With a large caucus alongside her, NDP MP Libby Davies says she is excited to be returning to the Hill. “I’m looking forward to our first caucus meeting, to meet many of the new MPs, but particularly the young folks,” she says. “I’m so excited about the role they’re going to play, and energize the place, and maybe turn Parliament on its head, which would be a good thing. I think it’s going to be pretty fantastic.”

OTTAWA – The Supreme Court of Canada is hearing arguments in Ottawa Thursday for and against the operation of Vancouver’s Insite heroin-injection centre…The Conservative government led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper refused to extend the exemption in 2008 and the group operating the facility has been successfully fighting the decision in lower courts. But NDP Drug Critic, and MP for Vancouver-East Libby Davies, says the facility – the first of its kind in Canada – saves lives. “I find it appalling that the federal government has fought Insite every step of the way.” Davies said. “The Conservatives are so rigid on their own ideological position, that they refuse to look at the overwhelming scientific evidence, more than 20 studies, that show Insite is part of the solution.”

Vancouver housing advocates say they’re planning a campaign over the next month to press for year-round funding of temporary homeless shelters in the city. Vancouver East MP Libby Davies and Vancouver city councillor Ellen Woodsworth joined a crowd of advocates in front of the closed Fraser Street temporary shelter today (May 6).

Davies said she was honoured to be Vancouver East’s MP and proud of NDP leader Jack Layton’s successful campaign. “Who can believe it? We are the official opposition,” she said during her victory speech. “And who can believe what’s happened in Quebec? It’s incredible. Change is taking place. I think it is about new politics. Canadians are so sick and tired of the scandals and the games and the insider stuff. They wanted a leader they could trust. They wanted a leader that they know will follow through on commitments and hold the Conservatives to account. I can commit to you today that we will be the best official opposition that you’ve every seen in this country.” Davies added that the election results highlight “more than ever” that the electoral system needs to change to better reflect the will of voters.