Mr. Speaker, I have here a letter written by the member of Parliament for New Westminster-Burnaby dated January 9, 1995 in which he writes:
There is only one kind of event that will motivate the government to take notice of what mainstream Canada wants-soaring Reform Party memberships.
A burgeoning "card carrying membership" is far more effective than protests, letter writing, petitions, or other traditional types of lobbying.
I know you will understand why this is true.
I do not know why it is true. It is a flagrant misuse of taxpayer supplied stationery and franking privileges. It totally misrepresents the impact of petitions, letters and our work here in this House. It certainly makes me wonder why the member stands up to present petitions.
To all Canadians, especially to my constituents, I will listen to their opinions, whether they have a party affiliation or not. All Canadians have the right to be heard. They should continue to sign petitions, write letters and call their members of Parliament. They have a right to provide input to our work in this House.