Commitment drives man on a mission David Kilgour, an Edmonton MP, is well known for taking a stand for what he believes. by Kevin Schut       David Kilgour, 58, bustles around his office with the energy of a man half his age. Clearly, this is a man on a mission.     This Member of Parliament for Edmonton Southeast is the sixth most-experienced politician in the House of Commons. He’s also Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa, an outspoken advocate for his constituents, and a devoted follower of Christ.     Kilgour has achieved most of his media attention through his unconventional (some might say “maverick”) brand of politics. He’s not afraid to speak his mind about a variety of issues.     Originally elected as a Progressive Conservative in 1979 (and again in 1980, 1984 and 1988), then-Prime Minister Mulroney removed him from his position as Parliamentary Secretary in response to Kilgour’s criticism of the PC government. The MP was in the headlines again in 1990, when he was essentially thrown out of the PC party for voting against the GST bill.     Although he has stayed loyal to the Liberal party since joining it in 1991, his image as a somewhat unpredictable politician has stuck. However, his political behavior could also be interpreted as the steadfast commitment of a man who won’t compromise his convictions.     And the underlying premise of his convictions is that Christians must make a difference.     Although Christ has always been part of Kilgour’s life, growing up in a Christian home in Winnipeg, his faith became very real to him in 1970, the year his father was struggling with lung cancer. He began to attend prayer meetings at his neighbour’s home.     When he finally accepted the reality of three life-changing words — “Jesus loves me!” — “something very important happened to me,” he says. He changed from a “Sunday morning believer” to a committed one, one who wants to live out his faith in every part of his life.     Some might argue that it’s impossible to be both a Christian and a politician. So how does he combat this negative and cynical image that so many hold about his line of work? “With actions,” he bluntly replies. A good example is his policy of putting his money where his mouth is. Kilgour never takes political donations of greater than $250 -- no exceptions. His office has made the news with their practice of sending back cheques that go over the maximum.     The MP’s real focus for his career, however, is not attacking the negative image of politics. He sees his election as giving him unparalleled opportunities to be a servant.     “You can really help people here,” he says. A quick look through his record backs him up. His office walls sport certificate after certificate of thanks. His tireless campaigning for human rights around the world is well-known. Right now, he’s advocating the case of Leticia Cables, the Filipino nanny who is under threat of deportation.     His present job as Secretary of State gives him plenty of opportunities to work on the issues that are important to him. In his present position, the continent of Africa gets much of his attention.     “That’s something I’ve been accused of being obsessed by,” he says in reference to his work with Rwanda. With 70 countries, many of them poor and underdeveloped, in his portfolio, Kilgour has no shortage of possibilities for making a difference.     Kilgour’s attitude and actions are obviously shaped by his strong Christian faith. He says he’s never been afraid to tell people he’s a Christian. “That’s what keeps you going,” he claims, “It [his work] is an opportunity for ministry.” He attends weekly prayer breakfasts on Parliament Hill, and is appreciative of the support of other Christians, no matter what their political affiliation.     A speech Kilgour made to the Christian Business Men’s Committee speaks volumes about Kilgour’s passions and commitment. He told the story of Telemarchus, a Christian citizen of Imperial Rome who was horrified by the cruel and inhuman gladiator games. He ran out into the arena, stood between the opponents, and implored them to stop in the name of Christ. For his efforts, he was struck down and died. But the spectators, moved by his sacrifice, one by one arose and left.     “History notes that this was the last time in Rome that the gladiatorial games were held. One brave and determined person had made the difference,” concludes Kilgour. [LLN-Online] [Adopt-a-Block] [Newsbriefs][Event Calendar] [Lifestyles] [Juke Box] [Cover to Cover] [Movieguide][Casting the Net] [Viewpoints] [General Info] [Rates & Sizes][Marketplace/Classifieds] [Volunteer Ops] [Writing Guidelines] [Contact Us] [Subscribe][Archives][Good News] [About Us][Links]