Pay hike for MPs is controversial

 

Many constituents have written to me concerned about the pay hike that Members of Parliament automatically received Apr. 1, 2021. I also share those concerns. 

Many people feel that, in the middle of an emergency, the last thing that needs to be done is to increase the pay of politicians. 

The pay hike was set up by the Liberals and automatically occurs without a vote in the House of Commons. 

As incredible as it sounds, there’s no way I can stop receiving it.

As such there’s the next best thing. I’ll be donating the money I get in this pay hike to charities and organizations in Edmonton that have a good track record of helping folks in our community.

This way the money goes to good causes.

This is exactly what I did the last time we were forced to take an automatic pay raise.

But the idea that the Liberals would continue to raise the pay of federal MPs when so many Canadians are struggling is plainly offensive to taxpayers.

Trudeau government failed Canada in COVID response

By BRIAN LILLEY
Toronto Sun

The Public Health Agency of Canada was woefully unprepared for the arrival and impact of COVID-19 in Canada, according to an audit by Canada’s auditor general.

The agency failed to look at the potential spread of the virus in assessing risk and failed to properly ensure compliance with quarantine rules to contain the spread.

This audit shows PHAC was neither even though responding to pandemics response was the overarching goal of the organization at its inception in 2006.

“We found that the agency’s Global Public Health Intelligence Network did not issue an alert to provide early warning when the virus was first reported,” the audit states, noting that subscribers would have received an email, a lower level of communication than an alert. Essentially, a network designed to alert Canadian officials, and international partners, didn’t do its job.

(Read the full article by Brian Lilley, Toronto Sun at the link below.)

 

 

 

Sign my petition to bring back Bachman

The taxpayer-funded CBC is making a very poor decision by cancelling a popular national radio show called Vinyl Tap by legendary musician Randy Bachman.

Please sign the petition below and let’s fight back against this affront by CBC to a Canadian cultural icon.

I’ll send a letter to CBC on behalf of everyone who signs this petition.

Shortage of volunteers keeps kid waiting for big brother in Calgary

I’ve seen firsthand the great work the Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area do for children in our community so I hope the Calgary chapter can find the volunteers they need shortly.

The Edmonton chapter is also looking for volunteers. If you’re interested or know someone who is, you should reach out to them.

 

 

 

In the news

• Egerton Ryerson has been falsely accused of trying to erase Indigenous culture. Link
• Regina council votes in favour of removing statue of Sir John A. Macdonald from Victoria Park. Link
• Trudeau has spent nearly double what government spent during WWII: Fraser Institute. Link
• Public officials have failed to prepare Canadians for COVID-19. Link
• Opposition MPs blast Liberal ‘defiance’ after second staffer blocked from testifying on WE. Link
• ‘It’s unbelievable’: Searchers find Ontario toddler alive after four days in thick woods. Link
• Journalism is pure madness. Link
• Canadians have been patient during the pandemic. That’s not necessarily a good thing. Link
• Vaccinated snowbirds say they’re being ‘punished’ with Canada’s COVID-19 hotel quarantine. Link
• Preposterous NDP policy resolutions suggest the inmates are taking over. Link
• Why did Trudeau trust China on vaccines? Link

You said it

• “Keep up your good work Kerry. These are crazy times. We all have to pay attention to what’s going on. I think our country is in for a very hard time. I feel very sorry for my grandchildren. I always tried my best to do the right thing. Maybe I was too busy caring for my family and making ends meet I forgot to pay attention to what our government was doing. Me and millions of other people. That’s what corrupt governments count on.”  —  Ellen G. 
• Commenting on allowing 16 year olds the right to vote: “Sixteen year old’s can have their ideologies persuaded and have their opinions easily swayed by those on the left who are very adept at pandering to the less seasoned, travelled, and rational person. I don’t believe that they have matured enough to understand the consequences of their decisions can have on the masses. They live at home, believe the world owes them a living, and like Trudeau, they think that budgets balance themselves.” —  Fred S. 
• “That’s all a Liberal knows to do, tax, tax, and tax again. A Liberal never met a tax he didn’t like. Part of the Liberal party platform is if it moves, tax it. If it’s still moving, tax it again.” —  Andrew G.

Last week’s straw poll results 

In my last e-newsletter, I asked what people thought about the plans to lower the voting age to 16 introduced by former Green Party leader, MP Elizabeth May. 

There was a large turnout and a clear majority. Of those surveyed 96% said they opposed lowering the voting age to 16.

As your Member of Parliament, I’ll continue to support keeping the voting age at 18. 

A big thanks to everyone who took part.

Latest news on COVID-19 

 

You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Health Services or the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Alberta Health Services can also be reached by phone at 811. 

Benefits available for Canadians

There are programs available to help you and your family during this COVID pandemic. 

 

 

 

 

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I want to hear from you 

I’m always eager to hear from you. Do you have beefs? Bouquets? Suggestions?

Drop me a note to my e-mail address.

Please note our local Edmonton constituency office is currently still open to serve you but it’s by appointment only. We simply ask that you call ahead to book an appointment.

Call or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to serve you.

Thanks so much. Stay healthy!

E-mail:
[email protected]

Phone:
(780) 495-3261

Mail (postage free): 
Kerry Diotte, MP 
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6