News Flash

MPs get a taste of Navy life

Mississauga-Erindale MP Omar Alghabra says it was an “awesome, educational, enlightening and humbling experience” to spend two days on a Navy frigate watching Canada’s defence forces at work.

            “This experience gave me a sense of what our Navy sailors live through on a regular basis and it provided me with a unique insight into what their challenges and aspirations are,” said Alghabra in his newsletter.  ”Most importantly, I was reminded of the great responsibility this country and its leaders have towards them.”

            Mississauga-Brampton South MP Navdeep Bains joined Alghabra on board the HMCS St. John’s, under the supervision of Captain Brian Santarpia.

            The pair wanted to learn more about the Canadian Armed Forces.

            “These men and women have volunteered to serve their country and are ready to do whatever it takes to protect us,” said Alghabra.

            Alghabra and Bains boarded the frigate July 24 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.  Their excursion ended two days later in Halifax.

            The military regularly invites MPs on such outings, which provides them with first-hand experiences.

            Alghabra and Bains, who took the trip along side Bloc Quebecois MP Meili Faille, said they couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

            “Ever since I was elected, I’ve been doing everything I can to learn about our country and the institutions in our country,” said Alghabra.  “The military is a significant institution and a big part of who we are, and I wanted to learn a bit more about it and meet the men and women who serve.”

            The MPs spoke with crew members about many issues, including the war in Afghanistan, the environment, foreign affairs and our political system.

            Alghabra and Bains also watched several rescue training exercises, and got to see how a real emergency is handled.

            During one exercise, the ship received a Mayday call from a small boat that had caught fire.

            One of its passengers was injured.

            The St. John’s crew reacted immediately.  Ultimately, though, its help was not needed because another boat was closer.

            One week earlier, the crew had helped rescue a whale from a fishing net.

            Bains said the trip offered only a snapshot of life on board the frigate.

            Nonetheless, he added, it was an exceptional experience.

            “I took away an idea of how difficult the job is,” said Bains.  “They’re very professional and they take themselves very seriously.  I’ve never seen people so focused and disciplined.”

            The MPs experienced life as the crew does, eating with the crew members and sleeping in the same quarters.

            The beds were hard, the floor moved with the water and a fog horn sounded every two minutes – minor hardships, though well worth enduring to meet the crew, said Alghabra.

            “They were incredibly generous and welcoming,” he said.  “I would ask silly questions as a civilian who has never been on a frigate, but they were very patient.”

            The answers to those questions will help the MPs in the House of Commons, Alghabra added.

            “…I think it’s important for me to have a good understanding of the actual reality of the topics I’m discussing,” he said.