Updates from Libby

Aug 15, 2010

Dear friends,

I’m pleased to share the latest issue of the Community Links Bulletin. The bulletin’s priority is to inform residents and community organizations in East Van about the activities and services carried out in our community. And thank you to all of the organizations and individuals who share information so we can be aware of what’s happening in our community.

Jul 9, 2010

I wrote to the Chair of Metro Vancouver's Environment and Energy Committee about the noxious smells emanating from the West Coast Reduction plant at the foot of Commercial Drive. Here it is:

Jul 8, 2010

For good eats and great summer family fun, join me at one of the neighbourhood barbeques this weekend!

Satuday, July 10th from 1:00 - 4:00
Thunderbird Community Centre
2311 Cassiar St., between E. 6th and E. 8th.

AND

Sunday, July 11th from 1:00 - 4:00
McLean Park
Keefer and Heatley

Bring your lawn chairs and have a blast!

Barbeques will be cancelled in the event of rain

Jul 7, 2010

There must be a full inquiry into the mass arrests at the G20 and G8 meetings in Toronto.

It is without question that governments bear the responsibility to ensure security in and around events such as the G20 Summit. Equally, in our democratic society, freedom of speech and the freedom to peacefully protest must be carefully guarded.

The exorbitant billion dollar price paid by Canadians, ostensibly for security, raises serious questions about how security measures are carried out, how decisions for these costs are made, and how security impacts on civil rights.

A full and wide-ranging inquiry into what happened in Toronto leading to largest number of mass arrests in Canadian history is urgently necessary. All parties and all levels of government involved in hosting the G8 and G20 should co-operate to get it underway immediately.

Alternative media reports on the G8 and G20:
http://therealg8g20.com
http://rabble.ca/issues/g8-g20

Were your rights were violated during the protests? Information on how to file a complaint:
http://ccla.org/2010/06/29/resources-for-g20-related-complaints/

List of concerns about the security measures put forth by the CCLA prior to the summits.
http://ccla.org/our-work/current-issues/g8-and-g20/

Jun 29, 2010

Rights Here, Right Now – the 23rd International World AIDS Conference

Dear Friends,

This year’s International World AIDS Conference held in Vienna will highlight the importance of Human Rights in the effective response to HIV.

I am honoured to be participating in the Conference this year on a panel discussing the topic of Leadership and Critical HIV/AIDS Issues. I will be focusing on harm reduction and the rights of people who use drugs.

In the lead up to the International World AIDS Conference, world experts have put forward the Vienna Declaration, calling for a scientific approach to illegal drugs in the fight against HIV.

Jun 27, 2010

Dear friends,

Welcome to the Summer edition of my Community Links Bulletin! The bulletin’s priority is to inform residents and community organizations in East Van about the activities and services carried out in our community. And we are compiling new editions of the bulletin so please feel free to send me your community updates, events or suggestions, for the next edition of the bulletin.

Jun 11, 2010

Libby sent the following letter to the Ottawa Citizen on June 11, 2010. To date, they have not published this letter.

June 11, 2010
Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to your June 11 editorial which refers to a video of me recorded last Saturday, and posted online (Hater's, Ottawa Citizen, June 11, 2010).

My reference to the year 1948 as the beginning of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory was a serious and completely inadvertent error; I apologize for this and regret any confusion it has caused.

I have always supported a two-state solution to the on-going Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have never questioned Israel's right to exist and the Palestinian’s right to a viable state.

New Democrats have long called for a peaceful, negotiated end to the conflict where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side with secure borders. This is a policy I fully support.

I reject the allegation that I hate Israel, and I reject the assertion that I said that Israel is illegitimate or an abomination. Neither are true.

Libby Davies
MP Vancouver East

May 31, 2010

I wish to express my sympathy and outrage for the families and friends of those who lost their lives and those who were injured in the horrendous attack today by Israeli Defence Forces against the Freedom Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

This deadly assault on peace activists, who only wanted the people of Gaza to receive the basic necessities of life, is shocking and unconscionable and demands an immediate investigation and response by the International Community. The illegal siege on Gaza, now in its 3rd year, must be ended.

The Government of Canada must speak out and make it clear that Canada condemns all such actions against innocent people who are peace activists. The hundreds of participants in the Freedom Flotilla who have now been detained by Israel must be released.

As someone who has visited Gaza twice, mostly recently in August 2009, I have witnessed first-hand the devastation of the siege on Gaza and its 1.6 million inhabitants.

Like Rachael Corrie and other internationals who have given their life for peace and justice for Palestinians, we honour their life’s work and will continue to work for peace and justice in the Middle East.

May 15, 2010

Dear Friends,

Many people have asked about the process for auditing and reporting expenses for Members of Parliament. MPs’ expenditures are disclosed publicly each year and posted on-line.

In addition, there are independent, external audits done on House of Commons expenditures, including MPs’ expenses.

Unfortunately, some of the media reports on this have been inaccurate as to what actually does take place on MP expenses. The House of Commons has very strict rules for MP expenses including what is permissible or not.

Sincerely,

Libby Davies, MP
Vancouver East

Apr 28, 2010

Dear friends,

I’m pleased to present the latest issue of the Community Links Bulletin. Thank you to all of the organizations and individuals who share information, so we can be aware of what’s happening in our community. I really appreciate your feedback and submissions for inclusion in our Community Links Bulletin – please keep it coming as I learn so much from it.

Apr 15, 2010

Congratulations to Co-op Radio on its 35th Anniversary - here is to 35 years of great, member driven, community radio from "the heart of the Downtown Eastside Vancouver". Thank you for being such a strong voice for independant and progressive media in Vancouver and sharing the stories and events of our city and beyond.

Sincerely,
Libby

Please visit this link for information and dates on the Co-op’s calendar of events celebrating their anniversary http://www.coopradio.org/events/index.html

Feb 23, 2010

COMMUNITY LINKS BULLETIN
March to April 2010

Dear friends,

Welcome to the latest edition of my Community Links Bulletin!

In this bulletin, I’d like to make you aware of the new Vancouver Homeless Storefront Initiative by Veterans Affairs Canada, in partnership with Wounded Warriors.ca. The initiative was established to identify and help veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. If you need more information about this initiative, please call 1-866-522-2122 (English) or 1-866-522-2022 (French). More details on page 5.

On March 8, International Women’s Day, I will be remembering and celebrating women’s progress and profound contributions to family, community and society as a whole. Our scientific, economic, political and social achievements are becoming more recognized around the world, and we continue to work hard, make a difference and to get the recognition we deserve. Let’s keep up the ongoing struggle for women’s equality!

I wish you and your family and friends all the very best of Spring!

Sincerely,

Libby

Jan 14, 2010

The tragedy in Haiti, the devastation and loss of life, and the millions of people needing assistance is something we are all thinking about. Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the affected area should contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada at 1-800-387-3124.

To make donations:

The Humanitarian Coalition
http://www.humanitariancoalition.ca
1-800-464-9154

Red Cross
http://www.redcross.ca
1-800-418-1111

UNICEF
http://www.unicef.ca
1-800-567-4483

Dec 3, 2009

Dear Mayor and Council,

I am writing to support Councillor Ellen Woodsworth's motion on the Assistance to Shelter act to be debated by Council today.

Many people have expressed their opposition and concerns to me about this Act passed by the BC legislature. It is a heavy handed and blunt legislative response to an issue of human dignity and rights concerning homelessness and housing.

Oct 20, 2009

Dear friends,

Welcome to the latest edition of the Community Links Bulletin. The bulletin’s priority is to inform residents and community organizations in East Van about the activities and services carried out in our community. And we are constantly compiling new editions of the bulletin so please feel free to send me your community updates, events, feedback or suggestions.

Sep 25, 2009

Dear Neighbours,

On October 14, 2009, Collingwood Neighbourhood House will conduct a count of the homeless in the Renfrew-Collingwood Neighbourhood. I wanted to let you know of this important community initiative, and encourage you to get involved. I have advocated strongly for federal action for affordable housing and have received much support for my Housing Bill C 304, for a National Housing Strategy. For more information on my Bill please go to http://www.libbydavies.ca/parliament/speech/2009/04/01/libby-s-bill-nati... and http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Bills/402/Private/C-304/C-304_1/C-304....

Sep 1, 2009

Dear friends,

I hope you had a great summer! Now it’s back to school for students and back to Ottawa for me! Parliament resumes September 14th and I expect it to be busy in there.

An economic update is expected this fall. My NDP colleagues and I will continue to press very hard for EI reform to ensure more people can access EI benefits. This is critical in a community like East Van where a growing number of people are facing layoffs.

How is the economic recession affecting you? I’d really like to hear from you – your experience, ideas and suggestions for needed changes. Please drop me a line (postage free) or email me! As always, I am proud to serve our community!

Sincerely,

Libby

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Jul 28, 2009

Dear Friends,

Happy Pride! And please accept my warmest greetings of solidarity and hope to our community.

By the time you read this, I would have just finished participating at the Conference on Human Rights at the 2009 World Outgames in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Jul 4, 2009

Libby Davies hosts public forum on the CBC with NDP Heritage Critic Charlie Angus.

No need to RSVP - and feel free to share this invitation with friends.

Date: Wednesday July 8
Time: 7 pm to 9 pm
Place: Vancouver Public Library, Alice MacKay Room (350 West Georgia Street)

For more information, contact 604-775-5800 or email daviel@parl.gc.ca

Jun 30, 2009

I’d like to extend my warmest greetings for Canada Day, as we celebrate the history and diversity of our country.

Please join me at the many upcoming events I’m hosting for Vancouver East this summer, including a forum on Food Security, a round table on the CBC, and a July 12 Community BBQ.

Libby

Jun 30, 2009

Libby Davies and Strathcona Community Centre invite you and your family to an East Van Barbeque.
... good eats and great summer fun

Date: Sunday, July 12, 2009
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: MacLean Park (at Strathcona)
Street: Keefer and Heatley

The event is free.

For more information phone 604-775-5800 or email daviel@parl.gc.ca

Jun 30, 2009

New Democrats continue their cross-country tour on Food Security

VANCOUVER – Libby Davies (MP, Vancouver East), and Bill Siksay (MP, Burnaby Douglas) will co-host a public forum as part of the New Democrat’s national campaign to gather input towards the development of a national food policy.

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: St. Patrick Parish Hall
Street: 2881 Main Street (at East 13th)

Jun 12, 2009

Dear friends,

Parliament is now recessed for the summer and I'm sure glad to be back in East Van after a long session. The economy and the recession dominated the NDP's work - holding the Conservative government to account for failing to help Canadians in these tough economic times. I was happy to see my Housing Bill C-304, for a National Housing Strategy, go through its first hour of debate in Parliament with strong support. The second hour of debate on the Bill will happen in September. I encourage you to support it by visiting http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=61565311521.

Jun 11, 2009

Libby Davies hosts public forum on the CBC with NDP Heritage Critic Charlie Angus.

Jun 11, 2009

Food for Thought - New Democrats continue their cross-country tour on Food Security

Jun 11, 2009

Statement by New Democratic Leader Jack Layton on the National Day of Reconciliation for Canada’s First Nations

On this day one year ago the Parliament of Canada made an historic apology to First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for their treatment in residential schools. Powerful words were spoken in the House of Commons – and accepted with a generous and open heart by those First Nations who heard them.

Jun 4, 2009

To a meeting to discuss community issues
regarding the Port Metro Vancouver site

Thursday, June 25th / 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Kiwassa Neighbourhood House
In the East/West Room on the Main Floor
2425 Oxford (at Nanaimo)

Representatives from Port Metro Vancouver will be in attendance
to discuss community concerns.

Please RSVP to the phone number below. Hope to see you there!
Libby Davies, MP (Vancouver East)
2412 Main Street Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2
Phone: 604 775 5800 Fax: 604 775 5811
Email: daviel@parl.gc.ca Web: libbydavies.ca

Apr 14, 2009

COMMUNITY LINKS BULLETIN
May to June 2009

Dear Friends,

I’m pleased to present to you the latest issue of the Community Links Bulletin. I really appreciate your feedbacks and submissions for inclusion in our Community Links Bulletin – please keep it coming as I learn so much from it, and it helps me represent our community in Ottawa.

Feb 19, 2009

February, 2009

Dear Friends,

We’re writing to support the Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre (GWCPC) located at 4th and Commercial (1977 Commercial Drive). It is a volunteer-run non-profit agency that has helped many residents, businesses and agencies in our neighbourhood.
 

Feb 17, 2009

One of the biggest problems with the Conservative Budget was its failure to even mention women. In the entire document, the words “woman” and “women” are not mentioned at all. The government had promised to look at budgeting and spending with gender in mind – clearly they have abandoned that promise.

Feb 17, 2009

COMMUNITY LINKS BULLETIN
March to April 2009

Dear Friends,

It’s been just a little over a month since Parliament reconvened and it’s been a very busy time with the federal budget, and the need to focus attention to alleviate Canadians’ plight during the current economic recession.

I am very concerned that the federal budget does not protect our society’s most vulnerable people. The budget includes $60 billion in corporate tax cuts yet only $1.15 billion for the unemployed, for Employment Insurance changes. Harper failed to reform Employment Insurance by freezing payments, maintaining the two-week waiting period and not improving the already too-strict eligibility requirements. The budget also contains no mention of childcare spaces and maintains the attack on women’s ability to pursue pay equity complaints through the courts.

None of that, though, will stop me and many women from celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8th. I will be remembering and celebrating women’s progress and profound contributions to family, community and society as a whole. Our scientific, economic, political and social achievements are becoming more recognized around the world, and we continue to work hard, make a difference and to get the recognition we deserve. Let’s keep up the ongoing struggle for women’s equality!

I wish you and your family and friends all the very best of Spring!

Sincerely,

Libby

Feb 17, 2009

Support for the arts and artists emerged as a very powerful issue in the recent federal election, thanks to the hard work of many arts groups who pressed hard to bring it forward. It became a key issue because arts and culture funding has been under attack from the Conservatives over the past several years. Arts and culture are essential to our identity as Canadians, and government investment in the arts provides significant returns – in terms of revenue generated, jobs created and spin-off benefits. The arts bring people to our cities, provide jobs, and enrich our lives.

Feb 10, 2009

Dear Friends,

The already overburdened legal aid system in our province is about to get a whole lot worse due to upcoming funding cuts. Our community’s most vulnerable will pay the price. I’m deeply concerned about this and have written to both the provincial and federal Attorneys General about this, the Hon. Wally Oppal and the Hon. Rob Nicholson, respectively. I’m including the letter for your information.

Feb 5, 2009

Dear Friends,

I have been receiving a noticeable increase in complaints from constituents in East Vancouver regarding telemarketing and aggressive solicitation tactics. I am very troubled about the practices of these telemarketing businesses and as a result I recently wrote to Industry Minister Tony Clement, to register my concerns on this. I have included a copy of my letter to the Minister (see below), so please take a look at it.

Jan 23, 2009

Dear Friends,

The federal budget is coming down on Tuesday, January 27th, and I have something to say about it! I hosted a budget consultation in my riding with community groups and asked for their feedback and priorities to help
stimulate our economy. I'm including a summary for your information.

Dec 4, 2008

Tell Stephen Harper not to play politics with people’s lives!

WHEN:
Saturday, December 6, 2008
4:00pm - 8:00pm

WHERE:
In front of Insite
139 East Hastings
Vancouver, BC

Dec 1, 2008

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your support and confidence in the recent federal election – it’s warmly and gratefully received. And welcome to the latest edition of my Community Links Bulletin! The bulletin was delayed by the federal election and we are now trying to get back on schedule.

Sep 11, 2008

A General election has been called for October 14, 2008.

For information about voting in Vancouver East go here and for general voting information, please check www.elections.ca

To find Libby Davies' election website, go to electlibby.ca.

Elections Canada maintains a list of all registered Canadian political parties.

Please vote!

Oct 4, 2007

Dear friends,

I am sorry I cannot be at the vigil today, but I am there from my heart, and stand in support and solidarity for all our sisters who are missing.

Sep 27, 2007

Bruce Allen, Radio Host
CKNW 980, Suite 2000 - 700 West Georgia
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1K9

Dear Mr. Allen,

I am writing to share my concerns, along with hundreds of others, about your controversial editorial of September 13th about immigrants.