Libby getting answers on the HST

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Posted on 2009.09.29

Libby getting answers on the HST

Question Period
House of Commons
September 29, 2009

Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) :
The leader of the NDP is obviously very confused. The decision of whether to harmonize a provincial sales tax with a federal sales tax is a decision made by the province. On the contrary, this government lowered the GST, the federal sales tax, twice. The NDP voted against it and argued against it both times.

Some hon. members: Hear, hear!

Right Hon. Stephen Harper: Mr. Speaker, they cheer. That is why nobody thinks they have any credibility on talking about sales taxes.

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP): Mr. Speaker, there is no confusion on this side. We know where this tax started. It started with that government in their budget and now they are trying to hide from it.

In my province of British Columbia, hard-working families are being hit with this surprise tax hike on everything from haircuts to home heating. We know about the $1.6 billion bribe that is being paid to the provincial Liberals. However, we do not know when negotiations started or why the government is now trying to duck the issue.

The people of B.C. have the right to know the truth. Can the Minister of Finance tell the House here and now when he began negotiating—(the HST with B.C.)

Hon. Jim Flaherty (Minister of Finance, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the decision whether or not to harmonize was of course made by those provinces that have not yet harmonized. The discussions that I had with the province of British Columbia began after the provincial election in British Columbia.

Embattled B.C. premier resigns

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Embattled B.C. premier resigns

The premier and his government had been dogged by continued anger over his decision to introduce the HST shortly after winning re-election in 2009. In fact, anger at Campbell was expressed even in the Commons on Wednesday, with Vancouver East NDP MP Libby Davies rubbing the HST in the premier's face. "This is one of those core fundamental issues about voter trust and democracy, and it's hitting the people of B.C. very hard, and that's why Gordon Campbell's paying a price, and it's why the Conservatives will pay a price, too," she said.

The original article, Embattled B.C. premier resigns was published on November 4, 2010 in The Ottawa Citizen. Author(s):

Lilbby on the peace movement – Libby Davies

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Lilbby on the peace movement

With no fanfare or cheering followers, the Dalai Lama stepped off a plane at Vancouver International Airport Saturday to begin a four-day visit to B.C. While his arrival was low key, his public events will likely be another story. The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader’s previous visits to Vancouver have had more of a rock-star feel, drawing sell-out crowds.

The original article, Dalai Lama arrives in Vancouver for peace summit was published on September 25, 2009 in CTV.ca. Author(s): Stephen Smart

Libby on increased funding for the CBC

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Posted on 2009.09.24

Libby on increased funding for the CBC

Dear Friends,

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is an intrinsic part of Canadian culture. From Vancouver East to Whitehorse to St John’s, the CBC provides coverage that resonates with Canadians.

Last year the CBC announced a $171 million budget shortfall due to lost advertising revenue in the economic downturn. Devastated by the shortfall, the CBC appealed to the Minister of Heritage for a temporary bridging loan to cover the shortfall. When the federal government refused to provide the bridging loan, the CBC was forced to turn inwards to make up the losses and drastically cut 800 jobs – about 10% of their workforce. These cuts also meant closures to local radio and TV stations across the country, and the cancellation of programs like The Inside Track, Outfront and The Point. Not to mention to dismantling of the CBC Radio orchestra.

I held a forum on the CBC this summer where dozens of people came out to show their support for the CBC. In response, I’ve launched a PETITION CAMPAIGN calling on the Conservative government to immediately increase funding to the Canadian broadcaster. Please download my petition and send your signature(s) to me in Ottawa, postage free, at Libby Davies, MP Vancouver East, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6.

Libby

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