The growing power of courts in "negating legislation that is already in place," as evidenced by an Ontario court's ruling on same-sex marriages, was the biggest concern and biggest disappointment from 2003, says Souris-Moose Mountain MP Roy Bailey.

"That's a real threat to the democratic process," said Bailey in a year-end interview, looking back on the events of 2003.

Earlier this year, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled the Canadian government was violating the Charter of Rights and Freedoms by excluding same-sex couples from the definition of marriage.

This ruling followed suit with similar judgments made in B.C. and in Quebec on gay marriage. Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien then announced that legislation would be passed allowing same-sex marriage after it was reviewed by the Supreme Court.

Two years ago, Parliament had voted to retain the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others, said Bailey.

"Now what have we done? The courts have decided to change that," said Bailey, adding the change is going to cost Canada billions.

"I personally fear more today than I did in 1983 (when the Charter of Rights was passed) the power given to politically-appointed, unelected people who determine the fate of this nation," he said.

Another huge disappointment in 2003 stemmed from an audit of hockey teams belonging to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), including the Weyburn Red Wings.

Bailey has been a vocal supporter of the SJHL in their struggles with the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA), who went after SJHL hockey players to pay UI and CPP premiums out of their monthly allowances.

Eventually, almost every team in the league was audited by the CCRA and had to pay back varying amounts. The SJHL was the only Junior A hockey league in Canada to be audited in this manner, though the CCRA said initially they would go after the other junior leagues as well.

Bailey said he was wrongly led to believe that the situation would be changed, and that the SJHL would be treated fairly.

Bailey said he was also disappointed nothing was said about the SJHL's plight by Saskatchewan's only MP in cabinet, Ralph Goodale.

"He just sat by and said absolutely nothing in an issue that is quite important in rural Saskatchewan," said Bailey.

Another negative, said Bailey, was Prime Minister Paul Martin's recent comments on the possibility of Senate reform, which he effectively retracted by saying it would depend on the co-operation of provinces to amend the Constitution.

In that respect, Bailey said the Canadian Constitution is not a Constitution because it cannot be changed.

From a personal standpoint, Bailey said he was pleased to make a lot of positive changes as Opposition critic for veterans' affairs, citing advancements in pension and disability claims for RCMP as an example.

However, Bailey said the best development from 2003 was the continued support from constituents. This was essentially Bailey's last full year as MP; several weeks ago, Bailey announced he would retire in 2004 when the federal election is called, which is expected to be in the spring.

"The closeness that the constituents have with me, that's a wonderful thing," said Bailey. "I have nothing but positive things to say about the people in this constituency."