In this issue

1 2
Understanding the Senate and why it should be abolished What does an MPs day on the job look like? Champlain Bridge Postal service Photo albums You told us... In the community

2 Updates: 3 3 4

Tyrone Benskin
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT / / JEANNE-LE BER

Parliamentary Bulletin Summer 2013

A message from Tyrone Benskin
Dear neighbours, Its the height of summer and across the country, MPs are returning home from Ottawa to their ridings. The end of the session was exciting to say the least. Our leader, Tom Mulcair, was widely acclaimed for his incisive, precise, and constant interrogation of the Conservatives on their bad management of the government and the economy. And we passed a number of important bills, most notably the NDP bill requiring that officers of Parliament be bilingual. As for me, I am putting the finishing touches on two bills I will be tabling this fall. One will ensure access to the refugee system for those who come to Canada fleeing domestic violence. The other will ensure ethical breeding of companion animals, to aid in the fight against puppy mills. I also initiated the re-creation of the CanadaCARICOM Parliamentary Friendship Group, on which I serve as co-chair. This group will work to reinforce the close ties between Canada and the nations of the Caribbean, the origins of many residents of JeanneLeBer. I now have the pleasure of coming home to Jeanne-Le Ber to spend the summer with my constituents. Health problems, in particular an eye operation that required some rather demanding medical care, unfortunately prevented me from being as present as I would have liked to be over the last few weeks of the session, and in the riding this spring. Now that Im on the mend, I am very grateful for the many well-wishes I received during that time, and eager to hear from you whether at your doorstep, at community events, or in my office. After a week of exciting neighbourhood celebrations of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Canada Multiculturalism Day and Canada Day, I will be continuing my visits to social housing in the Sud-Ouest. By talking with you and those working for you in our ridings numerous social housing units, I will be able to further highlight the urgent need for investment in social housing and for the renewal of housing co-ops operating agreements, which are expiring across the country. You may also meet me or one of my volunteers as we go door-to-door over the summer, to meet and discuss whats on your mind. I look forward to meeting you, and wish you a safe and fun-filled summer!
Member of Parliament for Jeanne-Le Ber

Tyrone Benskin

Riding ofce

2403, rue du Centre Montral QC H3K 1J9 Charlevoix Phone: 514.496.4885 Fax: 514.496.8097

Understanding the Senate and why it should be abolished

The Senate is the upper house of the Parliament of Canada; all legislation must be passed by the Senate as well as the House of Commons before becoming law. Senators are not elected; instead, the Prime Minister informs the Governor General of whom he or she wants appointed, and the Governor General complies. Most often these are the Prime Ministers trusted political allies. When the Senate was created, these unelected partisan legislators were envisioned as a counterweight to the democratic excesses of the House of Commons. In particular they were meant to protect the interests of the wealthy few against the majority; accordingly, one of the requirements for being a senator is owning property. Senators are entitled to remain in office until they reach age 75. When he ran for Prime Minister for the first time in March 2004, Stephen Harper committed to reform or abolish this antidemocratic institution. I will not name appointed people to the Senate, he said. Anyone who sits in the Parliament of Canada must be elected by the people they represent. However, hes now named more than 50more even than Brian Mulroney. Another broken Conservative promise. The Senate is a waste of public money that serves more to reward the Prime Ministers friends than to actually represent Canadians. And as the Senate sets its own rules and oversees itself, it has no accountability to the citizens. New Democrats want to abolish this archaic, costly, and anti-democratic institution. It is an unjustifiable relic in a modern society such as ours. Abolishing the Senate would also save taxpayers some $90 million a year. To find out more and sign our online petition, visit RollUpTheRedCarpet.ca

Ottawa ofce

950 La Promenade Bldg. House of Commons Ottawa ON K1A 0A6 Phone: 613.995.6403 Fax: 613.995.6404 Mail to your MP does not need a stamp. tyrone.benskin@parl.gc.ca tyronebenskin.ca facebook.com/tyronebenskin Twitter: @tbenskin

What does an MPs work day look like? In Ottawa... ...and in the riding
No two days in Ottawa are alike! Theres no fixed schedule because the agenda is always changing. Theres always a great deal to do: votes (scheduled or surprise), studying bills and other subjects in parliamentary committees, sitting and speaking in the House, meetings (planned or unplanned), and activities of all kinds. Seven-day weeks and 14-hour days are not uncommon. Heres a typical day in Ottawa:
7:00 - 8:00 Breakfast, news review 8:00 - 9:00 Meeting of NDP Quebec caucus: update on issues affecting Quebec

Besides my work in Ottawa, being present in the riding is a big part of my job as MP. Weekends, constituency weeks, and parliamentary breaks such as the summer are full of community events throughout the riding, work on important issues affecting our community, and meetings with citizens who want to bring problems and issues of all kinds to my attention. Heres a typical day in the riding:
8:00 - 10:30 Attending a presentation about an urban design plan in Verdun 10:30 - 12:30 Interview with the CPAC parliamentary channel at my office; CPAC will follow me to the next two events 12:30 - 1:30 Lunch 1:30 - 3:00 Visit to a secondary school; workshop with the students on the parliamentary system 3:00 - 3:30 En route 3:30 - 4:30 Invitation to visit a social housing building in the riding, meet the residents, and discuss the problems they are facing 4:30 - 5:00 En route 5:00 - 7:00 Reception for the opening of a dance companys new season

11:00 - 12:30 NDP legislative committee Discussion of the various bills that will be dealt with in the coming week 12:30 - 1:30 Lunch at the parliamentary cafeteria

9:00 - 11:00 NDP caucus meeting Presentation on a new bill Discussion of the position we will take on current issues

1:30 - 2:00 Visit with Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada volunteers visiting Parliament 2:00 - 3:15 Question Period in the House of Commons 3:15 - 5:30 Office work: answering e-mails, phone calls, and answer coupons from constituents 6:10 Vote on a government bill

5:30 The bells ring for a vote; I return to the House of Commons chamber

6:20 - 7:00 Attending debate on an NDP bill Bill C-419, tabled by Alexandrine Latendresse, requires officers of Parliament to be bilingual I make a speech in favour of the bill Other things that might happen: A question in Question Period Parliamentary committee meetings House duty NDP MPs take it in turns to maintain a constant presence in the House during all proceedings To find out what Im saying in the House of Commons: http://tyronebenskin.ndp.ca/posts/in-the-house

7:00 - 8:00 Reception for a journalists convention at the National Arts Centre

Other possible activities: Meeting at my office with citizens experiencing problems with federal agencies or wanting to share their opinions on a political issue in the news Meeting with community organizations or activist groups, in my office or theirs Meeting with officials from public agencies, other local politicians, etc., to deal with issues in the riding Interviews with local journalist Going door-to-door to meet residents in a neighbourhood in the riding Attending public meetings, open houses, or celebrations put on by community groups Attending a festival hosted by one of the ridings diverse communities To find out more about my activities in the riding: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tyronebenskin Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tbenskin
Photo: Deya Bautista

Updates on the issues

Champlain Bridge and Nuns Island causeway
Starting this autumn, a temporary causeway to Nuns Island will be built in order to reduce traffic disruption until a permanent bridge is built. However, these traffic effects are not expected until spring 2014. Severe noise limits have been imposed on the project; the construction work may not increase ambient noise by more than 5 decibels. A sampling station has also been promised to measure current air quality and ensure that dust produced by the project does not exceed environmental standards. As for the Champlain Bridge project as a whole, the NDP is keeping up the pressure on the government to respect Quebecs priorities and fund a light rail link on the new bridge. We are also insisting that the government be transparent with any information it has regarding the safety of the current bridge. I am planning to organize two public forums in September, including one on Nuns Island, for information and discussion on the Champlain Bridge and Nuns Island causeway projects. In the mean time, dont hesitate to let me know of any concerns you might have. Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc.: www.jccbi.ca postal outlet in the whole riding north of the Lachine Canal. Please let Canada Post know what you think about this: canadapost.ca/retail More generally, Canada Post is currently considering reducing or abolishing home mail delivery. For many who have difficulty getting around, this is a vital and irreplaceable service. The NDP has spoken out against service cuts at Canada Post. The mail must remain a public service accessible to all. Canada Post is currently holding an online consultation on the future of the mail. I encourage you to submit your comments: tinyurl.com/k7oppml If you submit a comment, please send me a copy as well to let me know what you think!

I was horrified by the terrible catastrophe in Lac-Mgantic on July 6. I join Thomas Mulcair and all my colleagues in the NDP Official Opposition in expressing our sincere condolences and solidarity with the families of those who were lost and with all who have been affected by this calamity. I also want to salute the courageous emergency personnel who responded to the disaster. I know that all residents of Jeanne-Le Ber join me in expressing these sentiments.

Postal service in the riding

Canada Post has announced the possible closure of the post office at 1323, rue Saint-Jacques. This would be just the latest post office closure in our riding over the last several years, and would leave us with only one

Tyrone Benskin, MP

Printed with vegetable inks on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

Photo album

1 With Secondary V students at James Lyng High School for their Contemporary World class. 2 With Chief Theresa Spence and several NDP MPs to welcome the Nishiyuu Walkers to Parliament Hill. These Cree young people walked 1,600 km from the village of Whapmagoostui in the middle of winter to underline the need for a new, respectful relationship with First Nations. 3 At the national protest against the employment insurance reform, with 13 NDP MPs and numerous NDP activists. 4 At the Bengali New Year festival organized by the Bangladeshi community of Saint-Henri, with fellow NDP MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan (ScarboroughRouge River). 5 With renowned Automatiste sculptor Marcel Barbeau, a Nuns Island resident, who was in Ottawa to receive the Governor Generals Award for Visual Arts. 6 The Verdun Royal Canadian Legions Ypres Day Parade, commemorating the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915. 7 Earth-breaking ceremony at the Village Turcot Habitat for Humanity building site. 8 Tyrone speaks at the Fte nationale du Qubec celebration at Atwater Market.

You told us...

In our previous issue, we asked you: In your opinion, what are the 5 most important issues on which the federal government must do better? Here are your top answers!
1: Environment and climate change 63.3% 2: Employment insurance 32.7% 3: Foreign policy 22.4% 4: Ethics, transparency 18.4% 5 (Tie): Housing 16.3% = Respecting Quebec 16.3% = Public transit 16.3 %
10 20 30 40 50 60 70

We want to hear from you

In the NDPs opinion, the Senate is an obsolete, costly, and undemocratic institution whose main function is as a plush reward for the friends of the Prime Minister of the day.

Do you agree with the NDP that the Senate should be abolished? o Yes o No
Comments :

I would like to receive e-mail updates

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Jeanne-Le Ber

*Photo of Marcel Barbeau: Heather McAfee, Canada Council for the Arts.

In our community
Have you been to the Muse des ondes Emile Berliner? This museum, which deserves to be better known, illuminates a remarkable chapter in the history of southwestern Montreal. It was from here, Saint-Henris former RCA-Victor factory, that Emile Berliner, inventor of the phonograph disc, made Montreal the centre of a musical and industrial revolution in North America. The biggest names in Quebec music recorded in the factorys studio, and it was even used for the assembly of Alouette, the satellite that made Canada the third country in space. Until March 2, 2014, the museum is presenting the exhibit The Berliners of Montreal, recounting the story of Berliner and his two sons, their innovations, business success, and philanthropy, with the help of numerous historical objects and instruments. 1050, rue Lacasse (Place-Saint-Henri metro) 514-932-9663 info@berliner.montreal.museum www.berliner.montreal.museum disabled athletes organization whose headquarters is in our riding, organized the 30th edition of its annual Dfi sportif, with over 4,000 athletes from more than 20 countries. The Dfi sportif is both a competition for elite disabled athletes to practise their various sports, and a way to develop school athletic involvement for chil This past April, AlterGo, a

dren with disabilities. More than 10% of Montrealers live with a disability; the Dfi sportif AlterGo celebrates the achievements of athletes with all types of disabilities and promotes the importance of universal accessibility. I congratulate AlterGo on its 30th Dfi sportif and I thank all the athletes, organizers, partners, and the hundreds of volunteers who made it possible. altergo.net defisportif.com rasses is a group of Verdun painters and sculptors, both professional and amateur, whose mission is to showcase the cityscape of Verdun through their works and to give young people access to artistic creation. Every Wednesday from June until September, the artists are taking turns presenting their works at glise NotreDame-de-Lourdes in Verdun. Its worth the trip! groupe-art.com glise N.-D.-de-Lourdes: 4949, rue de Verdun (Verdun metro)
documentary by Catbird Productions in partnership with CBC Music and espace.mu, a journey into the world of jazz in Little Burgundy and the storied locales that nurtured legendary talents such as Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones. A guide app lets you follow in their footsteps by guiding you on a walking tour to discover the neighbourhood yourself. cbcmusic.ca/burgundyjazz
Burgundy Jazz is a new web Artistes ralistes des Ter-

Our ridings history

Southwestern Montreal is a particularly historic area whose past ought to be better known. The historical notes in my 2013 calendar generated a lot of interest, so Id like to continue them here... This year, the city of Montreal marks the 350th anniversary of the arrival of the Filles du Roy or Kings Daughters in New France. Many of the 800 Filles who arrived between 1663 and 1673 were received by St. Marguerite Bourgeoys at Maison Saint-Gabriel, which still stands in Pointe-Saint-Charles in our riding, and was named a National Historic Site of Canada in 2007. A series of celebrations and commemorations will take place between now and September. I marked the anniversary of the Filles du Roy in the House on March 8 for International Womens Day. To find out more: www.maisonsaint-gabriel.qc.ca.

In the House
Mr. Speaker, the 2012 budget included major cuts of about $116 million to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. The Conservatives have now decided to slash double that amount. Even the Minister of Foreign Affairs was unable to save his department from these draconian cuts. His government seems to be bent on reducing Canadas diplomatic capacity. Why? Tyrone Benskin, MP for Jeanne-Le Ber March 1, 2013

Welcome, new residents!

As we all know, as well as being Canada Day, July 1 in Montreal is moving day! To those who have moved into Verdun or Le Sud-Ouest, I would like to welcome you to the riding of Jeanne-Le Ber! My riding office is located in Pointe-Saint-Charles, at the address listed on the front page. I also invite you to follow me on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on my actions as your MP.

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NAME ADDRESS

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CITY, PROVINCE, POSTAL CODE

Tyrone Benskin
MP for Jeanne-Le Ber House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

At your service
My team is here to help you with any concerns you may have regarding federal services, such as immigration, employment insurance, and federal pensions (CPP, OAS, and GRS). I am here to make sure your voice is heard in Parliament. Do not hesitate to write, telephone, or e-mail to let me know your opinions about the issues that affect our community.