Reflections on Parliament
Parliament adjourned in June, triggering both a whirlwind of events in the riding and the off-Parliamentary session, which is in some sense the most rewarding part of an MP’s work [“Weston backs boss,” June 12]. I wanted to encapsulate some of the things I do when my schedule is not consumed by question period, Parliamentary committees and other meetings in Ottawa. While the pace is always hot, as commented below, it’s also important to leave time for quiet reflection.
From late June through September, I expect to visit every corner of our riding, on planes, ferries, cars and my bicycle. I’ll be meeting with constituents, municipal councils, chambers of commerce, Rotary Clubs, and other organizations. At innumerable events, I will do my best to encourage community spirit while keeping my ears and eyes open to the needs of the people I represent. All the while, I’ll be seeking ways to feed into the development of national priorities which reflect what I’m hearing from our constituents.
I tend to touch each day on many of the priorities of our riding, and it enables me to speak more effectively on key riding issues with other decision-makers in Ottawa.
While my main purpose in writing is to provide an idea of how I work when Parliament is not in session, I can’t leave off without mentioning the importance of reflection, something sorely missing from the routines of 21st century life. Whatever a person’s work, study, or life routine entails this summer, I hope people will take time to savour our many blessings here in the riding I call the “most beautiful place on earth.”
John Weston, MP
West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country riding
Parks are for beauty
Placing the Powell River Public Library on the Willingdon site would be sad [“Library board hires consultant,” April 10]. It was a park gift and now we may only be leaving a legacy of debt to our grandchildren.
Parksville and other Vancouver Island cities have done such a great job with their parks. I visualize picnic tables, shade trees, totem poles, possibly an area for concerts away from the campsite, even areas for teens such as volley ball courts. It would be a great place for sharing arts and crafts or food and of course Sea Fair and viewing Blackberry fireworks.
My husband and I travelled and our favourite memories were of natural beauty. I’m sure our tourists are drawn by our beautiful area.
I sincerely hope greed doesn’t rule. We have something very precious that should be protected.
Rosemary Hawkins
Manitoba Avenue
Powell River is dying
BC Ferries is sucking the life out of this “island.” My definition of an island is when you need a boat or an airplane to go anywhere. Walking through the bush doesn’t count.
The never-ending ferry increases makes the choice really easy [“Highway advocates gain support,” July 3]. It’s time for a road in and out of here. Are we on the mainland or not? I’ve heard from one city councillor it’s just too hard and expensive to even think about it. Too bad. Make a toll highway to pay for it. Just make it happen.
Open this city up for business before every young person leaves town. Imagine being able to drive to Vancouver in a matter of hours, instead of taking all day and vice-versa. Real estate would flourish for starters. Then, stand back and see what would happen.
Squamish anyone?
Cleve Hamilton
Stittle Road
Good times and bad
My wife and I came to visit Powell River on July 10 [“Youth provide tourism support,” June 19]. We had never been to your city before and wanted to experience what everyone told us about how great a town it was.
Trust me, we were not disappointed. That is except for the theft of one of our motorcycle helmets from our motorcycle. We had parked out front of a restaurant on Marine Avenue and went in to have dinner. What a letdown when we came out to find one of our helmets was gone.
We have visited and stayed in many, many cities in BC. We have left our belongings on the bike as we shopped or ate in the town. Never ever have we had a problem. It’s a code of biker ethics that one does not touch a biker’s bike.
To the person who has my helmet, I hope it does not fit. I also hope you get a conscience.
However, to the citizens of Powell River you have angels living among you. A local and his friend loaned us one of their helmets so we could carry on our holiday. Their concern for a fellow biker’s welfare in time of need is unprecedented. It really restores faith in humanity.
Powell River folks do live up to the high standards others talk about. As for me, burnt once, twice shy.
Bob Tompson
Mara, BC
Dear Abby deserves better
With all due respect to those at the Peak, I really don’t understand why Abby Lloyd’s latest accomplishments warrant page 20 viewing [“Lloyd takes gold in nationals,” July 10].
While I certainly understand that hers is actually a sports story and that sports starts on page 20, I would argue that Abby’s story is much more than that.
While she is an athlete, she is also a local girl with big dreams, who just happens to have the love and support of the entire community, and is also a hometown hero and a role model to young women everywhere.
While I do not want to take anything away from all the great stories and accomplishments of others in the pages that precede it, the fact that she has just taken gold in the nationals and is heading to the world championship in Florida later this summer should indeed receive a much higher billing than the sports section.
Even the Vancouver Canucks get front page billing in the Vancouver papers when they do truly “newsworthy” things—both good and bad. So too should Abby as an entire community continues to follow and support her.
Abby, you are an inspiration to us all.
Bill Chinn
Ontario Avenue
