Cheapshot By Liberals...

 Harper snubs Paralympics, Grit MP says

By ELIZABETH THOMPSON, PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government is sending a message that the Paralympics aren't important by forcing MPs to be in Ottawa during the games, says Liberal MP Michelle Simson.
While Harper prorogued Parliament, saying it was done in part to allow MPs to attend the Olympics, he has cancelled the March break week which falls in the middle of the Paralympics, said Simson, MP for Scarborough Southwest.
"They've sent a message that this isn't as significant to this government as the Olympics were."
The Paralympics run from March 12-21. Parliament was originally supposed to break from March 15-19 but in the wake of the backlash over prorogation, the government cancelled it.
Simson said the government recently gave a grant for snowmobile trails but turned down an infrastructure grant application for Variety Village, a centre in her riding that helps young people with disabilities.
"It sends a signal as to where their priorities lay and I just don't see snowmobile trails on par with helping young people with disabilities and helping them overcome them successfully."
Minority parliament means parties keep their MPs close to Ottawa when the House is sitting. But Simson said she would like parties to find ways to allow MPs to attend the Paralympics such as pairing government and opposition MPs.
Sara MacIntyre, spokeswoman for Harper, said Canada has spent $20 million to support Paralympic athletes and the government will be "fully represented" at the games.
"We are supportive and hopeful our Paralympic athletes will excel at the 2010 Games."
ELIZABETH.THOMPSON@SUNMEDIA.CA