Motz named deputy shadow minister by Tory leader

By Gillian Slade on September 7, 2017.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

The MP for Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner has been appointed the deputy shadow minister for public safety and emergency preparedness under Conservative leader Andrew Scheer’s official opposition.

Conservative MP Glen Motz will work with shadow minister Pierre Paul-Hus, the Quebec MP for Charlesbourg — Haute Saint Charles.

“I’m really looking forward to this appointment. I think my experience after 35 years will be a good fit, not only from a law enforcement perspective but also from the emergency preparedness side of things,” said Motz in a phone interview Wednesday.

The appointment designates Motz as a member of the standing committee on public safety and national security, responsible for reviewing legislation policies, programs and expenditure plans of government departments and agencies accountable for public safety and national security, policing and law enforcement, corrections and conditional release of federal offenders, emergency management, crime prevention and the protection of Canada’s borders.

Elected in October 2016, Motz is a 35-year veteran of the Medicine Hat Police Service. Prior to his retirement in 2015, he served for a number of years as a department representative on the City of Medicine Hat’s Municipal Emergency Management team. This group was tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy to plan for emergencies of scale (disasters), respond to disasters and manage a recovery phase.

The appointment includes covering border security.

“The focus for me will be on border security but also on Canada’s national security and making sure Canadians feel safe and are safe,” said Motz.

It is a large portfolio and a lot to learn, said Motz.

“I’m very pleased to be called upon by our leader Andrew Scheer as well as the leadership team … I want to represent our riding well and the nation well,” said Motz.

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