Goldring Watch - Episode 2

And now, he speaks. November 26, 14:50:

Mr. Peter Goldring (Edmonton East, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, the motion passed last March by the House specifically called for the government to secure medium-lift helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles to better protect our brave men and women in Afghanistan. Can the Minister of National Defence tell the House when we will
have these helicopters and UAVs in Afghanistan?

Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to providing our brave soldiers with the best possible equipment. In fact, we have recently purchased six Chinook helicopters and UAVs in addition to those that were leased, all of which will be operational next year. I am pleased to tell the House that we will also deploy eight specially-equipped utility Griffin helicopters to act as escorts for these Chinooks. Most importantly, this will help reduce the risk to soldiers and civilians from ambushes, landmines and IEDs, all of this saving lives and continuing the important work of Canadian soldiers in theatre.

Not to say that we aren't all concerned about the safety of our soldiers, but... wow, nothing like back bench government members softballs in question period - providing wonderful opportunities for ministers to take up time patting themselves on the back, instead of holding the government to account for their actions. Take a look at what a rookie opposition member does in question period as opposed to our fifth term representative. So, I challenge you Mr. Goldring, how can you bring the concerns of Edmonton East (here or here)to parliament instead of being just 1 of 143.