Monthly Archives: May 2011

The League of Green Nations

Posted by @ElizabethMay

It has indeed been a very long time since I wrote a blog – 30 days to be exact. My last posting was a call to vote Green on the eve of the May 2nd election.

We all know what happened in that election –

  • Greens made history. The voters in Saanich Gulf Islands (SGI) made history with a 75% voter turn-out, 31,900 Green votes and 46% support. Yesterday I was sworn in as the first elected Green Member of Parliament in Canadian history. 
  • The Conservative Party won the most seats in Parliament with less than 40% of the popular vote. 
  • Five leaders went into the election campaign. Four decided, with media executives, to exclude one leader. At the end of the election, two of those leaders lost their own seats. Three federal party leaders from pre-May 2 remain, including the one leader denied the right to be part of the national leaders debate. 
  • The number of votes in 14 ridings that made the difference between a minority and majority government was 6201. The case for proportional representation has never been stronger. 
  • We ran a great campaign and my thanks go out to our campaign manager, Lois Corbett, and to the fabulous candidates who ran from coast to coast to coast. Greens have never run a finer campaign. 

Since the election, the pace of activity has not slackened. The sudden onslaught of media interviews, the work of finding a constituency office, getting briefed in Ottawa, visiting and celebrating with Green volunteers throughout my riding, researching the rules of procedure in the House, and finally, being in Ottawa with only days before the resumption of the House. There hasn’t been a break since the election.

While I focus on my role as MP for SGI in the constituency and on the Hill, so too are we working to build the Green Party base over the next four years so that in the next election, we will win more than 12 seats. Even before the 2015 election, we may have ideal opportunities to elect more Green MPs in by-elections. We need to fortify ourselves against the coming regressive move: the rolling back of Chretien’s campaign finance reforms. As a result, the Green Party will not receive public financing between elections. We will need to ask our friends and colleagues to consider going on the monthly giving plan. Even $5/month will make a big difference to the health of the party and our ability to take the foothold we have in Parliament and turn it into a solid political force.

We achieved our breakthrough this past election. But we all know it is only the beginning. I will try to do a better job keeping you posted through this blog. Through a Parliamentary website from my office, you will also have direct sources of information. I will do whatever I can to improve openness and transparency in government.

Now the work begins.


Great News from Bonnie Dawson, NWT Candidate

Posted by AAEV Party of Canada

(Received May 26 – Terrific work, Bonnie!!!)

Yesterday I received the mailed hard copy confirmation letter from MACA Min. Robert McLeod’s office, date stamped May 17, 2011. Same letter I had received via email on May 18th.

New Dog Act came into effect on May 15, 2011.

NWT cannot pat itself on the back just yet. Enactment of the new Dog Act moved NWT to Third Last place for Best Place to Abuse Animals. Still nothing to be proud of, a minor improvement at best.

It is most encouraging to see that after three years of my hard work (2008-2011) pressuring the GNWT I have won a Victory for the Dogs here in the NWT. While it is not the Comprehensive Animal Protection Act that I have been fighting for, it is an “interim measure until a comprehensive Animal Protection Act” can be legislated. The motion was brought forward and carried in the Legislative Assembly on March 4, 2011 (Hansard) to continue working towards a comprehensive act, which means that the new government resulting from the Fall election are to continue working towards that goal. I want to see a Comprehensive Animal Protection Act similar to that of Ontario (The Best in Canada). Note that I provided every Canadian Provincial Act to the GNWT for them to draw upon as a Template, as well as graphic pictures, incidents as reported by the media and countless research documents on the Link Between Animal Cruelty and Human Violence. My hope is that the GNWT will adopt an Act closely like that of Ontario ..the Best in Canada.

The decades of unprosecuted and continuing violence against animals should now hopefully come to an end. With the New Dog Act in effect and combined with the Federal Criminal Code perpetrators of neglect, cruelty and violence against dogs should be properly charged and face the consequences. There is no viable or acceptable excuse that can be given for not charging and prosecuting these individuals to the fullest extent of the Territorial and Federal Law.

I will continue my work towards the Comprehensive Animal Protection Act, will continue to monitor all cases of violence against animals in the NWT and I will continue to draw Global attention to these incidents. Until such time as a Comprehensive Act is legislated in the NWT the territory will remain in the bottom tier compared to the rest of Canada. Until such time as violators/offenders in animal cruelty cases are charged and successfully face the justice deserved for their acts of violence against animals the territory will remain in the bottom tier.


A New Parliament Begins

Posted by Harold Ludwig

Later this week, the first session of the 41st Parliament begins in Ottawa—one that looks dramatically different from what existed before, with a newly-elected Conservative majority, an NDP Official Opposition (for the first time in history), dramatically reduced Liberal and Bloc Quebecois parties, and a lone Green Party MP (for the first time). What will happen there and why does it matter?

In our system of parliamentary democracy, MPs are elected to represent their constituents and to enact laws governing the country according to the principles that represent their party and their own consciences. They aren’t just there to reflect the whims of the electorate at any given moment—that’s populism of a kind that leads to chaos in the end. The point is: who gets elected, and what party they represent, matters in Ottawa.

As a political party vying for office, CHP Canada has a vested interest in what goes on in Parliament, and needs to monitor what kind of legislation is brought forward, or, in some cases, what is not being brought forward or advocated.

While we don’t currently have any representation in Ottawa, I believe it’s important that we keep a close eye on what’s happening there. We might even consider appointing someone as a Parliamentary Liaison Officer, to act as a watchdog over parliamentary activity and to provide a means to respond to the government (and to individual MPs) on issues that are of particular concern to us and our constituency.

With no election on the horizon for four years, we need to concentrate on sharpening our Better Solutions for Government, and developing new policies to meet existing or new challenges, such as the future of health care in this country. As well, we need to provide principled responses to issues of the day as they arise, so that we are seen as offering sensible solutions to problems facing this country—not from a narrow self-interest, but from the perspective of a party that has solid principles based on a firm foundation of enduring values. In this way, we can be relevant to the national debate and show our own members (as well as potential new members) that we have something of value to contribute.

In the meantime, we need to identify groups that have similar principles and views, and join with them to present our case to MPs and parties currently in power.

What will this new Parliament have to deal with shortly? Among other things, a slightly amended budget which was not passed before the election. One of the items contained therein is the elimination of the $2.00 per vote subsidy for political parties. That is actually only a small part of a bigger issue of how political parties are financed, as well as how votes are counted in our system. It should be interesting to see if the NDP pushes their long-standing policy on proportional representation. The CHP can contribute to that debate.

This is only one example of many others that could be mentioned, such as the ‘gift’ of $2 billion dollars to the province of Quebec for agreeing to some form of the HST some years ago, and whether that’s really warranted or not; the support of the NATO-led efforts to bring down the current regime in Libya; the future of the health system in our country; and so on.

Of urgent importance is the fact, recently revealed by the Toronto Star, that a Canadian group participating in a flotilla to break Israel’s blockade that prevents weapons from being smuggled into Gaza, received $5 million of taxpayers’ money! This ‘gift’ subverts Canada’s position that Israel has a right to defend itself. When bureaucrats by-pass government policy and send taxpayers’ money to supporters of terrorist groups (like the Turkish IHH, sponsors of the flotilla), it’s a sign that there’s a need for a shakeup!

As a party, and as the leadership of the party, we will be discussing these and many other issues next week as we chart a course for the future of the party at our national board meeting. We hope that you’ll take the time to let us know where you think we should be heading as well, and to do your part in monitoring the political affairs in Ottawa. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a civic duty, and affects all of us as Canadians concerned about the direction of the country.

Please contact us by Monday June 6 with your thoughts for the future of the CHP through the Executive Director, (1-888-868-3247) who will bring them all to this important strategic planning meeting. Let us pray, too, for those who represent us currently in Ottawa, and let us implore God to grant His favour over them and us. May God bless Canada.



Harper not showing leadership on health care: report

Posted by @JackLayton

OTTAWA –The Harper Government has failed to provide national leadership on tacking the critical issues facing Canada’s health care system, says New Democrat Health Critic Libby Davies. Davies was reacting to conclusions outlined in today’s Canada Health Council’s report.

“Canadians are concerned about the future of their health care system. Simply throwing more money at it will not solve the current challenges, you need better leadership,” said Davies.

The report confirms the Conservative government has failed to provide leadership on health care, including on important initiatives like a national pharmaceutical strategy, hiring more frontline health care professionals, expanded home care supports, shortened wait times, and an electronic health records system.

““Prescription drugs are one of the most expensive components of our healthcare system,” Davies said. “The 2004 accord was supposed to implement a pharmaceutical strategy to reduce prescription drug costs. But because of the lack of federal leadership, this has not happened.”

Today’s report also brings into question whether the Conservative’s can properly negotiate the 2014 Health Care Accords.

“While health care delivery is under provincial jurisdiction, the federal government still has an important role to play. The federal government must bring together the provinces and territories and set measureable targets and outcomes. Only by doing this can the government ensure that every Canadian, no matter where he or she lives, can have access to high quality and timely health care services,” concluded Davies.


Conservatives missing in action on digital action plan

Posted by @JackLayton

OTTAWA – New Democrats are calling on the Conservative government to finally get serious about the need for a long-term digital plan for Canada.

A new report – Casting An Open Net – released by OpenMedia.ca, confirms that it is long past time for Canada to implement a comprehensive internet strategy.

“Canada used to be a world leader in broadband, both in terms of speed and access,” said New Democrat Digital Affairs Critic Charlie Angus. “But the Conservatives have spent five years missing in action on this crucial file. As a result, Canada has fallen further and further behind.”

Angus said that New Democrats will continue to push for concrete and doable solutions to ensure Canada’s digital innovation strategy does not atrophy.

Defending the public internet including a comprehensive rural broadband strategy, opposition to Usage Based Billing (UBB) and a plan for investment for the upcoming spectrum auction will remain priorities for the New Democrats.

“An open and accessible internet is the key to having a successful innovation agenda in Canada,” said Angus. “The Conservative’s laissez-faire approach has allowed consumers to get ripped off on price and short-changed on service.”


Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the return of the NHL to Winnipeg

Posted by Conservative Party of Canada - Press Releases

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement to celebrate today’s announcement that the NHL will return to Winnipeg:

“Today is a historic day for Canada’s game.  On behalf of all Canadians, I am extremely pleased with today’s announcement that the NHL will return to Winnipeg. Hockey is Canada’s great passion and I’m excited that Winnipeg will reclaim its special role in our country’s national pastime.

“Memories of legendary Winnipeg Jets’ players such as Bobby Hull, Dale Hawerchuk and Teemu Selanne remain fresh in the minds of all Canadians.  The moments created by these players were inspirations to generations of young hockey players across Canada and I know that the new team will inspire countless young Canadians to put on their skates and carry on Canada’s proud hockey legacy.

“While hockey fans across Canada will celebrate the return of the NHL to Winnipeg tonight, Laureen, Ben, Rachel and I wish another one of Canada’s great teams – the Vancouver Canucks – every success as they resume their quest for the Stanley Cup against the Boston Bruins tomorrow evening.”


PM highlights Canada’s role in Afghan training mission

Posted by Conservative Party of Canada - Press Releases

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today confirmed that up to 950 military Canadian Armed Forces trainers and support personnel will be deployed to Afghanistan to take part in Operation ATTENTION, the Canadian component of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan.

“Well-trained, well-led and well-equipped Afghanistan Security Forces are an essential part of the Afghan government assuming full responsibility for national and provincial security and enabling governance and development,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Canadians have been an integral part of the training of Afghanistan Security Forces for five years and we intend to continue this important work.”

By addressing existing gaps in leadership, literacy development and medical, army, and police training, the mission supports the long-term objective of helping to build a more secure, stable and self-sufficient Afghanistan. Although Canadian Forces personnel will be centered in the Kabul area, they will also fill critical gaps in two key satellite locations at Mazar-e-Sharif and Herat, meeting critical command and training requirements within the NATO mission. It is vital for Canada and its allies to ensure that Afghanistan becomes sufficiently secure to ensure that it will not be a base for international terrorism.

Operation ATTENTION supports the Afghan government and international community’s objective of transferring responsibility for Afghan security to Afghans by 2014 and Canada’s military will continue the training mission until March of that year.

Also, to strengthen institutional capacity and support anti-corruption efforts, Canada will work to provide mentoring and civilian policing skills to the Ministry of the Interior and Afghan National Police by deploying up to 45 members of civilian police forces to the region as part of Canada’s overall engagement in Afghanistan.

For additional information on the Government of Canada’s new role in Afghanistan visit:http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/2011-2014.aspx?lang=en

For additional information on the Canadian Forces Training Mission-Afghanistan visit:http://www.cefcom.forces.gc.ca/pa-ap/ops/attention/index-eng.asp


Inondation en Montérégie : Maria Mourani interpelle le Ministre de la sécurité publique

Posted by Bloc Québécois

In their own words: Bob Rae becomes Interim Liberal Leader

Posted by Liberal Party of Canada

“Choosing Mr. Rae to steer the party for the next 18 months or so was a sound decision. He’s a known quantity: articulate, highly competent and certainly not shy about mixing it up with political opponents.” (Chronicle Herald, May 26, 2011)


Quebec New Democrats prepare for federal convention

Posted by @JackLayton

OTTAWA – At their General Council in Montréal today, members of the New Democrat Quebec Section adopted resolutions to bring to the party’s federal convention to be held next month in Vancouver, including an emergency resolution criticizing the inconsistent approach of the federal government to the floods in Montérégie.

Speaking to delegates gathered from every region of the province, NDP leader Jack Layton took the opportunity to mark the recent historic election of 59 New Democrat MPs in Quebec.

“The people of Quebec put their trust in the NDP to represent them in Parliament. It is a tremendous responsibility that all New Democrat MPs take very seriously,” said Layton. “In this Parliament, we will work hard to live up to their expectations. I have no doubt that our amazing Quebec caucus will succeed in proudly representing the people of their province.”

Layton’s Quebec lieutenant and Deputy Leader Thomas Mulcair also addressed the delegates, talking about the work that needs to be accomplished by the Quebec Section over the coming years. “With such a big caucus, the NDP will have a stronger voice to move forward on the issues which can finally give substance to the unanimous recognition of the Quebec nation by the House of Commons,” said Mulcair.

New Democrat MP Matthew Dubé spoke about the federal government’s approach to the flooding in his riding. “I am glad to see the NDP delegates showing such solidarity with those affected by the floods,” said the new MP for Chambly-Borduas. “Those families not only have to deal with the floods, but with the federal government’s inconsistent decisions.”

According to New Democrat MP Tarik Brahmi (Saint-Jean), the Conservative government’s disregard for victims of the flooding was clear with comments made by the Minister of Public Safety, Vic Toews. “By dismissing the Quebec government’s demands out of hand, Minister Toews has shown he and his government are just not concerned enough about the families affected by this natural disaster,” said Brahmi.

New Democrat MPs in the region pledged to keep up the pressure on the federal government to respond adequately to the Quebec government’s request for help.

Delegates also adopted a series of resolutions regarding a variety of issues, including: the next federal-provincial Health Care Accord and restoring the long-form census.


Statement on the death of Bombardier Karl Manning

Posted by @JackLayton

On behalf of the New Democratic Party of Canada, I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Bombardier Karl Manning, who died yesterday in Panjwaii, Afghanistan.

Bombardier Manning, of the 1st Battalion Royal 22nd Regiment battle group, died in the service of his country and we honour his sacrifice.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bombardier Manning’s family and friends, and his home community of Chicoutimi, Quebec, as they cope with this loss. His sacrifice and commitment will not be forgotten.


Canada and Greece sign bilateral agreement on youth mobility

Posted by Conservative Party of Canada - Press Releases

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and George Papandreou, Prime Minister of Greece, announced today that Canada and Greece have signed a bilateral agreement on youth mobility. 

“Our Government values the excellent relationship it shares with Greece and is proud to further strengthen the ties between our two countries,” said Prime Minister Harper.

“Today’s agreement will empower youth to broaden their horizons and develop a better understanding of each other’s cultures. Their experiences abroad will enhance their personal and professional development, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.”

Once implemented, this arrangement will make it easier for Canadian and Greek youth to travel and work in each other’s country.  Young people will gain valuable life experiences, helping them build international networks and acquire the skills and work opportunities that will help them succeed in an increasingly globalized society.

Canada currently has 32 bilateral youth mobility arrangements under the International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative. In 2010, Canada welcomed over 56,000 international participants under IEC while nearly 19,000 young Canadians went abroad.

For additional information, please visit International Experience Canada.


Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the death of a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan

Posted by Conservative Party of Canada - Press Releases

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan:

“To the family and friends of Bombardier Karl Manning, who died yesterday in Afghanistan, I offer my sincerest condolences. Canada stands behind you in these most trying times.

“The Government of Canada is proud of the men and women that serve in Canada’s Armed Forces. Their dedication and skill protect the interests and values of Canadians every single day. It is these men and women that make a difference every day in Afghanistan saving lives, contributing to the peace and stability of Afghanistan, as well as the security of Canada.

“Bombardier Karl Manning will be missed by the Canadian Armed Forces family, his community and Canadians everywhere. We will remember his dedication and sacrifice alongside all of those who have lost their lives in the defence of our country.”


Elizabeth May calls for Approval of the Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area and a Major Expansion of Marine Sanctuaries

Posted by @CanadianGreens

Green
Party leader and MP Elizabeth May called today for the
federal and provincial governments to approve the creation of a Southern
Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) and to
quickly move to fully protect at least 30% of Canada’s marine
ecosystems.

“Perhaps
the most neglected natural areas on Earth are our marine environments,
for the simple reason that humans live on land and not under water. But
our oceans harbor most life on the planet. The Strait of Georgia in
particular has extremely diverse marine environments harboring
incredible creatures, from the endangered southern resident orcas to
glass sponges in Saanich Inlet to a phenomenal diversity of fish,
invertebrates, birds, and marine mammals throughout the region,” stated
Ms. May. “As the new Member of Parliament representing the region of the
proposed Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area, I’m
hoping that the federal and provincial governments will give approval
for the establishment of this first rate marine sanctuary soon. It would
be a phenomenal marine complement to the Gulf Islands National Park
Reserve.”

The
BC and federal governments signed a Memorandum Of Understanding in 2003
to undertake studies on the scientific and socio-economic feasibility
of creating an NMCA in the waters stretching from the Haro Strait and
Saanich Inlet by Victoria, north to the waters around Gabriola Island
near Nanaimo.

National
Marine Conservation Areas (NMCAs) administered by Parks Canada and
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) administered by the Department of
Fisheries and Oceans, offer protection to marine ecosystems, ranging
from restrictions on certain practices and harvesting of some species to
fully-protecting all marine life in “no take” areas. Worldwide,
“no-take” MPAs have dramatically increased the populations and size of
commercial and non-commercial species. This includes increasing the net
amount of commercially available fisheries, as protected fish and
invertebrate populations inside MPA’s grow and spill over into adjacent
areas where they can be harvested. Unfortunately less than 0.01% of
Canada’s and BC’s marine waters are in fully-protected “no-take” areas.

“While
BC is still blessed with productive and diverse marine environments,
today’s richness pales in comparison to the abundance of life in years
past. At one time the seas teemed with so many salmon, lingcod,
rockfish, invertebrates, birds, whales, and seals that early European
settlers thought the marine wealth to be inexhaustible. An extensive
network of real marine protection can help our oceans approach their
former biological magnificence, brimming with life to sustain all the
citizens of this country,” stated Ms. May

Parks
Canada has a goal of representing each of Canada’s 29 natural marine
regions in a system of National Marine Conservation Areas. Currently
only four NMCA’s have been declared, including one in BC – the Gwaii
Haanas (South Moresby) NMCA and Haida Heritage Site announced last year.
NMCA’s prohibit ocean dumping, seabed mining and oil and gas
exploration and development, and can also restrict harvesting of certain
species, including zoning some fully-protected “no-take” areas.

“Scientists
around the world and in Canada have been calling for the protection of
at least 30% of the oceans in fully-protected ‘no-take’ marine
sanctuaries. I fully support this goal and will push hard as Canada’s
first Green MP to see to it that the glacial pace of marine protection
is stepped-up before our oceans are emptied out,” stated Ms. May. “June 8
is Oceans Day and what better way to celebrate that special day than
with the announcement of a new National Marine Conservation Area in the
Strait of Georgia?”

-30-

Contact:
Kieran Green
Director of Communications
613-614-4916
Kieran.green@greenparty.ca


Let’s get started!

Posted by Liberal Party of Canada

If the caucus, the Party, and the thousands of volunteers throughout the country can be brought together in the common interest, we can succeed. If we can keep our eyes focused on the tasks ahead, we can succeed. If we remember how deeply Liberal values are appreciated across Canada, we can succeed.