The people of Huntsville first elected me at the age of 21 to serve as their Town and District Councillor. I have lived a public life ever since. Serving on council, as Mayor, on community boards, committees, and now as your Member of Parliament.
I’m no stranger to critics. I’ve had a lot of people disagree with me over the time that I have been in public life. That’s fine. Usually I hear their point of view, they hear mine, we come away with a greater understanding of each other’s positions, I shake their hand, and we go on with our days.
This disagreement, and the opportunity to take your concerns directly to elected officials, is one of the things that makes Canada so unique and special.
Last week a group of protesters representing Climate Action Muskoka and Climate Action Almaguin decided to protest outside my office. That’s fine. That’s their right – indeed every Canadian’s right. I was participating in the Huntsville Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament at the time, and was not present in the office.
The staff who work in the Huntsville office, all three of whom are amazing mothers who work extremely hard on behalf of Parry Sound-Muskoka, allowed the group to come inside to deliver a letter to me demanding I address climate change. Fine. That’s great.
While inside, one of the protesters suggested that the staff in the office “should die.” That’s where I draw the line. Everyone is free to have their own opinions about me, about the party I am a member of, about our Prime Minister, and anyone is free to reach out to me to talk about what is on their mind.
But to suggest that the amazing staff who work in the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka’s office “should die” makes my blood boil.
Climate Action Muskoka and their affiliate, 350 Canada, said I was “publicly misrepresenting (his) constituents’ actions.” I’m not sure what fancy communications consultant wrote that statement, but here in Parry Sound-Muskoka, telling people they should die is reprehensible and disgusting.
I have met with the Climate Action groups in Parry Sound-Muskoka in the past. We always had fruitful discussions about potential solutions to climate change. We didn’t always agree, but we had respectful discussions.
Climate change is real. We need to make alternate sources of energy such as wind, solar, and nuclear, cheaper and easier to build. We need to invest in the technologies Canada needs to reach our climate targets.
I have been clear that I do not support a Carbon Tax, which raises the price of gas, groceries, and home heating, and punishes the most vulnerable in our community. I don’t support radical energy policies, like shutting down nuclear power sources, which would cause widespread blackouts and deprive people of the energy and power we all need to live.
But it seems that the Climate Action groups have become more radical and extreme. They have allowed themselves to be infiltrated by individuals who suggested that my staff “should die”.
I will keep working towards sensible climate solutions that protect this magnificent region, and can help Canada help the world. I will keep leading with hope and respect. I will do everything I can to lower the political temperature, and deliver the solutions we all need to the problems we face.
(Photo of Parliament Hill by festivio on Pixabay. Photo of Scott Aitchison courtesy of Scott Aitchison.)
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