Libby's Statement on the Anniversary of the Air India Bombing
Rainbow day on the Hill arcs over Parliament – Libby Davies
Rainbow day on the Hill arcs over Parliament
A joint program between youth diversity initiative Jer’s Vision and New Democrat MP Dany Morin’s office, the first annual Rainbow Day on the Hill allowed six queer high school students to experience the inner workings of our political system and view the full spectrum of what it’s like to be a queer politician working on behalf of Canadians…In addition to Morin, participating MPs included Libby Davies, Randall Garrison, Craig Scott, Phillip Toone and Scott Brison. With the exception of Brison, all of the openly gay MPs represent the NDP, while Brison wears Liberal red…Nepean High School student Hannah Collins, 17, shadowed Davies and cited Davies’ pragmatic approach to critical issues as the most crucial bit of counsel she received.
The original article, Rainbow day on the Hill arcs over Parliament was published on May 2, 2012 in Xtra News. Author(s): Bradley Turcotte
Libby urges the Conservative government to expand compassionate care benefits for parents
Libby urges the Conservative government to expand compassionate care benefits for parents
Libby urges the Conservative government to expand compassionate care benefits for parents
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House of Commons
HANSARD
April 30, 2012
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives keep making cuts they were never honest about before, like the decision to cut the OAS. Now they are backing away from the commitment that they made to the parents of gravely ill children.
The Conservatives brag about having acted to help parents of crime victims, so why are they failing the parents of children who have fallen victim to illness?
The Conservatives promised to help. When will they fulfill that promise and why was it not in the budget?
Hon. Diane Finley (Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our government does want to help families when one of their members is facing a serious illness. That is why we expanded eligibility for compassionate care benefits under EI. As well, we did make a promise in last year’s election campaign that we would be bringing forward assistance for families who have gravely ill children. We intend to keep that promise and we will be doing it soon.
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, we have not seen anything on this so-called promise the Conservatives have made.
In fact, at her own press conference today the minister refused to answer questions about it because apparently it does not fit with her message of the day.
No wonder the Conservative government has a well-earned award for secrecy from The Canadian Association of Journalists.
I ask again. Why will the Conservatives not level with Canadians who want straightforward information, or is their PM-approved message of the day as much information as they think Canadians deserve?
Recap: Libby's internet privacy forum
Libby urges the Health Minister to reinstate women’s health research funding
Libby urges the Health Minister to reinstate women’s health research funding
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House of Commons
HANSARD
April 26, 2012
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, based on that response, we gather that it is perfectly all right to make women pay the price for the government’s damaging cuts.
Does the minister understand that these groups may be forced to close their doors permanently at a time when we need to know more about women’s health, not less.
The Centres of Excellence improve women’s health outcomes, and that is something that we all benefit from.
Why is the minister arguing against the health promotion work of these groups, work that saves health care dollars?
Will the minister reverse these cuts?
Mr. Colin Carrie (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, CPC):
As I said, Mr. Speaker, this fund was established at a time when there were not many programs aimed toward women’s health. We have spent more money than other government in promoting women’s health. Our government continues to assist the provinces and territories in the delivery of health care. We will be transferring historic amounts over the next few years; $40 billion by the end of the decade. Again the NDP members voted against each one of those initiatives.
Libby urges the Health Minister to reinstate funding for First Nation health programs
Libby urges the Health Minister to reinstate funding for First Nation health programs
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6
April 24, 2012
Dear Minister,
I am writing you to express my concern over your government’s recent decision to cut funding to a variety of health organizations serving First Nations people, including the National Aboriginal Health Organization, the Native Women’s Association, the First Nations Statistical Institute, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. All of these organizations provide invaluable research and services to improve the health of Canadians’ First Nations people.
First Nations people face many adverse health issues on a daily basis, and have the highest rate of chronic health conditions in Canada. Some of the health challenges faced by First Nations people include high rates of HIV and tuberculosis; higher risks of suicide; and higher infant mortality rates. First Nations women live almost six years less and First Nations men close to 8 years less than their non-Aboriginal peers.
The Native Women’s Association (NWAC) lost all funding related to Aboriginal health improvement programs. NWAC provides programs, research, and policy initiatives to identify and support the health needs of First Nations women. They have worked tirelessly for over 30 years to improve the health outcomes of First Nations women and reverse the grave health inequities that exist for these women.
The First Nations Statistical Institute, who provide statistical information on the demographics of First Nations communities, lost 50% of its operational funding and will lose all of its funding by 2013. Effective immediately the Assembly of First Nations will its health services by 40%, impacting its supportive and facilitative role in informing the development of health policies and programs. The Pauktuutit’s Inuit Women of Canada’s national Inuit health projects were also eliminated due to funding cuts.
Investing in these organizations’ work is critical to improving the health outcomes Canada’s most vulnerable population, as their innovative projects and programs provide desperately needed front-line services. These funding cuts will create devastating health outcomes for First Nations people and will increase healthcare spending in the long-term.
I urge you to reinstate funding for the health research and programs coordinated by National Aboriginal Health Organization, the Native Women’s Association, the First Nations Statistical Institute, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. Reinstating their funding would show that the health of First Nations people is a priority for this government.
Sincerely,
Libby Davies, MP
Vancouver East
NDP Health Critic