Month: April 2008

Welcome to Parliament, Rob Clarke!

Governments are not supposed to win by-elections, the conventional thinking goes, as voters take opportunities in between general elections to send the ruling party “a message” by voting in more opposition MPs. Well, someone forgot to tell that to the voters in the northern Saskatchewan riding of Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River. In the last general election, they elected a Liberal, Gary Merasty, but in the by-elections held two weeks ago, they decided to cast their lot with the governing party.

And that's how Rob Clarke (left), a former RCMP sergeant, made it to Parliament where, during Members' Statements yesterday, he made his debut in the Chamber, to a standing ovation from members from all sides of the House:

Mr. Rob Clarke (Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River, CPC): Mr. Speaker, tansi, delangete, bonjour and hello. On December 21, 2007, the byelection for the riding of Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River was announced.

On March 17, the constituents spoke out loud and clear and now I stand before the House as a member of Parliament for the Conservative Party of Canada. I am deeply honoured and humbled to be standing here today.

I would like to thank my wife Leanne, my son Kobey and my daughter Kabree for providing me with the support and the opportunity to be the candidate for the Conservative Party.

I would like to thank all my supporters and volunteers. If I miss anyone, I apologize. I would like to thank: Fraser McFarlane; Brad Hvidston; the Cameron family from Meadow Lake; Leroy Laliberte; Bruce and Collette Janes; Thomas Syrzecki; Winston McKay; and Jimmy Durocher.

On July 7, 2006, while I was stationed with the RCMP in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, two members were fatally shot. I would like to dedicate this byelection to the memory of Constable Marc Bourdages and Constable Robin Cameron. Merci, thank you, and hi-hi.

The Liberals have a good day

There's no question the federal Liberal party and its national caucus is going through some difficult days. Some MPs and Liberal insiders are bitterly upset with their leader Stephane Dion and there is broad disagreement within the caucus over strategy and timing to force an election.

But for all that, there is the odd good day, as I wrote today.

Yesterday, a radiant, beaming Martha Hall Findlay finally walked into the House of Commons as a Member of Parliament. I was sitting in the press gallery above the Speaker's chair and Findlay's smile as she entered the Commons at the other end of the Chamber was as bright as a beacon. Joyce Murray, who won a squeaker in Vancouver Quadra — squeakers aren't supposed to happen to Liberals in that riding, heightening concern some Liberals already had about Dion — looked thrilled if a bit overawed on her entry.

And Bob Rae looked like he was putting on a comfortable sweater he hadn't seen in years. There are politicians who, no matter what they do, just have an aura of leadership about them. Rae is one of them. Ignatieff might be another. Dion, not so much. At least not so much in the House.

But at a short campaign-style rally/party the Liberals held in a bar on Elgin Street in Ottawa tonight to welcome their new MPs, Dion looks so much more comfortable. Unlike Stephen Harper who, in Opposition, was cold and lifeless in front of crowds or 1,000 or 10, Dion is a much better politician outside the House of Commons. He's got a good wit; he's self-deprecating; and he can be quick on his feet. Some Liberal MPs, in fact, suggested that maybe he ought to spend more time outside the House, building the party, and less time worrying about preparing for Question Period.

By and large, Liberals tonight seemed festive and in good spirits. Some MPs I spoke to are clearly worried about a campaign, worried they'll be able to motivate their campaign workers, and worried how they're leader will perform.

But that's for another day, a day that may not come until the fall of 2009. For the Liberal caucus, with three new MPs, today and yesterday were good days.

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