Violence Against Women
Violence Against Women
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP): Mr. Speaker, Monday is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day coincides with the anniversary of the tragic death of 14 young women who were killed at the École Polytechnique in Montreal because of their gender.
The case of the 69 women missing from the downtown east side of Vancouver also highlights the grave danger many women face in their lives. Sex trade workers are awarded no rights in our society and the level of violence they face is astronomical.
I urge my colleagues on the parliamentary committee, who are about to review the solicitation laws, to hear from sex trade workers themselves and put forward recommendations that will improve their safety and communities overall.
I also call on the Minister of Justice to place a moratorium on the enforcement of the communicating laws under the Criminal Code.
This December 6 we must dedicate ourselves to ensure that violence against women is eliminated and that all women live in dignity, with respect and equality in our society.
Libby's statement marking the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
STATEMENT BY OFFICIAL OPPOSITION LEADER TOM MULCAIR ON THE DEATH OF NELSON MANDELA
STATEMENT BY OFFICIAL OPPOSITION LEADER TOM MULCAIR ON THE DEATH OF NELSON MANDELA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2013
It is a rare individual whose reputation for wisdom transcends time. Nelson Mandela, who died today at the age of 95, is one of them. New Democrats join others around the world in mourning the loss of this exceptional man.
Mr. Mandela devoted his life to fighting against injustice and defending, educating and caring for his people. An honourary Canadian citizen, he was a source of inspiration for all – from the most humble and impoverished to the world’s most powerful.
For 50 years, Mr. Mandela fought apartheid and racism. He guided South Africa towards racial equality and democracy, at the risk of his life, and at the price of his freedom. He is rightly considered the father of modern South Africa.
His country’s first black president, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela is an extraordinary example of indomitable courage and faith.
The light that he brought to the world will continue to shine long after him.
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
– Nelson Mandela, Inauguration speech, May 10, 1994.
STATEMENT BY OFFICIAL OPPOSITION LEADER TOM MULCAIR ON THE DEATH OF NELSON MANDELA
Libby on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Welfare Reform in BC
Welfare Reform in BC
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the former Finance Minister’s elimination of the Canada Assistance Plan has paved the way for the B.C. government to be the first province to impose time limits on social assistance. The 24-month rule will put tens of thousands into destitution and is being challenged today in B.C.
There is a clear federal responsibility here, through transfer payments and under the Constitution, to provide essential services to all Canadians.
I would ask the Finance Minister, will he make it clear to the B.C. government that these changes are unlawful and unjust and must be stopped now?
Hon. John Manley (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I believe that the matter which the Hon. Member has raised is something that lies within the exclusive jurisdiction of the province.
I think that, as we have seen over the last number of years, support to the provinces under CHST, for health care as well as for those other areas of provincial spending that are covered by the CHST, have increased and I expect that federal funding will continue to increase to the provinces for those purposes.
Conservative government must meet Canadians’ health needs
Conservative government must meet Canadians’ health needs
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House of Commons
HANSARD
December 3, 2013
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, the Health Council of Canada has panned the Conservatives for their lack of leadership. It has pointed to their repeated failures to meet clear commitments on the health accords.
Last month, the College of Family Physicians released an equally damning report.
The minister has had months to review these important reports by leading experts.
Does the minister agree that improvements are urgently needed and what will she do, today, to uphold our public health care system to meet the needs of Canadians?
Hon. Rona Ambrose (Minister of Health, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I have met with a number of those groups and, of course, many of those reports also say positive things. The reality is all of those stakeholders in the health care field that I met with work very hard. There are challenges. However, from the federal level, we are taking leadership to address many of these difficult challenges and working in partnership with provinces and territories. Of course, the funding issue has been settled with a record funding commitment which would reach $40 billion per year by the end of the decade and provide stability and predictability to the system – something that the provinces and territories, and all health stakeholders need.
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, a new poll shows that Canadians are concerned that their health care system will not be there for them in their old age.
By 2036, the number of Canadian seniors will have doubled. We need a health care system that would include home care, long-term care, palliative care, and affordable drug coverage that is accessible to seniors.
Why is the minister lagging so far behind on a national strategy to address seniors’ health?
Hon. Rona Ambrose (Minister of Health, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I would be happy to address that. First, I would like to give kudos to my colleague, the Minister of State (Seniors), who is working diligently, in very targeted ways, on the issue of seniors. The Minister of Economic Development is also working on a great deal of measures related to housing. However, when it comes to seniors’ health, I can tell members that not only do we take it very seriously, we have met with the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Nurses Association, and frankly, all Canadian health care stakeholders that concern themselves with seniors and, most important, of course, the provinces and territories, to which we are transferring a record amount of funding to deal with these very difficult challenges.