Rota Appointed to Defence Committee (Exclusive Friday)

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota has been appointed to the Commons' Defence Committee, he told BayToday.ca exclusively Friday from his Ottawa office.

Rota said that the committee will be focused on issues like American Anti-Ballistics, Canadian submarines and the vital role of NORAD, and he is pleased to have the opportunity to be in the room when the vital decisions are made.

“I also have the opportunity to make sure CFB North Bay is kept intact,” states Rota.

Rota also spoke about the eleventh-hour deal Prime Minister Paul Martin made that, he said, saved Canadians from heading back to the Polls.

The Bloc Québécois and Conservative opposition forced Martin into a substantial change in a "sub-amendment" to the Throne Speech Thursday.

Rota told BayToday.ca that the Bloc wanted an amendment made that would see all powers being given to the provinces, and formed an alliance with the Conservatives to overthrow the government.

“If we had made the changes as proposed by the Bloc we would have abdicated our responsibility to the provinces and there would be no point for us to do our jobs, and that is what the Bloc wants. We negotiated the ‘sub-amendment’ and with that keep our powers to govern.”

The Hill was full of anxious moments with reporters camping out to see the potential fall of the infant government while comments like ‘Dust off your lawn signs’ were being whispered through the corridors, but everyone could hear the collective sigh of relief when the announcement of a save was made.

“It was a busy day just trying to get work done, but there was no question that the 6:08 P.M. announcement settled nerves, because there were some very tense moments,” said Rota.

“Canadians have no appetite for another federal election. They elected a minority government and they want us to govern the country and get on with the work at hand and I couldn’t agree more.”

Rota, while blasting the Bloc and Conservatives for their maneuvers, credited NDP party and leader Jack Layton as great allies.

“No question, without Jack Layton’s support things could have been different. The NDP have been very reasonable and have helped maintain the government in Canada,” said Rota.

The outcome of the negotiations is good news for the riding as it now allows Rota to focus on the work at hand versus mounting another campaign.

While in Ottawa this past week Rota has had the opportunity to meet with various Ministers and address the interests of the Nipissing-Timiskaming riding.