Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday in the House I asked the Minister of ACOA a question. His response to the question included a reference to me “going cap in hand, begging for ACOA projects in my riding”.
In a news article today he goes further by suggesting that I should not “bite the hand that feeds”, and that it will not help to get projects approved in my riding.
I have a number of responsibilities in this Parliament, like all MPs, being critic for ACOA among them. However, my number one job is to represent the people of Dartmouth—Cole Harbour and to advocate on their behalf, including organizations and businesses that interact with ACOA.
It is disgraceful to suggest that my constituents will get less attention because I am doing my job in Ottawa: asking appropriate questions of the minister.
In opposition, the member loved to dish out criticism but in government he reacts with anger and threats. That is not my style, nor will it be, but I will not allow my constituents to be victims of the minister's rants. He should apologize to the people of Dartmouth—Cole Harbour and retract his ill-advised comments.