DIWALI
More than 500 people, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper, cabinet ministers, and opposition leaders attended the 10th annual Diwali Celebration on Parliament Hill, hosted by Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai. This year’s theme is focused on Canada’s growing and thriving Indian community, for which Obhrai has been a spokesperson and advocate since being elected 12 years ago.
SPEAKING UP FOR CITIZENS' ARRESTS
It’s a case that struck a chord with many Canadians – including the prime minister. A Toronto grocer who caught and forcefully detained a shoplifter was initially charged with assault and forcible confinement. He was recently acquitted. The public was outraged that a business owner, protecting his store from a repeat offender, was deemed more of a criminal than the actual thief.
Heather Seaman explores how the collective voice of Canadians can spark debate and action by parliamentarians. The public outcry over David Chen’s plight prompted Harper to look at changing the Criminal Code. His decision also comes in the wake of private members bills from NDP MP Olivia Chow (Bill C-565) and Liberal MP Joe Volpe (Bill C-547) – both of whom are calling for changes to the law.
ON THE ICE AT COLD LAKE
With some help from nine former NHL players, Conservative MPs faced off against military personnel in a charity hockey game at Canada's largest air force base. Hosted by Conservative MP Brian Storseth, nine MPs, including Minister of State Rob Moore, played a three-hour game against military residents of CFB Cold Lake. Coached by MPs Merv Tweed and Laurie Hawn --a former resident of Cold Lake -- they raised over $50,000 for the local elementary school.
REMEMBERING RIEL
November 16 marks the 125th Anniversary of the hanging of Louis Riel, Manitoba’s founder famed Métis leader. Riel led two rebellions against the federal government, making him one of Canada’s most controversial historical figures. On the Bright Side catches up with NDP MP Pat Martin in his Winnipeg
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