To the editor:
If anyone wants to understand the primary reason why Canadians are so cynical about our political process, they need only read MP Dan Albas’ oh-so-lame defense of the average MP’s ability to speak out in the House of Commons (MP’s Report, Capital News, April 4).
“…it has never been suggested to me what I should or should not say,” proudly proclaims MP Dan Albas.
He then gives us several examples of speeches he has given to Parliament, for which he assures us, “I have received positive comments on these statements from both sides of the House…”
Albas’ speech making has dealt with crucially important topics like the Penticton Vees’ winning season, the good work of the Canadian Shriners and—truly a demonstration of remarkable political courage—he spoke up about Space Station Commander Hadfield checking in with an elementary school in his riding.
We need our political representatives to be able to talk freely about crucial issues of the day: the environment, health care, education, productivity, the economy, corruption and international affairs.
But we can rest easy because party whips won’t stop Albas from talking about the weather or milk and cookies.
Albas seems unable to grasp the issue that all political parties, including his own Conservatives, insist backbench parliamentarians baa ‘yea or nay’ like good sheep in unison on all important issues.
Albas is merely inane enough to actually draw attention to it as if it’s something to be proud of.
Devon Brooks,
Kelowna
