roles there are six I will be in contact with in the immediate future (by which I mean after Parliament’s website updates
its contact information). Here are the six I have my eye on, their portfolio, and the reason for my interest in them.
Hon. Maxime Bernier
Innovation, Science and Economic Development
unnecessary to innovators and artists as well as harmful to innovation and culture. Reducing (and perhaps eliminating)
barriers to greater innovation and increased free market competition would greatly help the Canadian economy. Getting
the Conservatives to see intellectual property for what it is; a government-sanctioned private monopoly, is a major target
for the coming term. For a similar reason I will be looking to get in contact with the Hon. Diane Finley who is Opposition
critic for Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
Their previously stated views on the issue appear to follow the line that there needs to be ‘balance’ between IP law and
the public good. One particular statement by the Hon. Bernier is interesting:
“Unlike the opposition, we know that governments do not create jobs; entrepreneurs are the
ones who create jobs and wealth. We must encourage them to do so, including by cutting
corporate tax rates. When we came to power, the corporate tax rate was 22%. We have
considerably reduced that rate. A lower tax rate is important because it leaves businesses
with more money to develop their projects, export their products and enter new markets.”
being simultaneously a tax on innovation and government-sanctioned red tape is not all that hard. The latter point
even has its own name; The Patent Thicket. This argument, and others, will be made to the Hon. Maxime Bernier and
the Hon. Diane Finley.
Scott Reid
Democratic Institutions
His support for electoral reform is long-standing so I guess his new position is a natural development considering we
may be entering a debate on this issue soon.
As I have proposed a new electoral system I will be contacting Mr. Reid on how best to have my idea discussed in
committee. Likewise, I will be contacting Blake Richards for the same reason.
As somewhat of a side note. I contacted Prof. Andrew Heard and he was quite supportive of my idea. He gave me a bit
of advice on a potential issue to check out which is much appreciated.
Hon. Peter Van Loan
Canadian Heritage and National Historic Sites
Waugh will be ensuring the Advisory Committee on Vice-Regal Appointments remains in place. For far too many
years the position of Governor General drifted towards being a mere patronage appointment of the sitting Prime
Minister. The creation of the committee gives the position some necessary distance from the Prime Ministers Office.
While it is not at all certain the Liberals would get rid of the committee since they proposed largely the same idea for the
Senate it is never a bad idea to create consensus on all sides for keeping it.
I have not been able to find any stated opinion on the monarchy by either MP. This is another area I will ask about.