MPs Hyer, Rafferty weigh in on throne speech
Senate scandal 'threatens credibility,' says Bruce Hyer
Thunder Bay MPs Bruce Hyer and John Rafferty weighed in on Wednesday’s throne speech, where the federal government laid out its priorities for the next session of Parliament.
Independent MP Bruce Hyer of Thunder Bay Superior North told CBC news he liked the references to First Nations education and consumer protection measures.
Many of the things they talked about will depend on returning to a balanced budget. I'm not entirely sure that's ever going to happen.- NDP MP John Rafferty
The speech, read by Gov. Gen. David Johnston, said Conservatives would “continue working with First Nations to develop stronger, more effective, and more accountable on-reserve education systems."
It also promised an end to the U.S.-Canada price gap on goods and changes in the telecommunications sector to reduce cell phone roaming costs, get rid of bundled TV channels and enhance high-speed broadband for rural Canadians.
But Hyer says the speech didn’t do enough to address the Senate scandal that has been plaguing the Conservative caucus.
“It was disappointing there is nothing of substance about the Senate,” Hyer said. “It's threatening the credibility of our whole parliamentary system.”
Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Rainy River New Democrat John Rafferty says he didn't find the throne speech very encouraging.
"Not once was northern Ontario mentioned, or the Ring of Fire, or anything to do with northern Ontario," Rafferty said.
“Many of the things they talked about will depend on returning to a balanced budget,” he added. “I'm not entirely sure that's ever going to happen.”
He also said there was a "laugh-out-loud moment" during the speech when the government touted its leadership in science and technology.
Kenora Conservative MP Greg Rickford could not be reached for comment on the Throne speech.