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On the Bright Side

Oct. 02/10

New Democrat MP Charlie Angus is carrying forward the dream of a young constituent from his Northern Ontario riding. Angus has introduced a motion in the House of Commons seeking to improve education and school facilities for First Nations children across Canada. “Shannen’s Dream” is named for the late Shannen Koostachin. The feisty teenager first came to Ottawa at the age of 14 to rally for a new elementary school in her home town of Attawapiskat, a remote fly-in community near James Bay. Heather Seaman joins Etobicoke North MP Kirsty Duncan at a Walk for ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig ’s disease). Her friend and colleague Richard Wackid, a long-time staffer in the Liberal Whip’s office, died from the illness last year. We also talk with the medical geographer about her efforts for government intervention in the debate over a controversial treatment for MS patients. MPs often debate issues from opposing sides of the House of Commons. Yet, despite appearances, people from all parties frequently work together. And what better way to encourage that type of cooperation than to get MPs and Senators from all parties together in a single location? CPAC’s annual party held on Parliament Hill helps foster respect and camaraderie between parliamentarians of all political stripes. Conservative MP Patrick Brown recently organized and hosted his 3rd annual Hockey Night in Barrie, Ont. The event raises funds for the Royal Victoria Hospital’s Simcoe Muskoka Cancer Care Centre. Not only is Brown the host, but he laces up his skates with parliamentary colleagues from across Canada and NHL hockey greats past and present. Behind the bench was Prime Minister Stephen Harper and legendary hockey icon Don Cherry. Also this week: * Now You Know: Canada’s New Governor General * Now You Know: There are 27 House committees and 18 Senate committees, and that’s not even counting subcommittees. Each week Puneet Birgi will profile a committee and explain their work. * Committees: This week we examine the Standing Committee on Health. A recent national poll reported health care as being the main concern of Canadians. Puneet Birgi tells us who are involved; what’s on their agenda for this session and what they hope to accomplish. * Young Staffers: Jenn Philips – a former Liberal intern who already knows her way around Parliament Hill and is a perfect addition to Liberal MP Bonnie Crombie’s office. * What MPs are saying on Facebook and Twitter