Michael Cooper (politician)

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Michael Cooper
MP
Michael Cooper, Member of Parliament (cropped).jpg
Cooper in 2019
Member of Parliament
for St. Albert—Edmonton
Incumbent
Assumed office
October 19, 2015
Preceded byBrent Rathgeber
Personal details
Born (1984-03-08) March 8, 1984 (age 37)
St. Albert, Alberta, Canada[1]
Political partyConservative
ResidenceSt. Albert, Alberta
ProfessionPolitician

Michael J. Cooper MP (born March 8, 1984) is a Canadian politician who was elected to represent the riding of St. Albert—Edmonton in the House of Commons of Canada in the 2015 federal election[2] and re-elected in the 2019 federal election.[3] He is a lector at St. Albert Parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Albert Rotary Club and St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce.[4] Prior to entering politics, Cooper studied at the University of Alberta. He worked as a civil litigator at a law firm in Edmonton.[4]

Political career[]

On November 20, 2015, Michael Cooper was appointed Official Opposition Deputy Justice Critic by Interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose.[5] Cooper was re-appointed to this role by Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer as Deputy Shadow Minister.[6] Following the 2019 federal election Cooper was appointed by Scheer as the Deputy Shadow Minister of Finance.[7] Since January 2020, he serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Finance.[8]

Cooper contributed to the 2017 book Turning Parliament Inside Out: Practical Ideas for Reforming Canada’s Democracy, which features a cross-section of Parliamentarians on ideas for Parliamentary reform.  Cooper wrote a chapter on how to fix Question Period.[9]

Physician-assisted dying[]

Ambrose also appointed Cooper as Vice-Chair of the Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying.[10] He, along with the other Conservative MPs on the committee authored a dissenting report from the majority committee report cautioning against advanced directives and opening physician-assisted dying to minors.[11]

On April 14, 2016, then Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould introduced Bill C-14, the government's Physician-Assisted Dying Legislation in the House of Commons.[12] Bill C-14 was assented June 17, 2016 and incorporated several of the recommendations from the Conservative MPs' dissenting report, including limiting physician-assisted dying to competent adults suffering from a physical illness and prohibiting advanced directives.[13]

Wynn’s Law[]

Cooper sponsored in the House of Commons Bill S-217, known as Wynn's Law, introduced by Senator Bob Runciman on February 3, 2016.[14] Bill S-217 sought to amend the Criminal Code to make it mandatory for the criminal history bail applicants to be presented at bail hearings.[15] The Bill was introduced after Constable David Wynn was shot and killed and Auxiliary Constable David Bond was shot by Shawn Rehn at a St. Albert casino in January 2015. Rehn was on bail at the time, despite a lengthy criminal history. A similar Bill was introduced by Cooper's predecessor, Brent Rathgeber, in June 2015.[16]

Bill S-217 passed the Senate in October 2016.[17] When the Bill was debated at second reading in the House of Commons, Marco Mendicino, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice announced the Liberal government's opposition to the Bill.[18] Despite this, it passed second reading with the unanimous support of Conservative, NDP, Bloc Quebecois and Green MPs, plus 27 Liberal MPs.[19] However, when Bill S-217 was studied at the Justice Committee, Liberal and NDP MPs on the Committee voted to recommend that the Bill not proceed.[20] On June 14, 2017, the House of Commons voted not to proceed with Bill S-217 by a vote of 199 to 103.[21]

Private Members’ Bill C-417[]

On October 29, 2018, Cooper introduced Private Members’ Bill C-417, which sought to amend the jury secrecy rule section of the Criminal Code.[22] The Bill would amend the section so that former jurors suffering from mental health issues arising from their jury service can disclose all aspects of the jury deliberation process with a medical professional. The jury secrecy rule prohibits former jurors from disclosing aspects of the jury deliberation process with anyone for life.[23] The Bill would implement a recommendation of a report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights entitled: Improving Support for Jurors in Canada.[24]

Cooper's Bill was seconded by NDP MP Murray Rankin.[23]

Cooper is the House of Commons sponsor of Bill S-207, introduced by Conservative Senator Pierre-Hughes Boisvenu in December 2019. This Bill is substantively similar to Cooper's Bill C-417.[25]

2017 Conservative Party of Canada leadership race[]

Cooper endorsed MP Erin O'Toole during the 2017 Conservative Party of Canada leadership race.[26] O’Toole placed third behind MP Maxime Bernier and the winner MP Andrew Scheer.[27]

2019 Statements to Justice Committee reciting NZ shooter's manifesto[]

During the 42nd Canadian Parliament, Cooper served as vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. In May, 2019, Cooper quoted from the manifesto of the man accused of the mass killings in Christchurch, New Zealand in an attempt to check the testimony of a committee witness who tried to connect the killer's ideology to conservatism.[28] According to a media report, Cooper called out Faisal Khan Suri, president of the Alberta Muslim Public Affairs Council, for his testimony trying to link conservative commentators to the anti-Muslim extremist's heinous acts. The MP charged that Mr. Faisal's accusations were "defamatory" and stated his political posturing diminished his credibility as a witness.[29] Party leader Andrew Scheer removed Cooper from the justice committee as a consequence. Committee members later removed specific parts of the remarks from the official committee record.[30]

As a result of his comments in the standing committee, Cooper also faced resurfacing allegations about remarks he reportedly made while in law school. These allegations related to a statement Cooper reportedly made about "goat herder cultures" when in a seminar about Canadian multiculturalism.[31]

2020 Conservative Party of Canada leadership race[]

Cooper endorsed Peter MacKay during the 2020 Conservative Party of Canada Leadership Race.[32]

Exchange with Amarjeet Sohi[]

On June 14, 2020, Amarjeet Sohi tweeted about a break from Twitter. Michael Cooper replied with "No one cares after Mill Woods voters resoundingly “showed you the door”, which you richly deserved."[33]

Bill C-6 - Conversion Therapy[]

On June 22, 2021, Cooper was one of 63 MPs to vote against Bill C-6. This bill was passed by majority vote and will make certain aspects of conversion therapy a crime, including "causing a child to undergo conversion therapy."[34][35] Cooper said that while he supported the objective of the Bill, he could not vote for it because the definition was “vague and overly broad.”[36][37] Cooper voted for the Bill at second reading stage.[38] As a member of the Justice Committee that studied the Bill, Cooper supported amendments to the legislation that were defeated.[39][36]

Canada-Taiwan Relations Framework Act[]

On June 17, 2021, Cooper introduced Private Members’ Bill C-315, An Act respecting a framework to strengthen Canada-Taiwan relations. The Bill proposed a mechanism, given the absence of formal diplomatic relations, by which to conduct relations between Canada and Taiwan, including in respect of economic, cultural, and legal affairs.[40][41]

Electoral record[]

2019 Canadian federal election: St. Albert—Edmonton
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Conservative Michael Cooper 39,506 60.69 +15.46 $33,538.36
Liberal Greg Springate 12,477 19.17 -3.37 $10,807.28
New Democratic Kathleen Mpulubusi 9,895 15.20 +4.04 $832.26
Green Rob Dunbar 1,594 2.45 +1.06 $7,613.82
People's Brigitte Cecelia 1,268 1.95 - none listed
Veterans Coalition Robert Bruce Fraser 336 0.5 - none listed
Total valid votes/expense limit 65,091 99.49
Total rejected ballots 336 0.51 +0.27
Turnout 65,427 70.00 +0.32
Eligible voters 93,468
Conservative hold Swing +9.41
Source: Elections Canada[42][43]
2015 Canadian federal election: St. Albert—Edmonton
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Conservative Michael Cooper 26,783 45.24 -19.24 $57,186.82
Liberal Beatrice Ghettuba 13,383 22.54 +11.70 $12,254.31
Independent Brent Rathgeber 11,652 19.68 n/a $50,607.26
New Democratic Darlene Malayko 6,609 11.16 -8.92 $14,243.93
Green Andrea Oldham 821 1.39 -3.22 –
Total valid votes/expense limit 59,208 99.75   $220,664.92
Total rejected ballots 146 0.25 –
Turnout 59,354 69.67 –
Eligible voters 85,187
Conservative hold Swing -15.47
Source: Elections Canada[44][45]

References[]

  1. ^ https://www.stalberttoday.ca/local-news/michael-cooper-conservative-party-of-canada-1290143
  2. ^ https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/riding-profile-st-albert-edmonton[bare URL]
  3. ^ Canada, Elections. "Election Night Results - Electoral Districts". enr.elections.ca. Retrieved 2020-01-25.
  4. ^ a b "About Michael Cooper".
  5. ^ "MP Cooper named as Official Opposition Deputy Critic for Justice". Michael Cooper MP. 2015-11-21. Retrieved 2019-08-30.
  6. ^ "Shadow Cabinet". Canada's Official Opposition. Retrieved 2019-09-06.
  7. ^ "Shadow Cabinet". Canada's Official Opposition. Retrieved 2020-01-25.
  8. ^ "FINA - Home - House of Commons of Canada". www.ourcommons.ca. Retrieved 2020-09-15.
  9. ^ "Turning parliament inside out : practical ideas for reforming canada's democracy / edited by Michael Chong, Scott Simms and Kennedy Stewart". avrl.catalogue.library.ns.ca. 2017. Retrieved 2020-09-03.
  10. ^ "PDAM - Members - House of Commons of Canada". www.parl.ca. Retrieved 2019-08-30.
  11. ^ "Committee Report No. 1 - PDAM (42-1) - Parliament of Canada". www.parl.ca. Retrieved 2019-08-30.
  12. ^ "Government Bill (House of Commons) C-14 (42-1) - First Reading - An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying) - Parliament of Canada". www.parl.ca. Retrieved 2019-08-30.
  13. ^ "Government Bill (House of Commons) C-14 (42-1) - Royal Assent - An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying) - Parliament of Canada". www.parl.ca. Retrieved 2019-08-30.
  14. ^ "LEGISinfo - Senate Public Bill S-217 (42-1)". www.parl.ca. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  15. ^ "St. Albert MP continues to fight for Wynn's Law to be passed". StAlbertToday.ca. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  16. ^ "Alberta MP introduces Dave Wynn's Law in honour of St. Albert Mountie | Globalnews.ca". globalnews.ca. 2015-06-08. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  17. ^ Canada, Senate of (2016-07-22). "Senate of Canada - Debates". Senate of Canada. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  18. ^ "Debates (Hansard) No. 145 - February 22, 2017 (42-1) - House of Commons of Canada". www.ourcommons.ca. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  19. ^ "Tory Bill Honouring Slain Mountie Passes With Help Of 27 Liberals". HuffPost Canada. 2017-03-09. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  20. ^ "'It is unlikely Wynn's Law will pass': St. Albert MP after committee opposes bill | Globalnews.ca". globalnews.ca. 2017-05-09. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  21. ^ "Debates (Hansard) No. 194 - June 14, 2017 (42-1) - House of Commons of Canada". www.ourcommons.ca. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  22. ^ "LEGISinfo - Private Member's Bill C-417 (42-1)". www.parl.ca. Retrieved 2019-09-06.
  23. ^ a b "Ex-Juror With PTSD Lauds MPs For Uniting On Bill To Ease Secrecy Rule". HuffPost Canada. 2019-04-21. Retrieved 2019-09-06.
  24. ^ https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/421/JUST/Reports/RP9871696/justrp20/justrp20-e.pdf
  25. ^ "New bill introduced in Canadian Senate to improve support for jurors affected by PTSD". Global News. Retrieved 2020-01-25.
  26. ^ "Conservative endorsement tracker: Scheer, O'Toole lead among MPs | CTV News". www.ctvnews.ca. Retrieved 2019-09-06.
  27. ^ "WATCH: Conservative Leadership Live Results 2017". HuffPost Canada. 2017-05-27. Retrieved 2019-09-06.
  28. ^ Henderson, Jennifer (June 22, 2019). "Cooper denies allegations". Global News. Retrieved June 1, 2019.
  29. ^ "Justice committee urges House to expunge Tory MP quote from NZ killer". iPolitic. 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  30. ^ "Scheer strips Tory MP of committee role after confrontation with Muslim witness". CBC. 2017-06-01. Retrieved 2019-09-10.
  31. ^ https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/michael-cooper-goat-herder-cultures-1.5179039. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  32. ^ "Local conservatives split leadership endorsements". StAlbertToday.ca. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
  33. ^ "Twitter Exchange". Twitter.
  34. ^ "Government Bill (House of Commons) C-6 (43-2) - First Reading - An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy) - Parliament of Canada". parl.ca. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
  35. ^ "Unofficial Vote Results - Members of Parliament - House of Commons of Canada". www.ourcommons.ca. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
  36. ^ a b https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/43-2/house/sitting-82/hansard
  37. ^ https://www.stalberttoday.ca/local-news/bill-c-6-is-badly-drafted-says-mp-michael-cooper-3932454
  38. ^ https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/votes/43/2/14
  39. ^ https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/43-2/JUST/meeting-16/evidence
  40. ^ https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/43-2/house/sitting-120/hansard
  41. ^ https://parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/43-2/bill/C-315/first-reading
  42. ^ "List of confirmed candidates". Elections Canada. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
  43. ^ "Official Voting Results". Elections Canada. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  44. ^ "Official Voting Results". Elections Canada. 29 February 2016. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  45. ^ Elections Canada – Preliminary Election Expenses Limits for Candidates

External links[]

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