Rob Merrifield has to be pleased with his personal progress in this session of Parliament. While he couldn’t have reasonably expected to serve in Stephen Harper’s cabinet, our Member of Parliament now holds two of the most significant posts available to a backbench MP — chair of the standing committee on health and co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group. Unquestionably, holding these two positions is a good thing for Merrifield. But is it a good thing for the people of Yellowhead?

Merrifield himself admits that he will be busier than ever before this summer, attending events, running meetings and compiling information on some of the most important files the government works on. Many of these matters are of primary concern to local constituents, but despite Merrifield’s contention that his dual role will help him to better serve his riding, we have our doubts.

First of all, it’s important to recognize that as a chairperson, Merrifield must bear the responsibility of ensuring that the conversation flows smoothly and progress is made, whether the topic is border controls or violations of the Canada Health Act. Should the people of Yellowhead have a strong position they want Merrifield to take on something, it may prove more difficult for him to provide this opportunity, given the diplomatic sensitivity of his positions. Merrifield has been a member of both the standing committee on health and the interparliamentary group before, and as chair, his voice (and vote) holds no greater weight. It may, in fact, prove to be more restrained by the presence of the heavy responsibility of leadership.

Of further concern for those who value a candid and critical representative is the context in which the Harper Conservatives are conducting their business. From Garth Turner’s outburst that landed him far removed from the party’s front bench to the opprobrium with which Wild Rose rep Myron Thompson was met after speaking out of turn, the governing party has established a pattern: play it close to the vest and tow the party line and you will be rewarded. Do otherwise and imperil your political career. What if the Conservatives decide on a course of action that Merrifield hears concerns from his constituents about? Will he advocate this position, or stay close to his political masters for fear of being upbraided or losing out on his improved position? These are questions that our representative needs to ask himself, and that we need to ask of him.

Merrifield believes that the best is yet to come for his party, for Canadians and for Yellowhead. We hope that he is right, but all of us should take care to ensure that our representative continues to hold the best interests of our region at the front of his mind and on the tip of his tongue, rather than burying them behind a wall of political correctness and personal ambition.