Let’s celebrate Canada
Canada is our home and I’m proud to call myself Canadian.
We’re consistently listed as one of the best countries in the world to live in.
Canadians are renowned for our friendliness.
We have a history of defending world peace and fighting for justice. Whether in the First World War, Second World War or the Cold War, Canada stood on guard for thee.
There is much to celebrate this Canada Day.
As we celebrate let’s also remember where we have failed to live up to the principles we hold dear.
Residential schools, stand out as the worst failing in Canadian history. What occurred in those schools was wrong.
We need to continue to work with Indigenous Canadians to reconcile and foster a relationship of co-operation and partnership within Canada.
Canada isn’t a perfect country — no country is perfect.
Let’s continue working together in strengthening Canada — for all Canadians — not tearing it down.
Remembering Edmonton Police Service Const. Ezio Faraone
I was honoured to attend a memorial to mark the anniversary of the tragic death in the line of duty of Edmonton Police Service Const. Ezio Faraone.
Ezio was 33 years old when he was killed June 25, 1990, responding to an armed robbery. Both of the men involved in his murder were sent to prison.
Let’s remember Ezio and all police officers who died in the line of duty.
I voted against Bill C-10
Bill C-10 is a radical bill that will censor your online free speech, spearheaded by a radical minister who was once arrested, charged and convicted after a legendary and dangerous stunt — climbing Toronto’s CN tower.
I had the privilege of giving the final speech about this bill for our Official Opposition Conservatives.
The BQ, NDP and Green Party all voted to support this Big-Brotherly Liberal bill enabling it to pass third reading. Only Conservatives opposed it.
I’m against conversion therapy
Conversion therapy is a harmful practice and should be banned.
That’s why I voted in favour of Bill C-6 during second reading on Oct. 28, 2020.
But there were serious issues with the final bill that the Liberals were unwilling to address.
The Liberals failed to adequately define what, precisely, would be considered “conversion therapy.”
There were valid concerns from legal experts and others that the bill, as written, could jeopardize or even criminalize some conversations with religious leaders and others when counselling someone. Scores of constituents also directly raised those concerns to me.
That’s why I was one of 63 MPs to oppose this flawed Liberal Bill C-6.
Let’s hope these flaws can be addressed in the Senate review of the bill. If they are, I’ll eagerly vote to ban conversion therapy in Canada once and for all.
Win a lunch with your MP
Talking with you and hearing your feedback is the most important part of my job as your Member of Parliament.
I’ll be hosting a lucky subscriber of my e-newsletter this summer for lunch.
We’ll have a chance to talk directly about the issues that matter most to you.
To be considered all you have to do is subscribe to my e-newsletter.
I’ll be drawing the winner in late July.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely already a subscriber. But please share this contest and link with a friend or family member. They can subscribe at: kerrydiotte.com/newsletter-subscription/
Try out my Canada Day quiz
1. When did British Columbia become part of Canada?
A) 1871 B) 1869 C) 1876
2. What is Canada’s national summer sport?
A) basketball B) lacrosse C) football
3. Of these Canadians who has won the most Grammy awards?
A) Celine Dion B) Shania Twain C) David Foster
4. What was the name of the famous Indigenous leader who helped save Canada in the War of 1812?
A) Tecumseh B) Thayendanegea/Joseph Brant C) Tommy Prince
5. Which famous Canadian led the Canadian Corps during the First World War?
A) Sir Douglas Haig B) Harry Crerar C) Sir Arthur Currie
6. The name Canada comes from the Indigenous Huron-Iroquois word Kanata. What does it mean?
A) a village or settlement B) home C) beaver dam
7. Which city is home to Canada’s first mosque?
A) Edmonton B) Toronto C) Montreal
8. What year did Lord Stanley commission the Stanley Cup?
A) 1901 B) 1892 C) 1874
You can find the answers at the link below
In the news
— American opinion columnist alarmed about events in Canada. Link
— Cancel Canada Day? The vast majority of Canadians disagree. Link
— Trudeau’s internet censorship laws have no place in a free and open society. Link
— Trudeau suing the House of Commons to keep lab firings secret. Link
— Two more Catholic churches torched in British Columbia. Link
— Canadians should fight COVID tickets, says Justice Centre. Link
— Feds ask court to keep documents related to scientists’ firing under wraps. Link
— Sask. First Nation announces discovery of 751 unmarked graves near former residential school. Link
— Muslim woman knocked unconscious in alleged ‘hate-motivated’ attack in St. Albert; suspect at large. Link
— Edmonton police investigating after pope statue outside local church vandalized. Link
— Celebrate Canada, but not its political leaders or its propensity for self-flagellation. Link
— Heat wave prompts heightened safety measures for seniors in Edmonton. Link
You said it
— [Rembering Const. Faraone] “Me too! Constable Faraone volunteered/coached my niece’s baseball team. The kids were devastated as well as all Edmontonians” — Robbin F.
— “The restrictions lasted TOO LONG. It’s wonderful to spend time with family and friends again.” — Mary P.
— “I think Canada Day should be celebrated as a country with another year added. Ever since my younger days, I remember celebrating this day; it was a very important day for everyone.” — Stan C.
Last week’s straw poll results
Last week I asked folks if they were planning to participate in public gatherings this summer when Alberta Health gives the green light.
Most people said they would.
Whatever you choose to do this summer, please do so safely.
A big thanks to everyone who took part.
Have your say
The Montreal Canadians are in the Stanley Cup finals with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Will you be supporting the Habs for a Canadian team victory?
I’ll post the results in next week’s e-newsletter.
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