Like most Canadians, I am engrossed in the Olympics and cheering on the great athletes who are doing us so proud in Vancouver. I am also preparing for the return of Parliament on March 3^rd.

We Liberals have been busy during the past few weeks, while Mr. Harper shut down Parliament to avoid more embarrassing revelations before committees of the House of Commons.

Liberal parliamentarians have organized a series of forums in Ottawa on a variety of important public policy issues. These topics have included:

- Public safety
- The medical isotope crisis
- The independence of government agencies, boards and commissions
- Aviation safety
- The Afghan detainee situation
- Veterans affairs
- White collar crime; and
- The digital economy.

On March 1^st and 2^nd, there will be sessions dealing with the Accountability Act and the state of parliamentary democracy in Canada.

While the Liberal Caucus has hosted these events, they have been non partisan in nature. We have heard from many experts and stakeholders and from concerned Canadians. It has been a valuable learning experience for all of us and it will better equip us as parliamentarians to deal with these important issues.

Since Parliament last met in December, Prime Minister Harper has appointed five more Conservative Senators, giving the government a plurality but not a majority in the Senate. This will undoubtedly change the dynamic in the Senate.

We are anxious to get back to work on March 3^rd and to hear the government agenda as laid out in the Speech from the Throne. We will continue to be an active and constructive opposition.

As we prepare for the session, I would welcome your comments and suggestions.

 

James S. Cowan, Q.C.
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate

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