Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman MP Reflects on Federal Election

Selkirk-Interlake Eastman MP James Bezan was re-elected after winning in his riding by a vast majority.

 

He shares his thoughts about the outcome.

 

"I am very humbled by the support that I received here in the riding," says Bezan. "There was great voter turnout across Manitoba and Western Canada. I think Western Canadians sent a very strong message to Ottawa that they're not happy with the leadership of Justin Trudeau."

 

He explains they're not happy with the policies he implemented, and the manner in which he ignored the workers in the energy sector, as well as agriculture producers. Bezan says Westerners also don't like the manner in which Trudeau's policies don't connect with Western Canada in so many ways.

 

Bezan spoke about how well he thinks parties will be able to work together in this minority government situation.

 

"This is going to be my fourth minority government since I was first elected," says Bezan. "For those out there that are very disappointed with the results, even though Andrew Scheer and the Conservative team had the highest popular vote across the country, we didn't get enough seats, I'd say that this will be relatively short-lived because most minority governments only last 18 months to two years."

 

Bean explains if Trudeau doesn't have a formal coalition to prop him up, the government may not even last 18 months.

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.