History, Veterans, Remembrance, Honour and then there's the Bloc

[Johnny Canuck]

Some of you may have heard that a Bloc MP- Andre Bellevance -a federal MP sworn under oath to serve ALL his constituents, has refused to supply veterans with Canadian Flags for Remembrance Day saying a he's a separatist and so doesn't want to show support for Canada.

It is my intention to draw a Canadian flag and send a copy to both his fax machines. No text will be needed as the flags themselves will speak volumes.

If you wish you may do the same, or perhaps send another message if you so choose. The story from the Globe and Mail of today (Nov 04)   follows
Marc


Andre Bellevance
Ottawa Office # 613-995-1554
Ottawa Fax 613 995-2025
[email protected]

Riding office (Victoriaville)
Tel 819- 751 1375    OR the free line***** 1-877-751-1375
Fax 819 751-5517


FROM THE GLOBE AND MAIL
.
Bloc MP refuses flags for Legion
By INGRID PERITZ   Globe and Mail Update

Montreal â ” A Bloc Québécois MP is refusing to hand out Canadian flags to the local Legion for Remembrance Day services this year, angering veterans as they prepare to remember their fallen comrades.

MP André Bellavance says he was elected as a sovereigntist and if his constituents want Canadian flags, they should call Heritage Canada.

â Å“A majority of people here elected an MP who's a Bloquiste and a sovereigntist â ” I never hid it during the campaign â ” and I don't want to become a distributor of Canadian flags,â ? he said in an interview yesterday from his office in Ottawa.

However, he said he wouldn't have any problem giving out Quebec flags if someone asked him, even if he had to buy them himself.

Mr. Bellavance's position has upset the aging veterans at the Royal Canadian Legion in Richmond, about 120 km. east of Montreal.

Every year, the Legion has turned to its local member of Parliament for a new flag to hoist up the pole outside the Legion hall on Remembrance Day and another at the town cenotaph. Both fly alongside Quebec's Fleur-de-lis.

The veterans used to obtain Canadian flags from their MPs, who have included a Tory and a Bloquiste. And other Bloc MPs from the region still reportedly supply the flags to constituents.

â Å“The vets here are so disappointed. They feel this is a lack of respect for what they did and for their country,â ? said John Hill, vice-president of the Legion. â Å“Whatever Mr. Bellavance's platform is, he represents Canadians and he represents me in the federal Parliament.â ?

Bruno Lavoie, 88, has taken part in Remembrance Day ceremonies since he was a boy. He says he never understood why his father shed tears at the cenotaph. Then Mr. Lavoie went to war himself, â Å“and I understood.â ?

Mr. Lavoie disembarked on the beach at Dieppe, one of the great disasters in Canadian military history, and so he has many comrades to remember on Nov. 11. He will make the annual Remembrance Day march from his legion hall to the cenotaph, leaning on a cane.

â Å“We crossed the Atlantic with Canada marked on our shoulder, and we were very proud of that,â ? he said in an interview from the legion. â Å“The flag of Canada is as valid in Quebec as anywhere else.â ?

â Å“This is a real insult to veterans,â ? he said of his local MP's decision.

Mr. Hill says he heeded Mr. Bellavance's advice and called Heritage Canada in Ottawa. He was referred to a number in Montreal, and he left a message on an answering service there two weeks ago. He has not heard back yet.

â Å“I'm ready to buy the Canadian flags myself.â ?

In Ottawa, Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe defended his MP.

â Å“It's not that he's refusing,â ? Mr. Duceppe said. â Å“We give these people the information to go to Heritage Canada, or if not, it's the [Bloc] whip's office who gives them out, so that each MP is not caught in this little game that some Liberals enjoy.â ?

He insisted that Liberal MPs have often asked their Bloc counterparts if they can have their flags, and the Bloc MPs agreed. The Liberals then criticize their Bloc counterparts for not having them available at their riding office.

â Å“People will receive them if they want them, but we won't open a shop in our office to distribute Canadian flags.â ?

 

[48Highlander]

It is my intention to draw a Canadian flag and send a copy to both his fax machines. No text will be needed as the flags themselves will speak volumes.

If you really want to have fun with that, here's what you do:

draw two of them (on two pieces of paper) and then tape them together.  Feed the result into your fax machine, and as the bottom sheet comes out of the machine, tape it to the top portion of the second sheet, forming a loop.  Leave running for 2 hours or so.  then send a fax asking him to pass those out amongst the veterans 

 

[canuck101]

That sounds evil but on the other hand go ahead and to it.

 

[Gayson]

I just sent an angry email.

 

[Figure11]

How about this for an idea. Take a piece of regular issue writing paper and on it register your thoughts in a polite, concise manner. Obtain from your local buiding supply store, one common house brick. Wrap and tape your letter to the brick in question and instert into the largest brown, bubble wrap envelope that you can find and address it to the MP in question, c/o Parliament Hill. The last time I checked, it was free to send a letter to our elected representatives. Somehow the thought of about a thousand bricks ending up in this numptys office gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. >

 

[bossi]

How about this for an idea. Take a piece of regular issue writing paper and on it register your thoughts in a polite, concise manner. Obtain from your local buiding supply store, one common house brick. Wrap and tape your letter to the brick in question and instert into the largest brown, bubble wrap envelope that you can find and address it to the MP in question, c/o Parliament Hill. The last time I checked, it was free to send a letter to our elected representatives. Somehow the thought of about a thousand bricks ending up in this numptys office gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. >

Umm ... ya, but ... it's only "free" inasmuch as the sender does not have to purchase postage stamps.
However, we all know there's got to be a catch ... and in this case, Canada Post has to use transportation resources (which run on fuel) to move the bricks to the Blockhead's office - thus, a cost is incurred, and in the end ... Canada Post's customers end up paying for it either through increased postal rates or ... tax dollars ...

Nice idea, though (I've actually done it when I get annoying junk mail from a commercial source that I dislike ... but one has to also be mindful not to commit "public mischief" ... enough said).

Meanwhile, back at the ranch ...

Tories provide Remembrance Day flags
RICHMOND, Que. (CP) - Veterans will get Canadian flags for Remembrance Day services from Conservative Leader Stephen Harper following a refusal from the area's Bloc Quebecois MP to provide the flags.

John Hill, vice-president of Richmond's Royal Canadian Legion branch, said Thursday night he had received a call from Harper's office telling him the branch would be getting 10 flags in time for their ceremony. "I said I would be glad to accept them," Hill said, adding Harper was also going to send a letter of commendation to the branch.

Hill said the flag flap had gotten a lot of media attention after it was reported the area's Bloc Quebecois MP has refused to provide Canadian flags to veterans for Remembrance Day services.

Hill said Thursday he was told providing the flags would be in direct conflict with the Bloc's primary goal of Quebec sovereignty.

"They do represent us in Ottawa and they are in a federal party and I think it's disgusting that they would take that attitude," said Hill, a Second World War veteran in this community about 120 kilometres east of Montreal.

"Whether they separate or whether they don't separate, that's immaterial. When we request something from our federal MPs they should have the decency to at least adhere to it."

Bloc MP Andre Bellavance, who represents the riding of Richmond-Arthabaska in southeastern Quebec, said he has accepted invitations to take part in local Remembrance Day services but doesn't feel comfortable handing out Canadian flags.

"Personally, as a Bloc Quebecois MP, I don't feel the obligation to distribute Canadian flags," Bellavance told the Sherbrooke Record.

He said he provides a toll-free number to the federal Heritage Department if constituents want Canadian flags.

"It's a choice."

But he added he is willing to help if the local Legion is having difficulties getting flags for their services. He said he just does not want to be the person who provides the flags.

"I don't want the Canadian Legion not to have flags for their ceremonies," said Bellavance.

Sherbrooke Bloc MP Serge Cardin and Compton-Stanstead Bloc MP France Bonsant said they have no problem getting Canadian flags for local Legion branches.

Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe said party MPs have been told not to personally distribute flags because Liberals have in the past criticized the Bloc for handing out the flags.

"People will receive them if they want them but we won't open a shop in our office to distribute Canadian flags," he said.

Names of those wanting flags are given to the federal Heritage Department or the Bloc's whip.

"We're not denying them. We're not denying them. We're not denying them."

Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre said Quebec taxpayers deserve to have access to all the same benefits other Canadians have from their members of Parliament.

"Let's not forget that Bloc members of Parliament, while they may be separatists, represent their constituents in the Canadian Parliament and their salaries are paid by Canadian taxpayers," said the Ottawa-area MP.

Harper's efforts drew praise from the Legion branch.

"We got our flags so we're happy," said member Peter Wallace.

 

[Jungle]

Hmmm... I wonder if those Bloc MPs will refuse their MP pension checks. After all, the checks will bear a Canadian flag on them.
Bellavance is an immature prick for doing this.

 

[pbi]

It's a good thing that idiotic organization and its ethnicist-racist adherents is slowly sinking below the demographic waves of this country.That idiot should be happy to live in a country that gives him the freedom to act and speak as he does, instead of flinging him headfirst into a particularly dark and smelly dungeon or dealing with him in one or two other summary ways I can think of....... Cheers.

 

[Guardian]

Hmmm... I wonder if those Bloc MPs will refuse their MP pension checks. After all, the checks will bear a Canadian flag on them.
Bellavance is an immature prick for doing this.

The Canadian flag is just fine for them when it's convenient. These are the same people who assured Quebecers in the last referendum that they would keep the Canadian dollar, the Canadian postal system, have a trade arrangement with Canada, etc.

He may not like the idea, but until such time as Quebec actually secedes, he's still a Canadian.

The slap in the face he's given to those veterans, who've given much more than he would ever be prepared to give in order to allow him the freedom to be an ungrateful prick, is inexcusable.

This traitor should resign for refusing to serve his constituents. And then he should spend several weeks visiting the gravesides of all the brave Canadian soldiers from his riding who died in our wars, apologizing in person for his thoughtlessness.

But, as Jungle implied, it'll never happen. 

 

[Bograt]

This really is a small issue. Last week the leader of the Bloc mused that Quebec needs to seriously plan for sovereignty. Including developing the framework of instituting its own military.

My question is: When does it become treason? When does it become sedition? If you recall during the 95 referendum, Bloc MPs fax various Quebec bases soliciting francophone members to participate in the "National" militia. Bouchard commented that in the event of a yes vote, a third of military equipment would belong to Quebec- including all the Hornets in Baggotville.

 

[bubba]

i would like to reply but im on verbal warning >

 

[Michael Dorosh]

Constituents can obtain flags by calling the federal heritage department or going through the whip's office, he suggested.

So my question is - so what?  Why are Members of Parliament suddenly expected to be flag vendors?  Don't we think they have better things to do, like governing the country?

Seems like a tempest in a teapot, to me. 

What exactly are the flags used for, anyway?  The only flags I've seen used on Rememberance Day are either flying at half-staff over the Legion Hall (and those aren't put up special just for the day), or else the ones the colour party carries, which are usually gold fringed, and are not provided by any Member of Parliament that I know.

 

[I_am_John_Galt]

Doesn't Sheila have some left-over?  Oh yeah, they can't be flown ... 

 

[THEARMYGUY]

Hmmm... I wonder if those Bloc MPs will refuse their MP pension checks. After all, the checks will bear a Canadian flag on them.
Bellavance is an immature prick for doing this.

Ditto Jungle.  I can't believe this guy and his refusal to give a VETERANS group a flag.  They fought for our (and his) freedom and he needs to give his bucket a shake and check the rocks for holes.  Just my 2 cents.  LEST WE FORGET 

Cheers!!

The Army Guy

 

[foerestedwarrior]

My bad, i didnt notice this thread was already up.....

On topic, I think he has forgotten that a) he is a FEDERAL MP, and b)he is electied to serve as the voice of the people, not the voice of his political agenda.

He needs a serious attitude change

 

[Sh0rtbUs]

He needs a serious attitude change

I look foreward to seeing how long he stands by his initial decision, or whether he'll cave under the pressure. Im hoping cave..

 

[Michael Dorosh]

My bad, i didnt notice this thread was already up.....

On topic, I think he has forgotten that a) he is a FEDERAL MP, and b)he is electied to serve as the voice of the people, not the voice of his political agenda.

He needs a serious attitude change

No one is answering the question - is it really his job to be a flag vendor?

 

[Bograt]

Micheal,

It is the principle that is outrageous to the general public. It is well know that when people travel they ask their MPs for the little Canadian pins to give away. Its a good will gesture that symbolically connects "the common man" with the leaders in government. It is matter of tradition. It is a matter of basic respect and decency.

I'm upset that we think this is acceptable. Its not a question of politics, it is a question of what is right and wrong. These veterans gave their lives to a cause greater than themselves and their feats will never be equalled. This MPs most courageous action was to deny a flag to a veteran- and we as Canadians think this is acceptable?

When did we disentergrate as a society. When did we loose the sense of basic right and wrong? When did we become a nation of moralistic opportunists?

The MP is wrong. He is a coward, and I do not know how these guys look at themselves in the mirror.

 

[Michael Dorosh]

Micheal,

It is the principle that is outrageous to the general public. It is well know that when people travel they ask their MPs for the little Canadian pins to give away. Its a good will gesture that symbolically connects "the common man" with the leaders in government. It is matter of tradition. It is a matter of basic respect and decency.

I'm upset that we think this is acceptable. Its not a question of politics, it is a question of what is right and wrong. These veterans gave their lives to a cause greater than themselves and their feats will never be equalled. This MPs most courageous action was to deny a flag to a veteran- and we as Canadians think this is acceptable?

When did we disentergrate as a society. When did we loose the sense of basic right and wrong? When did we become a nation of moralistic opportunists?

The MP is wrong. He is a coward, and I do not know how these guys look at themselves in the mirror.

Coward?

I disagree.  He is an advocate for an unpopular political position, and he is following his ideals.

Like you, I disagree with his actions - Rememberance Day isn't supposed to be political.  However, I wouldn't call him a coward.  You're presuming this is causing him no personal angst. 

On the contrary, he may be quite brave to be taking what he realizes is an unpopular opinion, in the pursuit of his political objective which is an independent Quebec.

Again, I disagree with the action but I think it, and his personal characteristics, are being blown way out of proportion here.

 

[foerestedwarrior]

Thats not the thing Michael, he refused to do it not because it isnt his job. He refused because he said it is not for the best interest of his party, but like i said, he is there to serve the people, not his agenda. If he had politley said that it is not his job, but here are some places that will do it, then it would be cool. He said what he said, he should be held responsible, kick him out of politics, if he cant honour the national flag, how can he be a MP?????