Recognizing Michael Kirby’s contribution to the field of mental health – Libby Davies

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Posted on 2014.06.9

Recognizing Michael Kirby’s contribution to the field of mental health

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of Michael Kirby, who is here today to receive the annual Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Association of Parliamentarians for his contributions to the field of mental health.

Mr. Kirby was the first chair the of Mental Health Commission of Canada, which created the national standard for psychological health and safety in the workplace, something we hope will be implemented soon within the public service.

The Mental Health Commission’s other groundbreaking project, At Home/Chez Soi has also provided important approaches to housing and mental health.

Mr. Kirby’s recent campaign titled “Right by you” focuses on the necessity for more mental health services for young people. With Canada’s youth suicide rate at the highest of any industrialized country, it is more important than ever to address this growing crisis in our country.

We extend our congratulations to Mr. Kirby for his exemplary work in the field of mental health and for bringing attention to an illness that is too frequently ignored while there is still much that needs to be done.

So-called ‘tough’ drug bill all about politics

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So-called ‘tough’ drug bill all about politics

After 35 years of experience with mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes, Americans are beginning to abandon this discredited approach. Yet Stephen Harper's Conservative government now wants to saddle Canadians with these expensive and ineffective laws.

The original article, 'Tough' drug bill all about politics was published on May 11, 2009 in The Toronto Star. Author(s): Editorial

Women on top of anti-war wave – Libby Davies

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Women on top of anti-war wave

Not that all men are warmongers, but it’s striking how, in recent years, the most outspoken, out-front, outrageous and out-there peace activists have been women. And older women at that. Is it because, as our baby-making hormones ebb, our anti-war-mones take over? Here in Canada, we have the Raging Grannies, often seen at the front lines of demonstrations against everything from the U.S. attack on Iraq to the globalization of trade that exploits workers, including women and children, around the word.

The original article, Women on top of anti-war wave was published on May 6, 2009 in Toronto Star. Author(s): Antonia Zerbisias

Hearing testimony on the failures of C-15

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Posted on 2009.05.5

Hearing testimony on the failures of C-15

All the witnesses appearing on Bill C 15 Mandatory Minimum Sentences for drug crimes) so far (save one who supports MMS) have flatly called for the Bill to be defeated. I agree this Bill must be defeated!! And indeed the NDP voted against it at Second Reading.

And now the BQ are saying, they too, will oppose it. The Liberals have said they will support the bill, with some amendments. They have asked witnesses a lot about the Drug Treatment Courts, which is a minor element of the Bill, and is there only as a small concession for those who think drug treatment courts are the way to go. (I don’t, for various reasons which I’m happy to elaborate on). But on the substantive issue of MMS for drug crimes they have been silent – and are prepared to vote for the Bill, it seems. I think the Liberals need to think this one through carefully…..as the Bill is the antipathy of the balanced four pillar approach, they have supported previously.

I will bring forward amendments to mitigate the worst elements of the Bill – but the NDP will remain opposed overall.

A very powerful witness on Monday was Deborah Small, from Break the Chains in New York. She provided excellent testimony of MMS experience in the US and the many lives and families that have been destroyed. Surely, we should learn from the US experience? I am still waiting for the Minister to produce ANY evidence he has, that MM’s for drug crimes work. (There’s lots to show they don’t work). This is a classic battle of Conservative ideology vs rational public policy. I’m doing all I can to ensure public policy wins out. For every one out there who has been so great on this – thank you – we’ve got to keep the pressure up – this Bill has to go!

Same Prom Different Dress

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Same Prom Different Dress

Building projects in Ottawa have so far received only a slim share of infrastructure funds allocated by the Harper government, while more than half the federal money committed in Ontario is earmarked for major transit improvements for Toronto. A breakdown of investments by Infrastructure Canada since the January federal budget shows that $50 million for the new convention centre is the only Ottawa project funded by the Tories out of about $1.4 billion committed for the province.

The original article, Same Prom Different Dress was published on April 27, 2009 in The Ottawa Citizen. Author(s): Glen McGregor

Glen Hillson

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Posted on 2003.06.13

Glen Hillson

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP): Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I along with my colleague from Burnaby-Douglas, all members of our NDP caucus and our leader Jack Layton hear of the death of Glen Hillson, one of the greatest AIDS activists in B.C. and indeed the world.

The people of B.C. and Canada are indebted to Glen’s heroic and tireless work for people with HIV-AIDS and his relentless advocacy for government action, research, support and dignity for persons with HIV-AIDS.

Glen Hillson, as the chair of BCPWA and one of the longest surviving people to live with AIDS, was much loved, enormously respected and inspired all of us to work for human rights, accessible health care and dignity for all people.

He will be deeply missed. I am sure that all Members of the House join us in offering our sincere sympathy to his dear partner Gerald, his family and all who have known him and his profound presence in our lives.

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