Vancouver Consumers Gouged at Pumps as Profits Increase

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Posted on 2008.04.29

Vancouver Consumers Gouged at Pumps as Profits Increase

OTTAWA – The NDP is growing concerned over the rising price of gas across Canada especially in Vancouver, with companies such as Petro-Canada reporting a billion dollar profit, said NDP Deputy Leader Libby Davies (Vancouver East).

“This morning, gas prices in Vancouver hit $1.35,” said Davies. “That is a great financial burden for the people of BC. Meanwhile, we see Petro-Canada reporting a $1.1 billion dollar, first-quarter profit. Where is the fairness for BC families?”

Petro-Canada reported a first-quarter profit of $1.1 billion, up from $590 million a year ago. During the quarter, the Calgary-based company produced 427,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, up from 405,000 in the same quarter last year.

“It is unfair for working and middle-class families to be gouged at the pumps while big oil companies continue to reap record profits,” said Davies. “The record prices we’re seeing are a significant pay cut for families. An independent watchdog needs to be set up to monitor prices and help protect against future gouging.”

Davies said ordinary Canadians find themselves trying to cope with uncontrolled rising gas prices because the Liberals and Conservatives have refused to act when gas prices spiked in the past. On April 20, 2005, federal legislation was put forth by NDP MP Brian Masse (Windsor West) to create a petroleum monitoring agency. It was put to a vote but the motion was defeated with Conservatives and Liberals voting against, and NDP MPs and Bloc members voting for the motion.

“The Conservatives and Liberals always support the big corporations, whether they are the banks, polluters, or in this case, the oil companies. It’s time to put fairness back into the consumer’s pocketbooks. Oil companies and energy producers should have to justify and defend cost increases,” said Davies.

“With the Victoria Day long weekend approaching and summer right around the corner, it is unfair for Canadians to be gouged and cheated while the oil and gas companies get richer.”

On the Use of Tasers

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Posted on 2007.11.15

On the Use of Tasers

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP): – Mr. Speaker, I have been calling for a full review of the use of tasers since 2004, shortly after their implication in the deaths of two people who lived in my riding of Vancouver East.

We learned yesterday that after only 30 seconds on the scene at the Vancouver airport, the RCMP tasered Mr. Dziekanski at least twice, with charges of 50,000 volts. Moments later, he was dead.

In too many instances, tasers are being used on the homeless, people with mental health problems or drug use problems and essentially the most marginalized people in our communities.

There are no clear national standards for the use of tasers and little understanding of their impact. Two more men died in Quebec after being tasered earlier this year. We cannot wait for one more victim before action is taken.

Until strict standards are in place, until we can know that tasers are safe and until we can be sure that tasers are being used properly, they should not be in use. We call for a full and comprehensive review of the use of tasers.

Libby Davies Appointed Federal NDP Labour Critic

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Posted on 2008.04.11

Libby Davies Appointed Federal NDP Labour Critic

OTTAWA – Jack Layton today appointed Libby Davies, MP Vancouver East, as the NDP Critic for Labour.

“I’m really excited to become the Labour Critic for the NDP, and for the opportunity to work with our sisters and brothers in the labour movement,” said Davies. “There is a lot to do at the federal level to secure and enhance workers rights, and ensure better working environments and equality in the workforce.”

Davies is the NDP House Leader and has served in several critic areas including Housing, Social Policy and Immigration.

“In my first week as NDP Labour Critic, I would like to express my solidarity with PSAC/UNW Diamond Workers Local X3050, on strike at the Ekati diamond mine, 300 kilometers north east of Yellowknife,” said Davies. “I will work to ensure that all Canadians enjoy the rights to fair collective bargaining and human dignity that the Canada Labour Code guarantees.”

Davies Rejects Report Attacking Safe Injection Site

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Posted on 2008.03.5

Davies Rejects Report Attacking Safe Injection Site

OTTAWA – NDP Deputy Leader Libby Davies today rejected a United Nations International Narcotics Control Board’s (INCB) report attacking harm reduction programmes in Canada.

“The INCB’s claim that Vancouver’s InSite safe injection site and other harm reduction programmes are illegal is completely unfounded. In fact, the legal opinion of the UN’s own Drugs and Crime Program is that harm reduction programs like InSite do not violate international treaties,” said Davies. “InSite is providing life-saving health services, and is in complete compliance with the law.”

Davies comments came in response to release of the INCB’s 2008 Annual Report, which called for the Canadian government to put an end to safe injection sites and other harm reduction programmes. The INCB report appears to contradict the UN General Assembly, the World Health Organization, and other international agencies that have supported harm-reduction as an answer to drug-related health problems.

“We need rational policies that save lives by helping prevent drug overdoses and the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C. Instead, the INCB wants to force us to adopt failed US style drug war strategies,” said Davies. “The INCB is out of touch with current medical research and out of touch with Canadian realities. The INCB needs to be reformed.”

As the NDP Spokesperson for Drug Policy, Davies has met with community organizations and health groups across the country to promote harm reduction as part of Canada’s National Drug Strategy.

“The InSite program has been embraced by municipal government, local law-enforcement, local businesses and the general community who see the positive changes on our streets, and the reduced strain on our policing and health services,” added Davies. “Scientists and activists accept the positive findings from the study from InSite, and like so many Vancouverites, I’m proud that this effective program is part of our community.”

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