Interview with Gurbax Malhi: Online and in Person

Tues. Nov 24, 2009
Gurbax Malhi is the Liberal MP for the Bramalea-Gore-Malton Riding in Brampton. When I sent him an e-mail regarding an e-interview, his assistant in the office phoned for an interview in person. On Nov. 20, 2009, He told me how he got into politics. He was born in 1949 in Chugha Kalan, Punjab, India. In his native country, he would volunteer and campaign for his government while he was in university. When he came to Canada, his Canadian political career began when he volunteered, helped and go involved with the provincial government. Gurbax Malhi makes history as one of two of the first “turbaned Sikhs” in the western world to be in parliament in the Western World. Before being elected in 1993 to his riding, the Conservatives had the riding. Gurbax Malhi said he faced much criticism from going door-to-door as many people were not happy with a Sikh asking for votes. He thought this gave him a bad reception but he won the elections that year and has been re-elected during each election. His goals right now are to make it easier for people visiting Canada for reasons like wedding and funerals to be able to have easier access to enter the country.

When I e-mailed Gurbax Malhi, I asked him general questions on the position of the Liberal Party in Canada’s important issues:

How do you feel about Canada’s mission in Afghanistan? Do you think Canada has done well in its progression for Afghanistan?
• Liberal party believes that Canada has an important role in helping Afghans build a better future for their country
• But the Canadian military cannot be expected to continue this extraordinary and difficult mission forever
• The liberal party believes Canada’s military mission must end in 2011
• Canada cannot continue to play a development role in Afghanistan buts its military must end

What can Canada do to help save the environment as well as get other nations involved?
• Climate change remains one of the most urgent issues if our time, threatening not just our country but the world
• Canadians, have overwhelmingly expressed their concerns about the issue and its impact on future generations
• Unfortunately the current government has chosen to disregard both domestic and international calls for change
• This position has hindered global efforts to combat the crisis
• Liberal party takes this issue very seriously
• Climate
• has and continues to be a top priority for us. Under former Liberal governments, Canada, alongside 180 other nations joined in signing the Kyoto Accord. In addition between 2004 and 2006, an Environment of Canada report showed a decline in greenhouse gas emission
• However the same report in April 2009 shows that Canada’s gas emission are back on a significant rise
• Canada must be a leader in tackling climate change and protecting the environment. It can start but taking an active role in Global environment efforts, especially in the upcoming Copenhagen conference. If we lead, others will follow
• Liberals are actively working to put forth a responsible and achievable plan that is both economically sustainable and environmentally sound; simultaneously creating new green jobs for Canadians, while saving the environment

• If Asks about Bill-C-311:
o Although Bill C-311, the Climate Change Accountability Act, attempts to address the topic of climate change, it is in no way a climate change plan; targets and timelines are no substitute for action. Canada needs a concrete plan.
o That is why the Liberals are actively working to put forth a sustainable and environmentally sound; simultaneously creating new green jobs for Canadians, while saving the environment

It has been said that our economy is slowly healing itself but how could it get better?
• The unemployment rate and job loss/gain index is a good indicator of the state of our economy. Earlier this month Canada shed more jobs.
• The Conservative government has claimed that 90 percent of the economic stimulus package was already underway and creating jobs. However everyday we are witnessing more and more Canadians suffering from job losses. Since October last year, approximately half a million Canadians have lost their employment.
o The recession’s toll and government’s inaction is being seen in record increases in the use of Food banks. In March alone almost 790,000 Canadians visited a Food bank, which in an increase of 18 percent from March 2008. 37 percent of those assisted, were children. This is national shame.
• In this time of crisis it is important to focus on the vulnerable Canadians who are having serious difficulties making ends meet. The first step is clear and undeniable-Reforming Employment Insurance
o Making it fairer for low-wage Canadians to get help.
o Making sure they can continue to feed their families, pay their utilities, etc… while we ride out the recession