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Decentralized Democracy

Member of Parliament

Michael Barrett

  • Member of Parliament
  • Conservative
  • Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes
  • Ontario
  • Voting Attendance: 64%
  • Expenses Last Quarter: $133,355.09

  • Government Page
Context: House Hansard - 332 - Jun/14/24
Mr. Michael Barrett (Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, CPC)
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-405, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Parliament of Canada Act. He said: Madam Speaker, the penalties for perjury act is a mechanism to restore Canadians' confidence in our democratic institutions. It would do two critical things. One, it would impose a mandatory minimum penalty under the Criminal Code for perjury before a House of Parliament; and second, it would allow Parliament to impose a fine of up to $50,000 for a contempt against a House of Parliament. This is incredibly important in the context that we have seen of the Prime Minister's $60-million arrive scam and contempt that has been found before the House. Common-sense Conservatives will stop the crime and restore accountability to Canada's Parliament.
132 words
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Context: House Hansard - 294 - Mar/22/24
Mr. Michael Barrett
  • Mar/22/24 1:35:54 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is a question of Parliament and parliamentarians refreshing their comfort in using the tools available to them, this being an important one. Having individuals swear an oath before they come before committee has the same effect as an individual swearing an oath in a court of law. With respect to perjury, members of the public would have an understanding, even through pop culture, as to what the prospective penalties are for the offence. When we have individuals who are flatly refusing to attend or answer questions, we need to use the tools in our parliamentary tool box today. This tool is rarely used because it seems like it has been some time since anyone felt like they had greater power than Canada's 338 elected representatives. That is why I think it is so important that we offer the appropriate remedy in this case, and that is to get the answers for Canadians and admonish the individual who flouted the rules.
164 words
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