Reform MPs speak out
Chris Philips

On Wednesday, October 21, two Reform MPs came to Laurier to answer questions and hopefully gain some party support.

The event, put on by the Reform Club and held in N1001, was originally supposed to have three MPs. However, at the last minute Rahim Jaffer was unable to attend.

"It was quite successful," said Chris Schafer, a second year Political Science student and President of the Reform Club. "There was a lot of time for debate which is what I wanted. I'm happy that everyone got a chance to talk."

Rob Andrews, 26, from Calgary West ,talked about his education at the University of Calgary and working on an election in Oklahoma, as well as his criticism on the Canada Pension Plan.

Andrews spoke about the American electoral process as "much more professional" because of the large amount of money spent.

"Canadians like to think we are charitable, but statistically Americans give more money," said Andrews. "We should be spending more money on the decision making process and on think tanks."

Jason Kenney from Calgary South-East spoke next. Kenney spoke about the Reform party having the youngest and most ethnically diverse caucus in the House of Commons.

Kenney originally started out a young Liberal, but switched because he felt his voice, as a young person, was not being heard. He also talked about the youngest Liberal MP being 37, while Reform has members in their 20s.

Kenney likes the Reform party because there is no power or patronage game and feels they are "well-intentioned" and are "frustrated with the political system."

Kenney also talked about provinces having equal powers with no special status given to anyone. He mentioned that free votes should be a part of the voting process in the House of Commons and an electoral senate.

One major point Kenney made was the United Alternative movement. Kenney believes that this should not just be for those on the political right, but would enable the majority of Canadians who voted against the Liberals in the last election to have a say. He acknowledged that this proposal may not work, but believes it has to be tried.

Will Chung, a Tory in third-year Business, when asked about the Untied Alternative said, "I think they're avoiding the central issue that there is incompatibility on where they stand on major issues."

After the two MPs spoke there was a time of question and answers that lasted around 45 minutes. Both the MPs and the crowd participated.

Many topics were brought forth, such as possible dissent within the rank and file, women and the Reform party, and the environment. Most of these questions were answered directly by Kenney, with Andrews often talking around the subject.

Amber Bernard, a third-year Communications Studies student, said, "They danced around the homosexuality issue. They're not willing to take a stand on whether or not they want policies. They advocate equality yet don't take a stand."

The event allowed people to voice their questions and get a better feel for the Reform Party. This being approximately the 20th campus they have spoken at.