The issue of varying TV volumes has driven a local MP crazy for more than three years.
Now, MP Nina Grewal has introduced a law limiting commercial volumes.
"Myself, as well as all of you, I watch TV," said Grewal, Conservative MP for Fleetwood-Port Kells. "If you're watching the TV at a certain volume you're feeling comfortable with, but all of a sudden, this commercial comes and you're all over the place... looking for your remote and your wife or husband is shouting from the back `put the volume down. ' "
This week, she introduced Bill 621, a private member's bill, that will require broadcasters to play advertisements at the same volume as regular programming.
Opportunities for private member's bills are rare. The last time Grewal had such an opportunity was 2005, when she successfully raised the age of consent for sexual activity from 14 years old to 16 years old.
Asked why she chose advertising volume over assisting our troubled school system, or ailing health care, Grewal said the Conservative government is already addressing those issues.
"Our government is really doing a lot, you know, it literally does," Grewal said. "This thing was on my mind for quite some time... more than two-three years."
She said she feels for seniors, who have trouble getting up to make television adjustments.
She also points out it is a popular law in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The bill will be debated in the House of Commons through the first week of March, then voted on after that.
kdiakiw@surreyleader.com