SINGLE VOICE.
Peggy Peterson was a force of one on Saturday as she was leading a protest outside MP Tony Clement's office in Huntsville over Bill C-38
HUNTSVILLE - Tony Clement will not be a “hero.”
The Parry Sound-Muskoka MP said he wouldn’t be among any of the 13 Conservatives called upon by opponents to stop Bill C-38.
The bill is an act to implement about 70 changes presented in the 2012 budget, including cuts to agriculture, health care, heritage, national defence and the Canada Revenue Agency.
Those opposing the bill say the legislation, if passed possibly this week, could cost 43,000 Canadian jobs, prevent seniors from accessing old age security support payments for two more years, make it difficult for people to get employment insurance, and contain egregious changes to environmental legislation. Opponents also warn the bill would make Canada’s economy dependent on exporting oil, exploiting natural resources, and taking advantage of low-wage earners.
Rallies have been occurring in recent weeks at various ridings to call for 13 “heroes” among
Conservative MPs to work together and halt the passing of the bill, some even asking them to cross the floor and join the opposition in stopping the bill.
Clement talked to local media on Saturday prior to hosting a local riding fundraiser at Deerhurst Resort. He emphatically stated he would not become one of those “heroes.”
“That’s not going to happen. We made a solemn pledge during the last election to pursue an agenda that was pro-growth for our economy and that’s exactly what we are doing to this budget. These protests are being organized by the local NDP and in some ridings by public sector unions. They are entitled to their opinion but the fact is that the NDP did not win the election. That doesn’t give them the legitimacy of their opinion.”
The MP said that he thinks “it’s great” that people have the right to protest the bill, but in the end, he said people cannot impose “ a minority point of view” on the rest of the country.
“Every time in the House of Commons, when the NDP has the opportunity to vote for budget items that will boost jobs, like giving tax credits to small businesses so they can hire more people, which is important in this riding, they vote against those things. I welcome the opportunity to have an expression of opinion, but it is not going to change what is good for our country.”