Getting to know the New Brunswick incumbents is important. Should they decide to run for re-election, every citizen should know how they have served us thus far. Has their stewardship of the offices the hold reflected the values of their constituents? Have they acted in the best interests of New Brunswickers or have they adhered to party whips and did what was best for the party?
The incumbent for Acadie-Bathurst is Yvon Godin. He has represented his district since 1997. He is currently the critic of Labour and Official Languages.
Godin has introduced a number of private member’s bills on issues important to New Brunswick. In October of 2013 he introduced Bill C-497 in an attempt to amend the Navigable Waters Protection Act (to protect rivers including the Saint John River and the St Croix River). A recently defeated bill of Godin’s was aimed to ensure that anyone appointed to the Supreme Court have a working knowledge of both official languages. In 2010 Godin introduced a bill in response to the infamous Bathurst van accident which saw 8 members of the Bathurst High basketball team die tragically in an avoidable accident.
Bill C-522 would have prohibited the 15 passenger van for the transport of students. The vans, which were meant to be used as cargo transport have been banned in New Brunswick and across the United States. Godin aimed to prevent another tragedy in Canada like the one in Bathurst. It was solid, sensible legislation but partisan priorities got in the way. The Conservatives did not want to allow the New Democrats a victory and the bill never had the opportunity to pass.
Godin has a history of introducing and passing legislation that is in the vein of his riding’s zeitgeist. Though he is a true New Democrat, he’ll vote for his riding before towing the party line. Godin also doesn’t have a problem with voicing his opinion about problems beneath the orange banner. He recently stated what he sees as “the problem” with the provincial NDP; namely Dominic Cardy. Godin told the CBC that Dominic Cardy took the party too far right and thus lost appeal with left wing voters.
There is a chance however that Godin is considering leaving federal politics. According to an article on the Max 104.9 website, Godin is considering not running in the 2015 election. The riding of Acadie-Bathurst supports Godin overwhelmingly but was once a red riding. If Godin does step down, he may be leaving the door open for the surging Liberals who are poolling very high in Atlantic Canada.
politiconb 