Russ Hiebert, my MP, has limited his availability to his constituents and thus his transparency and accountability about his views on local or national issues of concern. All-candidate meetings at the Ocean Park Community Hall draw a packed crowd. They are civil affairs. In fact, the odds of a supportive audience are in Hiebert's favour given the exceptionally high proportion of residents in this riding that vote for conservative candidates. For example, in 2006, he won with 46.68% of the vote.

Unlike the other candidates, Hiebert's full time paid job is federal politics. That means he should show up to work. This work includes participating in all candidates forums. When did this part of the job become optional?

Russ Hiebert's non-attendence at this all-candidates meeting, and I understand, the one in Crescent Beach, makes me wonder if he just cannot be bothered given his strong base support.

Carmel Jorgensen