Wikipedia

Tom Lukiwski

Tom Lukiwski (born October 5, 1951) is a former Canadian politician who served as a member of Parliament (MP) from 2004 to 2021 as a member of the Conservative Party. He represented the Saskatchewan riding of Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre from 2004 to 2015 and, following the 2012 federal electoral district redistribution, he represented Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan from 2015 to 2021. He did not run for re-election in the 2021 federal election.

Tom Lukiwski
Member of Parliament
for Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan
Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre (2004-2015)
In office
June 28, 2004 – September 20, 2021
Preceded byLarry Spencer
Succeeded byFraser Tolmie
Chairman of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates
In office
February 16, 2016 – August 18, 2020
Preceded byPat Martin
Succeeded byRobert Kitchen
Personal details
Born (1951-10-05) October 5, 1951 (age 73)
Esterhazy, Saskatchewan
Political partyConservative
SpouseDiane Lukiwiski
Residence(s)Regina, Saskatchewan
Professionsmall business owner, political administrator

Background

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Lukiwski was born in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. Prior to entering politics, he was a businessman and political administrator.

Political career

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Lukiwski was first elected in 2004, winning by 122 votes over Liberal Gary J. Anderson. His predecessor, Larry Spencer, was denied the opportunity to run as a Conservative, despite having served as a member of the Canadian Alliance, due to inflammatory comments he made regarding homosexuality. At the time, Lukiwski criticized Spencer for making the remarks and approved of revoking Spencer's party membership.[1]

Lukiwski was re-elected in the 2006, 2008, and 2011 general elections. He served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Hon. Peter Van Loan.[2]

Filibustering

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Lukiwski is well known on Parliament Hill for his ability to stall Parliamentary Committee business by "filibustering".[3][4] An example of this ability includes speaking for almost 120 minutes to prevent the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development from studying a private member's bill to implement the Kyoto Accord on October 26, 2006.[5][6][7] Lukiwski admitted later that he deliberately stalled the proceedings.[8] Further examples include the February 5, 2008, and February 7, 2008 Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs meetings, in which Lukiwski blocked any inquiry into allegations that the Conservative Party spent over the maximum allowable campaign limits during the 2006 election.[9][10][11][12][13]

Equalization

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As an Opposition MP, Lukiwski argued that non-renewable natural resource revenues, such as revenues from oil and gas, should be excluded from the calculations of the equalization formula. Despite acknowledging that Saskatchewan was no longer a "have-not" province,[14] Lukiwski estimated that Saskatchewan would be between $800 million to $1.5 billion wealthier each year if non-renewable resources were removed from the equalization formula.[15][16]

On March 22, 2005, Lukiwski introduced a motion into the House of Commons calling for changes to the equalization formula.[17] During his speech introducing the motion, Lukiwski stated that "[w]hat we are asking today in this motion is that the non-renewable natural resources should be removed from the equalization formula."[18]

Lukiwski, along with the Conservatives, promised during the 2006 federal election that a Conservative government would remove non-renewable natural resource revenue from the equalization formula.[19] On January 19, 2006, only days before the 2006 election, Lukiwski stated that Saskatchewan would be "$2 to 2.5 billion wealthier each and every year" as a result of the changes.[20]

However, once elected, the Conservatives began to indicate that any future equalization program changes would not necessarily be what was promised.[21][22]

In the federal budget introduced on March 19, 2007, the Conservatives introduced changes to the equalization system which imposed caps on payments. This resulted in Saskatchewan not being able to retain 100% of its non-renewable resource revenue.[23][24] Lukiwski acknowledged that the Conservative changes did not exactly fulfill the Conservative's promise with the changes,[25][26] stating "If you want to say we didn't fulfil the commitment or keep our promise, fair enough."[27]

The 2007 federal budget passed with the support of the Bloc Québécois.

Videotape controversy

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On April 3, 2008, the New Democratic Party of Saskatchewan released a videotape showing Lukiwski, then 40 years old, making homophobic remarks in 1991. At the time the videotape was made, Lukiwski was the general manager of the Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan led by Grant Devine.[28] In the video, he says:

"There's A's and there's B's. The A's are guys like me, the B's are homosexual faggots with dirt under their fingernails that transmit diseases."[29][30]

The release of the tape provoked immediate controversy, including calls for Lukiwski's resignation or removal as a Parliamentary Secretary.[31][32][33][34][35]

Lukiwski apologized for the comments, saying "If I could take those comments back I would... They do not reflect the type of person that I am."[28]

Lukiwski subsequently promised that "I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, and all of my colleagues in this House that I will spend the rest of my career and my life trying to make up for those shameful comments."[36]

However, he failed to attend a May 31, 2008, Regina gay pride parade to which he was invited. Gay groups said they were disappointed that Lukiwski failed to respond at all to the invitation. "Mr. Lukiwski stated in his public apology... that he would spend the rest of his life making amends," said gay pride spokesman Nathan Markwart. "Well, when exactly does that kick in? It is clear that his apology is less than sincere and is, in fact, hollow as it has not been followed up with any concerted effort to join our celebrations as an elected official who represents gays and lesbians in Regina and surrounding area." Markwart noted that the disappointment was heightened by their understanding that Lukiwski was in the Regina area on the date of the parade.[37]

Videotape controversy 2

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During his victory speech on October 19, 2015, Mickey Djuric, then with the Moose Jaw Times-Herald, asserted that Lukiwski called the NDP candidate in the upcoming Saskatchewan elections a "whore".[38] Lukiwski denied the claim, insisting that he referred to "an NDP horde" in his speech.[38] The Times-Herald eventually decided not to run the story, causing Djuric to resign her position in protest, while interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose stated she was satisfied with Lukiwski's explanation.[38]

Other apologies

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In 2005, Lukiwski was sued for libel by former Liberal MP Reg Alcock for wrongly claiming Alcock had given his campaign manager a job with the Canadian Wheat Board.[39][40] Lukiwski stated that the matter was settled out of court in 2007 in Alcock's favour,[41] with Lukiwski apologizing to Alcock in a statement.[42]

In November 2009, Lukiwski apologized in the House of Commons for mailing out Parliamentary flyers to the riding of Liberal MP Larry Bagnell which wrongly stated how Bagnell had voted on a private member's bill on the long-gun registry.[43][44][45]

Electoral record

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2019 Canadian federal election: Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Conservative Tom Lukiwski 31,993 71.12 +15.66 $84,868.64
New Democratic Talon Regent 7,660 17.03 -6.75 $20,047.18
Liberal Cecilia Melanson 2,517 5.60 -12.38 $9,502.06
People's Chey Craik 1,613 3.59 - $6,772.92
Green Gillian Walker 1,201 2.67 +0.38 $40.00
Total valid votes/expense limit 44,984 99.36
Total rejected ballots 291 0.64 +0.31
Turnout 45,275 75.84 +3.66
Eligible voters 59,700
Conservative hold Swing +11.21
Source: Elections Canada[46][47]
2015 Canadian federal election: Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Conservative Tom Lukiwski 23,273 55.46 -5.5 $92,066.05
New Democratic Dustan Hlady 9,978 23.78 -8.74 $51,621.27
Liberal Perry Juttla 7,545 17.98 +14.2 $9,767.66
Green Shawn Setyo 961 2.29 -0.42 $526.74
Rhinoceros Robert Thomas 208 0.50 – $99.08
Total valid votes/expense limit 41,965 99.66   $223,430.81
Total rejected ballots 142 0.34 –
Turnout 42,107 72.18 –
Eligible voters 58,335
Conservative hold Swing -7.09
Source: Elections Canada[48][49]
2011 Canadian federal election: Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Conservative Tom Lukiwski 18,076 53.2 +2.1 $76,585
New Democratic Brian Sklar 12,518 36.2 +7.7 $21,302
Liberal Monica Lysack 2,467 7.3 -7.6 $44,964
Green Billy Patterson 911 2.7 -2.8 $195
Total valid votes/Expense limit 33,972 100.0   $83,129
Total rejected ballots 89 0.3 0.0
Turnout 34,061 67.6 +5
Eligible voters 50,387 – –
2008 Canadian federal election: Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Conservative Tom Lukiwski 16,053 51.1 +8.9 $68,988
New Democratic Fred Kress 8,963 28.5 -0.4 $16,804
Liberal Monica Lysack 4,668 14.9 -11.3 $47,936
Green Nicolas Stulberg 1,737 5.5 +3.2 $3,513
Total valid votes/Expense limit 31,421 100.0   $80,038
Total rejected ballots 83 0.3 +0.1
Turnout 31,504 63 -5
2006 Canadian federal election: Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Conservative Tom Lukiwski 14,176 42.1 +8.9 $60,131
New Democratic Moe Kovatch 9,467 28.1 +1.3 $47,556
Liberal Gary J. Anderson 8,956 26.6 -6.2 $73,596
Green William Sorochan 1,035 3.1 +0.8 $730
Total valid votes 33,634 100.0   –
Total rejected ballots 73 0.2 -0.1
Turnout 33,707 68 +5
2004 Canadian federal election: Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Conservative Tom Lukiwski 10,290 33.2 -9.7 $57,639
Liberal Gary J. Anderson 10,167 32.8 +18.8 $53,396
New Democratic Moe Kovatch 8,300 26.8 -15.6 $60,642
Independent Larry Spencer 1,506 4.9 – $21,488
Green Fiorindo Agi 716 2.3 –  
Total valid votes 30,978 100.0   –
Total rejected ballots 79 0.3 -0.1
Turnout 31,057 63 0

References

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  1. ^ "Turfed MP Spencer doesn't think Lukiwski should be ousted". The StarPhoenix. Saskatoon: Canada.com. April 3, 2008. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  2. ^ Maher, Stephen (May 13, 2014). "Both sides claim victory as Fair Elections Act clears the Commons". Canada.com. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  3. ^ Alexander Panetta (April 3, 2008). "Tory's loose lips an asset - until now". Toronto: The Canadian Press. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  4. ^ Catherine Clark, Tom Lukiwski (July 27, 2009). "Beyond Politics interview (at 19:11)". CPAC.
  5. ^ "Parties trade blame for House logjam". Toronto: The Canadian Press. October 26, 2006. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  6. ^ "Filibuster fixer sent to block bill". The Gazette. Montreal: Canada.com. October 27, 2006. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  7. ^ "Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development". Parliament of Canada. October 26, 2006. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  8. ^ "Tories accused of stalling their own green agenda". Canada.com. October 27, 2006. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  9. ^ "Angry chairman suspends session". The Leader-Post. Regina: Canada.com. February 6, 2008. Archived from the original on March 22, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  10. ^ "Tories accused of stalling ad scheme review". The Ottawa Citizen. Canada.com. February 7, 2008. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  11. ^ Kady O'Malley. "Filibuster ahoy! Liveblogging the Procedure and House Affairs Committee for as long as it takes..." www.macleans.ca. Retrieved February 13, 2010. [dead link‍]
  12. ^ Kady O'Malley. "Liveblogging PROC: We'll stop blogging when he stops talking – the return of the killer filibuster (From the archives)". www.macleans.ca. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  13. ^ Kady O'Malley. "Liveblogging the Procedure and House Affairs Committee for as long as it takes... (Part 3)". www.macleans.ca. Retrieved February 13, 2010. [dead link‍]
  14. ^ Tom Lukiwski. "MP writes a letter to the Carillon...and we write back". Carillon. Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  15. ^ "Hansard". Parliament of Canada. April 12, 2005.
  16. ^ "Hansard". Parliament of Canada. October 6, 2005.
  17. ^ Burton, Randy (April 10, 2007). "Taxes reflect complacent council". The StarPhoenix. Saskatoon: Canada.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  18. ^ "Hansard". Parliament of Canada. March 22, 2005.
  19. ^ "Calvert expects quick action on equalization". CBC News. January 18, 2006. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  20. ^ "Provinces spat over Harper's mystery promise". CBC. January 19, 2006. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  21. ^ "Conservative MPs respond following equalization letter leak". CBC News. August 23, 2006. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  22. ^ Mandryk, Murray (August 18, 2006). "Now you see them, and now you don't". The Leader-Post. Regina: Canada. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  23. ^ "Sask. will sue over equalization: Calvert". CBC. June 13, 2007. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  24. ^ Murray Mandryk. "Tories squirm over our dough". www.canada.com. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
  25. ^ Mandryk, Murray (May 8, 2007). "Tory MPs choose Harper over voters". The Leader-Post. Regina: Canada.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  26. ^ "Premiers stand united". The StarPhoenix. Saskatoon: Canada.com. January 24, 2007. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  27. ^ Wood, James (April 3, 2007). "Layton blasts PM over broken promise". The StarPhoenix. Saskatoon: Canada.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  28. ^ a b "Saskatchewan MP apologizes for anti-gay slur". CBC. April 4, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  29. ^ Wood, James; De Souza, Mike (April 4, 2008). "Sask. MP, premier caught in videotape scandal". The StarPhoenix. Saskatoon: Canada.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  30. ^ Wood, James (April 5, 2008). "Premier, MP apologize for comments". National Post. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Canwest News Service. p. A5. Retrieved December 31, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
  31. ^ Mandryk, Murray (April 4, 2008). "Lukiwski must resign for his remarks". The Leader-Post. Regina: Canada.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  32. ^ "Lukiwski seeks forgiveness as Liberals slam Tories". CTV News. April 4, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  33. ^ "Lukiwski still under siege after apologies". www.canada.ca. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  34. ^ "Protesters rally outside Lukiwski's office". CBC. April 8, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  35. ^ John Gormley. "Tasteless tape sparks tacky outrage". www.canada.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  36. ^ "Hansard". Parliament of Canada. April 4, 2008.
  37. ^ "Sask. Tory MP skips Regina gay pride event". CTV. January 1, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  38. ^ a b c "Sask. MP Tom Lukiwski denies calling female politician a 'whore'". CBC News. November 19, 2015. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  39. ^ Samyn, Paul (February 19, 2005). "Alcock suing Conservative MP for 'defamatory' letter to the editor". National Post. CanWest News Service. Retrieved February 11, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  40. ^ "Sask. MP issues apology". The Star-Phoenix. Regina, Saskatchewan. The Canadian Press. February 25, 2005. p. A12. Retrieved February 11, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  41. ^ Naumetz, Tim. "Libel threats have become a practice". Law Times. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  42. ^ MacCharles, Tonda (April 4, 2008). "Tory MP apologizes for gay slurs". The Toronto Star. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  43. ^ Chris Hall. "Libel threats have become a practice". CBC. Retrieved February 14, 2010.
  44. ^ Elliot, Louise (November 27, 2009). "The flyer fight". CBC. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  45. ^ "Hansard". Parliament of Canada. November 18, 2009.
  46. ^ "List of confirmed candidates". Elections Canada. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
  47. ^ "Official Voting Results". Elections Canada. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  48. ^ Elections Canada – Confirmed candidates for Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, 30 September 2015
  49. ^ Elections Canada – Preliminary Election Expenses Limits for Candidates
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