MP LaVar Payne

This has been a different summer for many of our residents, with the devastating floods and cooler weather, and now we are near the end of summer season.  It appears that the harvest will be better than most years if the crops can be harvested before any frost.
For some residents, this year has caused untold grief.  The Alberta Government is working towards resolution of the devastation caused by the floods in June.  
The Federal Government works in conjunction with the Provincial Government and will provide relief to the Province for the Federal share of expenses for flood damage once the final costs have been determined.
On another note, I have talked with many of our residents on several topics such as the Census, Long Gun Registry and more recently regarding the purchase by Canada of the Joint Strike Fighter J 35 aircraft for the Air Force.
The issue on the census regarding the mandatory long form is far overblown by many organizations.  In actual fact the long form Census will continue with the same questions previously listed on the mandatory form.  The difference is that the Federal Government will no longer threaten fines or jail time to force individuals if they refuse to answer some of the questions.  This is a far more reasonable approach in my view and many of you have told me the same thing.
The Long Gun Registry has been wasteful and ineffective and only punishes our First Nations people, farmers, ranchers and hunters.  Many people do not understand that owners of long guns, shotguns and rifles are still required to have an individual Possession Acquisition Licence to own or purchase these guns.  
In a recent poll 72% of Canadians think the Long Gun Registry is a waste of money.  More people are killed using knives and other weapons than by guns.  Handgun registration has been required since 1934 and will continue to exist without the Long Gun Registry.
The opposition parties recently recalled the National Defence Committee to Ottawa for an emergency meeting, which I was required to attend, as a result of the announcement of the purchase of the J 35 aircraft.  The cost for this one hour meeting was approximately $25,000 and was a total waste of time and money.  There was no emergency, as the final purchase contract has not been signed and will not be finalized for some time yet.  The opposition’s motive was to ensure that Canadian companies have access to contracts for this aircraft.  It appears they ignored the fact that 82 Canadian companies have already been given contracts related to the J 35 and one of the most recent contracts for a Vancouver company was for approximately $500 million.  The National Defence Committee will be sitting again on September 15th on this same issue.
The House of Commons resumes sitting on September 20, 2010 for the fall session and the upcoming legislative agenda.  I am privileged to be your representative in Ottawa and will continue to work hard for you and present your points of view and concerns to our Conservative Government.