On Friday, April 5th, Victoria’s New Democrat MP Laurel Collins was given a new role which comes with many new responsibilities.
In Canada, a party’s ‘whip’ must ensure discipline is given when needed to members of that party’s caucus.
In addition to this, the whip is responsible for assigning offices and scheduling speakers from their party for bills, motions and other proceedings in the legislature as well as ensuring that the number of party members total enough to win a vote if one is called.
Collins’ new role as “deputy whip” is her latest designation within the NDP, while she also continues to serve as the party’s environment and climate change critic and deputy critic for families, children, and social development.
“It’s a huge honour to be given this responsibility and trust, to make sure everything is running well so that the NDP can keep delivering for Canadians,” said Collins.
“Right now, times are really tough for most people, so it’s more important than ever for parliament to get things done, even if the Liberals keep trying to delay and the Conservatives are more interested in getting handouts for rich CEOs.”
Collins says that she is looking forward to continuing working for Victorians and she is excited to take on this new role.
“New Democrats are fighting to make sure people get more for less, and in taking on this position, I’ll have more opportunities to push for this to be a reality,” she said.
Collins is serving as deputy whip under another western Canada NDP MP, Heather McPherson, who represents the Edmonton Strathcona electoral district.
