L’hon./Hon. Mauril Bélanger, M.P./député, Ottawa-Vanier
Redevelopment of the old Rockcliffe air base
The redevelopment of the former Rockcliffe Military Base is one of Ottawa’s most anticipated projects. This 125-hectare plot of land is a very significant urban planning opportunity for our region. Lots should be offered to builders later in 2016 and the first block of homes should be ready for occupancy in 2017, just in time for Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations. My vision for developing this vast tract of land has always been driven by the need for balance, viability and sustainability, with the creation of over 5,000 jobs within the community.
Un nouveau gouvernement
Tout d’abord, je tiens à remercier les électeurs d’Ottawa-Vanier qui m’ont réélu comme député à la Chambre des communes. Pour un huitième mandat consécutif, je suis fier de poursuivre mon travail en tant que député et d’aborder des enjeux qui sont importants aux yeux de mes électeurs, et du Canada tout entier, au cours de cette 42e législature. D’un bout à l’autre du pays, les Canadiens ont choisi un nouveau gouvernement libéral positif, un gouvernement qui a une vision ambitieuse pour l’avenir et un plan solide pour la classe moyenne.
My fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
In November 2015, I met with highly respected Ottawa neurologist, Dr. Pierre Bourque. After a series of tests, he has diagnosed me with ALS. It is presently an incurable disease. Earlier in November, I sent a letter to all Members of Parliament signaling my intention to seek election as Speaker of the House of Commons. My wife Catherine and I are enormously appreciative of all the efforts deployed for my candidacy. Under the doctor’s advice and following the ALS diagnosis, I announced on November 30th my decision to withdraw my candidacy for Speaker of the House. I also announced that I will be continuing to serve as the proud Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier. As a Member of Parliament, I intend to raise awareness by sharing this journey with my colleagues and the public so that more Canadians will learn and fight to continue research for a cure to ALS.
Président honoraire de la Chambre des communes
C’est un grand honneur qui m’a été accordé le 9 décembre 2015, lorsque j’ai été nommé occupant honoraire du fauteuil du président de la Chambre des communes. Je suis profondément touché par ce geste et je remercie tous mes collègues du fond du coeur. Recevoir un tel honneur est vivement apprécié.
Prime Ministers’ Row
I invite you to join a group of citizens as they work to transform Laurier Avenue into a place that celebrates Canada’s past and shapes Canada’s future, a place we hope will come to be known as Prime Ministers’ Row. Many don’t know that Ottawa’s Laurier Avenue and surrounding area, from King Edward to Strathcona Park, has been home to 8 Prime Ministers and 7 Fathers of Confederation. This stretch, which once served as a meeting place for our nation’s leaders, has been all but forgotten. But if residents have their way, it will soon be recreated as an interactive street museum and gathering place.
Travail de représentation sur le terrain
Durant l’année 2015, plus de 600 personnes ont sollicité l’aide de mon personnel du bureau de comté et moi-même pour faire avancer des dossiers individuels de nature fédérale et reliés notamment à l’immigration, à l’assurance-emploi et aux pensions. Qui plus est, j’ai tenu sur une base mensuelle des cafés-causeries aux quatre coins de la circonscription, afin de rencontrer les citoyens d’une façon informelle pour discuter des questions de compétences fédérales.
National Anthem
On September 22, 2014 I tabled in the House of Commons Bill C-624, An Act to Amend the National Anthem Act (gender). The Bill advocated a simple change in the English lyrics. It proposed that “True patriot love in all thy sons command” become “True patriot love in all of us command”, therefore replacing only two words, “thy sons” with “of us”. This change would have rendered the Anthem gender-neutral. Although my bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons, the drive to make ‘O Canada’ more inclusive has been advanced. I tabled my bill once more when the House of Commons resumed in late January 2016 and can expect to initiate the debate on the bill around April.
Files to watch in 2016
Locally, a few files are likely to dominate; namely the redevelopment of the former Rockcliffe Air Base, the advancement of the Prime Minister’s Row project and getting the heavy trucks out of the downtown core by exploring the possibilities of digging a tunnel.