THUNDER BAY - Local Liberal MP, Patty Hajdu, is defending the decision to prorogue parliament, saying it will give the government an opportunity to set a new mandate that reflects the challenges facing the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In terms of proroguement, as the minister of health, I think this is an opportunity for us to reflect on the mandates that were given to us pre-COVID,” Hajdu said.
“Our mandates were not designed through the lens of a health emergency and it’s an opportunity for us to take a look at those mandates and whether or not they remain relevant and how we can achieve some of the fundamental things we campaigned on.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement on Wednesday to prorogue parliament until next month following the resignation of former Minister of Finance Bill Morneau and the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland to the portfolio.
The Liberal government has been facing criticism from members of the opposition over the WE scandal and the decision to suspend parliamentary sittings and the commons committees probing the scandal.
Members of the opposition say Trudeau is trying to cover-up the scandal and draw attention away from it.
Opposition members can shout cover-up all they want, Hajdu said, adding all the documents related to the decision to give the WE Charity the contract to administer the $900 million student grant program, have been released and the prime minister has testified before the committee.
“I think the opposition is confusing what a cover-up looks like with some of the work of some of the previous Harper conservatives,” she said.
“I think the prime minster himself has apologized for not recusing himself and for not seeing for the potential for the appearance of conflict could create challenges for the program and the organization, WE itself. No body and no government is perfect and there are always opportunities to learn from these missteps and he has talked strongly about that.”
Hajdu praised the decision to appoint Freeland to the role as minister of finance, saying she is a strong leader and has done a lot of work for the country.
“I can tell you I think she will be an excellent finance minister with her background in understanding inequality, how that impacts society,” she said. “I’m excited for the potential to work with her in this new role.”
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP, Marcus Powlowski, said he was disappointed at the news of Morneau’s resignation, but is also looking forward to working with Freeland in the role as well.
“I think what she managed to accomplish in terms of the Canada/United States/Mexico free trade agreement was looked upon by the business community positively and they will look at her as someone who will further the interest of the Canadian economies,” he said.
Hajdu also called the criticism leveled at Freeland for being appointed to the role unjustified, saying the role of minister doesn’t have to be filled by an accountant or an investment banker, bur rather someone who can oversee the mandate the government has set.
Freeland is the first woman to hold the position of minister of finance and Hajdu said she has faced similar criticisms as a woman in politics and as the minister of health.
“People harken back to previous jobs I had prior to even running the Shelter. How could a graphic designer know how to be the minister of health?” she said.
“It is extremely demeaning. But it doesn’t stop a strong woman from leading. This is nothing new for women. Women are constantly criticized on a set of criteria that men don’t face. Women in leadership and particularly in politics have learned to put that aside and continue to stay focused on what matters, which is getting and delivering results for Canadians that they expect us to.”
Parliament is expected to resume on Sept. 23 with a speech from the throne, at which time members of the opposition can issue a vote of non-confidence and trigger an election.
“We are always preparing for the possibility of an election. As a candidate that has won two federal elections, that’s part of what I do on a regular and ongoing basis, is be ready for an election,” Hajdu said.
This will be an opportunity for the opposition to determine if the speech from the throne is something they want to support and if they don’t it will be the choice of Canadians if that is the vision they have along with the liberal party.”
