MPs Need to Back Housing Bill – Libby Davies
MPs Need to Back Housing Bill
In an otherwise good editorial, there was a glaring omission from the list of “serious business” for returning MPs to work on, namely support for Vancouver MP Libby Davies’ private member’s Bill C-304, which would ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians through establishment of a National Housing Strategy. Homelessness and lack of housing security hurt us all as Canadians. Safe and adequate housing is linked to better health, community stability, and reduced crime, whereas lack of affordable housing exacerbates poverty, isolation and ill-health, and denies people the stability they need to be able to contribute to society. Further, according to recent studies, homelessness costs Canadian taxpayers an estimated $6 billion per year for emergency shelters, social services, criminal justice and other costs
The original article, MPs Need to Back Housing Bill – Toronto Star Letter by Murray MacAdam was published on September 22, 2010 in The Toronto Star. Author(s): Murray MacAdam, Social Justice & Advocacy Consultant, Anglican Diocese of Toronto
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Libby speaking out on Canada Post service delays
Libby speaking out on Canada Post service delays
Stewart Bacon, President and Chief Executive Officer
Canada Post Corporation
2701 Riverside Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0B1
Dear Mr. Bacon,
RE: Delay of Mail Service
I am writing to express my concerns about an apparent absentee policy that I have just heard about at Canada Post, whereby mail sits undelivered when letter carriers are away. Specifically, no one is called to replace them and therefore mail delivery is delayed.
My colleague, Alex Atamanenko (MP for BC Southern Interior), has recently written on this same matter, and I concur with his points. Service must not be compromised when carriers are absent, as many are dependent on the timely delivery of mail, especially if the mail includes something as important as cheques. In a riding like Vancouver East, the timely delivery of cheques makes the difference between eating or going hungry; or paying the rent or risking eviction.
Further, I am concerned that this policy may be in contravention of the collective agreement, the Canada Post Service Charter, and the Canada Post Act.
Canada has historically had a strong public postal system and I urge you to ensure that this remains the case. I would appreciate a reply as to how and why this policy is in place and what could be done to rectify it.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Libby Davies, MP (Vancouver East)
Libby speaking out on Canada Post service delays
Libby welcomes public inquiry into murdered and missing women
Libby welcomes public inquiry into murdered and missing women
Libby welcomes public inquiry into murdered and missing women
Vancouver – I welcome the Government of British Columbia’s decision yesterday to undertake a public inquiry into the investigation of Vancouver’s murdered and missing women and importantly, an examination of the “manner in which cases involving missing women are investigated,” as outlined in the Province’s press release.
I call on the Attorney General of BC to ensure that this inquiry moves forward in collaboration with First Nations women and other area women’s organizations, and that the voices of the Downtown Eastside, which have been ignored for too long, are heard and listened to.
The Province must also undertake a community-led healing process for the people of the Downtown Eastside, who have been so devastated by the violence and discrimination and disregard that has dominated the investigation of over 60 missing and murdered women over the last three decades.
I further call on the federal government and the RCMP to fully cooperate and assist in this inquiry.
Society has failed these women at every turn. A public inquiry into the actions of law enforcement and the judicial system will go a long way to rectify these failures and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
Libby Davies, MP Vancouver East
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