OX: House attendance a promise kept Dear Editor: The distortion of fact pre- sented in S. Robertson's fetter of Nov, 5, can only fead me to conclude that one of my politi- cal opponents has badly misled him (her?) abour what I have and have not said, and about the truth with respect to the operations of the House of Commons, [| have never said that I was on vacation during the Nisga’a votes. Whilst it is true fat [was out of the coun- try at the dime, by arrangement with the Party Whip, the fact is thar there were no Nisga’a votes scheduled when I made my travel arrangements and | was already overseas when the votes were suddenly scheduled by the government. Even if I had been on vacation though, | hope S. Robertson is not sug- yesting that MPs should never. be entided to take vacations. During the 1993 election campaign I promised voters that while Parliament was in session | would endeavour to spend three days a week in Ontawa, and two days a week in the riding, staying in touch with local issues and meeting with constituents. I ani proud to say that I have maintained this approach throughout my seven years as the MP, usually working my schedule around my Ortawa duty day as assigned by the party. This means, for example, that whenever | have a Monday duty day, Tam in Ortawa on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and in the rid- ing for Constituent meetings on Thursday and Friday. Since Tuesday is when most votes occur, a check of my voting record for the period May 16 to June 13, while Twas on a Monday ducy day, shows that I Was present for 100 per cent of the votes during that month, a record which should please S. Robertson. {tis an indisputable truth that neither my vote, nor that of any other opposition MP, has made any difference under a Liberal regime, simply because Mr. Chrétien has already demonstrated his will- ingness to toss out of the Liberal Caucus any MP who votes against the party: line. The end result 1s that we know the outcome of every vote before the debates begin and anyone who claims otherwise is clearly trying to deceive. I cannot recall a single vote, at any time in the past seven - years, which had an outcome different to that expected by the Prime Minister even though he was governing with only 38% of the popular vote. The House is indeed dys- finctional, and its operations are next to meaningless, as evi- denved by the fact that there are rarely more than two or three MPs present at any tine except during the daily ques- tion period. Even Liberal MPs treat Parliament with contempt — there are often no Liberal MPs present in their seats dur- ing the so-called debates. And ves, there is nothing democrar- tc, and everything dictatorial, about the way the votes are conducted, with at least three Liberal MPs reduced to tears when they were forced by the Prime Minister to vote against a Reform initiative for Hep-C victims. FP was not alone in being disgusted by that pertor- mance, and S$. Robertson should also be outraged that Parliament: operates in such a manner. Like me, he (she) should be disgusted at the way in which Mr Chrétien's regime has corrupted our House of democracy. If my political opponents have led S$. Robertson to believe that an MP's: voting record bears some sort of rele- vance to the way thar laws are made, or that an MP is oniy working on the days he or she is siting in the House, then they have done him (her) a Twit reference spurs voter’s vow of action Alliance candidates like Ted White are attract- Dear Editor: Ina recent letter to the North Shore News (Nov. 5), Doug Collins refers to Liberal candi- ‘date Bill Bell by stating: “Is North Van going to vote for a twit like thar?” I’m voting for Bill Bell partly because better. John Sbragia - A*WEAR ON-LINE: www.awear.com A*WEAR on-nit: his suit $430, his shirt $98 _ ROWEAR IN-STORE? vancouver ‘sinclair centre 685-9327 victoria 1205 government street (250)382-9327 _ west vancouver park royal shopping centre (north) 921-4188 : ing “white power” twits like Doug Collins. It will be i interesting to see if North Van deserves North Vancouver R before cleaning or become on textile furnishings. The } longer slains remain,. the B all stains can or will come § ¥ professional stain remover. great disservice. Our Parliament is in desperate need of reform, as anyone watching CPAC tor an hour can confirm, and only the Canadian Alliance has pronnsed to carry out those needed reforms. [certainty look forward to implementing our phn, because then, and only then, will Parliament, and my vote on behalf of North Vancouver, become relevant again. Ted White, MP North Vancouver David Neel 441 West 3rd Street, North Vancouver 988-9215 : Davip HicLeEop, cr § CERTIFIED RESTORER ] Why are you able 4 te remove some f steins while others f become permanent? Many common spills aq will permanently § stain certain fibers. Pet urine stains are a very common occurrence. and can Jead to permanent discoloration, The discoloration may be visible evident during or after the J cleaning process. Spills of coffee, tea. cola and other drinks can also cause permanent stains. B especially on wool, some B nylons,. cotton and silk. Even “stain resistant” nylon carpets can be permanently stained’ by HOT coffee or HOT tea. and. other. common [sods (mustard). household chemicals {bleach) or medicines {acne creams) which cause § lightening or color changes more permanent . they { become. Unfortunately, not out. even with the - best To ensure the best charice. of removal. call _ your professional cleaner § immediately. wn nose restora com ‘e Upholstery, stains * Molds. mildew odor ° Flood/water damage ‘Auto 2 Ren Daily Reniais fi from § Rte open 7 days 3 week ne a eVieckty oCats. Trucs Vans & Monvans Ss Oe MICBC tates eonthty Cali for ee prck-up Ed Call or drop by for more details. 1600 Mackay Rd., torth Van Aisevces QO, Lube & Filter H fuly warranty 24 pt Satety check. 15 minutes - FAST! Iinctudes up to S ities of TOW3O Quakerstate f 1362 Marine Drive 980-915 Bonet B.COamn-6.00p n, Sun. 9O0am-5 00pm fExpres Nov. 29/2000 Ss. LAURSEN & as SON —&§ SON | @raperies & blinds ite. Serving the Lower Mainland for over 28 years z www.sidropesandblinds.com Custom Rods, Upholstery & Bedspreads B tAsh about our Seniors Discount) For Free Estimate call 922-4975 or 987-2966 Duspery Lahoue $14.5 pee pane bined, Low Low Pzrers ve won! Night Football & Free Hockey Pool (Every Game!) WIN CASH! - ‘In recognition - of your continued : support,’ > we will offer a: 15% discount on all tea were. Sale ends. ‘Nov. 14th,