Dear Friends,

I offer my support and solidarity for the Walk 4 Justice, leaving Vancouver May 29th and arriving in Terrace B.C. June 20th 2009.

The tragedy of the missing and murdered women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, in B.C. and across the country requires our immediate attention and action to ensure safety, support, and an end to violence against women. [ read more…]

Like other metro Vancouver communities, East Vancouver has been recently caught in the horrific and terrifying gun violence, resulting from gangs involved in organized crime and drugs. I have heard from a number of constituents who are horrified at what’s taking place and have a sense of dread at the level of violence, randomness, and the impact on innocent people. [ read more…]

On Saturday, I attended the 18th Annual Missing Women’s Memorial March in the Downtown Eastside. Eagles circled high above us at Main and Hastings, maybe as a sign that their spirits were close by as we looked up.

I have been to many of the marches as they wind their way through the allys and streets that hold the memories and stories of the tragedy of the missing, but not to be forgotten women. [ read more…]

The week goes so fast in Ottawa; I can barely remember all that happened. It’s a blur of activity, seriously. As House Leader for the NDP I have particular responsibilities and I seem to dash from place to place, trying to stay on top of what’s happening on the Hill. [ read more…]

Over the past 21 days 1,133 Palestinians have been killed by Israel, including 346 children and 105 women. 5,200 have been injured. As of this morning, these are the latest reported casualties. I add my voice to the many thousands to speak out in condemnation at the on-going assault by Israel on Gaza. [ read more…]

January 6, 2009

Right Honourable Stephen Harper
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

Dear Prime Minister,

The top UN official in Gaza has reported that “nowhere is safe in Gaza.” With a mounting death toll of over 600 Palestinians; over 2,700 wounded; and an unfolding humanitarian crisis of no running water, no electricity, no adequate medical help, and 13,000 refugees who have fled the front lines, the assault on Gaza by Israel will not in any way improve conditions for peace and security. [ read more…]

Having just returned to Canada, I have been watching the developments in Gaza.

I am member of the Canada Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association and have worked with other MPs to pressure for peace and justice for Palestinians, by pressuring our Canadian government to show leadership in implementing UN resolutions regarding Palestine, and supporting the legitimate legal, political, and social demands of the Palestinian people. [ read more…]

It has been a raucous week in Parliament, and now we have a Prime Minister who is desperately clinging to power at any cost.

I’ve had emails from many people – across the country and of course, from East Van. A few have been vicious, regrettably – but many people seemed to be encouraged by the idea of a new coalition, focussed on real change and help for people, especially given the economic recession and lack of action from Harper’s government. [ read more…]

What a week! It flew by and here I am, at the end of the first week back in Parliament. The Speech From The Throne was the highlight of the week, but prior to that the new NDP caucus met and it was great to see 12 new members from across the country. [ read more…]

Last Saturday was an exciting day for Vancouver as we voted in a new mayor and a progressive majority for city council, school board, and parks board. I was so pleased that Gregor Robertson and the Vision Vancouver and COPE team will be bringing new direction to City Hall in the coming weeks, and would like to congratulate Vision and COPE and all the many volunteers who helped make this election happen. [ read more…]