Maurice Vellacott

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Maurice Vellacott
Maurice Vellacott
Member of Parliament
for Wanuskewin (1997-2000);
Saskatoon—Wanuskewin (2000-present)
Incumbent
Assumed office 
1997 election
Preceded by New district
Born September 29 1955 ( 1955-09-29) (age 52)
Wadena
Political party CPC
Spouse Mary Vellacott
Residence Saskatoon
Profession businessman, minister
Religion Mennonite

Maurice Vellacott (born September 29, 1955) is a Canadian politician. He has served in the Canadian House of Commons since 1997, and is currently the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Saskatoon—Wanuskewin in the province of Saskatchewan.

Vellacott is a prominent social conservative. He is co-chair of the Parliamentary Pro-Life Caucus, which includes Conservative and Liberal MPs.

Contents

[edit] Early life and career

Vellacott was born to what he describes as a "lower-income" family in Wadena, Saskatchewan, and was raised in Quill Lake.[1] He obtained a Bachelor's degree from Briercrest College, a Christian educational institution located in Caronport, Saskatchewan, and later earned a Master of Divinity at the Canadian Theological Seminary (affiliated with the University of Regina) and a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity International University, which is an evangelical Christian university in Deerfield, Illinois. Before entering political life, he was a pastor and health care worker.[2] He joined the Reform Party of Canada in 1990.[3]

Vellacott campaigned in the 1995 Saskatchewan provincial election as a Liberal, and lost to New Democratic Party candidate Eric Cline in Saskatoon Mount Royal. He later argued that running as a Liberal was consistent with his political ideology, in that the provincial Liberal platform of 1995 contained several policies advocated by the Reform Party, which did not have provincial affiliates.[4]

Vellacott was elected for Ward Two on the Saskatoon District Health Board in 1995, and served on the board for two years before his election to the House of Commons. He wrote an editorial piece about Canada's health care system in 1996, defending the public model as far superior to the "fragmented" American system in combating administrative waste, but also arguing that the system was in need of renewal and an infusion of funds. Vellacott suggested that Saskatoon District Health could impose a surchange on American health insurers for certain medical procedures given to American patients, "and in the process make money to inject back into the public system for the people of Saskatchewan."[5]

In early 1997, Vellacott opposed a request by Saskatoon's Gay and Lesbian Health Services (GLHS) for health board funding. Gens Hellquist of GLHS had argued that homophobic intolerance was responsible for higher levels of depression in the GLBT community in relation to society as a whole, and that community-specific funding would address these and other concerns. Vellacott responded by suggesting that many homosexuals were inappropriately blaming their personal difficulties on homophobia.[6]

Vellacott also called for the removal of VLTs from the city, blaming them for an increase in health costs related to gambling addiction.[7] His motion for a VLT plebiscite was defeated in May 1997.[8]

[edit] Reform MP

In early 1997, Vellacott defeated Sam Dyck and Fred Wesolowski to win the Reform Party's nomination for Wanuskewin. Dyck later ran as an independent candidate against Vellacott in the 1997 federal election, arguing that Vellacott would try to "legislate morality" if victorious.[9] Vellacott was nonetheless elected, amid a general gain for Reform in Saskatchewan. The Liberal Party won a majority government, and Vellacott served as a member of the Official Opposition.

Shortly after his election, Vellacott announced that he would introduce a Private Member's Bill to eliminate the national Court Challenges Program, which provides funding for groups that bring human rights cases before the Canadian courts. He argued that "some zealots" were "using our important tax dollars" for dubious ends via the program, and singled out an effort by Saskatoon resident Ailsa Watkinson to prohibit corporal punishment against children.[10] Vellacott wrote an editorial piece in early 1998 describing Watkinson as a "social engineer" promoting an "extremist agenda", and accusing Canada's "unelected judges" of "judicial imperialism" in their interpretations of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.[11] A supporter of Watkinson responded that Vellacott's piece was a "mixture of invective and innuendo", and argued that his defence of corporal punishment was based on flawed logic.[12]

Vellacott supported other socially conservative initiatives. In late 1998, he brought forward a "conscience rights" bill to prevent nurses and doctors from being forced to perform abortions.[13] He wrote an editorial against same-sex marriage the following year, arguing that marriage should be restricted to heterosexual couples because of its traditional role in the procreation and nurturing of children. He wrote that "homosexuals already have the right to marry, providing that -- like everybody else -- they marry someone of the opposite sex".[14] He opposed granting spousal benefits for same-sex couples, describing supporters of the initiative as "activist liberal judges and a small but aggressive homosexual lobby".[15]

In 1999, he criticized the Saskatchewan government's decision to force thirteen-year-old Tyrell Dueck into cancer treatment. Dueck's parents objected to continued cancer treatment at the Saskatoon cancer centre on the grounds that it did not appear to be working, and instead sought to access a more experimental treatment in Mexico. Vellacott supported parental discretion in such matters.[16]

Vellacott also called for full compensation to Hepatitis C victims during his first term in Parliament, arguing that the government could overcome complicated legal issues around liability by issuing ex gratia payments.[17]

Vellacott confirmed his support for Preston Manning's leadership of the Reform Party in 1998, after two other Saskatchewan Reform MPs called for a leadership review.[18] He originally voted against the 1999 United Alternative initiative which led to the creation of the Canadian Alliance, but later changed his mind and supported it.[19] In March 2000, he became the first Reform MP to endorse Stockwell Day's ultimately successful bid for the Canadian Alliance leadership.[20] Vellacott said that he supported Day's "respect for life and his recognition of the family as the basic building block of society".[21] He also defended the socially-conservative Campaign Life Coalition during the campaign, after that organization was criticized for drawing attention to homosexual supporters of rival candidate Tom Long.[22]

[edit] Canadian Alliance MP

Vellacott was re-elected by an increased majority in the 2000 election, as a candidate of the Canadian Alliance.

In January 2001, he argued that Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson had abused her office by sending a "best wishes" message to a newly-married same-sex couple in Toronto. Clarkson's office responded that the letter was a personal courtesy, and was not a political statement.[23]

Stockwell Day's leadership of the Canadian Alliance came under increased scrutiny in the summer of 2001, and several MPs called for his resignation. Vellacott remained a Day supporter, and described the critics as "backstabbers, hijackers (and) guerrillas".[24] Day resigned late in the year, and declared that he would campaign to succeed himself in the following leadership contest. Vellacott again supported his candidacy.[25] Supporters of rival candidate Stephen Harper criticized Vellacott for mailing out endorsements of Day through his constituency office, at public expense.[26] Harper won the contest.

Vellacott continued to support socially conservative causes as a Canadian Alliance MP, and was a vocal opponent of embryonic stem-cell research in 2002, although he supports adult stem cell research.[27] In the same year, he mailed out a controversial pamphlet opposing the addition of sexual orientation as a protected category under Canada's hate crimes legislation. Vellacott claimed the policy change "substantially interferes with the right of religious and education leaders to communicate essential matters of faith".[28]

Also in 2002, Vellacott was the only MP to speak against a parliamentary motion recognizing an Armenian genocide as having occurred in 1915. He was quoted as saying:

What the Turks so strenuously object to is the Armenian activists' one-sided portrayal of the tragic events to the world community and labelling them as genocide, using, in some cases, distortion or exaggeration of facts to further their political agenda of obtaining money and land from Turkey. While doing so, Armenians ignore the death and massacre of more than twice as many Turks at the hands of the Armenian revolutionary bands and the Russians whom they were helping during the First World War.[29]

His comments were commended by some Turkish-Canadian groups, and criticized by some Armenian-Canadians.[30]

The Canadian Alliance merged with the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in 2003-04 to create the Conservative Party of Canada. Vellacott supported the merger, and endorsed Stephen Harper's successful campaign for the new party's leadership.[31]

[edit] Conservative MP

Vellacott won the Conservative nomination for Saskatoon—Wanuskewin in early 2004, defeating former Progressive Conservative Nick Bakker with 85% support.[32] He faced a difficult challenge in the 2004 federal election from Chris Axworthy, a former federal New Democratic Party (NDP) MP and provincial NDP cabinet minister now running for the Liberals. Vellacott was returned with a reduced majority, as the Liberals won a minority government nationally.

After the election, Vellacott called for the trial of Saskatoon police officers Ken Munson and Dan Hatchen to be reopened. Munson and Hatchen had been convicted of abandoning an aboriginal man near a power station during freezing weather (the man in question did not suffer any injury). Vellacott said new evidence had been found, indicating that the officers dropped the man off within a short walking distance of where he told the officers he lived.[33] He later established a defence fund for the officers.[34] The case was not re-opened.

When the Saskatchewan judicial system approved same-sex marriages in 2004, Vellacott said it was "unfortunate that the Saskatchewan court has followed in the activist footsteps of other courts in this country".[35] He later argued that marriage commissioners should have "conscience rights" to refuse to marry same-sex couples.[36] During a 2005 rally, he said, "there is no such thing as a right to same-sex marriage".[37]

Also in 2005, Vellacott called for legislation making it illegal to harm or kill the unborn children of mothers not planning to have abortions (such that killing a pregnant woman would constitute a double-murder).[38] The suggestion won support from some, while others argued that it could eventually lead to restrictions on abortion.

When Belinda Stronach crossed the floor from the Conservatives to the Liberals in mid-2005, Vellacott suggested that she was prostituting herself for power and had "sold out for a cabinet position".[39] Some criticized this as sexist, and Vellacott issued a "statement of regret" for his choice of words.[40]

Vellacott was re-elected over Chris Axworthy a second time in the 2006 federal election, in a contest that was marked by extreme bitterness and controversy. During a live televised debate late in the campaign, a caller falsely suggested that Vellacott had been forced to leave North Park Church in Saskatoon after being accused of sexual assault on a church secretary. The call was subsequently traced to Axworthy's campaign headquarters. Axworthy described the allegations as "deplorable", and apologized to Vellacott for the situation. He denied that anyone in his office was put up to making the call, and suggested that a "mischief-maker" may have entered the office.[41] Former long-term pastor Jerold Gliege indicated that Vellacott never served at or attended the church in question, which has been defunct since 1979.[42]

Vellacott's campaign later produced an affidavit from Saskatchewan politician Tom Hengen, in which he "to the best of [his] knowledge and belief" named Axworthy campaign worker George Laliberte as the caller.[43] Axworthy spoke to Laliberte, and reported that he vehemently denied making the call.[44] Vellacott's lawyer later filed a defamation suit against Laliberte on March 22, 2006, in the Court of Queen's Bench in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

The national Conservative campaign accused the Liberals of a coverup, and called for Axworthy to withdraw from the contest. Axworthy declined, denying that he was responsible for any wrongdoing.[45] Vellacott was re-elected with an increased margin of victory.

During his time in parliament, Vellacott has served as deputy critic for health, Human Resources Development Canada, and Indian Affairs. He has or has had involvement with several organizations, including the Canadian Club and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and is a supporter of Focus on the Family.[46] He received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. After nomination by the Government of Saskatchewan, he also received the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan in March 2006.

[edit] In government

The Conservatives won a minority government in the 2006 election. Vellacott now sits as a government backbencher. In March 2006, he wrote an open letter supporting restrictions on abortion and calling for pregnant women to be informed of possible risks associated with abortion.[47]

He was appointed to serve as chairman for the Commons' aboriginal affairs committee in April 2006. He attracted controversy one month later, after suggesting that Canadian judges consider themselves to have "god-like powers" when rendering their decisions. Vellacott made reference to comments by Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, in which she supposedly said that "when they step into this role [of supreme court justice] that suddenly there's some kind of mystical power that comes over them, which everything that they've ever decreed is not to be questioned."[48] McLachlin, through a spokesperson, denied having made that comment. Vellacott later issued an apology, indicating that he did not intend to imply McLachlin had actually used the phrase "god-like powers". He added that he was alluding to comments made by McLachlin at a Lord Cooke Lecture, given on December 1, 2005 at the University of Victoria in Wellington, New Zealand. (Journalists noted that the "mystical power" quote does not appear in McLachlin's speech.)[49] Vellacott also informed reporters that he regards judicial independence as a "fundamental aspect of a free and democratic society".[50]

Vellacott resigned from his role as committee chairman following significant opposition from other parties.[51] He now serves as a member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Environment, and has called for the Canadian government to intervene against state-sponsored violence in the Darfur province of Sudan.[52]

During his time in parliament, Vellacott has served as deputy critic for health, Human Resources Development Canada, and Indian Affairs. He has or has had involvement with several organizations, including the Canadian Club and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and is a supporter of Focus on the Family.[53] He received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. After nomination by the Government of Saskatchewan, he also received the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan in March 2006.

[edit] External links

[edit] Table of offices held

Parliament of Canada
Preceded by
riding created		 Member of Parliament for Saskatoon—Wanuskewin
1997–present		 Succeeded by
incumbent
Political offices
Preceded by
position created		 Saskatoon District Health Board Representative, Ward Two
1995-1997		 Succeeded by
Art Willock[54]

[edit] Electoral record

2006 federal election : Saskatoon—Wanuskewin edit
Party Candidate Votes % Expenditures
     Conservative (x)Maurice Vellacott 17,753 49.39 $62,331.71
     Liberal Chris Axworthy 8,655 24.08 $52,437.43
     New Democratic Party Jim Maddin 7,939 22.09 $35,098.35
     Green Don Cameron 1,292 3.59 $880.29
     Christian Heritage Dale Sanders 307 0.85 $1,552.99
Total valid votes 35,946 100.00
Total rejected ballots 96
Turnout 36,042 67.35
Electors on the lists 53,513


2004 federal election : Saskatoon—Wanuskewin edit
Party Candidate Votes % Expenditures
     Conservative (x)Maurice Vellacott 15,109 46.64 $66,433.82
     Liberal Chris Axworthy 10,553 32.58 $72,269.97
     New Democratic Party Priscilla Settee 5,770 17.81 $38,635.22
     Green David Greenfield 960 2.96 $25.00
Total valid votes 32,392 100.00
Total rejected ballots 76
Turnout 32,468 59.72
Electors on the lists 54,366


2000 federal election : Saskatoon—Wanuskewin edit
Party Candidate Votes % Expenditures
     Canadian Alliance (x)Maurice Vellacott 17,404 52.57 $59,707.59
     New Democratic Party Hugh Walker 8,022 24.23 $34,545.31
     Liberal Bill Patrick 5,567 16.82 $16,493.01
     Progressive Conservative Kirk Eggum 1,709 5.16 $0.00
     Green David Greenfield 402 1.21 $0.00
Total valid votes 33,104 100.00
Total rejected ballots 86
Turnout 33,190 61.62
Electors on the lists 53,862


1997 federal election : Wanuskewin edit
Party Candidate Votes % Expenditures
     Reform Maurice Vellacott 12,854 39.16 $39,845
     New Democratic Party Walter Kyliuk 8,793 26.79 $57,104
     Liberal Tom Hengen 8,020 24.43 $35,221
     Progressive Conservative Ron Meakin 2,602 7.93 $7,207
     Independent Sam Dyck 420 1.28 $1,781
     Natural Law Patrick J. Coulterman 138 0.42 $61
Total valid votes 32,827 100.00
Total rejected ballots 112
Turnout 32,939 63.79
Electors on the lists 51,635


1995 Saskatchewan provincial election : Saskatoon Mount Royal edit
Party Candidate Votes %
     New Democratic Party (x)Eric Cline 3,894 63.16
     Liberal Maurice Vellacott 1,783 28.92
     Progressive Conservative Patrick Bundrock 488 7.92
Total valid votes 6,165 100.00
Total rejected ballots 26
Turnout 6,191 54.91
Electors on the lists 11,274

All federal election information is taken from Elections Canada. All provincial election information is taken from Elections Saskatchewan. Italicized expenditures refer to submitted totals, and are presented when the final reviewed totals are not available.

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ Peter Wilson, "Rookie MP learns to live in Ottawa", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 1 November 1997, C1.
  2. ^ Official Maurice Vellacott website, "About Maurice" (accessed 27 March 2006).
  3. ^ Alex Postnikoff, "Vellacott's changes confusing voters", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 2 April 2004, A10.
  4. ^ Maurice Vellacott, "Political views consistent throughout career", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 21 April 2004, A12.
  5. ^ Maurice Vellacott, "Creative thinking key to keeping health services", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 8 August 1996, A5.
  6. ^ Betty Ann Adam, "[Saskatoon health district needs ...], Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 7 February 1997, A7.
  7. ^ Betty Ann Adam, "Increased attendance at Gambler's Anonymous linked to VLTs", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 7 March 1997, A1.
  8. ^ Dan Zakreski, "Health board rejects Saskatoon VLT vote", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 3 May 1997, A5.
  9. ^ Lyons, "Disgruntled Reformer".
  10. ^ Jason Warick, "Vellacott wants to end federal program that will pay for woman's battle against corporal punishment", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 24 December 1997, A1.
  11. ^ Maurice Vellacott, "Courts wrong venue to settle spanking issue", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 22 January 1998, A5.
  12. ^ Carol Schick, "Vellacott gets facts skewed", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 5 February 1998, A5. A Conservative Party government withdrew funding for the Court Challenges Program in 2006.
  13. ^ "Anti-abortionists march in Ottawa", Calgary Herald, 15 May 1999, A14.
  14. ^ Maurice Vellacott, "Same-sex marriages add to drain on treasury", Calgary Herald, 20 May 1999, A37.
  15. ^ Maurice Vellacott, "Still enough time to let MPs know Bill C-23 unpopular", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 22 March 2000, A10.
  16. ^ Betty Ann Adam, "Protesters lend support to Duecks", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 23 March 1999, A1. Dueck subsequently died, and many blamed his parents' decision not to accept treatment in Saskatchewan.
  17. ^ Rosemary Spiers, "National Affairs", Victoria Times-Colonist, 28 April 1998, p. 1.
  18. ^ Mark Wyatt and Murray Mandryk, "Reform MPs at odds over leadership vote", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 18 August 1998, A6.
  19. ^ Joan Bryden, "Two more Reform MPs join chorus of UA dissenters", Ottawa Citizen, 6 April 1999, A9.
  20. ^ James Parker, "Day's the man, say Sask. MPs", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 10 May 2000, A5. Vellacott's endorsement came minutes after Day declared his candidacy.
  21. ^ Justine Hunter, "Day dares to mix volatile cocktail of social values, politics", National Post, 16 May 2000, A6.
  22. ^ Robert Fife, "Canadian Alliance MP says it's OK for gays to work on campaigns - just don't give them special status", National Post, 26 May 2000, A7.
  23. ^ "Clarkson's message was polite, not politics: Office", Toronto Star, 16 January 2001, 02.
  24. ^ Darren Bernhardt, "Vellacott attacks `guerrillas' for sabotage attempt on Day", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 10 July 2001, A1.
  25. ^ Tim Harper, "Day appeals to grassroots as he launches comeback bid", Toronto Star, 8 January 2002, A06.
  26. ^ James Parker, "Sask. MPs join attack on Vellacott mailouts", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 5 March 2002, A4.
  27. ^ Norma Greenway, "Anti-abortion forces rally to fight bill allowing stem cell research", Times-Colonist, 11 May 2002, A6.
  28. ^ Thomas Knutson, "MP proves need for law he opposes", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 6 December 2002, A19.
  29. ^ Bora Hincer, "Armenian 'genocide': Rewriting history for political gain", Kingston Whig-Standard, 6 June 2002, p. 8.
  30. ^ Albert Kaprelian, "Those who deny genocide are real rewriters of history", Kingston Whig-Standard, 13 June 2002, p. 6.
  31. ^ Sean Gordon and Tom Blackwell, "Alliance votes 96% to unite right", Ottawa Citizen, 6 December 2003, A3.
  32. ^ "Vellacott wins nomination", Saskatoon Leader-Post, 21 February 2004, A2.
  33. ^ "MP raps police conviction", Windsor Star, 12 August 2004, B7.
  34. ^ Darren Bernhardt, "Vellacott establishes defence fund for ex-cops", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 27 August 2004, A1.
  35. ^ Jason Warick, "Saskatchewan judge lifts gay-marriage ban", Time-Colonist, 6 November 2004, A8.
  36. ^ Julie Saccone, "Marriage commissioner files complaint", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 29 January 2005, A4.
  37. ^ Peter Kuitenbrouwer, "Thousands rally for marriage: Gay couples 'don't have capacity to reproduce'", Vancouver Province, 24 May 2005, A15.
  38. ^ Lana Haight, "MP wants law protecting unborn from crime", Regina Leader Post, 22 July 2005, A4.
  39. ^ Tim Naumetz, "Harper joins chorus of Tories with harsh words for Stronach", Ottawa Citizen, 18 May 2005, A4.
  40. ^ Stephanie Classen, "Conservative MP offers 'regret' for comments about Stronach", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 24 May 2005, A4.
  41. ^ Julie Saccone, "Tory MP outraged at sex assault allegation", Vancouver Sun, 20 January 2006, A5.
  42. ^ Maurice Vellacott, "Axworthy caught second time practicing black arts of politics", campaign release, 19 January 2006.
  43. ^ Tom Hengen, sworn affidavit, 20 January 2006.
  44. ^ Lori Coolican, "Dump candidate over false accusations", National Post, 21 January 2006, A5.
  45. ^ "Tories demand Axworthy's ouster", Windsor Star, 21 January 2006, A6.
  46. ^ "About Maurice" (accessed 27 March 2006).
  47. ^ Maurice Vellacott, "Time for limits", Calgary Herald, 10 March 2006, A25.
  48. ^ Terry Weber, "Top court comments not those of government: Harper", Globe and Mail (Breaking News), 8 May 2006.
  49. ^ "Supreme chief sees herself as just that", Montreal Gazette, 14 May 2006, A16.
  50. ^ Sue Bailey, editorial, Canadian Press, 8 May 2006, 16:49 report.
  51. ^ Tory MP resigns as committee chair, CBC News, 10 May 2006
  52. ^ Mike Blanchfield, "MPs push for action on Sudan", Ottawa Citizen, 30 April 2006, A4.
  53. ^ "About Maurice" (accessed 27 March 2006).
  54. ^ Willock was elected to the Health Board in 1997, and re-elected in 2000. He appears to share Vellacott's political ideology. In 1999, he argued that the Government of Saskatchewan had no right to force Tyrell Dueck into medical treatment against his family's wishes. A 2005 newspaper article lists him as a Conservative Party supporter. See "Christians protest state intervention in cancer boy's case", Calgary Herald, 23 March 1999, A15 [Dueck], Lana Haight, "Harper blasts 'culture of corruption'", Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 11 November 2005, A12 [Conservative Party].
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