Alliston Herald

Today's Weather

Overcast and 0°C

>>more weather info

Guergis defends prorogation

BY John Edwards, Staff January 20, 2010 16:01

Simcoe Grey MP Helena Guergis defended the prorogation of parliament on Tuesday during a stop in Collingwood.

The decision has been met with tremendous anger including Facebook campaigns against the move, protests across the country and the introduction of Liberal ad campaigns against the shutdown.

Guergis, however, doesn't see it that way.

"That's certainly not what I've heard when they come into my constituency office and we have a conversation about taking a step back, recalibrating and taking a look at the global economic crisis," she said. "I'm familiar with that (Facebook campaign), but constituents in Simcoe Grey, once they have a conversation they are quite pleased."

Guergis said she has been meeting with mayors and has been holding roundtables on the budget.

She said there are 200 budget consultations scheduled across Canada and she is going to be a part of those meetings. Guergis touted the Economic Action Plan, saying it's 97 per cent implemented.

"They are pleased that we are taking a step back," she said. "It's a great opportunity to further consult with Canadians and that's what I have been doing. It is important that we take a look at the agenda and make sure we are on the right track."

Guergis also spoke about the recent cabinet shuffle, which saw her remain as Minister of State (Status of Women) and New Brunswick MP Keith Ashfield, take over as minister of national revenue.

"I think it's great. Minister Ashfield and I have worked together on a couple of files. It's a great addition to the team," she said. "It's a great adjustment, a small adjustment but very good."

More Alliston Herald Articles

Residents standing up for stand of trees
Residents of a Tioga-area subdivision are up in arms over the loss of trees in their neighbourhood. According to some of the residents of Pine Plains...

Arts Beat - March 11 to March 18, 2010
At The Gibson Centre Jason Blaine, top CMT country artist, March 25, 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

Only half measures on waste diversion
The meetings in Simcoe County to discover the best waste management strategy asked the wrong question.

Flicks and Clicks
Believe it or not, there was once a time when game developers actually forced you to figure things out on your own with no in-game maps or tutorials...

More respect if Guergis resigned
I don't know about anybody else, but I hold our elected officials to a higher standard, and I expect them to act professional when they are carrying...

Blood boiling over Jaffer decision
This "break" has the potential to be a gift that keeps on giving, because if there is a next time, Jaffer could kill someone.

Guergis a bully for PEI comments
Only a bully would call the smallest province in this great dominion a "hell hole." Her hubris is only exceeded by her treatment of her assistant Ms...

Double standard for Conservatives on crime
I guess we can debate whether Rahim Jaffer broke the law and by how much. But what's really interesting is the reaction now emerging from his fellow...

Bare bones
The Ontario Liberal government's throne speech Monday was a little heavy on bones and light on meat.

Nothing makes you squirm like he bright lights of complete honesty
Nothing makes me feel more deceitful than being completely honest. Especially when the government is watching.

SIMCOE.COM is an online publication serving the communities of Barrie, Alliston, Collingwood/Wasaga Beach, Wasaga, Stayner and Orillia in central Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved. Reproduction, modification, distribution, transmission or republication of any material from simcoe.com is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from Metroland Media Group Ltd.