Blake Richards, Member of Parliament, Wild Rose

Richards Report
Column
January 18, 2013

"Your Voice In Ottawa"

Illegal Blockades Are Not The Answer

Wild Rose
There can be no doubt that Canadians have had
a lot of patience with the recent Idle No More protests taking place across our country.

 

Make no mistake, in consultation with moderate, responsible First Nations leaders our government is making progress. Our government holds more than 5,000 consultations with First Nations each year. This is one of the reasons we have been able to settle more than 80 land claims since 2006. It's also why were able to introduce and pass the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. This bill requires the public disclosure of salaries and expenses of chiefs and councilors and First Nations' audited consolidated financial statements.  As a member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (AANO) I reviewed this legislation, spoke in favour of it in the House and voted for it. All Canadians deserve the assurance of transparent, accountable governments, and this bill was a major step forward.

 

That being said, some of the militant activists hiding behind the Idle No More banner are doing all they can to threaten the progress being made between our government and First Nations leaders. Canadians are growing increasingly frustrated and disappointed with the actions of those who blockade highways and railways. The blockades must stop. They are counterproductive, and an impediment to progress.

 

I am proud of the fact that our Conservative caucus includes the largest Aboriginal representation of all the parties. We have been able to build more than 30 new schools, renovate more than 200 schools, build more than 10,000 homes and renovate thousands more, increase funding for child and family services by 25 per cent and invest in more than 700 projects that link Aboriginals to job training and counseling services. All of these accomplishments have been possible because our government and First Nations leaders have been willing to work together, speak frankly and address each other's concerns.

 

I firmly believe that working in partnership - not blockades - is the best way to make progress on the issues that matter most.

Our government respects the rights of all Canadians to legal, peaceful protest. In the case of Idle No More, this movement has done a lot to engage our First Nations citizens. This sort of awakening can be useful in helping us make progress on matters of mutual concern like economic opportunity, housing, education and accountability.
  

 

  
COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS 
In addition to the constituency office in Airdrie, services are available at a series of Community Office Hours that are held across the riding each month:
FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH
CANMORECivic Centre9 AM to 11 AM902 - 7 Avenue
BANFFRundlestone Lodge1 PM to 3 PM537 Banff Avenue

 

SECOND THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH

COCHRANECochrane Dodge10 AM to Noon544 Railway Street
CREMONASomthin Somthin Cafe2 PM to 4 PM110 Railway Avenue

 

THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH

CARSTAIRSIronside Insurance Brokers
9 AM to 11 AM207 - 10th Avenue
CROSSFIELDMichelle's PlaceNoon to 2 PM907 Mountain Avenue
DIDSBURYMugs Coffee Shop3 PM to 5 PM1912 20 Street

 

FOURTH THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH

CAROLINERavenwood Cafe9 AM to 11 AM5111 50 Street
SUNDREGreenwood Neighbourhood Place
Noon to 2 PM310 Centre St N
OLDSTown Office3 PM to 5 PM4512 - 46 Street
Blake Richards
M.P., Wild Rose

Blake Richards Head Shot 

Blake Richards MP

Follow me on Twitter

Find me on Facebook
Join Our Mailing List
Ways to reach me
IN WILD ROSE 
16-620 1st AV NW
Airdrie, AB
T4B-2R3
TELEPHONE: 
(403)-948-5103
TOLL-FREE:
1-800-667-0410
BY FAX:
 (403)-948-0879
BY E-MAIL HERE

 

ON THE HILL
602, Justice Bldg 
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A-0A6 
TELEPHONE:
(613) 996-5152
BY FAX:
(613)-947-4601
BY E-MAIL HERE 
(Remember, no postage is required to mail your Member of Parliament)

MP's Radio Report!

M.P. Blake Richards' Richards Report commentary can be heard Saturdays at noon on Olds Radio, CKFM 96.5!

 

Helpful Links!