Mr. Speaker, there seems to be some denial on that side of the House about the implications of Bill C-38.
Last Thursday, on a local radio station, the member for Nanaimo—Alberni lamented the closure of the Ucluelet communications centre and the Kitsilano Coast Guard station.
However, instead of taking responsibility, the member blamed “bureaucrats in Ottawa” for these closures.
Ironically, he made these remarks less than 12 hours after he voted on the Trojan Horse budget bill, the very bill shutting down these stations.
When government MPs cut services in Ottawa, they should at least have the courage of their conviction to defend them at home.
However, Bill C-38 represents more than just cuts to Coast Guard services, cuts to OAS and cuts to health care. It represents the erosion of the once strong and independent voices of Conservative MPs.
As we approach the end of the session, I am hopeful more Conservative MPs find their riding voice and speak out against these cuts. Maybe one day, with some practice, they will be able to use that voice in Ottawa.