Let’s start with the good news. You will recall in my last column, I indicated my complete dissatisfaction with the Environmental Commissioner’s Report calling for an end to logging in Algonquin Park. I must thank all of the people from municipal government as well as individuals who contacted me, encouraging me to fight this proposal. Upon the publishing of Commissioner Gord Miller’s Report, I immediately wrote Natural Resources and Forestry Minister, Bill Mauro, calling on him to make it clear that he would not implement the recommendations. When the Parliament reconvened, I had the opportunity to speak to him and further to that, questioned him in the Legislature. I was most pleased with the Minister’s response. While it is typical of Ministers to couch their language, not being offensive to the authors of a report, Mr. Mauro was clear in that he stated “We have no intention of ending logging in Algonquin Park.” It appears the battle has been won but I assure you the war is not over. The enemies of our way of life will not take this lying down. They will continue to press the government on this issue. Those of us who are committed to protecting our way of life must be ever vigilant.
Now the bad news. Who can forget the $1.1 billion gas plant scandal. The liberal government would certainly like you to. I questioned the government twice in the past two weeks, asking to allow two more witnesses to come before the Standing Committee on Justice Policy, namely Laura Miller and Peter Faist. Ms. Miller was Dalton McGuinty’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Mr. Faist was her boyfriend, who did not work for the government yet somehow was able to gain access to the Premier’s office and its computer system, resulting in the deletion of an unknown number of documents and records. This was determined by the OPP during their initial criminal investigation. It would only make sense that we be allowed to hear what they have to say. Unfortunately, the Liberals have used their majority power to essentially shut down the committee, directing it to write its report. The report will be nothing but a sham given that it will be minus the testimony of these two key witnesses. We have heard from 90 witnesses at the committee, why would the government shut it down when our only request is that we want to hear from two more. Could it be they’re afraid of what Ms. Miller and Mr. Faist might have to say? By the way, Ms. Miller and Mr. Faist had agreed to testify before the June election was called. It should be pointed out that the OPP can investigate and lay charges but under our system cannot compel anyone to make a statement. With this decision by the Liberal government, we may never know all the fact in this scandal but we will be paying for it.
While all Remembrance Days are special, 2014 has even greater significance. This year we recognized two special anniversaries – the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of the First World War and the 70th Anniversary of D’Day. The war to end all wars has proven to be wishful thinking as the world continues to be a place of ongoing conflict. D’Day marked the turning point in the war against fascism. I, like many of you, will be participating in Remembrance Day Services throughout the riding. During that time my thoughts always hearken back to my Dad and what it must have been like for he and his comrades in the theatre of war. Each year, I see fewer and fewer Veterans of World War II and Korea. Please take the time to thank a Veteran for the freedoms that we enjoy. Also, remember our recent fallen, Corporal Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.
LEST WE FORGET.
