You're Invited to our Seasonal Open House!
CANADA NEEDS A NATIONAL PLAN TO DEAL WITH DEMENTIA
CANADA NEEDS A NATIONAL PLAN TO DEAL WITH DEMENTIA
[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”media_large”,”fid”:”281″,”attributes”:{“alt”:””,”class”:”media-image”,”height”:”360″,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”,”width”:”480″}}]]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2013
CANADA NEEDS A NATIONAL PLAN TO DEAL WITH DEMENTIA
OTTAWA – Canada is facing a looming crisis in the number of people afflicted with dementia—so New Democrats are calling on the government to develop a pan-Canadian strategy to deal with the disorder.
“G8 countries will hold a special summit on dementia tomorrow and Canada will be one of the few countries at the summit without a national dementia plan,” said NDP MP Claude Gravelle (Nickel Belt). “Canadians deserve better and I call on the government to support my bill C-356 to develop a national plan on dementia.”
Gravelle was joined by the Ottawa and Renfrew Alzheimer Society and Matt Dineen whose partner in her early 40s was recently diagnosed with dementia.
“I have written Health Minister Rona Ambrose as she prepares for the upcoming special December G8 Summit,” said Dineen. “A national dementia strategy is imperative for my family and so many others.”
747,000 Canadians live with dementia now. The number is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2031. The illness costs the Canadian economy an estimated $33 billion including millions of hours of unpaid caregiving.
“Canada needs a dementia plan now,” said NDP health critic Libby Davies (Vancouver—East). “Claude Gravelle’s bill supports The Alzheimer Society’s call for a national dementia plan to help reduce the burden of dementia and to support more people with the disease across Canada.”
CANADA NEEDS A NATIONAL PLAN TO DEAL WITH DEMENTIA
Violence Against Women
Violence Against Women
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP): Mr. Speaker, Monday is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day coincides with the anniversary of the tragic death of 14 young women who were killed at the École Polytechnique in Montreal because of their gender.
The case of the 69 women missing from the downtown east side of Vancouver also highlights the grave danger many women face in their lives. Sex trade workers are awarded no rights in our society and the level of violence they face is astronomical.
I urge my colleagues on the parliamentary committee, who are about to review the solicitation laws, to hear from sex trade workers themselves and put forward recommendations that will improve their safety and communities overall.
I also call on the Minister of Justice to place a moratorium on the enforcement of the communicating laws under the Criminal Code.
This December 6 we must dedicate ourselves to ensure that violence against women is eliminated and that all women live in dignity, with respect and equality in our society.
Libby's statement marking the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
STATEMENT BY OFFICIAL OPPOSITION LEADER TOM MULCAIR ON THE DEATH OF NELSON MANDELA
STATEMENT BY OFFICIAL OPPOSITION LEADER TOM MULCAIR ON THE DEATH OF NELSON MANDELA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2013
It is a rare individual whose reputation for wisdom transcends time. Nelson Mandela, who died today at the age of 95, is one of them. New Democrats join others around the world in mourning the loss of this exceptional man.
Mr. Mandela devoted his life to fighting against injustice and defending, educating and caring for his people. An honourary Canadian citizen, he was a source of inspiration for all – from the most humble and impoverished to the world’s most powerful.
For 50 years, Mr. Mandela fought apartheid and racism. He guided South Africa towards racial equality and democracy, at the risk of his life, and at the price of his freedom. He is rightly considered the father of modern South Africa.
His country’s first black president, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela is an extraordinary example of indomitable courage and faith.
The light that he brought to the world will continue to shine long after him.
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
– Nelson Mandela, Inauguration speech, May 10, 1994.
STATEMENT BY OFFICIAL OPPOSITION LEADER TOM MULCAIR ON THE DEATH OF NELSON MANDELA
Libby on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Welfare Reform in BC
Welfare Reform in BC
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the former Finance Minister’s elimination of the Canada Assistance Plan has paved the way for the B.C. government to be the first province to impose time limits on social assistance. The 24-month rule will put tens of thousands into destitution and is being challenged today in B.C.
There is a clear federal responsibility here, through transfer payments and under the Constitution, to provide essential services to all Canadians.
I would ask the Finance Minister, will he make it clear to the B.C. government that these changes are unlawful and unjust and must be stopped now?
Hon. John Manley (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I believe that the matter which the Hon. Member has raised is something that lies within the exclusive jurisdiction of the province.
I think that, as we have seen over the last number of years, support to the provinces under CHST, for health care as well as for those other areas of provincial spending that are covered by the CHST, have increased and I expect that federal funding will continue to increase to the provinces for those purposes.