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MP's REPORT


By Kyle Peterson, MP
Newmarket-Aurora


At this special time of year, we all look forward to spending time with family and friends, to taking a break from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, and to reset for the upcoming year.
It is not unusual to spend some time looking back on the year that was. For me, I would like to take this opportunity to look back on the first few days of the 42nd Parliament of Canada.
The first order of business for the House of Commons was to elect a Speaker. A number of worthy candidates came forward. I was happy to support the Member of Parliament from Halifax West, Geoff Regan. I got to know Geoff when I was a student at Dalhousie Law School in the early 2000s, and he is a fellow alumnus of that school.
He is the first Speaker from Atlantic Canada in nearly a century. I have no doubt he will fulfill his duties admirably.
On December 4, the Governor General read the Speech from the Throne in the Senate. The ceremony and pageantry around the Throne Speech was really quite remarkable.
All Members of Parliament, who at the time were assembled in the House of Commons, were requested to attend the Senate to hear the Speech from the Throne. All 338 MPs made the walk from the House to the Senate, yet only a few could actually fit inside the Senate. The remainder of MPs, including me, gathered just outside the Senate, watching the Speech on a closed circuit television.
The contents of the Throne Speech would come as no surprise to anyone who followed the October Election.
The agenda laid out showed the government is committed to making real change happen by doing different things and by doing things differently. The Speech reiterated the priorities of the campaign: growth for the middle class; an open and transparent government, a clean environment and strong economy, strength in diversity, and preserving security and opportunity for Canadians.
Immediately following the Speech from the Throne, we returned to the House, and debate on the Speech began.
On the second week of the House sitting, the very first motion that was passed enabled the middle-class tax cut. I was proud to vote in favour of this motion as I believe we all benefit when middle class Canadians have more money in their pockets.
After a busy first few days in Ottawa, all Members were anxious to get back to their ridings in time for local Christmas and Holiday events.
It was a whirlwind first sitting, and I was impressed by the quality of my colleagues, on both sides of the House. I look forward to working with all of them to get things done for Canadians.
We have been working hard locally, too, and are about to open our Constituency Office. Stay tuned for the details.
Let me take a moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year. Please take some time to think of those less fortunate, who may find this time of the year a struggle, and help out if you are able.
Please also think of those who cannot be at home this year, especially those in the Canadian Forces. And spend time with your family and loved ones. Soon the break will be over and our busy lives will once again be underway.
From Andrea, Kolton, Kash and me, all our best for 2016.
Post date: 2015-12-21 18:32:01
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