In my last In Touch, I went over some of the provisions of the new Economic Action Plan. At the end, I promised to devote this article, this week, to discussing some of the tax provisions of the new budget. But, instead, I wanted to divert from that path and let you in on a very exciting week in Ottawa.

On Monday, it was my “Duty Day”. That’s the day assigned to each government Member of Parliament where they must stay in the House of Commons listening to debates and responding to Opposition questions. I find that day to be very fascinating. The actual House chamber is a stunning room. I feel honoured to take my seat as your representative in that room. Also on Monday, aside from my duties in the House, I met with Environment Minister Jim Prentice regarding some of the items in the new budget that may be of benefit to Central Alberta, a budget that we later voted on that evening.

On Tuesday, I was honoured to give my very first speech in the House of Commons. In Ottawa, it’s called a “maiden speech”. You only get one chance to make a good impression and I felt I did well. I was somewhat nervous at the start but found my feet quickly and made the points I wanted to make. I went on at length about the pride I feel as the Member of Parliament for the Red Deer constituency. I spoke about the benefits we will receive from our Economic Action Plan which will create new jobs and build for our future. If you would like a copy of the speech you can get it at:

http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=2&DocId=3640279#OOB-2577386  (Look for 10:45am)

Wednesday was caucus day. In fact, it’s two separate meetings. This first meeting is Alberta Caucus which is made up of all of the government Members from Alberta. We go over issues in our ridings and they are presented by our Chair to National Caucus.

National Caucus takes place Wednesday mornings in the stunning Centre Block Room 237-C. We are given various reports and talk about issues that affect our ridings and hear about future plans from various ministries and the Prime Minister.

Later in the afternoon I attended my first committee meeting. I am a member of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. You may remember it as the committee that was investing the Mulroney-Schreiber affair. In our first meeting we went through routine motions governing how the committee will proceed in the future. Following that I went to a reception honouring Black History Month at the astounding Canadian War Museum.

Thursday we voted on the budget Ways and Means Motion and I helped another Member with his Duty Day.

Friday I am sitting on a plane writing this report to you on my way back home to make an announcement at the Red Deer Regional Airport. Our government is making an investment of more than $800,000 to buy new safety equipment for the airport. I can’t wait to get back home and see my friends and family. Central Alberta is my home and the best place in the world. On Monday we get to start all over again.

Until next time. . .


Earl Dreeshen, MP
Red Deer