Blog

I was pleased to host a roundtable discussion on the future on the Canadian Armed Forces. Participants all had valuable perspectives and insights on the topic. We had a great conversation about the many important issues facing our military and our national security.

It’s important to me that my constituents have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the Liberal government’s defence policy review to help ensure that it is truly reflective of Canadian values.

Canada needs a robust defence policy that ensures that our men and women in uniform have the support and resources they need to do their job and that our borders are secure.

Today, the world’s top athletes gather in Rio for the 2016 Summer Olympics and Canada is represented by the very best from coast to coast to coast.

Qualifying to compete in the Olympics takes hard work and dedication. With so much talent in Canada, I know that making it to this milestone is certainly no easy feat.

Congratulations to all of Team Canada’s athletes on this incredible achievement.

And, a special congratulations to Jen Kish from Edmonton Griesbach. As team captain of the first ever Canadian Olympic women’s rugby sevens team, you are making history. Edmontonians and all Canadians are cheering you on.

I wish each and every athlete wearing the maple leaf the very best, as you take on the world’s best.

Your accomplishments are already a source of great pride for Canadians.

Go Canada, go!

Friday was a great kick-off to K-Days. It was a pleasure to attend the downtown pancake breakfast and participate in the K-Days Parade. I enjoyed meeting so many Edmontonians and visitors alike.

Festivities are on until July 31!

Wishing you a happy, healthy Canada Day!

Job Opportunity – Constituency Assistant

Are you a dynamic team player? Do you thrive working with community and political leaders? Are you a professional with a meticulous attention to detail?

The office of Kerry Diotte, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Griesbach, is seeking a candidate to fill the position of Constituent Assistant in Edmonton.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who takes initiative and possesses strong interpersonal skills. The candidate must possess sound judgement and discretion.

 Position Description:

• Reception and office duties
• Assisting constituents with requests pertaining to federal government departments
• Responding to requests to attend community-based events
• Monitoring key events and activities in the community, monitoring local media
• Organizing the Members’ schedule in the community
• Accompanying the Member to community events
• Photography and video at local events

 Qualifications and Experience:

• Excellent writing, organization and time management skills
• Some post-secondary education and a background in basic research and politics
• Works well as part of a team in a professional setting
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook
• Previous political experience, social media and bilingualism will be considered assets

Interested candidates should send their cover letter and resume to the attention of

Sally Harris at: kerry.diotte@parl.gc.ca

Applications will be accepted until 5 PM on Friday, July 1, 2016.

**We thank all for applying, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. **

By KERRY DIOTTE

The governing Liberals insist we must have a new system of voting for future federal elections. Here are 10 reasons why this is a very bad idea:

1 – There’s no groundswell in the Canadian public demanding a new voting system. While knocking on thousands of doors for the October 2015 election I cannot recall one person bringing up the issue.

2 – The Liberals have repeatedly ruled out sticking with our current system of first-past-the-post elections, a method that has served Canada well since Confederation.

3 – Despite pledges to do widespread consultations with the public before changing our system, there’s no plan to hold a national referendum on this historic change to our democracy.

4 – Critics rightfully point out that other systems of voting can favour the ruling Liberals. Under a so-called ranked ballot or proportional representation system, it’s predicted the Liberals would have increased their current seat count Oct. 19 from 184 to 224 in this current Parliament.

5 – The Liberals are already tipping their hand that they’re leaning to the ranked-ballot system. That comes amid news the Privy Council Office (that reports directly to the Prime Minister and minister in charge) recently hired Derek Alton, who founded a group that advocates the ranked ballot system.

6 – A ranked-ballot system would put Conservative voters at a disadvantage. Studies have shown NDP supporters would tend to pick Liberal candidates as their second pick while Liberal supporters would choose NDP reps for their second-string choice. Conservative voters frequently indicate they don’t wish to have a second choice of another candidate at all.

7 – Liberal Minister of Democratic Institutions Maryam Monsef has actually claimed in the House of Commons that consultation on reform using Twitter and townhalls is more valid than holding a national referendum.

8 – Much has been made of the fact Liberals recently changed the makeup of a parliamentary committee tasked with coming up with a new voting system. Now opposition members from the Green Party, the Bloc Quebecois and the NDP will get a vote. But the truth is, the committee is little more than a paper tiger. The ruling Grits can still ignore its finding and choose any new voting system it desires. Such are the perks of winning a majority government.

9 – There are precedents for holding voting referendums in Canada. Through referenda, in British Columbia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island voters rejected changes to their systems.

10 – Recent opinion polls show that nearly three quarters of Canadians believe a national referendum should be held if there is to be a change in our way of voting.

If you believe there’s no reason to change our voting system or you think we must hold a national referendum before doing so, take action. Write to the Prime Minister at House of Commons, Ottawa, ON. K1A 0A6. There is no postage required to send that letter.

I hope you have a great holiday weekend celebrating with friends, family and neighbours.

I was happy to lend a hand today in Ottawa for the BBQ & Bake Sale organized by Lord Elgin, Hotel Indigo and Residence Inn Marriott.

I was joined by my Edmonton MP colleagues Matt Jeneroux, Kelly McCauley and Ziad Aboultaif,

It was a great turnout with lineups around the block. All the proceeds are going to those in the service industry who have lost their jobs and homes in the Fort McMurray forest fires.

We served hamburgers, veggie burgers, sausages and pad Thai non-stop.

Thanks Ottawa for your generous support for Albertans in our time of need. Your generousity is much appreciated by all those who’ve been impacted by the wildfires in and around Fort McMurray.