1 Elizabeth May, O.C., M.P. Printed on 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper

Elizabeth May, O.C., M.P. Your Member of Parliament in Saanich-Gulf Islands

518 Confederation Building House of Commons

Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Phone: 613-996-1119 Fax: 613-996-0850

Email: elizabeth.may@parl.gc.ca

Hill Office

Winter 2011 Newsletter

1 - 9711 Fourth Street Sidney, BC V8L 2Y8

Phone: 250-657-2000

Fax: 250-657-2004

Email: elizabeth.may.c1a@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Office

elizabethmaymp.ca

@ElizabethMay

facebook.com/ElizabethMayGreenLeader

Online

“Caring, conscientious, non-partisan service”

It has been the greatest honour of my life to be serving the citizens of Saanich-Gulf Islands as your Member of Parliament. These last few months have sped by and I have a lot of news to share in this first regular mailing to you.

First things first!

I hope you will make a note of the dates on the back of this newsletter for our regular ―Meet your MP‖ opportunities. I want to be the most accountable and accessible Member of Parliament you have ever had, so while the House of Commons is closed over most of January, I will be having our regular office hours in the Sidney Constituency Office, as well as getting to every one of the Gulf Islands, and the southern and northern areas of the Saanich Peninsula for public meetings. I will also have MP office hours across the riding in January.

The first task after the historic May 2 election was to find and open the Constituency Office. We were up and running before the end of June, but we were handling urgent constituency matters from our homes even before the paint was dry in the new office. I am very happy to have recruited an excellent team of constituency advocates. The motto on the front door reads ―Caring, conscientious, non-partisan service.‖ That is our mission statement as a team. You can read about our Sidney team inside.

Then we had to get up and running on Parliament Hill. That was a challenge because with 110 new MPs out of 308 in total, the machinery that runs the House of Commons was in over-drive. They had to clean out offices, clean hard drives, and re-assign new space for far more MPs than is expected following an election. Against this non-partisan backdrop was the jockeying for position as the bigger parties elbowed each other to get the bigger offices and better locations they all wanted. I waited patiently, but kept telling the people working in the system that I really hoped for an office in Confederation Building. Once Parliament was already up and running, that is what we got. I am thrilled to have a big team – mostly young volunteers – in the Parliament Hill office. With the help of the young interns we are able to keep on top of all legislation and committee work.

“What’s it like on Parliament Hill?”

I know a lot of you must be wondering, ―What is it like to be the only Green Member of Parliament? Can she do anything for us?‖

I hoped during the election that I would be able to do a lot. Now that the House has been working (on and off) since June, I am so pleased to be able to let you know that the experience has been positive.

As the only Green MP I work to make friends and allies across party lines. I am happy to report that (as I thought) most MPs are very decent and hard-working and have been open to a respectful and cordial relationship with the only Green MP. Unlike all the other MPs who are told by their parties how to vote on every Bill or Motion, I have the wonderful opportunity and serious responsibility to decide for myself on every vote. I approach each issue with an open mind. I consider what is in the best interests of Canada (I see that as my top responsibility), and then what is in the best interests of Saanich-Gulf Islands. Lastly I consider Green Party policy.

I try to figure out how you would like me to vote. This is a very difficult thing to assess as on most issues there will be voters on both sides of the question. I am planning to set up a function on the new MP website that will allow concerned Saanich-Gulf Island voters the chance to sign up and vote on issues as they come up. This will not be scientific (unless everyone in the riding signs up!) but it should be helpful guidance just the same.

I have voted with the government on some Bills, and against the government on others. But I will never take a knee-jerk position ―for‖ or ―against.‖ I am working with Conservative MPs on some Private Members Bills, such as Dan Albas‘s Bill to remove the interprovincial trade barriers on the sale of wine. And with Conservative Harold Albrecht on his Bill to create a National Suicide Prevention Strategy. I also seconded NDP MP Olivia Chow‘s Bill for a National Urban Transit Strategy.

Sometimes I am on my own. I am the only Member of Parliament to have committed to reporting all of my expenses in a public and transparent way. I am the only MP who thought it was time to move to a negotiated round of peace talks rather than continue the bombing of Libya. I was the only MP to raise in the House of Commons that the rebel leadership we support in Libya have ties to Al Qaeda.

I love it when I am not alone. We have formed an all-party Women‘s Caucus, and I helped create the Parliament‘s first-ever all party Climate Caucus. After meeting with the Saanich Firefighters, who were visiting Ottawa with a reasonable list of priority changes in federal policy, I supported their call in Question Period. Over the next few days, the Liberals and the NDP joined me and the government responses became more favourable.

Overall, I know you are counting on me to strive to improve decorum in the House of Commons. I think my efforts are well received. The Speaker of the House has been supportive of my refusal to heckle and of my refusal to continue speaking when I am being heckled.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for giving me the honour of serving you in Parliament.

2 Elizabeth May, O.C., M.P. Printed on 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper

On the Hill and in Your Community

Celebrating Marion Davidson‘s 90th Birthday

MARPAC Briefing at CFB Esquimalt

Opening of New Boardwalk at Lochside Park with Mayor Larry Cross and MLA Murray Coell

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to share good news with the House that members of my community, over 100 strong, gathered on Saturday, October 15 to celebrate two important milestones, the 80th anniversary of the creation of the Shoal Harbour Protected Area and the re-emergence and punctual arrival of the little Bufflehead duck.

We have now created in local Saanich—Gulf Islands, through the Sidney town proclamation and the North Saanich town proclamation, an All Buffleheads Day for October 15. This is our ―Hinterland's Who's Who‖ moment since I share with my colleagues that this little duck is a rapid diver, a tree nester and punctual, returning from its migrations all across Canada within a day or two of October 15.

I urge colleagues to join me when I put forward a Private Member's Bill that October 15 should henceforth be National All Buffleheads Day.

National All Buffleheads Day

Receiving Shark Finning Petition at Ocean Discovery Centre. Presented

Petition to House of Commons.

First, let me say to the hon. government benches and the members here where we agree. I would happily vote for the Victims of Terrorism Act. I would vote to change the Criminal Records Act to replace the word ―pardon‖ with ―record suspension‖.

However, I will be forced to vote against this legislation if it comes packaged with sections that would cause this country nothing but grief.

I wish to say to all hon. members on the government side whose talking points have repeatedly forced them to say that those who question the flawed premise of mandatory minimum sentences have somehow sided with criminals against victims. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Members of my family are involved in law enforcement. People close to me have been murdered. It is not as though we side with criminals when we recognize a piece of legislation is so egregiously flawed that this place should say "no." We look at all the evidence from criminologists, not just one or two, but all of them. We look at evidence from our own Department of Justice that studied this matter in 2002. We look at what is happening in the U.S., not only at the fact that its prisons are full of people but its prisons are full of people disproportionately low-income and black.

We also look at what could happen in this country. We have seen the report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the report on the Commission on Systemic Racism in the Ontario Criminal Justice System. We know that with this legislation, without a lot of changes in our system, we would disproportionately fill our jails with people who should not be in jail.

We also know that this legislation would cost us billions, which has not been fully costed. Yet, at the end of the day, it may actually result in weaker sentences for those who deserve higher sentences because we would ruin the opportunity for judicial discretion.

Omnibus Crime Bill

With Chief Bill Erasmus of the Dene Nation

Salt Spring Island Pride Parade

Mr. Speaker, I am rising today to remind us that 23 years ago next week was the first global scientific conference on the threat of climate change. Canada sponsored it. We were proud to have that conference opened by our Prime Minister, and the scientists gathered there made the following statement:

Humanity is conducting an unintended, uncontrolled, globally pervasive experiment whose ultimate consequences could be second only to a global nuclear war.

Since that time, the warnings of those scientists are no longer future warnings of disappearing ice caps, retreating glaciers, increased floods and fires. They are the daily stuff of our newspapers.

Now is the time to reflect on the warnings of scientists to reinvest in their efforts and to ensure that once again Canada takes a lead globally in the fight to reduce greenhouse gases and protect our country.

Climate Change

Between June and October, Elizabeth has risen to speak in the House of Commons over 100 times.

On average, MPs have risen about half the number times in the same period!

Interesting Fact!

3 Elizabeth May, O.C., M.P. Printed on 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper

What matters to you is important to me, and I want to know your priorities!

Please take a moment to prioritize the following subjects (1 = least important, 5 = most important), cut along the dotted line, and mail your opinions back to us postage free.

We‘ll send you more information on your issues as it becomes available.

Issue 1 2 3 4 5

Climate Change

Cost of Drugs

Crime Prevention

Economy and Job Creation

Education

Environmental Protection

Fish Farms

Your Opinion Matters!

Here to Serve You

The Ottawa team is a group of dedicated staff and volunteers who assist Elizabeth while in the House of Commons. They hail from every corner of Canada, including Antigonish, Calgary, Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa, Richmond, Saanich, Toronto and Vancouver.

A team of more than 10 interns from the local universities observe the proceedings of more than two dozen standing committees to keep Elizabeth apprised on all of the issues before Parliament. They also help Elizabeth stay on top of issue-based emails and letters from both SGI and the rest of the country.

The staff in the Ottawa office help Elizabeth with her legislative agenda, including proposing amendments to government legislation, drafting private members bills, managing Elizabeth‘s hectic schedule, and coordinating research initiatives with the Library of Parliament. The staff also work closely with the Riding office to assist with the needs and requests of our constituents.

Ottawa Team - 613-996-1119

Our constituency staff can help you if you have problems with federal government departments. Common problems that constituents may have include difficulties receiving their Old Age Security, Canada Pension Benefits or Employment Insurance. We can also help with immigration problems or if you have difficulties with Canada Revenue Agency.

If you contact our office, having documents and reference numbers will help us help you much more quickly.

You can also contact our office if:

You would like me to attend your community event.

You would like a loved one to receive a celebratory message for their birthday or anniversary.

You would like certificates of achievement for your organization's volunteers.

Saanich-Gulf Islands Team - 250-657-2000

Important Contact Numbers

Access to Information and Privacy 1-819-994-0416

Canada Border Services Agency 1-800-461-9999

Canada Mortgage and Housing 1-800-668-2642

Canada Revenue Agency 1-800-267-6999

Canada Student Loans and Grants 1-888-815-4514

Citizenship and Immigration Canada 1-888-242-2100

Department of Veterans Affairs 1-866-522-2122

Employment Insurance 1-800-206-7218

Federal Labour Program 1-800-641-4049

Old Age Security or Canada Pension Plan 1-800-277-9914

Passport Canada 1-800-567-6868

Service Canada 1-800-622-6232

Statistics Canada 1-800-263-1136

Universal Child Care Plan 1-800-387-1193

Issue 1 2 3 4 5

Food Security

Oil Tankers

Health Care

International Development

Peacekeeping

Tax Issues (including US IRS)

__________________________

Please keep me up to date on these and other issues.

Members of our Saanich-Gulf Islands team!

Members of your Ottawa team! (Six interns were unable to make the photo.)

4 Elizabeth May, O.C., M.P. Saanich-Gulf Islands - www.elizabethmaymp.ca

Name

Address

City / Town

Province

Phone

Postal Code

Email

Elizabeth May, O.C., M.P. 518 Confederation Building

House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

NO POSTAGE

REQUIRED

Community Events Near You in January Elizabeth is holding a series of events throughout Saanich-Gulf Islands in January. It‘s a great opportunity to meet her and ask questions. If you would like to meet Elizabeth but are unable to attend any of these sessions, please do not hesitate to contact the constituency office in Sidney at 250-657-2000.

There are many ways citizens can bring their concerns to Parliament. Presenting petitions to the House of Commons via a Member of Parliament dates back to medieval times and is one of the most historic ways of expressing one‘s sentiment on any given issue to the government of the day.

Elizabeth welcomes the opportunity to work with you to properly present your petition, and strongly encourages you to take full advantage of this right.

A ‗how-to‘ guide can be found here:

http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/House/PracticalGuides/Petitions/petitionsPG2008__cover-e.htm

Don‘t hesitate to contact the Ottawa office before you get started. Elizabeth and her team are happy to assist!

Submitting Petitions

Canada Day

Celebrations

Pender Island - January 12

Town Hall 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Pender Community Hall 4418 Bedwell Harbour Road Pender Island, BC V0N 2M1

Meet Your MP 10 am to 4 pm

Pender Community Hall 4418 Bedwell Harbour Road Pender Island, BC V0N 2M1

Galiano Island - January 14

Town Hall 6 pm to 7:30 pm

Lion‘s Hall 930 Burrill Road Galiano, BC V0N 1P0

Meet Your MP 12 noon to 5 pm

Watch for location announcement in The Island Tides.

Salt Spring Island - January 16

Town Hall 7 pm to 9 pm

Gulf Island Secondary School Multipurpose Room 112 Rainbow Road Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2R7

Meet Your MP 11 am to 6 pm

Watch for location announcement in The Island Tides.

Saanich - January 19

Town Hall 7 pm to 9 pm

Saanich Commonwealth Place Arbutus Room 4636 Elk Lake Drive Saanich, BC V8Z 5M2

Mayne Island - January 21

Town Hall 5:30 pm to 7 pm

Mayne Island Community Centre 493 Felix Jack Road Mayne, BC V0N 2J0

Meet Your MP 12 noon to 4 pm

Mayne Island Community Centre 493 Felix Jack Road Mayne, BC V0N 2J0

Central Saanich - January 23

Town Hall 7 pm to 9 pm

Saanich Fairground Poplar Room 1528 Stellys Cross Road Saanichton, BC V8M 1S8

Saturna Island - January 24

Town Hall 7 pm to 9 pm

Saturna Community Hall 109 East Point Road Saturna, BC V0N 2Y0

Meet Your MP 11 am to 4 pm

Watch for location announcement in The Island Tides.

Sidney - January 25

Town Hall 7 pm to 9 pm

St. Andrew‘s Church Hall 9691 Fourth Street Sidney, BC V8L 2Y8

Plea

se fold here