As Parliament closes down for summer recess, it comes to mind that the past session has been exciting, unpredictable and yet, productive.

There has been a great deal more going on than the Question Period highlights on the nightly news. The government has introduced a great deal of legislation this year that will make life in Canada healthier and safer.
I am chair of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, and we have probed several controversial issues. The opposition parties tend to control some of the agenda of committees in a minority Parliament. So, we examined allegations of torture on Canadians in Syria and Egypt who were suspected of terrorist activities. We’ve also heard witnesses on the issue of Taser use by the RCMP, as well as organized crime activities as they relate to contraband tobacco and counterfeit goods.

My duties as chair also resulted in tabling committee reports in the House of Commons on the DNA Identification Act and the Sex Offender Registry Act. Committee debates can become quite spirited, especially in a minority government because the opposition goes to great lengths to make the government look bad. At the same time, Conservative members provide an energetic defence on behalf of the government. As chair, it is my mandate to remain fair with all parties and strive to do productive work that improves the safety of all Canadians.

This session, I tabled Bill C-301 to scrap the long-gun registry. When it became clear that the opposition wouldn’t vote in favour of it, we brought forward Bill C-391 to attract opposition support. It remains to be seen whether the strategy will be successful.

This session also saw the birth of the Outdoors Caucus Association of Canada. This organization will work in concert with the parliamentary Outdoors Caucus to protect the heritage activities of hunting, fishing, sport shooting and trapping.

Late in the session, I supported Motion M-388 by seconding it. If passed, the bill would make it illegal to assist with a suicide via phone, the Internet or a computer system.

This session has been rife with the threat of an opposition coalition, a worldwide economic recession and the constant threat of an election. The federal government will continue to work hard all summer to ensure Canada emerges even stronger and more prosperous in the fall.

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The audio version of Garry's June 22, 2009 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here