The Making of a Member of Parliament

Today, I am going to focus some thoughts on Federal politics and the road towards becoming a Member of Parliament. Given our busy lives with our jobs, kids, and paying our mortgages; we don't have time to think about the electoral process and how much work it takes to get first nominated by a political party before you can run in an election. With all the recent corruption scandals and mediocre policy ideas, politicians sadly can get a lumped with the same level of trust as a sleazy used car salesman.

Believe me, working and studying politics I saw many politicians come and go. Very few politicians here in Canada and abroad have caught my attention. Once upon a time I worked for Irwin Cotler, Member of Parliament, for Mount Royal. Irwin, I can say is one of the few politicians that is truly issue-driven. Irwin is not your typical politician and human rights lawyer that I respect because he sees beyond party lines. He builds real coalitions of the willing and often defended less popular issues such as gay rights, poverty reduction, and rights for the elderly. Irwin's litmus test for a policy idea is, "ask yourself, is what is happening good for children?"

Irwin Cotler, MP Mount Royal, speaking out about social injustice and supporting Brigitte Garceau for the Liberal nomination in Pierrefonds-Dollard & event host Beryl Wajsman, President of the Institute for Public Affairs

When Irwin Cotler put his political support behind Brigitte Garceau I paid attention. Brigitte is a divorce attorney and is currently running for the Liberal Nomination for the Liberal party in Dollard-Pierrefonds. I live in Pierrefonds and interestingly a close to home political story. Who can resist! The timing is also very important given tomorrow's Quebec Provincial Election 2014. I am beyond furious with Pauline Marois, the PQ and the politics of division in this province. It's time to speak out and take action. We must denounce those trying to divide us and speak out against this injustice.

The Quebec economy has suffered for the past 25 years with the constant treat of sovereignty. Guess what PQ and Pauline, time to move on. Your sovereignty and charter song is old. I am all about protecting individual and French Quebec rights. However, not under a cloak of us versus them policies and not at the detriment to society. All too often I see my clients getting laid off, closing their businesses, going bankrupt, forcing both parents to work constantly rather than spend more time with their children. I am making a choice to be more vocal and politically active. We need better paying jobs, a better economy, and to close the door once and for all on the politics of division. We deserve this as Quebecers regardless of background. We all make a conscious choice to live and work here. Leaving the province is not the answer either. That's what the PQ desires most.

Last week, I attended a nomination event for Brigitte Garceau. The event was hosted by Beryl Wajsman, President of the Institute for Public Affairs. We listened to supporters like Irwin Cotler (MP Mount Royal) , Gemma Raeburn-Baynes (community and cultural organizer), and Caroline Tison (West Island Community Shares) who all spoke about their excellent community work but also their support for Brigitte.

Brigitte Garceau, running for the Liberal Nomination in Pierrefonds-Dollard, addressing the audience and thanking her community leader supporters to her left. 

I agree with Beryl Wajsman, in that "being a small 'L' liberal is forgotten in creating a just society." It's time for a new generation of politicians and policy makers that create change and cross political lines to create consensus. Both Beryl and Irwin emphasized that as a politician you can do want with process but don't compromise on principle. I am hoping as I participate and help Brigitte Garceau, that she continues to gain supporters and momentum. When asked why run now, Brigitte, responded, "I am a woman, and a mother. I have raised my children here, in the West Island. And I'm angry that they may not want to make Quebec their home because of our politics."

Canadian Muslim Forum & the Quebec Election 2014

Lately, I've gotten the political bug back. As many of you know my education is in public policy and international relations. I think I've been more inspired lately because of the upcoming charged Quebec election. We all have responsibility to vote and voice an opinion. 

Last Sunday I spent the evening with the Canadian Muslim Forum (CMF) in Laval. The CMF hosted an excellent town hall format meeting attended by many Provincial parties (Liberal, Green, Coalition Avenir Québec and Québec Solidaire). The candidates spoke to the community and answered many questions. I'm not surprised that the PQ did not send any candidates to speak. The CMF organizers posed various predetermined questions about: future hopes for Quebec, Quebec identity and the economy.

Canadian Muslim Forum event @ Chateau Royal in Laval

Clearly the room was frustrated with the Charter and politics of division in this province. The common theme discussed was: job creation, access to education and a strong anti-charter sentiment. The best strongest reply from the night came from Rita Da Santis, current elected Liberal Member of National Assembly for Bourassa-Sauve riding, "...an uneducated person is not free," highlighting how important it is to create a neutral government that tolerates all religions and peoples.

Alex Tyrell (Leader of Green Party in Quebec) addressing the public

Second, Rita's quote also relates to creating accessible education in Quebec. Society is not created equal, she stated, however access to education is critical. Rita pointed out that this creates a society of confident citizens but also confident society that attracts investment.

One question addressed to all candidates was about job creation. I liked Alex Tyrell's, leader of the Green Party in Quebec, comments about eco-jobs. This is something that needs to be explored further in our province. A knowledge and eco-based economy may be one of the remaining areas that have not seen much political action. How does that related to mortgages? Simple. We need better quality jobs and better paying jobs in Montreal and the rest of Quebec. Job creation and job innovation feels flat in Quebec. Our Province has many untapped talents. Creating jobs in manufacturing is passe. We need innovation and job creation in knowledge and eco-based industries.

A tale of property values and Quebec politics

A question I get asked about is whether or not what's transpiring in Quebec politics is affecting the value of your home and investment properties? I think it might be too early to answer that question given the upcoming election. Stay tuned folks...

As most of you are aware, in an attempt to cool market values in Canada the Federal Government has implemented a few mortgage changes. These changes have been happening the past couple years. I agree with some changes such as amortization and limiting lines of credit however it's too soon to comment about the impact of Quebec politics. Having said that, the Federal changes are working.

I believe that what the Quebec Government has been focused on unfortunately distracts the public attention away from the real economic issues facing the Province. Market values in the Greater Montreal area have slowed or adjusted in many cities. I think this was expected as I've seen bank evaluations drop over the past three years. The banks are definitely playing it safe especially with condo values. I agree with this conservative approach. The future is still uncertain. I'm not suggesting we will have a market crash after the Quebec Provincial election however I do think market values will continue to slow. We do need job creation and economic growth in Quebec above anything else.