Category: Uncategorized
Lilbby on the peace movement – Libby Davies
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
Politics
Libby on increased funding for the CBC
Libby on increased funding for the CBC
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
Libby on increased funding for the CBC
June 2009
The HST: Taxing everyday essentials
The HST: Taxing everyday essentials
House of Commons
HANSARD Blues
September 18, 2009
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, increasing taxes on everyday essentials is like to trying to dig oneself out of a hole.
Yet the government is pushing forward with its HST scheme, raising taxes on items like school supplies, home heating and even funerals.
Harmonization will create more harm than good.
Can the government explain how paying higher taxes will help Canadians who are struggling with this recession?
Hon. Tony Clement (Minister of Industry, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I encourage the hon. member, if she feels very strongly about this, to run for a position in the British Columbia legislature. This is the place that makes these kinds of decisions, as well as the Ontario legislature. Our place is merely to facilitate decisions that have already been made by provincial legislatures. That is our place in this.
Her party, however, whenever it gets a chance, wants to increase taxes, wants to increase the burden on businesses, as well as individuals. That is her record. Thank goodness it is not this government’s record.
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, it is that sort of twisted logic that feeds the cynicism of the public.
The finance minister lobbied B.C. for years to harmonize its sales tax with the GST. Now the minister is trying to convince us that his government has nothing to do with this unpopular tax shift, but Canadians see the $1 billion trail leading to his door.
I would like to ask the finance minister, exactly what date did negotiations with B.C. begin? The people of B.C. would love to know that.
The HST: Taxing everyday essentials
Libby speaking out on fairness for students with disabilities – Libby Davies
Libby speaking out on fairness for students with disabilities
Postsecondary students with disabilities are getting shortchanged with the new income-reporting procedure in applications for federal grants, according to NDP Vancouver East MP Libby Davies. In a letter to the Human Resources and Skills Development Minister Diane Finley (https://libbydavies.ca/parliament/openletter/2009/09/02/fairness-students-disabilities), Davies noted that in the past these students were required to state only their projected income and expenses. However, they are now being asked to cite their gross income as reported in their previous year’s tax return, and that includes grants received from the federal government.
The original article, Federal government reduces grants to disabled students was published on September 16, 2009 in Straight.com. Author(s): Carlito Pablo