MP responds to attacks over Uvalde shooting motion

BARRHEAD/WESTLOCK — A small controversy broke out on Twitter last week over Peace River-Westlock MP Arnold Viersen’s objection to a unanimous consent motion expressing condolences to the families of the victims in the recent school shooting at Uvalde, Texas. 

Viersen stated in an e-mail that he was only objecting to the use of a “unanimous consent” motion, which he noted was being put forward without consulting other MPs despite claims to the contrary. (The motion did pass on the third attempt, indicating that Viersen ultimately voted in favour.) 

“The murder of the children and teachers in Uvalde was horrific and heartbreaking. As a parent I grieve with those who have lost their children to such evil acts,” Viersen said. 

In the House of Commons on May 30, NDP Member of Parliament Peter Julian, who represents the New Westminster-Burnaby constituency, said there had been discussions among the parties, and he believed there would be unanimous consent for the following motion: 

“That the House express its horror at the school mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and extend its deepest condolences to the families, friends and communities who lost loved ones.” 

The Deputy Speaker then asked that anyone opposing the motion to say “nay.” A tape of the proceedings indicates one MP (later confirmed to be Viersen) initially objected, but in the end, the motion unanimously passed. 

Viersen said that historically, the use of “unanimous consent” motions has been rare and only occurs following consultation with all parties and MPs. 

“Throughout this Parliament, the NDP has regularly abused the process of unanimous consent motions by regularly moving motions to try to trap the Liberals or Conservative parties,” Viersen said. 

On May 30, when Julian rose to put forward the Uvalde motion, Viersen said he initially said no because the MP had not discussed the motion with him as he claimed. 

“My ‘no’ was my objection to his attempt to force through yet another motion without proper consultation. I would urge all members to do proper consultation in advance of introducing motions,” Viersen added. 

On Twitter, Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen — who represents the riding of Kingston and the Islands — posted a tweet on May 30 with Viersen’s picture that stated Viersen had stated “no” when the Uvalde motion was read out. 

He also posted a tweet from another user who said she had phoned Viersen’s office. That tweet contained the phone number of Viersen’s constituency office. 

On June 1, Viersen tweeted to clarify that the motion was adopted with unanimous consent. 

He then pointed out that Gerretsen was well aware of this, as he was the only MP to vote against a Conservative motion condemning the use of Blackface earlier this year. 

Gerretsen said at the time that his vote had been taken out of context and used as a political distraction. 

Let Canadians fly 

On a related note, Viersen submitted an op-ed to the Barrhead Leader last week where he argued in favour of ending travel restrictions for Canadians who are not vaccinated against COVID. 

“Canada is nearly alone on the world’s stage as a country clinging to its COVID mandates making travel inefficient, difficult, or impossible. Moreover, the Liberals, Bloc and NDP continue to support these mandates and hamper our tourism sector,” Viersen wrote, noting that Canada is the only G7 country denying unvaccinated citizens access to air travel. 

Viersen wrote that over the past two years, the Prime Minister has belittled and demonized those who have not chosen to get a COVID vaccine, and has instead used them to wedge, divide and stigmatize Canadians. 

“I continue to hear heart-wrenching stories about people who can’t see their dying parents or grandparents, stories of missed graduations, weddings and other events,” he said. 

During Question Period on June 2, Viersen stated a convicted child predator has more freedom to travel than unvaccinated Canadians, noting that the federal government has only refused eight passport applications from sex offenders in six years 

Viersen asked if the Liberals would at least begin revoking passports for convicted sex offenders. 

Gary Anandasangaree, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General of Canada, replied that as Canada emerges from the acute phase of the COVID pandemic, the focus will shift to ongoing management of the virus. 

“Given the uncertainty, Madame Speaker, numerous measures will be required as measures are lifted,” he said.