For many Canadians the initial reaction to the news that six Quebec MPs were refusing to accept Queen’s jubilee medals was probably: Great, the separatists are at it again. But look closer and this time their reason makes perfect sense.
The six say they are protesting the federal government spending $7.5 million on events to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne – not the celebration itself, but the money.
Included is about $3.5 million for 60,000 jubilee medals to be given to Canadians making significant contributions and achievements.
The MPs have every right to protest that expenditure. Yes it’s great to celebrate the event, but is it really necessary to go to that financial length? Do we really need to produce and give away 60,000 medals?
We have no problem with the medals being given to Canadians like Travis Toews of Beaverlodge for his dedication to the field of agriculture and support of farmers and cattlemen, or Gail Vickery for being a groundbreaker as the first woman appointed to chief judge of the Provincial Court of Alberta.
Or, for that matter, Brett Wilson, a former star of Dragons’ Den, for his contributions to the country as an entrepreneur, community leader and mentor.
But if the criteria for receiving one of the medals were supposed to be for making an outstanding contribution to Canada, a province or a community, why then are all 308 MPs getting them?
There’s no question that a lot of them deserve the medals for the work they have put in to support their local regions and some have made Canada a better place. But all 308? There are a lot of MPs who get elected and one never hears their name again until the next election.
Giving every member of Parliament a medal tarnishes the honour, turns it into a participation medal, like kids used to get in minor sports tournaments so every one of them feels good about themselves.
If every MP gets one, then why not every MLA in every province and territory? And why not every mayor? Heck, mayors may work harder and accomplish more than the vast majority of MPs and MLAs.
Another 11,000 medals are being given to the military. That’s one in every 10 members of the military. Again, it’s hardly an honour as much as a token thanks.
Since the Quebec MPs – at last count there were two NDP and four Bloc Quebecois members – are protesting on financial grounds, perhaps they should also look into what it cost for Monday’s flashy presentation.
For example, how much did it cost have HMCS Vancouver interrupt its route from the Mediterranean Sea back to Vancouver, to stop in Panama City so master seaman Christopher Switzer could be dropped off, flown to Ottawa to receive a medal, and then flown back to San Diego to rejoin his ship?
If 10,000 military personnel are receiving medals, surely they could have found one closer to Ottawa.
