An Open Letter to the Public Safety Minister on the Extradition of Marc Emery
An Open Letter to the Public Safety Minister on the Extradition of Marc Emery
The Honourable Vic Toews
Minister of Public Safety
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6
Dear Minister Toews,
I write to ask that you stop the extradition of Canadian Marc Emery to the United States and allow him to serve his prison sentence in Canada.
Your government took a rare and unnecessary step today, by extraditing a Canadian citizen to serve a prison sentence in America for actions that are not worthy of prosecution under Canadian laws. Further to this uneven approach, it is my understanding that American officials were amiable to Mr. Emery serving his sentence in Canada. Yet your government has refused to cooperate.
I therefore urge you to act in best the interest of this Canadian citizen and in the interest of Canadian sovereignty and allow Mr. Emery to serve his sentence in Canada.
I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible on this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
Libby Davies, MP
Vancouver East
NDP Spokesperson for Drug Policy
Ottawa still has influence in health policy, Aglukkaq says – Libby Davies
Ottawa still has influence in health policy, Aglukkaq says
GATINEAU, QUE.—Ottawa still has sway with the provinces on health policy, despite issuing a new funding formula without conditions, says Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq. But federal-provincial talks on the future of health care won’t be the tense, high-stakes game of chicken of the past, Aglukkaq said in her first public comments since Finance Minister Jim Flaherty handed provinces the federal health-funding scheme for the coming decade. Instead, the discussions will be more about performance measurement, accountability and sharing of best practices rather than money, she told reporters. Critics and some provinces have accused Ottawa of abdicating its responsibility to maintain a high national standard for health care, and Aglukkaq’s comments on Thursday did nothing to change those views. “She’s dreaming if she thinks it’s a better atmosphere,” said NDP health critic Libby Davies. “I think they’ve botched the whole file.”
The original article, Ottawa still has influence in health policy, Aglukkaq says was published on December 29, 2011 in The Toronto Star. Author(s):
September 2002
DRUG SAFETY BILL A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
STATEMENT BY OFFICIAL OPPOSITION LEADER TOM MULCAIR IN RESPONSE TO OPEN LETTER ON SOCHI OLYMPICS AND LGBT RIGHTS
STATEMENT BY OFFICIAL OPPOSITION LEADER TOM MULCAIR IN RESPONSE TO OPEN LETTER ON SOCHI OLYMPICS AND LGBT RIGHTS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2013
New Democrats welcome this initiative aimed at uniting Canadians in a strong response to Russian legislation promoting hatred and intolerance against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in Russia.
We are happy to lend our support to proposals that help place additional pressure on Russia to respect and honour its international human rights obligations.
It is crucial that all athletes – young women and men who have worked tirelessly to prepare to compete at the Olympics Games – are able to participate fully in the Sochi games.
We urge the Canadian government to act forcefully in support of human rights in Russia and urge civil society and human rights organisations to sign on to this initiative.
Canada’s parliament, government and civil society must unite behind the defense of human rights and work together to ensure that the games in Sochi are inclusive and respectful of the rights of LGBT athletes and spectators.
New Democrats are steadfast in support of human rights and look forward to continuing to work with civil society organizations in support of LGBT rights in Canada and around the world.
COMMUNITY LINKS BULLETIN - January to March 2012
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Libby Davies recaps her fall session
Libby Davies recaps her fall session
Q: What was the highlight of your fall session? A: For me it was watching our new MPs get in the game. It’s been incredible to watch them, because I remember what it was like when I was a new MP, and I was someone who’d been involved in politics municipally for quite a while, and I felt overwhelmed by this place. So watching our new MPs, suddenly we’re the official opposition, and we’re up there in Question Period, and I feel like we’ve found our legs, and here we are, almost in our fifth week of a five-week run and usually by that point, people are getting tired and crabby, and yet our team is still raring to go.
The original article, Libby Davies recaps her fall session was published on December 14, 2011 in Xtra!. Author(s): Dale Smith
Libby questions the Conservative govenment’s commitment to funding health care
Libby questions the Conservative govenment’s commitment to funding health care
House of Commons
HANSARD
December 13, 2011
You can also view this question at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELQBthyt0OM&list=UUBnoBFnZHGM7Lfg3CvBwwEg&index=1&feature=plcp
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, today we learned that the government is keen on slashing increases to health transfers by half.
Just as the 2014 negotiations begin, the message to the provinces is clear: do not expect a willing partner in Ottawa.
The Prime Minister promised not to touch health care transfers, but that is just what he is doing.
Why is the government putting health care services on the chopping block? Why is it breaking its promise and turning its back on the provinces?
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to a publicly funded and universally accessible health care system. We want to see a strong, sustainable Canadian health care system that works for people when they need it. Our government has increased funding to the provinces and territories for health care to a record level, from $19 billion when we formed government to $27 billion this year. We will continue to increase funding for health care in a way that is balanced and sustainable.
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, it is Ottawa’s job to show leadership and accountability. It has yet to follow through on the 2004 accord.
Now the government wants to tie health care funding to the GDP, so in a good year Canadians can get the health care they need but in future years they are out of luck.
The government is making this stuff up as it goes along. Why will it not commit to adequate, stable health transfers on which provinces and Canadians can rely?