I am a geek, world history buff, my interests and hobbies are too numerous to mention. I'm a political junkie with a cynical view. I also love law & aviation!
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Andrew Scheer
msdogfood@hotmail.com
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Scheer#Social
Repatriation of Omar Khadr
Scheer has publicly denounced the Liberal government's decision to end its lawsuit with Omar Khadr for what was reported to be a $10.5 million settlement. Scheer argued that Khadr's compensation should have been limited to the right of repatriation, which Khadr had received in 2012.[
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Social
Scheer is considered pro life by the Campaign Life Coalition and "has an impeccable pro life voting record" in the House of Commons.[147][148] He has said that he will respect the Conservative Party's official policy on abortion, which currently states, "A Conservative government will not support any legislation to regulate abortion".[149] Scheer reiterated his stance on abortion during a 2017 CBC News interview, stating that he still considers himself pro-life, but would not re-open the issue if he were Prime Minister.[150] In 2008, he was disappointed when the Order of Canada was given to Henry Morgentaler, and annoyed that his award came on Canada Day.[151] Scheer accused the Liberal government of "imposing" the prime minister's views on upholding "women's rights and women's reproductive rights" when faith groups are applying for funding for summer jobs programs.[152]
Scheer voted against Bill C-14, which allows practitioners to assist in the suicide of mentally competent adults with "enduring and intolerable suffering" in cases where death is "reasonably foreseeable".[153][147] Scheer was critical of Justin Trudeau over comments made by the Governor General Julie Payette on questioning people who support creationism stating that millions were "offended" by her comments.[154][clarification needed]
Scheer has promised that universities or colleges "that do not foster a culture of free speech and inquiry on campus" will not receive federal funding under his government, though after University of Toronto said it would not open space on its campus for an event hosted by the Canadian Nationalist Party, he stated "I respect the right for universities to determine which outside groups they give a platform to. And so that's within their purview" and that his policy would be based on "an objective set of criteria".[155][156] When asked by cabinet member Kirsty Duncan if a university like St.Paul blocking a film on abortion would fit in his criteria, Scheer said no.[157][158]
During the 2004 election campaign, Scheer opposed same-sex marriage.[159] As an individual MP, he publicly voiced his opposition in the House of Commons debate against recognizing same-sex marriage and voted in favour of a 2006 motion to re-open debate on the issue.[147] Scheer has stated that, as leader of the Conservative caucus – where there is no consensus on the issue – he will not try to reopen the debate on same-sex marriage.[149][160][161] In 2016, Scheer supported the removal of "traditional definition of marriage" from the conservative party policy book.[162]
In 2005, Scheer defended Bishop Fred Henry's statements against the legalization of same-sex marriage,[163] stating "to think that a Catholic bishop must answer to a civil authority over matters of faith is abominable. It is abhorrent to me, to other Catholics and to every member of every faith community."[161]
Changes to the national anthem
Scheer voted against Bill C-210, which altered the lyrics of the national anthem to a gender-neutral form. When asked about his vote, he expressed disappointment on the bill's passing in 2016 and stated that he would sing the "old version" until the law received royal assent, which was the day after his comments.[164]
Gender
Scheer describes himself as a feminist and advocates for a gender-diverse senior team stating, "I think the core of that is to recognize the fundamental equality between men and women."[165]
On 31 January 2018, Scheer was asked if he had ever acted inappropriately in the past, in which he responded by "No", and "A good friend of mine when I first got elected said nothing good happens in Ottawa after 8:00pm and I've tried to live by that rule."[166]
On misconduct of candidates for office
After it was revealed that the 2015 Conservative campaign team knew about sexual misconduct allegations against former Conservative MP Rick Dykstra, Scheer responded by stating he could not speak to "decisions made by past campaign teams". However, after Conservative MPs Maxime Bernier and Brad Trost called for an investigation into the party's handling of Dykstra's candidacy while Michelle Rempel criticized the party's decision, Scheer called for a third-party investigation on 31 January 2018.[166] On 6 February 2018, Scheer declined to comment on the fate of those involved in the mishandling of the allegations against Dykstra during the 2015 election or say whether those involved remain welcome into the party.[167]
Recreational drugs
Scheer speaking with members of the Cedars Society, an organization that promotes recovery from drug addition
When asked about his stance on Canada's potential legalization of marijuana in April 2017, he said though he is not in favour of the motion, "I am very realistic, and once it's legal in a short period of time there's going to be a lot of people that work for companies that distribute it ... so we have to be very realistic as a party."[168] During the Lac-St.Jean byelection, Scheer stated that he is opposed to the pending legalization of marijuana and made it an issue during the campaign.[169] In an interview with Tout le Monde en Parle in May 2018, Scheer admitted that he had smoked marijuana when he was younger, but reinforced his opposition to the bill, and would not rule out the possibility to re-criminalize marijuana if he wins the election.[170][171] However, in October 2018, Scheer stated that the Conservatives would not re-criminalize marijuana, noting how the Conservative Party "recognize the reality," of legal cannabis, and "do not intend to go back and make marijuana illegal again."[172]
In the leadership race, Scheer accused Justin Trudeau of wanting to legalize heroin.[173] He has also accused Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor on Twitter of trying to "legalize" hard drugs which he corrected to "decriminalize".[174][175] Scheer is critical of safe-injection sites arguing that "the government makes it quote unquote safer to inject illicit drugs".[176]
Repatriation of Omar Khadr
Scheer has publicly denounced the Liberal government's decision to end its lawsuit with Omar Khadr for what was reported to be a $10.5 million settlement. Scheer argued that Khadr's compensation should have been limited to the right of repatriation, which Khadr had received in 2012.[177]
Transparency
The Globe and Mail reported that Scheer was not posting details of his private fundraising events. Scheer previously criticized Justin Trudeau for hosting cash-for-access fundraisers. Scheer stated that, "The Prime Minister of Canada is a public office holder and … he and his cabinet have held a number of receptions that are directly linked with stakeholders and the portfolios that they may have views on the file".[178]
On 31 October 2017, it was reported that Scheer had three real estate limited partnerships (RELPs): investment vehicles that reduce the holders' tax burden by writing off up to 50 percent of their initial investment, for those who make an average income of $75,000 or more in Saskatchewan. Scheer invested $75,000 in the RELPs, and his holdings were previously disclosed to Mary Dawson, the ethics commissioner.[179]