Dan in Ottawa
Discussing the Reform Act
There have been very few bills that have generated as much discussion, debate and feedback as Bill C-559. This is quite remarkable given that this Private...
Annual Accountability Report
As mentioned in a recent MP report, as a result of the positive feedback I received from last year's accountability report this will now become an annual...
The politics of pipelines
This past weekend I participated alongside a group of citizens from the community of Merritt and surrounding areas as part of a search and rescue effort,...
On track to a balanced budget
This week the House of Commons is on a five day break as Members of Parliament return home and have the opportunity to participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies...
Being clear on the public trust
Hearing from constituents is in my view a critically important part of elected office. Many citizens take the time to offer constructive advice that can help...
Opinions abound on Parliament Hill
In the course of the past seven days since the 2nd session of this 41st Parliament began, seven Bills have already been introduced to the House of Commons. The...
A busy week in Ottawa
The past week has been a very busy one as the House of Commons began a new session of Parliament that included a Speech from the Throne and shortly after our...
Services & amenities often overlooked
This week I spent Thanksgiving Monday travelling back to Ottawa. Along the way between Okanagan-Coquihalla and our nation’s capital I met many travellers...
New minimum energy light standards
Recently I have had a number of enquiries pertaining to light bulbs - this is not surprising given changes to Canada’s national lighting standards that in...
Respectful dialogue: a stronger Canada
This week I am back in Ottawa attending a number of briefings and meetings related to Okanagan-Coquihalla and also my new duties as Parliamentary Secretary to...
Economic spin offs and employment
In the discussion on the importance of direct jobs and industry, we often hear about the positive economic spin-off affects from a particular industry but...
Back to school
The September long weekend has often been thought of as the “end of summer” given that students will be returning to classes in the days following...
New 2015 Federal Election boundaries
Depending on your level of political interest you may or may not be aware that Federally, much like Provincially, our various regions are divided up into what...
Prorogation explained
The most discussed topic to arise this week is the announcement that the House of Commons will be prorogued reconvening in October instead of mid September as...
Discussing local CBC concerns
Many citizens are familiar with the term “urban legend” that applies to stories and events that are suggested as being true or factually accurate,...
Jobs & skills training: national interest
As I shared in a recent report roughly one month ago, Canada Day is my favourite day of the year in large part because it is that one special day when we, as a...
Policies matter to local economy
The summer constituency break from the House of Commons for Members of Parliament is often referred to as the “BBQ Season”, although I have yet to...
Ministers important to this member
As you may have already heard, one of the larger media stories out of Ottawa this week focused on the subject of Monday’s cabinet shuffle. For political...
Hewers of wood
Although Forestry falls under Provincial jurisdiction it is important to recognize the importance of this industry to all levels of Government that also...
Questions about the Senate
Without question, one of the most frequently raised concerns that I hear from citizens of Okanagan-Coquihalla, pertains to the Canadian Senate, and by...