to be creative? just as opponents. This would be a ber’s hour.] My contention is that pri- Now, we have a minority govern- good way of promoting a more coop- vate members, especially government ment. The Prime Minister might feel erative spirit in the House. backbenchers, don’t have enough to do, like it’s a good idea to give a nod to Q: What are some issues facing don’t have the opportunity to take part other parties. He’s got to persuade the country today that these bills in the debate and formulate policy. people in other parties to vote for his could address? Private Member’s hour does give bills. This might be a way of showing A: I would say the vaping issue is them that chance, if they can’t get their good will to other parties. I think the one that the government has failed bills debated, they just sit there and ap- chances of getting it through in a mi- to act strongly enough on. Climate plaud the leader and vote how they are nority situation would be much better change, of course, is the biggest is- told. This is a way out of that. It’s a way than in a majority. sue, most aspects of climate change for MPs of all parties to have some more Q: Have you spoken to anybody you couldn’t do much on, but there creative roles, and it’s a cooperative one. who is currently in the House of are probably some. When I say some This new tier, it will foster cooperation, Commons for this or do you know things, when you are going to get 5 which certainly the public would like to that there is any interest in the hours of debate, you can do more than see more of, and I think probably MPs House for this? with one hour of debate, but clearly would like to see more of. A: I had that article published in you can’t bring in a comprehensive Q: Why isn’t this happening al- The Hill Times, and I sent it to a climate change strategy. So you have ready? What stands in the way of number of people, and I did discuss to take on something that would be cross-party cooperation on private it with a number of NDP colleagues. fairly precise and limited. members bills? Jack Harris was one, and Don Davies, My Non-Smokers Health Act ad- A: I think a bill has to be moved by I think the MP with the largest num- dressed an issue that should have been one person. I’m not aware that you can ber of submitted Private Member’s advanced by a Health Minister years do it with two or more. I don’t think Bills. There was certainly some inter- before, but it wasn’t. Canada was the it would take any legislation, I think it est. But I don’t have conservative con- first country to get it, and it was done would take a meeting of the house lead- tacts, so I haven’t taken it any further. by a Private Member’s Bill. ers in order to set up a new system. It’s Q: What is the purpose of this Lynn McDonald was the NDP MP certainly doable, but nobody has con- new tier of Private Member’s Bills? for Broadview-Greenwoood from 1982 to sidered it. And of course, the party in What is the issue that you are try- 1988.

Page 24 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 25 HOW IT WORKS The time is out of joint: Hamlet By Hon. John Reid How will we weather the changes and uncertainties of the emerging world? Hon. John Reid. few weeks ago, I attended At the same time, there were massive a lecture by a distinguished changes taking place: the development Aprofessor of Jungian studies, of the personal computer, the expan- Dr. James Hollis. He is the author of sion and development of the Internet many books, 14 at this time of writ- and the increasing role of social me- ing, and is considered one of the ex- dia, the decline of traditional media, perts in Jungian studies. The subject the smart phone, the development of matter was how does our past, includ- robotics now allied with Artificial In- ing that of our immediate ancestors, telligence. We now know that our gov- impact our decisions and that of our ernments spy on us, thanks to Wiki societies. In the question and answer Leaks, that cameras are (almost) every- period, a question was posed about where and facial recognition technolo- “the collective disfunctioning” of US gy is well in the hands of governments society as expressed in its politics and and large corporations. the deep divisions with normal soci- Privacy has been eroded and contin- ety, the apparent lack of any civility in ues to be compromised. Government collective discourse. and the private sector routinely swap Dr. James Hollis. Professor Hollis suggested that data about us; if they have 400 bits of many societies were at inflection First and Second worlds as well. Many your data, they know you better than points. These inflection points are of these leaders were elected demo- your parents; if they have 800 bits, similar to the ones we all must en- cratically and moved to take increased they know you better than your spouse dure, when our old patterns no longer power with the support often of the or best friends ever did. The changes support us. The US is going through electorate. appear to be speeding up, and no one great changes, and many more are In my time, I have seen many knows how to slow it down. approaching quickly. He identified changes, not all of which have been Are the times out of joint? Artificial Intelligence (AI) as one pleasant. The recession of the late People feel that the times are out of that would likely be transformative, 1950s, the “burning of the bras” fem- joint. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, making significant changes in all so- inist marches in the 1960s, the Cuban and when situations do not feel com- cieties. He noted that the US was not missile crisis, the Pentagon Papers fortable, we go back to our emotional the only country going through these revelations about the Vietnam War, memories, to a time when we felt safe changes, and referenced the two year racial riots, the assassination of John and secure, usually when we were at debate in Great Britain over Brexit F. Kennedy, that of his brother, Rob- home with parents. – their withdrawing from the Euro- ert Kennedy, that of Martin Luther An important function of memory pean community. He also noted the King, the attempted assassination of is to forget, and replace what actually lack of faith in democracy in many Ronald Regan, the fall of Richard happened with what we want to feel countries because democratic institu- Nixon – all shook the USA. These ac- happened. Much of our criminal law tions were unable to deal with many tions spoke to the fundamental social is based on testimony based on accu- of the changes impacting them, thus changes forcing themselves into the rately recalled memory of events, but their faith in strong, unilateral lead- mainstream of U.S. society then. we know that memory is not that ac- ers whose word is fiat, irrespective of Our economies have had many curate, still it is one of the few tools whatever constitution or law may ex- bumps too, from stagflation in the we have and so it is used, often flawed, ist in their nation. late 1970, the recession in the late because it is all we have in many cases. Is democracy dying? 1980s, the dot.com bubble burst in Governance is not an easy task at the “L’etat c’est moi”, the motto of Lou- the late 1990s (it took until 2015 for best of times; democratic governance is XIV, is now the new disposition in the NASDAQ to regain its former is even more difficult. To be effective, these states. It is not only in Third and peak) and, of course, the great eco- democracy needs an intelligent, work- Fourth world countries where this is nomic crash of 2007-08. It took fully ing society of electors, who are willing the norm, but also increasingly in the 10 years to recover fully from that. to put in the time to understand issues,

Page 26 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 27 HOW IT WORKS

Social media is having a profound impact upon our society and we’re still trying to come to terms with it.

to debate and work out satisfactory so- global warming, was attacked for not the need for international solutions for lutions. Not all attempts to solve per- knowing anything about global warm- a host of problems, to mention only a sistent problems will be successful, be- ing and being held to a higher standard few of them. cause no one can see the future. So we of proof than the adults around her. But we must not forget that we hu- are always trying to deal with changes There are no easy answers because mans have enormous power in our in full flight before we completely un- many of our problems are embed- complex brains. We have built many derstand them, both individually and ded in the human psyche. We cannot civilizations of great complexity; we collectively. This is a formula for mis- live alone, humans are social animals, have constructed wonderful things; we takes but “to err is human” and inevi- but we find it difficult to live in soci- are not to sell ourselves short. Having table. ety, especially when society does not worked to get where we are we know Still coming to grips agree with us, and, of course, we are that with effort and brain power we with social media always right! Give and take is difficult can overcome our current problems, An example of this is social media, for many because our personalities are but to do so, we not only have to ac- where we are still trying to come to bound up in our beliefs and opinions. knowledge our power but also the grips with the changes it has made Our fear is that if we change either or limitations of that power in the form and is making to our societies. This is both, we shall be diminished, not only of the human psyche and the impedi- hard work. It takes time, and it leads in our own eyes, but in the eyes of our ments that it imposes. into uncomfortable situations where to friends and acquaintances. The world has changed, it has be- follow the logic means to give up cher- Humans have enormous power come larger; we now live in Marshall ished opinions or faith. This can mean With all of these changes arriving McLuhan’s Global Village but we as losing status with a group, changing without warning (for most of us) and individuals have become smaller and jobs, disruption in the family, etc. Peo- the time it takes to work out their im- feel less powerful as unknown and ple will look at the cost of intellectual pacts, we are all disconcerted and af- known forces change our world into a change and determine it is not worth fected. We are going through the end new destiny. the effort and carry on unchanged. “If of the American Peace since WW II, We are in for a difficult decade (if we he/she is for it, then I am against it.” the shrinking of the European Union, are fortunate) while these new systems One has only to look at social media the rise of China as the workshop of work their way through our worlds. All to see what happens when one chal- the world, the decline of the world of us will have to learn to live through lenges the received faith of an “echo order created out of the wreckage of ambiguity, while we seek certainty and chamber”. An example is what hap- WWII, the threat of global warming, dream of nostalgia in an uncertain pened to the 16-year-old Swede, Greta the weakening of international organi- world. But there is no going back. Thunberg, at the Davos conference. zations and the rise of international Hon. John Reid was the Liberal MP for Keno- She, using the scientific consensus of diseases (Ebola and Coronavirus), and ra-Rainy River from 1965 to 1984.

Page 26 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 27 OPINION China’s treatment of the Uyghurs rings alarms The coronavirus brings into question the conditions at Xinjiang Hon. David Kilgour. Extracted from Hon. David Kilgour’s text and notes by Gina Hartmann

he coronavirus epidemic has volving the Uyghurs people is con- Since 2016, people of the Muslim been flooding the main news cerning and raises a lot of moral flags, community have had numerous health Tstreams throughout the 2020 the outbreak of the coronavirus high- checks and have blood samples taken and, while it’s dominating the majority lights new and developing concerns. while other individuals have not expe- of information Canadians are receiv- “There are major fears that the virus rienced the same scrutiny, according ing about China, there is a more press- may have spread to Xinjiang, where to Dr. Maya Mitalipova at the White- ing and upsetting story that should be an estimated one to three million head Institute for Biomedical Re- told, according to David Kilgour. It is Uyghurs and other Muslims reside in search at MIT. The Saudi Centre for that of the Uyghurs. hundreds of camps,” stated Kilgour. Organ Transplant stated their citizens The Uyghurs are Turkic-speaking “Adrian Zenz of Germany, one of the have bought black market organs and Muslims from the Central Asian re- leading researchers on Xinjiang's mass illegally transported them to China. gion, with a large population living in internments, notes, ‘The coronavirus Elimination of racism Xinjiang, but the Chinese government could add an entirely new dimension The UN committee dedicated to has taken a distinct approach toward to the Xinjiang crisis.’” the elimination of racism has stated the minorities living in Xinjiang with David Kilgour is a former Parlia- a call to action that “responsible gov- nearly a million Uyghurs living in de- mentarian and is currently a human ernments and businesses worldwide tainment camps. rights activist. He is a Senior Fellow should join the United States and It’s hard to imagine the magnitude to the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Australia in boycotting anyone doing of the entire movement, but David Human Rights. During his time in business in Xinjiang. Forced labour Kilgour suggests removing oneself the House he served as Secretary of in its internment camps is poisoning from the facts and personalizing the State for Asia and the Pacific. In 2006 the supply chain of a number of well- situation by focusing on the individ- he spoke out about allegations that nu- known companies from democratic ual. merous Falun Gong practitioners had nations operating there.” When a young woman named Maya been sacrificed to serve China’s organ While there are some questionable (pseudonym) had left Egypt to come transplant industry. moral considerations at play, from to Xinjiang for work, she ended up Kilgour worked with lawyer and hu- a public health standpoint, Kilgour finding herself in a terrible situation. man rights activist, David Matas, and suggests international health players In 2015, she tried to visit her parents wrote a report on the matter. He later should get involved, especially during but was separated from her children published a book and travelled to dif- the coronavirus outbreak. and placed in a “vocational training ferent countries to raise awareness on “The international community centre”. She later witnessed the death the issue. should call on Beijing to allow the In- of her child, he recounts. Kilgour shares others’ concerns ternational Red Cross and the World What are re-education camps? “Dr. Enver Tohti, a Uyghur, has Health Organization access to Xin- “In 2017, Xi Jinping began erect- said that in 1995, when he was a gen- jiang and its camps to monitor and ing a “re-education” gulag for Mus- eral surgeon in an Urumqi hospital, he oversee the conditions and what is lim communities similar to the forced was taken to an execution ground by being done, if anything, to stem the labour camps established for Falun hospital authorities and removed the spread of coronavirus,” he says. Gong members after mid-1999. Both kidneys and liver from a man, who Please refer to the Epoch Times article. networks receive inmates arrested by was alive when the operation began,” https://www.theepochtimes.com/the-risk- police without a hearing, trial or ap- wrote Kilgour. “In his 2014 book, to-chinas-uyghurs-from-coronavirus-de- peal, a grim practice invented in Sta- The Slaughter, Ethan Gutmann esti- mands-action_3236803.html lin’s Soviet Union and adopted in mates that the organs of 65,000 Falun Hitler’s Third Reich,” wrote former Gong adherents and 2,000 to 4,000 The Hon. David Kilgour was a member of Par- member of Parliament, David Kilgour Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Christians liament for 27 years (1979-2006). He served for an article in The Epoch Times. were forcibly harvested in China be- under the Progressive Conservative Party, While the situation in Xinjiang in- tween 2000 and 2008.” the Liberal Party and sat as an Independent.

Page 28 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 29 Election Accessibility Do Canadian elections meet the accessibility challenge? By Wade Morris n 2017, 6.2 million Canadians re- “We used an intersectional ap- ported having one or more disabili- proach,” Susan explains, “and we also Ities to Statistics Canada. That’s 22 used plain language as best as possible. per cent of the country’s population over If we used a laundry list of disabilities, the age of 15. The most common types it would never be perfect.” of disabilities reported involve pain, This approach works so well because flexibility, mobility, or mental health. it’s inclusive, Susan explains. Cana- Disabilities are clearly prevalent, but dians who have physical or intellec- accessibility doesn’t ever seem to be at tual disabilities could benefit from the the forefront of conversations during booklet, but so could the aging popu- election periods. With flexibility and lation, whose terminology often inter- mobility being of such high concern, sects with that of disability advocates, it’s easy to see how barriers could exist or others: “Sometimes using the term within the political process, making it Accessibility is an important factor when ‘disability’ makes it less relatable, for tougher to vote, stay politically engaged, Elections Canada selects locations for polling people who don’t recognize disability or even run as a candidate. booths. within their culture, or also with the So, what is Elections Canada doing to voting room on the same floor as the aging population,” Susan says, “so we make elections accessible? And what can entrance. tended to try to focus on using inclu- they do? Eviance sive language.” Elections Canada launched the Ad- Recently, the Canadian Centre on More improvements in the offing visory Group for Disability Issues in Disability Studies launched a new pro- The next election cycle may see more 2014. The group included members ject operating under the name Eviance, changes. The federal government has who could provide expertise and advice an amalgamation of the words ‘evi- been working on a bill for years that to Elections Canada regarding their ex- dence’, ‘advancement’, and ‘vie’, French would, in its words, “enhance the full isting and future accessibility initiatives. for ‘life’. and equal participation of all persons, Some of their work contributed to the “Eviance really embraces an inclusive, especially persons with disabilities, in 2015 federal election, while the 2019 accessible society that’s sustainable for society,” hoping to form “a Canada election saw some of its own improve- all,” says executive director Susan Har- without barriers, particularly by the ments. die. “That includes, most importantly, identification, removal and prevention What is being done? the democratic process. I can reflect of barriers.” For clarity, the ballots from the 2019 back 30 years, and physical access to Bill C-81, titled the Accessible Can- election included larger text than their voting booths was an issue. I cannot ada Act, received Royal Assent in June 2015 counterparts. Factors that might say that we could see our peers as in 2019. The act would apply to the pub- not initially cross one’s mind as relevant the elected officials. A lot of that has lic sector, Crown corporations, and all to accessibility were also considered. changed.” other federal organizations – including Jewelles Smith, a member of the Advi- Eviance, which primarily operates Elections Canada. sory Group for Disability Issues, told in Winnipeg, where so much has been The Act will inevitably reshape the CBC last year that multiple types of done to advance the cause of people way accessibility enters the electoral pencils were tested to see which would with disabilities, developed a booklet conversation. Under Bill C-81, Elec- be easiest to mark ballots with, a change called “Voting with a Difference”. The tions Canada will likely need to take that would help voters who may have booklet, made available in physical and firmer action to remove barriers be- trouble writing. digital form, acts as a “straightforward tween political participation and folks The selection of polling places is one guide” to registration and voting. It with disabilities. Specifically, Elections process in which accessibility plays a ma- answers just about any question a voter Canada will need to prepare a report jor role. Elections Canada doesn’t pick could have, covering topics from iden- ensuring their approach meets the just any building to operate as a polling tification to ballot types to polling sta- regulations established under the Ca- place; venues are tested by a set of cri- tions. nadian Accessibility Standards Devel- teria measuring their accessibility. Some The guide frames most of its headings opment Organization. criteria are mandatory: a polling place as questions a voter may ask, and writes It is not yet known what impact Bill must, for example, meet certain physi- to a broad audience rather than trying C-81 will make on the next federal elec- cal measurements to ensure easy access, to frame its content around specific dis- tion cycle. Hopefully, the act will help have functioning lighting, and place its abilities. more voices be heard in our democracy.

Page 28 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 29 Where are they now? Peter Stoffer puts parliamentary experience to use By Gina Hartmann Peter Stoffer has bounced back from cancer and wants to keep on giving. eter Stoffer may be busier now an MP you usually don’t. They found than when he was in politics. The prostate cancer and I was very lucky to Pformer member of Parliament have the surgery in time. I was 61 years isn’t short of volunteer opportunities old at the time of diagnosis. I was very and he’s proud to be continuously con- lucky. My constituents don’t know but tributing to his community and coun- they actually saved my life by not vot- try. ing for me.” “There are thousands and thousands Now Peter finds himself using his of Canadians who give back to the time to give back to the community country every day and I am just fortu- in a variety of ways, and his volunteer nate enough to be one of those people work expands to a myriad of differ- who has the time and the health to be ent ventures. While he sits on several able to volunteer,” said the former MP. boards, including director of Nova Sco- “I, like many others, feel it’s important tia with the Canadian Association of to help your community and province Former Parliamentarians, he does seek and country become even better than a multitude of ways to give back, in- Peter Stoffer (Submitted photo). what it is now. I am no different than cluding working on a committee with any other volunteer. I have a supportive through the group Atlantic Heroes. GENCANBIO to look at the efficacy family, my wife volunteers as well and The organization provides a free three of medical marijuana and discovering we are fortunate to be able to do this.” bedroom apartment to any first re- why it works and the effects it has. He The Hour of Heroes sponders and their family within Atlan- also works with a water company to re- To start off, Peter hosts a weekly ra- tic Canada, who are receiving medical view ways in which chlorine could be dio show titled “The Hour of Heroes”, treatment in Halifax. Stoffer hopes to removed from drinking water. where he interviews emergency work- have more units in the future to offer Peter feels blessed to have had the op- ers, veterans, military, frontline work- more space to those during a time of portunity to serve the country and sees ers and many others who serve the need. volunteering as a way to continue to country. “It offers them the comfort and se- give back. “I talk with all the wonderful people curity blanket in knowing there are Blessed to call Canada home who have very stressful jobs wearing people that care about them and that “My parents told me all about what the uniforms of our municipality, prov- we will do everything we can to protect happened in the war, before, during and ince and country. What I really try to you. It’s based on the Ronald McDon- after. My dad always said, if Canada has do is allow the audience to get to know ald House, and they were helpful to us. a military like that, you can imagine the these people and why they chose their We have had a fair amount of people country they come from. We have been careers. One 911 call brings a bunch stay with us. If you have a safe and blessed to call Canada our home.” of saviours running to save you and warm place to stay, your treatment will Peter was born in Netherlands. “The I think that’s a pretty neat thing. It’s go much better.” fact that I was an elected member of interesting to get to know these folks,” Peter represented the NDP and held Parliament and the benefit that come said the radio host. the seat of Sackville-Eastern Shore from with that: meeting people, travelling, In May of this year, Peter is hosting a 2004 to 2015 and Sackville-Musquo- working in your own party in a proac- 75th anniversary celebration of the lib- doboit Valley-Easternshore from 1997 tive way and working with other mem- eration of the Netherlands. to 2004. He lost his seat when the Lib- bers – you see the yard stick moving Dinner for 750 eral red wave poured across the Atlantic slowly and positively and it gives you “I will be holding dinner for 750 of in the 2015 election, but Peter is thank- satisfaction that maybe you left behind my friends down here in Halifax. We ful for his departure for a particular something in a good way. In order for are hoping to raise funds and all pro- reason. me to keep saying thank you to Canada, ceeds will go to five different veteran Kicked me out and saved my life! for everything it has done for me, I feel programs and first responder organiza- “To be honest with you, saying good- it’s only proper for me to give back.” tions.” bye to the people was the hardest part,” Peter Stoffer was a member of Parlia- As former NDP shadow minister he said of leaving the House. “The ment from 1997 to 2015. He represented of Veteran Affairs, Peter continues to fortunate thing is I decided to get my- the riding of Sackville-Eastern Shore for support those who serve the country self medically checked out because as the NDP.

Page 30 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 31 Centre block Centre Block restoration Keeping historical craftsmanship in a modern space By Gina Hartmann

arliament’s Centre Block is the ul- timate symbol of Canadian demo- Pcratic history. It has seen the many faces of every federally elected official and many important decisions, that marked the pathway for this country, have been made within its halls. As it is being renovated, it is important to pre- serve the original state of the building, to keep history alive and tangible, as we move forward. Priscilla Lo is one of the many con- tributors helping preserve the greatness of Centre Block while it’s under renova- tions. A project coordinator with Her- itage Grade, Priscilla and her team will ensure Centre Block will still display its The beautiful entry hall to Centre Block with original features when the final project The Library of Parliament. its gothic arches. is revealed in 10 to 15 years. is really cool; we have all the historical rything in its original form, especially “One of the fundamentals with re- images. Centre Block has been around when you get up close and personal. gards to all heritage, whether it’s a build- for a very long time. It has gone through “I have done the public tours and they ing or an object, is that you have to re- two fires; there is a lot of history there. touch on small details of the building, spect the history and the intent of what But there is architectural detail that can’t but working there full time for two was done because it really tells a story be replicated because we must do our years, you get to know the specifics. and informs future design. You have to best to meet the new requirements of the Things that weren’t accessible to us be- learn what the object’s history is in order present day as well as the history that it fore, like the ceiling; it’s a 20-foot room, to best serve it,” said Priscilla. “We want speaks to,” explained Priscilla. I believe – you can walk on the scaffold- to preserve our cultural and heritage ob- While the renovated Centre Block will ing and look at the ceiling and see the jects, so we have to take a step back and present original architectural features, details up close. The masonries, all the observe.” it does need to be updated to adhere to carved wood – these are hand carved Therefore, it’s important for restora- modern constructional standards to be wood panels and it’s interesting to see tion consultations to take place long be- stronger and more sustainable. that craftsmanship.” fore the construction begins. An initial “We are looking at modifying the Once the consultation is completed, assessment is made which includes revi- windows and dealing with structural Priscilla and her team will make sure sions of drawings and blueprints to help aspects – wiring, electrical, mechanical construction is taking woodwork apart determine the path forward. – that all has to be reworked to bring carefully and avoiding damage and that Centre Block was originally built be- the building up to to present day build- pieces are stored and packaged properly, tween 1859 and 1876 and designed by ing code. To do that we have to under- and instructions are made for each piece John A. Pearson and Jean Omer March- stand the skeleton of the building which for future workers. Documentation and and. In 1916, a fire took over Centre is part of the history. There is a lot of measurement is carefully preserved made Block and destroyed most of the build- integration between past and future and to ensure that architectural pieces are all ing, except for the Library, which is the present.” removed and replaced into the building only original room left in the building. While today’s rehabilitation will main- in the correct manner. It was rehabilitated by 1927 and the ly be an upgrade that keeps the floor “I see a lot of bureaucratic office stuff iconic tower was renamed the Peace plan relatively the same, there will be a and it’s nice to step back and say, Wow! Tower as a national symbol of remem- new visitor’s centre, which is planned to This is a cool project, regardless of what brance to those who had given their lives be in the front of Centre Block but un- happens from now and until the end. It’s in the first World War. derground as well as some other small a huge undertaking that is necessary and “We had access to the original draw- additions. Aside from the added spaces, I think it’s important that people are try- ings that Pearson actually made, which Priscilla can understand keeping eve- ing to preserve it. It’s interesting.”

Page 30 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 31 From the bookshelf

Nobody is ‘Too Dumb for Democracy’ in edifying book Reviewed by Wade Morris

Too Dumb for Democracy? Why entire political spectrum. trates types of decisions with a wide We Make Bad Political Decisions “It doesn’t matter if you’re liberal or variety of anecdotes: on one page, and How We Can Make Better conservative,” he writes. “What mat- he’s a kid, fed up with a referee’s call Ones, by David Moscrop. Published ters is how you come to your conclu- against the Detroit Red Wings; on an- 2019 by Goose Lane Editions. 254 sions and policies. And since democra- other, he’s getting robbed on vacation. pages. $22.95. cy requires repeated political decisions The information in the book is over time, achieving and maintaining never too dry to digest. A particularly ttawa author and politi- good processes, regardless of party af- funny chapter sees David illustrating cal theorist David Moscrop filiation, sets us up for success in the five theoretical models of thinking us- Otackles these questions in his long run.” ing characters we’ve surely all come thought-provoking new book, Too Instead of telling readers what’s best across: hypothetical partygoers that Dumb for Democracy? Why We Make for them, David challenges readers to have trapped you into a conversation Bad Political Decisions and How We reflect on their own choices. Within about politics that you desperately Can Make Better Ones. The title may that reflection, the reader is encour- want to escape. sound harsh, but rest assured: Nobody aged to separate themselves from their David wanted Too Dumb for De- is too dumb for democracy. David ar- party and other institutions, and think mocracy to be accessible and useful, gues the opposite, in fact: “It’s not about what’s important to them as an and he drew upon as many disciplines that we lack the capacity to make good individual (isn’t that what democracy’s as he could to give weight to his ideas. political decisions, but we do not have about?) Good political process, David He had studied politics, history, and the incentives, skills, resources, or op- writes, requires a voter to understand philosophy for years before writing portunities to do so.” multiple sides of an issue. Instead, vot- the book, and, during his PhD, re- The book discusses the psychologi- ers often pick their party first and de- ceived guidance from psychology re- cal aspects of decision-making and the fend every one of their positions, even searchers at the University of British history of democracy while making stretching the truth to do so. Perhaps Columbia. This shaped the way he the overall argument that we should thinking beyond party lines would thought about the human brain, lead- reassess both our thought process encourage non-partisanship and limit ing to the book’s conception. and larger institutions. He approaches some of the ugliness found in politics. What’s most admirable about Da- these ideas from a number of angles So, what are ‘good decisions’ and vid’s writing is the way he manages – notably psychology, sociology, phi- how are they different from ‘bad’ ones? to relay so much knowledge on such losophy and history – and puts ideas The key is not in the outcome reached, a contentious matter without seeming like emotional and rational thinking, but in the process: “A bad political de- patronizing or condescending. David personality types, media tactics, and cision is one driven by bias, poor or kept this in mind while writing: “It’s subconscious thinking into a voter’s incorrect information, or hidden mo- not a smart-versus-stupid thing. It’s perspective. tives,” he writes. “It is a decision we not an elite-versus-non-elite thing. It’s David does not describe particular are likely to rationalize in the face of a human thing,” he explains. political events as ‘bad decisions’, but challenging or questioning. And it’s Ultimately, Too Dumb for Democ- he does reference his own beliefs (he something we’re all prone to do, in- racy concisely covers so much ground writes that climate change could lead cluding me.” that it’s bound to teach politically- to catastrophic outcomes depending Beyond its overarching argument, minded readers something new. Read- on the decisions). Still, David deli- the book is packed with information ers who are interested in thinking cately draws upon hypothetical situ- on the human brain, and it’s presented about politics on a deeper human level ations and characters that reflect the in a compelling manner. David illus- would enjoy the book.

Page 32 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 33 From the bookshelf The man who built 24 Sussex Reviewed by Geoff Currier Joseph Merrill Currier: I Am, Gentlemen, Your Obedient Serv- ant, by Andrew Narroway pub- lished by North Gower, Ontario: Rideau Township Historical So- ciety, 2019. 73 pages with illus- tration. $15.

f you served our country as a member of Parliament, there’s a Igood chance you have visited 24 Sussex Drive. The home of Cana- dian prime ministers since 1954, it was given the name Gorffwysfa by its builder, Joseph Merrill Currier. The prime minister’s official residence was built by a local labourer turned MP. Prime Minister Chrétien had a por- trait of the one-time owner hung in fair bit about what he did with his the hallway. It may still be there. life but almost nothing about the In a relatively brief volume, An- man himself. drew Narraway of the Rideau Town- Currier’s life mirrors that of the ship Historical Society lays out the development of the Ottawa area as life of one of Ottawa’s most impor- a major lumber producing region. It tant figures prior to and in the years was the lumber business which ena- after Confederation. While not cele- bled him to make his fortune, and brated with streets named after him ironically, perhaps what cost it in like Slater, Nichols or Sparks, Cur- the end, However the book doesn’t rier was nonetheless one of the men get the real inside scoop on why his who transformed Bytown from a many business ventures went sour. backwater, roughneck town to the We’re left to wonder what could nation’s capital, even serving as one have gone south on the man who of its very first MP’s. (They weren’t was involved in such a variety of paid in those days unless in cabinet). business endeavours. Narraway outlines the history of We do learn about his connec- the family’s arrival in North Amer- tions to others like Moss Dickenson, ica in the mid 1600s. The family with whom he partnered to build originated in England, although in what is now called Watson’s Mill his obituary, the Ottawa Citizen in- in Manotick, a town he co-founded correctly identified Currier as being He also founded Beachwood Cem- of French background. This may etery where his and so many of his Joseph Merrill Currier (1820-1884). descendants are laid to rest. Photo courtesy of Library and Archives explain why certain official records Canada. have published this inaccuracy. Still, That local landmarks do not bear Narraway has re-printed the obitu- his name or honour his contribu- J.M. Currier in politics ary and the story which covered his tions to Ottawa life, is lamented burial in 1884. A read of those two to some degree by Narraway as he urrier served as Ontario articles reveal his importance and outlines how J.M. managed to over- provincial member for By impact on the city. come enormous personal tragedy to CWard from 1863 and con- J.M. began life as a labourer and taste success. tinued on in politics through Con- rose to prominence and the book For those curious about the ear- federation until 1882. He voted gives a reasonably accurate of ac- ly days of Ottawa and some of the Conservative federally. It appears count of that rise, and subsequent people who helped shape it, this is that the loss of his fortune was fall due to financial hardships. It’s a quick read which ideally would tied to his position as a member of a fascinating story and one of the send the reader to more in depth Parliament and false accusations of failings of the book is the lack of research. conflict of interest. After his retire- ment in 1882, he served as post- exploration into his character, per- Geoff Currier is a Winnipeg broadcaster and sonality and relationships. It is es- the great-great-grandson of Joseph Merrill master of Ottawa until his death. sentially a chronology. We learn a Currier. This review first appeared in Rabble.

Page 32 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 33 From the bookshelf Segal’s bird’s eye view into the Tory Party Reviewed by the Hon. Bill Blaikie. Republished from rabble.ca with permission

Bootstraps Need Boots: One To- giving away a toy of his to a boy who tive invisibility of a successful universal ry’s Lonely Fight to End Poverty his father thought needed it more, and program. in Canada, by Hugh Segal with an Segal’s reflection on this event underlies In any event, Segal provides an in- introduction by Andrew Coyne, the book from beginning to end. structive and insightful summary of the published by University of Chicago The political memoir is also personal history of universal basic income as an Press. 216 pages. $32.95. in a way, but however one describes it, it idea in Canadian politics, and the vari- is a romp through over 50 years of inter- ety of arguments, ideological and cul- Hugh Segal’s new book, Bootstraps nal Tory politics, in a manner consistent tural, that have been deployed against it. Need Boots: One Tory’s Lonely Fight with Segal’s reputation for independ- However, he doesn’t deal directly with to End Poverty in Canada, is a good ent thinking and intelligent reflection the argument from the left that a basic read. As an almost lifetime advocate on his own political universe. He is not annual income might provide an excuse of some form of guaranteed annual happy with what has happened to Ca- for right-wing governments to jettison income, Segal has woven the history nadian conservatism in recent decades, or underfund other essential social ser- of the Canadian debate about a basic and shares a number of insights about vices. income policy into a book that is part the liabilities of the myopic rabbit hole From the Kroll Report, to the Min- personal memoir, part political mem- that conservatives have gone down, not com Pilot Project initiated by NDP pre- oir, part political history, and always just for them but for the country, and mier Ed Schreyer in the 1970s (which fully partisan in favour of such a poli- for the future of the liberal democratic went underappreciated for decades), to cy receiving more support than it has order. He shares the concern of many Segal’s own attempt to influence a Sen- over the years. on the left about the corrosive effects ate report on rural poverty, Bootstraps It is a policy story that is told from the of poverty and increasing inequality on tells the story of universal basic income perspective of one who has been deeply our politics and our way of life. in Canada. The happy ending to this lat- involved in Canadian politics. Segal has For Segal, poverty and inequality ter day Sisyphean struggle might have long been a Tory, from his first infatu- would be best addressed through the been the fact that Segal was asked to ation with in the fed- implementation of a guaranteed annual play a major role in the development of eral election of 1962, to his time on the income for Canadians. “The most cen- what would become a major pilot initi- executive of the Progressive Conserva- tral issue for the poor is lack of money,” ated by the government of Ontario Lib- tive Youth federation, and later in the he writes, consciously echoing the 1971 eral premier Kathleen Wynne. offices of Tory luminaries such as Op- Senate report Poverty in Canada chaired But alas, and ironically for Segal, who position leader Robert Stanfield, Ontar- by David Kroll. The Kroll report’s most had good reason to feel that maybe the io premier Bill Davis, and Prime Min- salient recommendation was for a guar- rock he and others had been pushing ister . Later, he would anteed annual income to deal with pov- uphill for years was nearing the top, it be appointed as a Conservative senator erty. would be a fellow Conservative who by Liberal Prime Minister , In the same vein, Segal argues that would kick it back down with a venge- where he served from 2005 to 2014. He what are often seen as factors contrib- ance. The project was only a year into left politics to take up the position of uting to poverty are in fact the things its three year span when Ontario elected principal of Massey College in Toronto, that poverty itself causes. He also claims Conservative Premier Doug Ford. Ford which he held until July of this year. that bureaucracies charged with design- cancelled the project, stranding many The personal memoir is largely of his ing redistributive or social welfare poli- who had enrolled and planned their im- childhood in . Born in 1950, cies are too often captive to the lure of mediate futures accordingly. he was raised in “a very low end work- fancy or nuanced targeted programs as As Segal laments at the end of the ing class family in what is now called opposed to across the board increases, chapter on this tragedy, “Ford had Le Plateau” on the “cheery edge of pov- or even more so, a basic annual income. campaigned on a slogan of ‘For the erty.” In the chapters devoted to Segal’s While he speculates that such programs People.’ Obviously this didn’t extend early years, we learn a lot about his Jew- may also keep self-serving civil servants to low-income people.” ish immigrant grandparents, and the in- employed, the more likely or at least The Hon. Bill Blaikie is a former MP and MLA fluence that their lives had on his ideas complimentary argument is that their who served as NDP member for Elmwood- about the struggles of ordinary folk. political masters prefer what one might Transcona from 1979 to 2008. He writes on Ca- There is also a story about his father call ongoing “announcables” to the rela- nadian politics, political parties and Parliament.

Page 34 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 35 POLITICAL PASSAGES Our tribute to those who have passed on By Daniel Birru, Gina Gill Hartmann, Wade Morris and Matt Reekie

Hon. Jean Bazin Jan. 31, 1940 – Dec. 12, 2019 The Hon. Jean Bazin, the former Senator who was appointed by the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney, passed away on Dec. 12, 2019, just before his 80th birthday. Jean first met Prime Minister Mulroney at the University of Laval where they became close friends. Af- ter university, in 1964, the two left Quebec City in Jean’s Volkswagen Hon. Jean Bazin. Réginald Belair. and headed towards Montreal to- gether. They continued to remain close and during his eulogy, the PM of Byers Casgrain, where he worked bered for his dignity, his class, he recounted a time when he ran into for 22 years. In 2011, he was award- was always very courteous and very Jean during his honeymoon in Paris ed the distinction of Avocat émérite respectful of others, whether he and tagged along following the cou- in recognition of his service as a law- agreed or disagreed with the person ple to Southern France and over to yer. Following his career in politics, or not, he was always respectful.” Corsica. he worked with Dentons law firm. Jean left behind his daughters, “We had a wonderful time, al- His coworker from Dentons, Jean- Virginie and Frédérique, “the ab- though I at least had the decency Claude Bachand, remembers them solute pride and joy of his life,” said to leave them alone at dinner time,” sharing a love of Algonquin Park, Prime Minister Mulroney, as well said the PM. where they both had spent summers as his step-sons, Paul Trudeau and Prime Minister Mulroney recalls in their childhood. Philippe Trudeau, his step-daughter, meeting the former Senator as a “He was just ahead of me at camp, Anne-Marie Trudeau and his grand- young man who he described as in- we were never there at the same time children. telligent, caring, studious and ad- but we were so much influenced by “When McGee died in Ottawa mired and loved by his friends and our summers at Algonquin Park. in 1868, Sir John A. Macdonald classmates. Summer experiences created a great paid tribute to him in these words: The PM spoke of a time later in life bond between him and I. We were ‘His hand was open to everyone. when his dear friend came to him in clearly marked in our younger years His heart was made for friendship,” the spring of 1984 and said, “The ex- by canoeing experiences and love of said Brian Mulroney. “These words pectation is that you would lead the nature and the friendship in an An- of Canada’s first Prime Minister el- Party from a Quebec riding. If you glophone world for us from Quebec egantly describe, as well, some of fail to do that now, we could lose the with many from all parts of Ontario the qualities of Jean Bazin. He was election. If you respond properly, I and Canada.” a friend for all seasons. Loyalty was think that you will lead us to a huge Jean-Claude Bachand was truly an integral part of his character. He election victory”. touched to see the words of a hymn stood with his friends when times Four months later, Jean sat with from camp placed at his friend’s cer- were good and he was steadfast and the prime minister when he won the emony. true when times were not. In Mac- largest majority in Canadian history “These were the words we used to donald’s words, ‘His heart is made and Quebec went from one seat to sing on the evening of the last day for friendship’. My family and I knew 58. at camp and the flag would slowly this well. Salut, mon Jean. Salut et “Such were the priceless contri- and sadly lower for the last day of the merci. Merci pour tout. ” butions of Jean Bazin,” recalled the season. There was not a dry eye on former prime minister on the signif- the shore.” Réginald Bélair icant advice he had been given. On behalf of his staff from Den- April 6, 1949 - March 3, 2020 Before becoming a senator, Jean tons, Jean-Claude said, “Amongst Réginald Bélair passed away peace- Bazin was a lawyer with the law firm his colleagues he is much remem- fully at the age of 70, at the Sensen-

Page 34 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 35 Political Passages

brenner Hospital in Kapuskasing, On. He had served as an MP in the Liberal Party for a cumulative 15 years, representing the ridings of Cochrane - Supe- rior and Timmins - James-Bay. Réginald studied French Lan- guage and Literature at Hearst College, graduating with honours. He worked as a director of artistic programs at the Centre régional de loisirs culturels in Kapuskasing, and Michael Breaugh. Hon. John Buchanan. later served as a member of the town council of Kapuskasing and a con- stituency assistant to then MP Keith Penner. his party’s leadership, coming in later appointed Queen’s Counsel in “He did a first-rate job of run- third. 1972. John was awarded Doctorates ning the Constituency Office” says He then ran to be Oshawa’s mem- from Nova Scotia Technical College, Penner, who adds that his aide was ber of Parliament in a by-election Mount Allison University, Saint instrumental in connecting with held to fill the seat of former NDP Mary’s University, St. Francis Xa- francophone constituents. When leader . Mike won the vier University, and Université Saint Reginald was elected to the Fed- seat, holding it until 1993. Anne. eral Parliament in 1988, he suc- Before his political career began, Buchanan was first elected as a ceeded Penner as the member for Mike was a teacher and principal, member of the Legislative Assembly Cochrane–Superior. In office, he and served as an executive for the of Nova Scotia in 1967 for the new- served with distinction as the par- Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ ly-formed riding of Halifax Atlantic, liamentary secretary for the Minister Association. as a member of the Progressive Con- of Public Works and the Minister of Years ago, Mike told the Ontario servative Party of Nova Scotia. Dur- Supply and Services, before taking a Association of Former Parliamentar- ing that time He was appointed to well-earned retirement in 1997. ians that his greatest advice to new the Executive Council of Nova Sco- Outside of politics, Réginald en- politicians is to “enter the political tia as Minister of Public Works and joyed fishing and spending time at arena not simply to be elected, but to Fisheries in 1969. his cottage, playing cards, travel- accomplish something worthwhile.” He was then elected premier in ling, and watching his Montreal He was well liked and was known 1978 and won four conservative ma- Canadiens. He was a fan of Québe- for his hearty laugh. jorities, retaining office until 1990. quois chansonniers, and authored Mike will be missed for his ambi- He was a likable and personable two published poetry volumes. He tion, leadership skills and dedication character, much loved by his prov- took great pride in his heritage as a to his community. ince. He worked hard to make Nova Franco-Ontarian and loved his na- He is survived by his wife Andrea, Scotia more economically viable. tive Northern Ontario. He will be his children Sean Michael (Philip Near the end of his tenure, his career sorely missed by family, friends, col- Douglas Kerr), Erin Andrea and his was marred by unfounded allega- leagues, and all those whose lives he granddaughter Kiera. tions of which he was cleared. The touched. Canadian Press reported that, at his Hon. John Buchanan funeral, his friend and former cabi- Michael Breaugh April 22, 1931 – Oct. 3, 2019 net colleague, Roland Thornhill, Sept. 13, 1942 – Nov. 22, 2019 The Hon. John Buchanan passed told the gathering, “He was the fin- Kingston-born Michael ‘Mike’ away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2019, at est street politician I have ever seen, Breaugh passed away at the age of the age of 88, in Halifax, Nova Sco- and he was the best that Nova Scotia 77 at Lakeridge Health, Oshawa on tia. He was married to Mavis For- has ever produced. Nov. 22, 2019. Mike represented Os- syth for 65 years. “He was a gregarious person who hawa for the . Former Nova Scotia premier had an exceptional ability of remem- His political career began in 1973 (1978 – 1990) and senator (1990 bering people. Remembering their when he was elected an alderman in -2006), John Buchanan graduated names, who they were and where the City of Oshawa. This was fol- from Mount Allison, in 1954, with a they were.” lowed in 1975 by a long career as an Bachelor of Science and a Certificate “He was a true promoter of this MPP in the Ontario Legislature; he in Engineering. He then went on to province… We’re grateful to his fam- would be re-elected four more times, attend Dalhousie Law School, from ily for sharing him with us as long as serving until 1990. He also ran for which he graduated in 1958. He was they did,” said Nova Scotia Premier

Page 36 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 37 POLITICAL PASSAGES

minister to help make Newfound- land a stable and sustainable prov- ince, which would be helped by the investment in Hibernia. The prime minister recounted Crosbie stating,: “‘You have often said that what you wanted was to give Newfoundland and Labrador a hand up, not a hand out. Well, this is the hand up we need and I think Hon. John Crosbie. it will deeply transform the economy of the Province and give all New- foundlanders the hope – finally – for a better day.’” Stephen McNeil in the Legislature. for St. John’s West. Crosbie had asked the prime min- “ . . . he actually cared about the per- “James Joyce once wrote that ‘the ister to speak to the Quebec caucus son he was talking to and how he past is consumed in the present and to ask for their support on the pro- could make that interaction better the present is alive only because it ject, though it was a sensitive time, for the person that he met.” gives birth to the future,’” said the but Mulroney did what he had to do. After Buchanan’s term as premier, Right Hon. Brian Mulroney in his “John’s loyalty, strength and enor- he was appointed to the Senate by eulogy to John Crosbie. “Well, John mous contribution to Canada had Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. He Crosbie made certain with his exem- brought him to this moment. And retired from the Senate 16 year later plary life and sterling contribution as I looked at him that day, in the in 2006. that the future of his Canada and fading sunlight of a lovely Ottawa He is survived by his wife Mavis, that of Newfoundland and Labra- summer afternoon, I knew he was their five children, and his many dor – that he had served so honor- right and that I had to do it.” friends and former colleagues. ably and well – will bring opportu- Crosbie left behind his devoted nity and hope and happiness to all wife, Jane, and three children, as Hon. John Crosbie who hold our coveted citizenship, well as grandchildren and great Jan. 30, 1931 - Jan. 10, 2020 as decades unfold and Canada con- grandchildren. His last political po- The Hon. John Crosbie, the well- tinues on its ongoing path to higher sition was as Lieutenant Governor known politician with the sharp achievement, greatness and success.” for Newfoundland and Labrador. tongue from Newfoundland and Crosbie held many portfolios in Member of Parliament, Jack Har- Labrador, passed away on Jan. 10, his long career as a member of Par- ris remembers challenging Minister 2020. He was known for his one-of- liament, including his time as minis- Crosbie, in 1987, when Harris was kind fierce, patriotic deliveries and ter of Fisheries and Oceans in which a newly elected MP. The two had his dedication to ensuring his prov- he made the controversial decision known each other for years after- ince could stand on its own. to close the cod fishery industry in wards and sat as commentators on Crosbie first entered politics in Atlantic Canada. The decision led different election nights in the fu- 1965 as a St. John’s city councillor, to numerous job losses and serious ture. briefly serving as deputy mayor in backlash from his home province. “He is a Newfoundland and Lab- 1966, before moving onto provin- His contributions are best remem- radorian of the highest order who cial politics where he served as the bered as significant progress in Ca- made a tremendous contribution to minister of Municipal and Housing nadian history. He oversaw in 1989 this province and this country and under Premier Joey Smallwood. By the Free Trade agreement with the he is being well recognized for hav- 1967, he had become the minister of US. He was successful in influenc- ing done that. That’s a good exam- Health but soon resigned from the ing the eventual development of the ple of someone who wanted to make Liberal caucus in protest and ran offshore Hibernia project. a difference in the political life of against the premier in the next lead- During his eulogy, Mulroney re- Newfoundland and Labrador,” said ership race. Once defeated, Crosbie called a time in office when the Hi- Harris. “I wasn’t in his party, but he decided to cross the floor to join the bernia project would need a signifi- is someone who used his talents, his Progressive Conservatives. cant amount of money in order to ability and determination and politi- During his time in provincial poli- guarantee bringing the oil on-stream cal courage to make positive results tics, Crosbie held many portfolios without any serious consequences. for Newfoundland and Labrador on and served as Government House While it was a struggle to pitch the the national stage in the cabinets of Leader. He soon moved onto federal idea to other federal caucuses at the Brian Mulroney and and politics and, in 1976, won the seat time, Crosbie bided with the prime made a significant difference to the

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country.” Joshua Jamieson of Newfoundland and Labrador and grandson of the late Hon. Don Jamieson interviewed John Crosbie for a documentary about his grandfather: Just Himself: The story of Don Jamieson. Both ministers had sat in the House to- gether for a brief amount of time. “(I’ve heard many say that) Mr. Crosbie was fiercely proud of his Charles DeBlois. Siegfried Enns. home province, and he was always responsive and accountable to those who elected him. That’s a sentiment I’ve heard many express about my grandfather, as well. I think both of and TVA in Quebec as a journalist. Siegfried Enns them hailed from a uniquely distinct He was parliamentary correspond- April 16, 1924 – Jan. 25, 2020. era of Canadian and provincial poli- ent for the National Assembly of Siegfried (Sig) Enns passed away tics, and I think the type or caliber Quebec, of which he inaugurated on Jan. 25, 2020, at the age of 95, of politician that they were is largely the first broadcasts of provincial de- in Winnipeg. unmatched today,” said Jamieson. bate. Originally from Southern Russia “There’s also a strong historical track DeBlois was a member of the Pro- (now the Ukraine), his family immi- record of Members of Parliament gressive Conservative party during grated to Canada in 1925 while Sig from Newfoundland and Labrador his career. He was elected in the was still a toddler. speaking strongly for their province 1988 federal election at the Mont- Sig was very much involved with and doing so to ensure resources morency-Orléans electoral district, the church. His father had been the and respect were brought home at in Quebec City. He was then defeat- pastor of Winnipeg’s First Mennon- that time. That becomes even more ed in the 1993 election. While elect- ite Church. He was active as a choir important when you happen to be ed, he was appointed the Assistant member and Sunday school teacher, invited to the cabinet table.” Deputy Chair of the Committees of among other roles. Crosbie certainly took advantage the Whole. He graduated from the Univer- of every opportunity presented to After his defeat he was appointed sity of Manitoba with three degrees: well-serve Newfoundland and Lab- commission to the Immigration and a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of rador and ensure the province was Refugee Review Board. He held this Education and a Bachelor of Social well positioned and highly consid- position until 2002. Work. He was a teacher in Winni- ered within Canadian politics. A staunch defender of Quebec, peg, a social worker in The Pas and As Mulroney stated: “Fifty or 100 Charles DeBlois once made the Swan River and he worked with the years from now, if Canadians stop news, along with Suzanne Deplessis United Nations Relief and Rehabili- for a moment to reflect on the lead- and Gilles Bernier, by participating tation Administration (UNRRA) in ers and builders who brought our in a letter asking that Eric Lindross Poland, Ethiopia and China) after country to such an impressive and be removed from Team Canada be- the War in the late 1940s. commanding place in the family of cause he had refused to play for the He became executive director of nations, I suspect that many will NHL’s Quebec Nordiques. the Children’s Aid Society of Cen- whisper a special word of gratitude Charles is survived by his wife, tral Manitoba in 1958. to John Crosbie whose nation build- Marie Bernier, his sister Claire (the Sig first became involved in poli- ing contributions will then be even late Jean Bédard); his brothers: Rob- tics by joining the school board. He more evident than they are today.” ert (Henrine Pelletier) and L’Abbé then moved onto federal politics in (Father) Eudore; her mother-in- 1962, where he served as a member Charles DeBlois law Jeannine Boucher (late Gilles of Parliament for Portage-Neepawa May 27, 1939 – Feb. 18, 2019 Bernier); his brothers-in-law and with the Progressive Conservative Charles DeBlois passed away on sisters-in-law in the Bernier family: Party. He was elected three times Feb. 18, 2019 at the age of 79, in Louis (Armance Côté), Paul, Hélène and served until 1968. his hometown of Quebec City. He (Louis Raymond), Lucie (Gaston He served on several standing leaves behind his wife, Marie Berni- Rioux) and André; as well as several committees: Agriculture, Immigra- er, after 30 years of marriage. nieces and nephews, other relatives tion, Health and Welfare, Food and After studying at the Univeristé and friends. Drug and others. He was also Chair- Laval, he worked for Radio-Canada man of the annual National Parlia-

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tate the supply of Canadian medica- tions to African and Asian countries at affordable prices,” according to a statement by Canadian Jewish News. For many years Yoine served on numerous boards including the Jew- ish Agency for Israel, The American Jewish Joint Distribution Commit- tee, and Canadian Jewish Congress – to name a few. Yoine worked to educate youth about tolerance and Hon. Yoine Goldstein. Hon. Charles Hubbard. was co-founder and co-president of the Tolerance Foundation. “While Senator Goldstein’s term of office has been relatively short, his contributions here have been impres- mentary Prayer Breakfast. from McGill University, Yoine sively long. He stands as proof that Sig was full of life and energy and earned a Bachelor of Civil Law with one does not always have to be in a served the community in many ca- honours from the same university in place for long to make a lasting and pacities. He was a certified member 1958. During that time he was se- worthwhile contribution,” stated of the College of Health Services Ex- lected as the Articles Editor for the Hon. James S. Cowan, leader of the ecutives, as lay member on the Medi- McGill Law Journal. He then earned opposition at the time, upon Yoine’s cal School Accreditation Committee a Doctor of Laws from the Univer- retirement from senate. and Chairman of the Manitoba Hu- isté in 1960. “Senator Goldstein has made an man Rights Commission. He was He was a senior and manage- indelible impression on us all. Who a charter member of the Vanier In- ment partner with Goldstein, Flanz amongst us has not been moved stitute of the Family. This is just a & Fishman in Montreal and from by his pleas for tolerance, respect short list of his many involvements 1973 until 1997 was a lecturer at the and social justice throughout the and contributions to the community. Faculty of Law of the Univeristé de world, by his warnings never to Sig became the Regional Direc- Montréal. Yoine was well-known in forget the horrors of the Holocaust tor for the Manitoba Department the Montreal legal community and or Kristallnacht and by his descrip- of Health and Social Services after the only Canadian lawyer to have tion of the atrocities in Darfur? For serving in the House of Commons. been elected a Fellow of both the him, human rights are not abstract He was appointed CEO of the Con- American College of Bankruptcy concepts but rather basic values that cordia Hospital in 1978, until his re- and the American College of Trial must be promoted and protected tirement in 1991. He also had a farm Lawyers. everywhere.” in the Marquette area and a general Yoine received the Lord Reading He will be missed by his wife store in St. Francis Xavier. He had Law Society Human Rights Award Elaine and their two children. an extensive family network hat he in 1992 and the Lord Reading Law cherished Society Service Award in 1993. An Hon. Charles Hubbard He was a loyal member of the Ca- active member in the Jewish com- Oct. 29th, 1940 - Feb. 12th nadian Association of Former Parlia- munity of Montreal, Yoine was also 2020 mentarians, attending annual meet- president of the Federation CJA and Charles Hubbard, former Liberal ings right up until 2019. He loved a member of the Community Advi- MP for Miramichi, passed away on life, people and service. sory Board of the Concordia Univer- Feb. 12, 2020. Charles was born on He was predeceased by his wife sity Chair of Canadian Jewish Stud- Oct. 29, 1940, in Newcastle, NB, Vera, with whom he had been mar- ies. today part of the city of Miramichi. ried for 62 years. He leaves behind “Appointed to the Canadian Sen- He held a lifelong interest in the out- his children, grandchildren and ate in Rigaud in 2005 by Prime doors, with farming and fishing be- great grandchildren. Minister Paul Martin, Yoine held ing favourite pastimes. that position for four years. “Yoine He was commissioned in the Hon. Yoine Goldstein introduced and sponsored bills to Armed Forces, and graduated from (May 11, 1934 – March 18, protect refugees in Canada, to re- the Royal Canadian School of Infan- 2020) lieve Canadian students from the try in 1961. He served a deployment Former Canadian Senator Yoine burden of student loans, to add a to Germany as part of the 4th Ca- Goldstein passed away on March 18, human rights element to the Invest- nadian Mechanized Brigade Group, at the age of 85. ment Canada Act when a foreign and would serve in the army reserve After earning a Bachelor of Arts investment is reviewed, and to facili- as Deputy Commander of the 2nd

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battalion, The Royal New-Brun- swick Regiment (North Shore), at- taining the rank of Major. Charles entered politics relatively later in life, being first elected to the House of Commons as a member of the Liberal party, at age 53, and serving as member for Miramichi between 1993 and 2008. He served as the parliamentary secretary to the minister for Indian Affairs and Northern Development in 2003, Maurice Johnson. Merwyn (Merv) Johnson. and as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Transport in 2005-2006. In civilian life, Hubbard was a teacher, teaching at a number of schools in his community before bother of the late Daniel Johnson, Merv was a World War II veteran, becoming the first principal of Mi- Quebec’s 20th premier. a member of the Royal Canadian le- ramichi Valley High School. He “Nous tenons à vous témoigner gion and Kindersley Masonic Lodge. was active in many professional and nos sympathies pour le départ de He had degrees from the University community organizations, such as Maurice, que j’aimais beaucoup, of and before becom- the New Brunswick Teachers As- toujours cordial, drôle, cultivé,” said ing a member of Parliament, worked sociation, the National Association formal politician for the National on the family farm at Beadle. He of Secondary School Principals, the Assembly of Québec, Raymond continued to speak on behalf of Newcastle Rotary Club, and the Bachand. farmers while serving in Parliament. Northumberland Cooperative Dairy Maurice will be remembered for Merv leaves behind his four chil- Ltd. his generosity and dedication to jus- dren: Merlayna, Morley, Gordon, He is survived by wife Patricia, née tice in both the courtroom and the Janice and was predeceased by his Johnstone, his daughter and three House of Commons. wife, Elaine. sons, and many grand-children, nieces, and nephews. His loss will Merwyn (Merv) Johnson Hon. Leo Kolber undoubtedly be felt by his family, May 9, 1923 – July 14, 2019 Jan. 18, 1929 – Jan. 9, 2020 friends, and those closest to him, as Merwyn (Merv) Johnson passed Senator Leo Kolber passed away well as those members of his com- away on July 14, 2019 at the age of peacefully on Jan. 9, 2020, just days munity who felt the effects of his 96. shy of his 91st birthday. He served as dedication and service. Merv was a member of Parliament a Liberal member of the Senate from under the Co-operative Common- 1983 to 1993. Maurice Johnson wealth Federation party for Kinder- Leo was born in 1929 in Montre- Jan. 17 1929 - Jan. 24, 2020 sley, Saskatchewan. He first won his al, a city which joins in mourning of Former MP Maurice Johnson seat in the 1953 federal election and a pillar of its civic community. Kol- passed away at age 91 on January 24, was re-elected to the House of Com- ber left a lasting impression on the 2020 in Montreal. Maurice repre- mons in the 1957 election. Merv city as a prominent businessman, a sented the Chambly—Rouville rid- was defeated in the 1958 election. generous philanthropist, and a lumi- ing in Quebec as a Progressive Con- Though he ran a few more times as nary in a proud Jewish community. servative between 1958 and 1962. a member of the NDP, he never re- Leo attended McGill University Outside of Parliament, Maurice had entered Parliament. in the late 1940s, and would even- a successful career in the legal field, Aside from defeat, Merv contin- tually attain a degree in Law from serving as a judge in Municipal ued to play a significant role in Ca- McGill. He was called to the Quebec Court and the Court of Quebec. nadian politics. He was president bar in 1952. These would be forma- His obituary stated in French, that of the New Democratic Party of tive years for the aspiring lawyer, he will be remembered for his con- Canada from 1963 to 1965 and also and his fondness for his Alma Mater cern for the search for the truth in served several years as president of would be reflected in his patronage order, to deliver impartial justice. the Saskatchewan CCF-NDP. Merv for the university. Among his many Husband of the late Rita Gir- was appointed to serve as Saskatch- other worthy causes were included oux, he will be remembered by his ewan’s agent-general for the UK the Jewish General Hospital, where brother Jacques, his sister Doris, his and Europe in 1977. Merv and his he would serve as president between faithful friend Gérard Grugeau, his wife, Elaine resided in London until 1997 and 1999, and the Orchestre brother-in-law, Bernard Codère and his retirement from that position in Symphonique de Montréal. many nieces and nephews. He is the 1983. It is also during that time that

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ship of the federal Liberal Party in 1984 and 1990 as well as Jean Les- age’s campaign to lead the . He was in charge of the Action Canada National Unity Campaign in 1995 and promoted the No side in the 1995 referendum. In 1996, he was appointed to the , where he served as Whip for the Liberal party in the Hon. Leo Kolber. Hon. Léonce Mercier. Senate. He retired in 2001. Upon retiring in 2001, Léonce was praised by colleagues for his firm allegiance and his display of congeniality. he met his lifelong friend, Charles ening Canadian-Israeli ties, being, The Hon. Lucie Pépin said Léonce Bronfman. Samuel, Charles’ father, in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “spent decades in the shadow of who is said to have recognized Leo’s estimation, a “key contributor” to many members of Parliament and potential and disposition for busi- the friendship between the two ministers who owe a part of their ness, encouraged the friendship. countries. For his many political, success to his staunch loyalty and Leo would stay close with the fam- economic, and humanitarian contri- limitless enthusiasm.” ily throughout his life, as president butions to Canadian society, he was He will be missed by his wife, of Cemp investments, the family’s initiated as an officer to the order of Micheline Côté and his children: investment conduit, and as a close Canada in 2007. Pierre, Danielle (Bernard Renald), friend of both Charles and Samuel. In a statement edifying Leo’s pass- Louise (late Paul Marcil), Andrée Though Leo’s father passed away ing, Justin Trudeau offered the fol- (Rick Burns), Jean; his grandchil- when he was a teenager, he found a lowing remarks: dren: Sébastien and Marie-Hélène mentor and role model in the elder Mr. Kolber was a distinguished Renald (Simon Legris), Matthew Bronfman, and their relationship business leader, lawyer, and phi- and Nicolas Burns, Stéphanie-Pier was said to be akin to a father and lanthropist, who dedicated his life Marcil; his great grandchildren: Ja- son. to serving his community and his cob and Félix Legris and many other As president of Cemp, he was in- country. [...] Mr. Kolber will be re- family members and friends. strumental in the diversification of membered as a loving husband, fa- the family’s portfolio and in the de- ther, grandfather, and friend, and a Hon. Bill McKnight velopment of the Toronto Dominion pillar of his community. On behalf July 12, 1940 – Oct. 4, 2019 Center, extending his legacy beyond of the Government of Canada, So- The Hon. William (Bill) McK- his native Montreal and leaving an phie and I offer our condolences to night of Saskatchewan passed away indelible mark on Toronto’s skyline. his family and many friends. He will on Oct. 4, 2019, at the age of 79. He also served in an executive capac- be sorely missed. Bill served over 14 years as a ity on the boards of a number of dif- Few could offer so dignifying an member of Parliament, from 1979 ferent organizations throughout his epitaph as the sitting Prime Minis- to 1993, with the Progressive Con- career. ter. servative government of Brian Mul- Though never serving in elected roney. He held numerous cabinet office, Kolber nevertheless played a Hon. Léonce Mercier portfolios, including minister of In- key role overseeing Liberal Party fi- Aug. 11, 1926 – December 27, dian Affairs and Northern Develop- nance as a chair of its national rev- 2019 ment and minister of Defence. enue committee and is credited by The Hon. Léonce Mercier passed At the end of his political career, former Prime Minister Jean Chré- away at age 93 on Dec. 27, 2019. he was appointed Treaty Commis- tien with helping the party re-estab- Born in Quebec, he was a business- sioner of Saskatchewan, a position lish its finances in the early 1990s. man and party organizer. he held from 2007 to 2012. He was appointed to the Senate in He was a longtime activist and or- “As treaty commissioner, he un- 1983, and would serve for over 10 ganizer for the Liberal party, going derstood the importance of the of- years, including a stint as chair of the back to the days. He fice as a body that advocated for the Standing Committee on Banking, played a key role in the campaigns of treaty. He took great pains to under- Trade and Commerce. He resigned, Pierre Trudeau, Jean Chrétien, Jean stand the treaty at a greater depth as is convention, on his 75th birth- Lesage and Robert Bourassa. than most people would in Canada. day. Another key political legacy of He co-organized Jean Chrétien’s He studied, he talked, he read, he Mr. Kolber’s was his role in deep- campaign in Quebec for the leader- dialogued with people on treaty and

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I could see the growth in him as time went on. He understood what it meant to be,” said Muskeg Lake council member, Harry LaFond. “A phrase coined by a previous treaty commissioner was “we are all treaty people” and he understood that and he spoke to it regularly.” Harry was brought on to work with Bill as executive director when he was treaty commissioner and met Hon. Bill McKnight. Hon. John Lang Nichol. him when he served as minister of Indian Affairs in 1988, and his in- volvement to purchase property in the city of Saskatoon as part of the struggling with his health and mo- well as his grandchildren and great treaty of land. bility, he came to the 30th anniver- grandchildren. “I recognized his strong commit- sary in 2018 on the urban reserve. ment and belief that this urban re- “He spent the whole day with us Hon. John Lang Nichol serve was the way to move forward. and we could tell he was having a re- (Jan. 7, 1924 - Feb. 24, 2020) It was intended to have a good com- ally great time connecting with old Former Senator for Lion’s Gate, mercial purpose and economic de- friends and the people he worked BC, John Lang velopment strategy. He believed that with.” Nichol passed away on February 24, was a good option for Muskeg Lake His involvement was no surprise 2020. but also the city of Saskatoon. He to Lafond who said that Bill was not John was the president of the worked with that frame of mind.” one to sit around no matter what Liberal Federation of Canada from Lafond got to work with Bill on a age. “He was more indigenous in his 1964-1968 and was a co-chairman daily basis during his time as treaty thinking than I see in a lot of people. of the Liberal Campaign Committee commissioner. He believed as long as you’re healthy for the 1968 federal election. He was “What I quickly realized and un- and you can contribute, you should appointed as Senator from 1966 to derstood about him, was that he was stay active.” 1973 by Lester B. Pearson. very committed to helping people Lafond stated that a lot of people In 1980, John was awarded the help themselves. He was committed came to the office to talk to Bill and and awarded to to understanding that people needed they were never dismissed. champion in 1996. to work and the economic commu- “He had a huge heart. He lived “His devotion to his community nity needed to recognize that,” said that way. He cared for people. He lis- and his lifelong experience have con- Lafond, who was the former chief tened to everybody and he believed tributed to his reputation as a most of Muskeg Lake. “In some instances every person he came into contact exceptional Canadian. He was the he would take extraordinary steps to with had something to offer. It was driving force in founding the Move- make sure opportunities existed for up to him to sit, listen and respond ment Disorder Institute at the Uni- people to work. He was especially in a kind of positive way toward that versity of , to carry concerned about young Indigenous person. He looked for good things out research and provide high-qual- people and creating an environment in people, he looked for the good ity care for patients with neurologi- where they could find their first job.” in a person and worked with that to cal disorders,” said a statement of his In 1988, Muskeg Lake made Bill establish relationships,” recalled La- promotion in the Order of Canada. Honorary Chief kihiw mîkwan, Fond. John’s dedication to the Movement which is Cree for “eagle feather.” “He had a lot of good friends. A Disorder Institute stemmed from a “He was made honorary chief as lot of people came just to visit him, personal place, as his first wife of 59 an appreciation and recognition of to sit and talk and in some cases plan years, Marjorie, died of Parkinson’s his commitment to the communi- with him steps forward. People came disease in 2000. He also became the ty. He honoured that appointment. for his advice. He had a lot of experi- founding chairman of the Pacific He honoured it by staying active in ence internationally. A lot of people, Parkinson’s Research Institute at the Muskeg Lake. He was involved in many indigenous people, but also University of British Columbia. special events, any time we invited business people came for his advice Before entering politics, John him, he was there and taking on that on international issues and strate- served as a Lieutenant in the Royal leadership role that had been passed gies.” Canadian Navy in the North Atlan- on him by the community.” Bill will be missed by his wife, tic, in World War II. Even later in life when Bill was Beverly and their two children, as He was described in his obituary as

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friend, Graham Gork stated “He was my mentor, advisor and great friend; the hardest working, loyal, funniest guy and best lunch companion. He is deeply missed.” He is survived by his children, Marshall and Grace (Burdett) Ro- ben, and Robert Mcgugan; and grandchildren Jesse, Lisa and Maia.

Jean Payne Hon. Nathan Nurgitz. Jean Payne. (May 12, 1939 – March 04, 2020) Born in Aquaforte, Newfound- someone who will be “deeply missed Dorfman, Sweatman. In the 1970s, land, Jean had represented the St, by his friends of many generations at Nate served as the president of the John’s West riding in the House of Savary Island and Hernando, where Progressive Conservative Party of Commons, from 1993 to 1997 for he was legendary as a skilled fish- Canada. the Liberal party. Before politics erman, amuser of small children, The Rt. Hon. Joe Clark named she worked in the public relations splendid storyteller, wit, and gifted Nate to the Senate in 1979, where and marketing field for some time mixer of martinis. Another favour- he served until 1993. His time as a in Toronto and afterwards returned ite place was Sun Valley, Idaho, par- Senator was active and productive. to Newfoundland where she started ticularly the Warm Springs downhill He served as Chair of the Standing several businesses in personal ser- run on a sunny day. He loved his Committee on Legal and Constitu- vices, executive search and legal sup- dogs. If a man’s life can be measured tional Affairs. He was Co-Chair of port services. by how many loved him, there could the Joint Committee of the Senate “From childhood Jean was intel- have been no bigger life.” and House of Commons on Scru- ligent, ambitious and determined He was founding Chair of the tiny, and on numerous committees -traits that shaped her life to the very Lester B. Pearson College of the Pa- related to, agriculture and forestry, end. She excelled in school, graduat- cific. foreign affairs, banking, trade and ing at fifteen and setting off into the “Mr. Nichol shared his advice and commerce, and national finance. world,” stated her obituary. “Jean experience freely and never hesi- In 1987, he was elected Chair the was a force to be reckoned with. tated to offer supportive and, when Canadian Group of the Inter-Par- She was a trailblazer in business and needed, critical comments – always liamentary Union, where he served politics, never daunted by the barri- aligned with the original vision that three terms. ers facing women of her time. Her resulted in the creation of Canada’s After resigning from the Sen- strength of will and her indomitable only United World College,” was ate, Nathan was appointed as a spirit made her a fierce adversary – said in a statement by the Pearson judge with the Manitoba Court of and just as fierce a friend.” College. Queen’s Bench and he served as a Her passion for advocacy was her John is remembered his beloved deputy judge of the Nunavut Court reason for entering politics and with wife Rosann Cashin. Children Ma- of Justice. Upon retirement from the a husband who was a fisherman, she jorie, Barbara, Sarah, his six grand- bench, he was welcomed back to his was dedicated to the fishery and the children and his great-grandchildren. old firm where he worked until his people of Newfoundland and Labra- ultimate retirement in 2012. dor who deeply depended on it for Hon. Nathan Nurgitz Commenting on his public obitu- their livelihood. She ran for politics June 22, 1934 — Oct. 19, 2019 ary, former colleague and roommate following the closing of the fishery The Hon. Nathan (Nate) Nurgitz in Ottawa, Léo Duguay, MP, stated in 1992. of Winnipeg passed away on Oct. 19 “He was an extremely diligent Sena- “Forty four years after Confedera- at the age of 85. Nate started his ca- tor often returning to the apartment tion, Jean Payne became one of the reer in politics as an alderman of the after 9 pm. He and I shared hours of first women we elected as Member City of West Kildonan from 1963 to serious discussion but more impor- of Parliament. When I knock on 1969. tantly hours of fun…..In his quiet doors, people still talk about her — Nate was born in 1934 in Win- way he contributed enormously to her passions for rural communities, nipeg. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Canada. He never asked for much the fishery and our Province. She is degree in 1954 and a law degree in but he gave a lot.” remembered. And she will be dearly 1959. He had a distinguished ca- He was a warm person who cared missed,” stated the Honourable Sea- reer with the firm of Thompson, for others. Political colleague and mus O’Regan, current MP for St.

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John’s South. After politics she returned to pri- vate business. She was predeceased by her loving husband, David to whom she was married for over 50 years. She leaves behind her sisters Eleanor Powell (Sandy) of Greenfield, NS; Madonna Dalton of Cape Broyle, NL; and Es- ther Barrett (Richard) of St. John’s, NL, her many nieces and nephews, as well as great- nieces and nephews. George Proud. Hon. Gerald Regan. George Proud April 9, 1939 – Oct. 23, 2019 George Proud of Charlottetown, Gerald was born in Windsor, can Free-Trade Agreement. In poli- PEI passed away on Oct. 23, 2019. Nova Scotia. From an early age, he tics, he is remembered fondly by George first entered politics as a Lib- became known in his community allies and opponents alike for being eral MLA in . for selling peanuts to spectators at bi-partisan, fair, and open-minded He served as a councillor for the 5th local ball games. This enterprising to different perspectives, perhaps a Queens provincial electoral district, spirit would guide him through an reflection of his many years’ experi- from 1974 to 1979. extraordinary life that would ulti- ence in labour mediation. By 1988, George had moved onto mately lead him to an accomplished “He made a lot of friends in poli- federal politics, where he represented career in law and business, as well as tics, on both sides of the aisle… He the Liberal party and served three federal office and the premiership of would invite people from other po- terms from 1988 until 2000. his beloved province. litical parties to come for dinner at “I was saddened to hear of the Before his entry into politics, Ger- home,” recalls his son Geoff, a cur- passing of George Proud this morn- ald rose to prominence as a provin- rent sitting member of Parliament. ing. He was a proud Islander with cially renowned labour lawyer. As he Gerald was a lover of sport a passion and deep-rooted com- practiced law, he honed his oratory throughout his life. Earlier on, he mitment to serving his community skills in the courtroom and became a channeled his interest into hockey, that was unwavering. To his friends skilled mediator, traits which would and later branched out into skiing, and colleagues, George was always serve him well later in life. He tried golf, and tennis. He would pursue a source of kindness and wisdom.” four times to enter politics in his na- the latter to the finals of the Nova said PEI Premier Dennis King in a tive Annapolis Valley, but would not Scotia Junior Men’s championship. statement. be successful until invited to run for Though he came up short of a title, “His years of hard work and pub- the Liberal party in Halifax. he would not be discouraged, and lic service to advance the interests He represented his Halifax riding being a lifelong athlete, he would of Prince Edward Island will not be for two years in Ottawa before be- finally win his first tennis title at forgotten. Our province is better for ing called to serve in his native Nova age 77. Not content to simply play having his service and our deepest Scotia, where he would sit as leader the game, he also made a name for condolences are with his family and of the opposition before ascending himself as a local sports commenta- loved ones.” to the premiership in 1970, a time tor during his time as a student. Ever He left to mourn his wife Ann, he would look back on with pride. the entrepreneur, he managed in his children, grandchildren and great- As premier, he upheld his vision for early 20s to organise several post- grandson. the potential of Nova Scotia and season tours of Atlantic Canada for championed the development of the NHL teams that had been eliminat- Hon. Gerald Regan province’s natural resources and hu- ed from the playoffs, bringing Cana- Feb. 13, 1928 – Nov. 26, 2019 man potential. da’s game to a region underserved at The Hon. Gerald Regan, PC, QC, Another career highlight included the top level of the sport. passed away peacefully at age 91 on his time as minister of International To those closest to him, however, November 26, 2019. He is survived Trade, where he would engage in he is remembered above all for his by loving wife Carole, their six chil- early talks with the United States kindness and dedication to his fam- dren, and numerous grandchildren. on the elimination of trade barri- ily. “Despite how busy he was as pre- He served in the House of Com- ers. Though he would not remain mier, whenever he possibly could, mons as a Liberal member from in office to see the work through, he would come to my minor hockey 1963 to 1965, when he resigned to subsequent administrations would games,” Geoff recalls. “When I look pursue a provincial career. eventually finalize the North Ameri- back, I marvel at how he managed to

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It is a testament to his wisdom and good humour that he was respected and liked by people of all political stripes.”

Blaine Thacker Jan. 11, 1941 – Feb. 17, 2020 Blaine Thacker, former Progressive Conservative member of Parliament passed away on February 17, 2020. Hon. David Smith. Blaine Thacker. Born in Taber, Alberta and raised on a farm, Blaine received a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Law be- fore moving onto politics. do that with all the kids.” Though an and it was a catalyst for the federal Blaine was first elected into the accomplished lawyer, politician, and government to produce programs House, in 1979, to represent the businessman, Gerald nonetheless and services for persons with dis- Lethbridge Foothills constituency made time in his life for the things abilities. In 1988 the riding was renamed the that mattered most to him. He will After politics, David worked for Lethbridge, which he represented be sorely missed by family, friends, Dentons law firm and in 2002 he until 1993. and peers of all parties. was appointed to the Senate by He held many positions during Prime Minister Chrétien, represent- his fourteen years in Parliament. He Hon. David Smith ing Cobourg, Ontario until 2016. was parliamentary secretary to the May 16, 1941 – Feb. 26, 2020 During this time, he also served as minister of Consumer and Corpo- The Hon. David Smith, praised the Liberal party’s National Cam- rate Affairs from 1987 to 1989, and for his work and dedication to per- paign Co-Chair. the minister of Transport from 1987 sons with disabilities, passed away “From his work on the Hill to his to 1991, when he was named par- on February 26, 2020. time on Toronto City Council, the liamentary secretary to the minister He started his career in politics as House of Commons, and the Senate, of the state Agriculture. He was ap- an alderman on Toronto City Coun- David dedicated himself to building pointed Chair of the Standing Com- cil in 1970, where he served a part of a better, more inclusive Canada. A mittee on Justice and Solicitor Gen- his time deputy mayor and president true champion of equality, David’s eral, Chair of the Special Committee of city council. proudest legacy was his work to have on Access to Information, and Chair After leaving municipal politics, the rights of people with disabilities of the Special Committee on Cana- he entered the House of Commons included in the Canadian Charter of dian Security Intelligence Service. as a member of Parliament in 1980. Rights and Freedoms,” said Prime The Blood Band irrigation project He remained in office representing Minister Justin Trudeau in a state- and the Animal Disease Research the riding of Don Valley East from ment to David. Institute, now the 1980 to 1984. During his time in the David is survived by his wife of National Centre for Animal Dis- House he was Government House nearly fifty years, the Hon. Heather eases Lethbridge are considered to Leader and was minister of State for Forster Smith, their children; Alex be his legacies. Small Businesses and Tourism. Smith (Samantha Marks), Kate After Parliament, Blaine returned David continued working in poli- Smith (Leif Malling), and Laura to his law profession. Previous to his tics after he left the House, he served O’Connor (Dennis O’Connor); five time in the House of Commons, he as a Liberal party senior backroom granddaughters. was the University of Lethbridge’s adviser to Jean Chrétien. David was well respected by his second Chair of the Board of Gov- During his time as MP, Smith ad- community, and considered a kind ernors, serving from 1974 to 1978. vocated for the equalities of persons and generous man to many. The University presented Thacker with disabilities as a constitutional As stated by Prime Minister with an honorary Doctor of Laws in right. In 1981, David chaired the Trudeau: “David had a lifelong 2006. committee The Special Commit- passion for politics. He worked his Premier of Alberta, Jason Kenny tee on the Disabled and the Handi- entire life to support a strong and tweeted that Blaine was “a pillar of capped, which identified obstacles healthy democracy, and to help oth- the community.” followed by his faced by persons with disabilities in ers who aspired to public office. condolences to the former MP’s fam- Canada and proposed solutions to He understood that the most pre- ily and friends. overcoming particular barriers. The cious thing a Member of Parliament He is survived by his wife Sue and committee was the first of its kind could earn is the trust of Canadians. Political Passages continued on page 47.

Page 44 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Beyond the Hill • Spring 2020 Page 45 Geoff @ 30 Mr. Assol’s “fouled” up chickens and other stories By Geoff Scott Geoff shares some files from his Speech Bank Funny File Geoff Scott. ver more issues of Beyond Mr. Whelan’s most endearing quali- think you got problems? Somewhere the Hill than I care to re- ties was, famously, his almost incom- at the Campbell River Cemetery, Omember, I’ve shared some of prehensible syntax when responding there’s a lovely floral arrangement ’s strange and funny to reporters. A typical Whelanism with an inscription which reads ‘Lots moments. Thanks to 20 years in the (delivered quite possibly with his of Luck under the New Administra- Parliamentary Press Gallery, immedi- tongue gently nudging the inside of tion’!” ately followed by 16 years as a mem- his cheek, although maybe not) was: Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker ber of Parliament, both professions “I ain’t never in no way said that Time for one more from the have afforded me a lot of casual ac- wasn’t the case before the present Speech Bank, and this one is verifi- cess to the men and women in power situation ceased to apply.” But the able by Hansard. with many off-guard, let-your-hair- farmers loved it! Anyone remember Victor Assol’s down moments. These have yielded A floral screw-up cannibalistic chickens? Those of us some wonderful anecdotes. Over the Then there was Tahsis. This still who were in the Commons Cham- 36 years on The Hill (and since) I stands as one of my all-time memo- ber late one October evening will have made a hobby of tossing these rable true stories from one of Cana- never forget the solemn involvement true stories from across Canada into da’s far-flung regions. Tahsis is a tiny of a young NDP MP from Selkirk, my Speech Bank Funny file. All anec- village on North Vancouver Island. Manitoba, name of Ed Schreyer (he dotes are true; some of them are quite Back in the ‘70s, it was a lumber eventually rose to become Canada’s public. Herewith, a few samples. company town, but they had a day of Governor General.) Mr. Schreyer, Covert operation celebration when Tahsis achieved its was participating in what was called From one long-forgotten Speech new status as a village. (Understand- The Late Show, the after-debate pe- Bank folder, came this 1974 classic ably, the old-timers remain tight- riod when MPs can expound on con- encounter with the very funny for- lipped and noticeably peeved when I stituency matters. mer Nova Scotia Premier Robert L. raised the Canadian Press changeo- Poor Victor Assol Stanfield, said to be The Best Prime ver incident, but the younger ones in Enter poor Victor Assol. He had Minister Canada Never Had. Tahsis municipal offices chuckle, it’s a thriving, six-figure chicken farm RLS, as he was known around the totally true.) You couldn’t make this business in Mr. Schreyer’s Selkirk Hill, was holding a media scrum out- stuff up: riding, when, as the ever-earnest MP side his Opposition Leader’s Office. All the usual suspects turned out intoned to the House, the federal Venerable Southam News column- for Inauguration Day: the Reeve, Department of Transport suddenly ist Charles Lynch bellowed over the the local MLA, Vancouver Island’s installed a series of microwave towers rest of us journalists: “Mr. Stanfield, member of Parliament, the police up and down the length of Mr. As- is it true you recently entered hospital chief, several members of nearby sol’s chicken farm. Almost overnight, to have a droopy eyelid raised?” Campbell River town council, the the chickens became cannibals, vio- RLS glared at Lynch and said, weekly newspaper reporter, and, oh lently killing each other off, and, sternly, “No, Charles, that’s not yes, Tahsis’ entire population, circa as the last feathers flew, Mr. Assol right at all. You fellows always get 175. filed for bankruptcy. All manner of your facts buggered up. I didn’t en- The Reeve explained to his august scientific experts from both federal ter hospital to get my droopy eyelid audience that his staff had planned on and provincial agriculture and trans- raised a’tall.” (Long typical Stanfield a gorgeous flower arrangement from port departments (probably stifling pause.) “I had the rest of my face low- a Campbell River florist to show up laughs throughout) tried to figure ered a half an inch.” promptly at noon to commemorate out the weird relationship between Lost in translation the occasion, but to their horror, Victor Assol’s cannibalistic chick- Green-stetsoned Eugene Whelan, there arrived a funeral wreath. “I was ens and the microwave towers. Mr. Essex County’s favorite son, had to a little upset,” the Reeve told the au- Schreyer dead-panned to the House be one of Canada’s most beloved dience, “so I phoned the florist, and he expected some answers now. ministers of Agriculture, ever. One of he was equally upset. He said, “You It fell to the hapless, but very de-

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Political Passages continued from page 45 Tales of a covert operation, a floral screwup, and an Assol’s hapless chickens!

cent Manitoba Minister, James R. Hon. Greg Thompson. Jean-Noël Tremblay. Richardson, who happened to be Acting Agriculture Minister and his children, Todd Cameron and passing, many gathered at the All was on deck to answer MP Ed Tynan Leigh. Saints Anglican Church in St. An- Shreyer’s dilemma. drews, New Brunswick, to celebrate What happened next stands, in Hon. Greg Thompson Greg’s life. Among them was An- my books, as a classic non-answer March 28, 1947 – Sept. 10, 2019 drew Scheer, who described Greg as with an unforgettable punchline: The Hon. Greg Thompson passed a “solid person” to reporters. “Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker,” away on Sept 10, 2019, at the age “[Greg] was the kind of person began the smiling Minister Rich- of 72 in his home province of New that didn’t speak a lot, but when he ardson, “there are very few people Brunswick. Greg, born in St. Ste- spoke, he listened, and if he was re- in the Department of Agriculture phen, was admired for his success- ally passionate about something, who know anything about micro- ful election record as a member of you knew it,” added New Brunswick wave towers. Equally unfortunate- Parliament for both the Progressive Premier Blain Higgs. ly, Sir, there are even fewer elec- Conservative and the Conservative Our thoughts are with Greg’s tronic geniuses in the Department party, as well as his dedication to wife, Linda, their sons, and those of Transport who know anything veterans’ affairs. who had the pleasure of knowing at all about chickens. In any event, Before entering politics, Greg was Greg. Mr. Speaker, It would appear that a high school teacher and business- Mr. Assol’s fowl are all flocked up.” man. He would eventually win his Jean-Noël Tremblay If the red-faced, very straight- first election in 1988, running to June 7, 1926 – Jan. 24, 2020 laced Minister was yelling any- represent the Carleton-Charlotte On January 24, 2020 Jean-Noël thing to correct himself, there was riding in New Brunswick. Despite a Tremblay passed away at the age of no way he could be heard over the narrow loss for re-election in 1993, 93, at his home in Quebec City. guffaws and hoots of laughter from he would run again – and win again Jean-Noël served the Progressive the few members in the Chamber, – in 1997, beginning a streak of Conservative Party as the member of but also those of us in the Press five more victories. During his time Parliament for Roberval from 1958 Gallery, the House of Commons in the House of Commons, Greg to 1962. Protective Staff in the public gal- served in many other roles, most He later joined the Union Nation- leries, the House of Commons notably being appointed the minis- ale in his home province of Quebec, pages, and even the Hansard re- ter of Veterans Affairs in 2006. In where he represented the riding porters, who were seen frantically this role, he debuted the Veterans’ of Chicoutimi from 1966 to 1973. checking their notes (and each oth- Bill of Rights under Prime Minister Here he became minister of Cultural er) to verify what they’d just heard. Stephen Harper in 2007. The bill Affairs, from 1966 to 1970, under The Deputy Speaker wisely gav- would guarantee rights and benefits Premier Daniel Johnson. elled adjournment of that day’s for veterans and their families. He served in several positions at- proceedings. Postscript: The fol- Greg eventually retired before the tached to public service, as an aid to lowing day’s Official Record qui- 2011 federal election, but demon- the Hon Jeanne Sauvé and the Hon. etly amended Mr. Richardson’s strated his dedication to New Brun- Marcel Masse. He participated in indiscretion to read: “Mr. Assol’s swick by returning to politics at the several missions abroad. flock are all fouled up.” But, at provincial level, becoming the MLA Jean- Noël had a bachelor degree the time, it was still one of Parlia- for the Saint Croix electoral district in Theology, specialized in linguis- ment’s funnier moments. in 2018. He would also serve as the tics and a graduate in law. In 1990, provinces’ minister of Intergovern- he was made a member of the Order Geoff Scott served as a Progressive Con- mental Affairs until his passing. of Canada. servative MP for the riding of Hamilton– Greg is remembered as a devoted, He was named to the order of Wentworth, Ontario from 1978-1993. hardworking leader. Following his Canada in 1990.

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