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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 214

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 15, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 214 - Jun/15/23
Mrs. Salma Zahid (Scarborough Centre, Lib.)
  • Jun/15/23 7:41:13 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I agree that there are a lot of advantages to being here together to make sure we serve our constituents, but my question is this: What would he say for those members who, God forbid, have to go through health challenges? Back in February 2018, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Not having the provision of the hybrid Parliament, I was not able to be the voice of my constituents here for four months, until my chemotherapy was completed. I was not able to participate in debates and I was not able to vote. What would the member say in regard to those situations? I ask, because we never know what is coming around the corner.
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Context: House Hansard - 214 - Jun/15/23
Mr. Pat Kelly
  • Jun/15/23 7:42:01 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am so happy that the member is here in this debate tonight and that she is able to be here. The member for Steveston—Richmond East and his remarks on his health challenges are important, but there have been long-standing tools. This is not new. Previous Parliaments have dealt with this by way of vote pairing. I do not think any constituent would want their MP to feel they had to leave medical treatment to fly here and use their voice in debate. People should take time and look after their health, make that their personal priority and make sure their vote is paired, so that there is still democratic representation.
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