SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 211

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 12, 2023 11:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 211 - Jun/12/23
Mr. Taylor Bachrach
  • Jun/12/23 12:27:28 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Re: Bill C-33 
Mr. Speaker, to the substance of the bill, one of the changes proposed is to increase the local government representation on the boards of directors of Canadian port authorities. I think this is welcomed by the local governments I have spoken with. However, another group that deserves representation is the workers of Canada's ports. These folks are integral to the operation of our ports. They have specific knowledge, expertise and experience that can benefit the operation and management of ports. We would like to see a seat at the table for the workers of Canada's ports. I wonder if the minister could respond to this proposal, which we strongly support.
112 words
All Topics
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Context: House Hansard - 211 - Jun/12/23
Hon. Andrew Scheer
  • Jun/12/23 7:50:39 p.m.
  • Watch
Mr. Speaker, I can answer very simply no. I really appreciate my colleague's perspective on this. We have a lot of differences between our two parties and there is a lot we disagree on, but we both recognize that, when a government is going to come in to change the rules of the game, we really do need consensus. Members can imagine a scenario in a sports league where one team has an advantage and then tries to get the lead commissioner to change the nature of the sport or the action to benefit one team over the rest of the teams. That is analogous to what is being done here. Right from the get-go, this was presented as a fait accompli. The government had already secured what it wanted with the NDP, and it is a take-it-or-leave-it type of proposal. We were told right upfront that, if we were trying to take away any of the things around remote participation in the chamber or other ancillary aspects, it was going to go ahead with it anyway. That is not the way to bring parties together for the betterment of this institution.
198 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Context: House Hansard - 211 - Jun/12/23
Mr. Yves Perron (Berthier—Maskinongé, BQ)
  • Jun/12/23 10:46:47 p.m.
  • Watch
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Calgary Shepard for his remarks. As usual, they were clear and intelligent. He addressed a very important issue, in other words, human contact and what I would call informal discussions. That is where we get to know one another and understand each other. It is through these contacts that we can develop a rapport and negotiate better agreements, better bills for the public every day. Everyone will say that we will be in hybrid mode on an exceptional basis. However, since there is no framework to the proposal, it will be used increasingly more often and people will no longer come in person. That is what worries me. I would like my colleague to address that and tell us what he thinks.
129 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border