Keeping InSite Open

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Posted on 2008.05.5

Keeping InSite Open

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP): – Mr. Speaker, the exemption that allows Insite to operate is set to expire June 30.

Again and again, the government has delayed a decision on this important facility, saying more research needs to be done.

The research has been done and it is absolutely clear. More than 20 studies have demonstrated the health, safety and cost benefits of Insite.

This morning, the criminologist hired by the government said that Insite contributes to public order and saves lives. When will the government listen to the evidence and extend Insite’s permit to operate?

Hon. Tony Clement (Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, CPC): Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, the extension ends on June 30 and the government will make a decision before that time.

I would like to say to the House, however, that I was very pleased to be with the justice minister and the public safety minister last week when we announced $111 million to help individuals who are addicted to illicit and unhealthy drugs and for prevention purposes as well to make sure that our kids get the message that these drugs are unsafe.

That is the kind of government we have in Canada now, a government that cares about addicts and cares about those who would otherwise be twisted on to these very dangerous drugs.

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP): Mr. Speaker, last week, leading researchers from UBC condemned the government’s interference in research on Insite. The only response from the government was that the decision on Insite would not be based on scientific evidence alone.

If the Conservative government is not making its decisions based on evidence, then what on earth is it basing it on? What exactly is the government so desperately seeking that was not covered in more than 20 studies? What is it so afraid of in dealing with the scientific evidence before it?

Hon. Tony Clement (Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, CPC): Mr. Speaker, it is unusual for the hon. member to make that allegation.

We are the government that actually wants more research, that actually commissioned more research because we want to make sure this decision is the right decision for Canada, for addicts and for the community in Vancouver. That is the decision we have made, more research and more consideration. That is because we are open-minded and we want to make the best decision for Canada and Canadians.

Statement from Libby on Consevative InSite Interference

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Posted on 2008.05.2

Statement from Libby on Consevative InSite Interference

OTTAWA – “The Conservative government must stop its unconscionable interference in scientific research on Vancouver’s safe injection site. Medical researchers from the University of British Columbia have revealed that Harper and his team have been suppressing evidence and denying funding to scientists who are looking objectively at the merits of InSite.

“More than 20 medical and academic studies have been published showing the health and social benefits of InSite. We now have both scientific fact and evidence from users in our community that this facility is helping, not hurting the people of our city. The research record shows that InSite saves lives and increases public safety.

“Harper doesn’t understand that you can’t just hide the facts whenever they don’t suit your political agenda. We need a change in direction. It’s time for this government to make decisions based on evidence instead of ideology – InSite needs to be kept open.”

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.”

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