ABSTRACT

A possible solution in any of these circumstances is for the member to serve on a committee and to work hard to make a contribution. Diligent and hard working members can be noticed by the leadership through their work on committees. They can use the committee, especially if it is studying an issue of particular interest or is within the expertise of the member, to promote certain changes or new public policy. Private Members can make a difference through their efforts in committee. Examples of this in Canada are the legislation banning smoking in all federally owned buildings and measures to ensure that all government vehicles would burn fuels other than gasoline as an environmental measure. These were both measures introduced and promoted by Private Members. Even though each measure was a single piece of legislation, considerable effort on the part of the members was needed to pilot the Bills through both Houses, and particularly in committee, to ensure a majority of members voted in favour of the Bills. In both cases, this legislation went against major lobby interests but in the end, the Private Members made a difference and had a direct impact on public legislation. Even if a member does not receive a Cabinet appointment within their term in Parliament, many Private Members have been able to achieve recognition by fighting for particular causes and representing certain interests. Most members who have achieved this goal or recognition were able to do so through their diligent work in committee.