Conservative MP Randy Hoback used his first speech in the House of the 45^th Parliament to extend a helping hand across the aisle to a fellow Prairie MP.

In last week’s emergency debate about the ongoing wildfires in Saskatchewan, before launching into his first-hand account of the crisis, Hoback offered to share his constituency office with Liberal MP Buckley Belanger, who is secretary of state for rural development.

“Mr. Speaker, in the riding of Prince Albert, we have extended our hospitality to the member for Desnethé—Missinippi–Churchill River if he needs an office to work out of in Prince Albert as some of his constituents are moving south, so he has a place to work out of,” Hoback said in the House on June 3.

Hoback noted that his riding is “receiving some 7,000 to 8,000 evacuees, and that could go up to 15,000 throughout the province of Saskatchewan.” 

“At least 20 communities have been evacuated so far in Saskatchewan and 8,000 people have been evacuated, with the premier saying today that he estimates it could be as high as 15,000 in the next three or four days,” said Hoback last week.

While Belanger didn’t explicitly acknowledge Hoback’s offer during the emergency debate, the rookie MP noted that “compassion comes first” during this “tragic time for the people of Canada.”

“The people of Saskatchewan, and in particular the people of northern Saskatchewan, are resilient,” said Belanger. “Tonight is a tough night for them … Through helping each other, supporting each other, and, quite frankly, in many ways praying for each other, I think we will survive this storm.”

Cormier elected Senate Speaker pro tempore

It was a battle of New Brunswick in the Senate last week as two Senators from that province vied to be Speaker pro tempore, the Senate equivalent of deputy Speaker. The incumbent, ISG Senator Pierrette Ringuette, had held the role since 2020, but was challenged by fellow ISG Senator René Cormier.

Ahead of the vote which took place June 3-4, each candidate delivered brief remarks to their fellow Senators, with Ringuette touting her “experience and perspective,” while Cormier said the time off during prorogation made him reflect on what he wants to achieve in the next five years leading up to his retirement. “I am known for my willingness to listen, for putting the common good ahead of my own personal beliefs and interests, and for creating a working environment that is conducive to lively, yet constructive and respectful, debate,” he remarked, noting that he’s presided as acting Speaker on “several occasions.” Ultimately, Senators elected Cormier to the position on June 5.  

CAFP memorial service set for June 16 in the Senate

The Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians will hold its annual memorial service on June 16.

Taking place in the Senate Chamber at 9 a.m.—doors will close at 8:45 a.m.—the service will honour 27 past parliamentarians who have died in recent years: Marlene Catterall, Michel Cogger, Robert Corbett, John Cummins, Joe Daniel, Joseph Day, Peter Elzinga, Francis Fox, Maurice Godin, Robert Lane, Edward Lumley, Charles Mayer, Yves Morin, John Murphy, Gilbert Normand, Frank Oberle, Jim Peterson, Murray Sinclair, Robert Sopuck, Chuck Strahl, Paul Szabo, Don Taylor, John William Thomson, Monique Vézina, John Glass Williams, Lois Wilson, and Bob Wood.

Now in its 25^th year, this “solemn ceremony serves as a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the contributions and public service of those who served in Parliament,” reads the invitation, which noted that the flag on the Peace Tower will be lowered to half-mast on the morning of the service. An informal reception will follow.

New book on ex-Supreme Court judge Abella

There’s a new book out on former Supreme Court justice Rosalie Silberman Abella published last week by University of Toronto Press. Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella: A Life of Firsts pays tribute to the first Jewish woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada who retired in 2021 after 17 years on the bench. It is co-edited by professor Vanessa MacDonnell, co-director of uOttawa’s Public Law Centre; visiting professor Stephen Bindman, executive-in-residence at uOttawa’s Faculty of Law; and Gerald Chan, adjunct professor at the University of Toronto. The book is “a wide-ranging and thoughtful reflection” on Abella’s contributions to law and public life.

Mark Critch presents award honouring his late reporter dad

Comedian Mark Critch got to show his serious side last week when he presented the first Mike Critch Excellence in Crime Reporting Award at the Atlantic Journalism Awards in Halifax on June 7. Tara Bradbury from The Telegram in St. John’s, N.L., won for her story “He is going to kill me. Did the justice system fail St. John’s woman?”

The star of This Hour Has 22 Minutes created the award in honour of his late father, an award-wining radio journalist in Newfoundland and Labrador known as “Mr. Crime,” who “had the reputation of being the most trusted news reporter in Newfoundland,” according to a press release.

“The old man would be tickled pink to have his name associated with such great work,” wrote Critch on Instagram along with a photo of himself presenting Bradbury with a certificate and a $2,000 cash prize.

Hill Times deputy editor’s health story wins award

Speaking of prizes, The Hill Times’ deputy editor Tessie Sanci has won an award for a health policy story she wrote late last year.

The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario announced Sanci as the winner of the category “Online – Best news story,” one of 10 categories in the RNAO’s Media Awards competition. The awards were handed out at a virtual awards ceremony on June 5.

Sanci’s standout story appeared in the Hill Times Health on Nov. 1, 2024: “Canada Health Act letter ‘needs to be done right,’ says health minister as nursing advocates push for its release.” 

“I’d like to thank the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario for recognizing my story about the Trudeau government’s delayed guidance to provinces and territories telling them that the services of nurse practitioners should be compensated under the publicly funded health care system,” Sanci told Heard on the Hill on June 9. “I’ve spent a lot of time reporting on health human resources since the pandemic began in 2020, and [this recognition] means a lot.”

cleadlay@hilltimes.com

The Hill Times