OTTAWA – New Democrats are condemning the Conservative failure to reduce poverty rates among First Nations children in the wake of a newly released report showing that half of status First Nations children in Canada live in poverty.
OTTAWA – Randall Garrison (Esquimalt–Juan de Fuca), NDP Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Issues critic, welcomed the passage of Bill C-32 with the inclusion of an NDP amendment.
NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) and LGBT Critic Randall Garrison (Esquimalt – Juan de Fuca) are calling on the minister of foreign affairs to urge Russian leaders to prevent passage of a law establishing criminal penalties for both Russians and foreign visitors engaging in so-called ‘homosexual propaganda’.
OTTAWA – NDP Pension Critic Irene Mathyssen (London – Fanshawe) called on the finance minister to honour his commitment to work with the provinces to increase retirement security for Canadians. The finance minister has yet to honour his six-month-old promise to work with the provinces to increase the Canada Pension Plan / Quebec Pension Plan.
OTTAWA – NDP Caucus Chair Peter Julian (Burnaby – New Westminster) has tabled a motion to bring full transparency and accountability to the House of Commons.
The Iranian presidential election showed once again that despite the regime's repression, the people of Iran continue to pursue change at every opportunity.
OTTAWA — New Democrat Citizenship and Immigration critic Jinny Sims (Newton-North Delta) and deputy critic Sadia Groguhé (Saint-Lambert) have issued the following statement:
“New Democrats join their voices with those of provinces and territories—and other countries around the world—who will mark World Elder Awareness Day.
On behalf of all New Democrats, I welcome the Quebec Soccer Federation’s decision to repeal its ban on Sikh religious headgear.
QUEBEC — Official Opposition leader Tom Mulcair has launched a petition to force the federal Minister of Transport Denis Lebel to take responsibility and stop the toxic dust that is engulfing numerous neighbourhoods of the greater Quebec City Area.
OTTAWA – The tragic case of Rehtaeh Parsons, whose death sent shock waves across the country earlier this year, brought to light a serious gap in Canada’s Criminal Code. In response to this, NDP MP Robert Chisholm (Dartmouth—Cole Harbour) plans to table a private member’s bill to address this legislative need.
OTTAWA – NDP Digital Issues critic Charmaine Borg (Terrebonne–Blainville) is calling for an emergency debate on how Canadians’ personal information is being collected by law enforcement and national security agencies.
The question “where do you live?” is generally something most folks can answer.
OTTAWA - In a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Opposition Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) and Status of Women critic Niki Ashton (Churchill) cautioned the Conservatives against playing a spoiler role on this important issue at the 23rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
OTTAWA – In light of recent media reports linking the death of 23 Canadian women to Yaz and Yasmin brands of birth control pills, New Democrats are asking the Minister of Health to implement better drug safety measures in Canada.
OTTAWA – While the Conservatives promised Canadians greater transparency, their vote to kill an NDP bill designed to strengthen the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) shows they have no interest in being truly accountable to taxpayers.
Conservative Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board Andrew Saxton has been caught performing a volte-face in the House of Commons on the PBO.
OTTAWA – NDP MP John Rafferty (Thunder Bay – Rainy River) will introduce a private member’s bill in the House of Commons designed to protect public transit operators from violence while on the job.
Five years ago today, I was honoured to be one of the MPs in attendance when the Residential Schools Apology was made in the House of Commons.
OTTAWA – New Democrats slammed Peter MacKay and the Conservatives today for the military’s discharge of Cpl. Glen Kirkland, the injured soldier who spoke out last week about the difficulties he faced in receiving care.
OTTAWA – NDP Transport, Infrastructure and Communities critic Olivia Chow (Trinity – Spadina) is urging the Conservatives to reconsider their reckless decision to decrease the mandatory number of flight attendants aboard Canadian planes.
OTTAWA – Today, New Democrats called on the Harper government to stop stalling G8 initiatives to tackle tax havens and promote transparency.
As we celebrate Italian Heritage Month, New Democrats across Canada are proud to recognize the exceptional accomplishments and contributions that Italo-Canadians have made to the history of our country.
OTTAWA - The NDP will support amendments to the Conservatives’ Bill C-49 enabling the Canadian Museum of Civilization to retain its name, thereby saving a brand that is internationally recognized.
This weekend, Conservatives continued their dance of confusion surrounding allegations from CBC that Nigel Wright had control over a secret CPC fund while he was chief of staff to the prime minister.
This Portugal Day, people of Portuguese descent are coming together to celebrate their contribution to the history and culture of this planet. It is a fitting way to commemorate the death of Luís de Camões, so renowned for his poetic tributes to the Portuguese people.
OTTAWA –NDP caucus is marking the 10th anniversary of the first legally recognized same-sex marriage in Canada today.
World Oceans Day is a time to reflect on the role that oceans play in our lives. Our oceans regulate the quality of our water, air and climate. They are a vital food source for people around the world. Here in Canada, oceans form the economic backbone of many of our coastal communities.
Thursday, CBC revealed that when Nigel Wright was Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, he had control of a top secret Conservative Party fund.
OTTAWA–The NDP has written to Elections Canada asking for an investigation into the serious allegation regarding a partisan fund of the Conservative Party of Canada being controlled out of the Prime Minister`s Office.
OTTAWA – NDP Finance critic Peggy Nash (Parkdale–High Park) tabled the following reasoned amendment to Bill C-60 in the House of Commons today to mitigate its negative impact on Canadians:
OTTAWA – Conservatives are once again attacking worker rights by trying to introduce a certification process that would make it almost impossible for workers to form a union – all of this while Canadians are focused on the scandals plaguing the embattled Senate.
On Tuesday June 6, 1944, more than 24,000 Canadian soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy as part of the largest armada in history.
Conservatives have once again broken their own record for shutting down debate, now for the 42nd time.
OTTAWA – With support from more than a hundred municipalities, associations and organizations, New Democrats have tabled a motion at the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) to study the impacts of the Conservatives’ radical changes to Employment Insurance.
OTTAWA — Conservatives and Liberals have joined forces again to defend the privileges of their Senate friends by voting against a New Democrat motion to cut off funding to this archaic institution.
On this 50th anniversary of the Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, the House of Commons took a major step forward today in reinforcing bilingualism in our federal institutions—by adopting the NDP’s Bill C-419 concerning officers of Parliament.
OTTAWA – Public Works has repeatedly failed to act on warnings that could have prevented worker safety incidents, media reports revealed today. The minister must be held to account for this failure, said New Democrat critic for Public Works and Government Services, Linda Duncan (Edmonton--Strathcona).
World Environment Day is a welcome opportunity to boost global awareness of the need to protect and preserve our environment for future generations.
During the late 1990’s the precursor to the Conservatives, the Reform Party, held many strong democratic principles, not the least of which was their loathing for the status quo Senate.
It was only 48 days ago that the Conservatives smashed the all-time record for shutting down debate in the House of Commons. Not content to sit on their laurels, the Conservatives are now pushing forward at top speed.
Almost a quarter of century ago today, Chinese students rose up against corruption and gathered in Tiananmen Square to push for a more open and just society. Images of the stand-off between students and the large army tanks will forever be seared in our memories.
Last week, in Question Period exchanges with NDP leader Tom Mulcair, Stephen Harper twice denied instructing his staff to deal with the Senate expense scandal.
OTTAWA – Although the Conservatives have decided that our country’s bodies of water are not worth protecting, New Democrats are continuing a campaign to restore environmental protection to all of Canada’s lakes and rivers.
Alexandre Despatie had an outstanding career. From an early age, Canadians followed his diving adventures throughout the world.
NDP Treasury Board critic Mathieu Ravignat (Pontiac) tabled the following Opposition Day Motion for debate on Wednesday:
I extend deep sympathies on the 29th anniversary of the invasion of the Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple and dozens of other Gurdwaras in Punjab India.
National Aboriginal History Month is a chance to bring First Nations, Inuit and Métis history to the forefront – a time to celebrate the diverse cultures of the Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently established a temporary definition of local food for labelling purposes, changing the previous definition of 50 km from point of purchase to anywhere in the same province and within 50 km of provincial borders.
Every year, on the first Sunday in June, we celebrate Canadian Forces Day to express our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve our country in times of war and peace. We salute every man and woman who has served in Canada’s military and honour our fallen heroes.
It’s great to be back in front of the FCM. You’ve had quite a busy year.
During the last election, Canadians may have been surprised to find senators showing up and campaigning for their respective political parties while still being paid by the public.
OTTAWA – The decline in the number of bilingual Canadians can be explained by a serious lack of leadership from the Conservative government, which is no longer taking action to encourage second language learning.
OTTAWA — New Democrat Heritage critic, Pierre Nantel, has tabled a motion calling on the federal government to recognize a resale right for visual arts.
For the fourth time in four days the Conservatives have moved to shut down debate on legislation in the House of Commons. This time it’s on a bill relating to freight rail. The bill was shut down after only three hours of debate at this stage.
Today, we lost a great man, Doctor Henry Morgentaler. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.
OTTAWA – Official Opposition deputy critic for Democratic Reform Alexandrine Latendresse (Louis–Saint-Laurent) has written to Canada’s Elections Commissioner drawing their attention to questionable donations made to the Liberal and Conservative parties.
In January 2012, the NDP authorized a campaign that encouraged MP Lise St. Denis to step down and face re-election after defecting to another party.
OTTAWA – Matthew Dubé (Chambly – Borduas) has been elected as chair of the NDP Youth Caucus and Isabelle Morin (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce–Lachine) has been elected vice-chair.
Having outdone themselves yesterday with two votes to shut down debate, Conservatives are back at it again today, shutting down debate in the House on Bill C-49.
Official Opposition deputy critic for Democratic Reform Alexandrine Latendresse (Louis-Saint-Laurent) has introduced a motion at the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs calling for urgent action to modernize our electoral system to engage more youth to vote:
Today, the Conservatives are moving to shut down debate on a 955 page bill on tax changes. Bill C-48 is 427 clauses, and the Conservatives are now pushing for the curtain to be drawn after only a few days.
OTTAWA — In response to the concerns of Canadians, journalists, unions, civil society and CBC’s management, who all feel that Bill C-60 threatens the independence of CBC and violates the Broadcasting Act, New Democrats will table an amendment in the House of Commons tomorrow to get the public broadcaster out of this controversial bill.
Introduced in the House of Commons as a Private Member’s bill, it now turns out that the anti-union Bill C-377 had the direct support of the Minister of Justice Rob Nicholson.
OTTAWA – The clock has run out on an unfair trade barrier that puts Canada’s beef industry at risk – and New Democrats are demanding strong action from the government in response.
OTTAWA – New Democrat Digital Issues critic Charmaine Borg (Terrebonne-Blainville) welcomes today’s call from the privacy commissioner to reform Canada’s privacy law – on the day her bill C-475 is up for debate at Second Reading.
OTTAWA – Today New Democrats slammed the Conservatives for publicly denying the existence of an iPod Tax imposed on imported electronic goods, while privately scheming to impose these taxes retroactively.
Today marks the day in 1914 when the Komagata Maru, a ship carrying 376 Indian passengers arrived in Vancouver seeking refuge. Due to discriminatory laws, passengers were prevented from disembarking and the ship remained in Burrard Inlet for two months before it was sent back. While the ship was in port, passengers were denied basic necessities, including food and water.
The Conservative patronage machine has moved into full flight once again. This time they devised a way to appoint more of their friends and insiders – invent more cushy appointments seats!
The NDP is decrying the Conservatives’ attempt to give political officials direct control over employment decisions at the Bank of Canada, the CPP Investment Board, and the CBC with their latest omnibus bill, Bill C-60.
May 18 marked the fourth anniversary of the end of the 25-year Sri Lankan civil war, a tragedy that in its final days led to the horrific deaths of thousands of civilians trapped by the military on a small stretch of land. Along with other Canadians of Tamil heritage and Tamils around the world, New Democrats marked this day by attending commemorative vigils in memory of those who lost their lives. I was honoured to attend rallies on behalf of NDP and deliver greetings from our leader Tom Mulcair.
OTTAWA – NDP Ethics critic Charlie Angus has written to RCMP Commissioner Robert Paulson regarding the troubling actions of former Stephen Harper top aide Nigel Wright.
Conservatives are now in full-out political panic over the pay-off to Mike Duffy and attempted cover up of the Senate expense scandal. Nigel Wright's resignation doesn't fix anything.
Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper used to promise he would clean up the unelected, unaccountable Upper Chamber. Now he's in the middle of one of the biggest Senate scandals in history and is being forced to defend the many dubious actions of the Conservative senators he appointed.
On behalf of the New Democratic Party of Canada, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family of Elijah Harper; his wife Anita Olsen Harper, his children Bruce and Holly, and his step-children Karen, Dylan, Gaylen and Grant.
It was only 23 years ago today that homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Diseases.
TORONTO – Today, NDP Democratic Reform critic Craig Scott (Toronto-Danforth) sent a letter to Elections Canada asking for an investigation of Mike Duffy’s expense claims from the last federal election.
CBC is reporting today that while campaigning in 2011, Senator Mike Duffy might have been making expense claims to both election campaigns and the taxpayers at the same time.
“We must clean up corruption and lift the veils of secrecy that allow it to flourish. We must do nothing less than replace the culture of entitlement with the culture of accountability.”
In early 2011, I met with the police in order to help in their investigation.
TIMMINS – NDP Ethics critic Charlie Angus (Timmins--James Bay) has written to the Senate Ethics Officer Lyse Ricard asking for an investigation into accusations of a ‘cash-for-repayment’ scheme involving Mike Duffy and the Prime Minister’s Office.
“There's going to be a new code on Parliament Hill: bend the rules, you will be punished; break the law, you will be charged; abuse the public trust, you will go to prison.”
OTTAWA – Revelations about an alleged cash-for-repayment scheme developed by Mike Duffy and the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Nigel Wright are proof that an independent investigation is needed into the Senate spending scandal, according to the NDP.
OTTAWA – With recent confirmation that Health Canada rebuffed oversight meeting requests from a chemotherapy drug supplier, and then attempted to blame the provinces, the NDP is asking the Conservatives to stop playing with Canadians’ lives and take action.
TIMMINS – Today, NDP Ethics critic Charlie Angus (Timmins – James Bay) released two letters asking Senators to publicly release legal opinions on the residency requirements for sitting in the Senate.
Last week, in the wake of a damming audit report on the abuse of expenses by Conservative and Liberal Senators – calling for the repayment of almost $200,000 in expenses these Senators claimed but were not entitled to – Conservatives tried to redefine what leadership on accountability actually means.
New Democrats are calling on the Conservatives to finally take the privacy of Canadians seriously and investigate the decade long data breaches from government departments.
OTTAWA – Canada’s term as the Chair of the Arctic Council must maintain the organization’s focus on environmental protection and social development, said New Democrats today.
MONTREAL – New Democrats welcomed the recent measures adopted by the government of Bangladesh today to allow garment workers to unionize.
On behalf of Canada’s New Democrats, I congratulate Commander Chris Hadfield on a successful mission.
Official Opposition Treasury Board Critic Mathieu Ravignat (Pontiac) sent a letter to Treasury Board President Tony Clement today demanding an immediate investigation into the possible abuse of public servants’ email addresses by the Conservative Party of Canada.
"There's going to be a new code on Parliament Hill: bend the rules, you will be punished; break the law, you will be charged; abuse the public trust, you will go to prison.”
On behalf of the New Democratic Party of Canada, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family of Senator Doug Finley and, in particular, to my colleague in the House of Commons, Minister Diane Finley.
Today Jim Flaherty once again embarrassed himself in front of Torontonians, as he has done many times before. He used tortured logic to try and accuse Tom Mulcair and the federal NDP of hurting Toronto by opposing the Conservatives’ reckless agenda.
OTTAWA – New Democrats slammed the Conservatives today for making it harder for Canadian families to reunite with their parents and grandparents abroad.
Twenty-one years ago today, 26 miners went to work underground at the Westray Mine in Plymouth, Nova Scotia and never returned home to their families. My thoughts are with those families who were affected by this tragedy, in particular those still left without the justice they deserve.
Today, the Conservatives broke their own record for use of Time Allocation in a sitting Parliament – AGAIN!
OTTAWA – The NDP is concerned that the Conservatives’ overhaul of the National Research Council (NRC) indicates an alarming lack of insight about how science works and will hurt Canada’s science and innovation capacity.
OTTAWA – Ahead of tomorrow’s NDP Opposition Day, New Democrat Treasury Board critic Mathieu Ravignat (Pontiac) tabled the following motion today in the House of Commons:
OTTAWA — New Democrats and labour unions representing workers at Crown corporations have launched a campaign against sections of Bill C-60, which grant the Treasury Board sweeping powers to intervene in the terms and conditions of employment for workers and managers at Crown corporations.
“After shutting down debate prematurely, and without even taking the time to defend the budget bill in the House of Commons, the Conservative government failed to be transparent and ignored our demands to split the bill for proper study.
OTTAWA – New Democrats voiced outrage today after reports surfaced showing how the Conservatives were aware that their changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) were making it easier for companies to bring in foreign labour – at the cost of Canadians’ jobs. Despite the warnings, Conservatives chose to do nothing.
The Auditor General reported to parliament about how $3.1 billion of the $12.9 billion allocated to 35 departments for the Public Security and Anti-Terrorism Initiative simply can’t be accounted for.
OTTAWA – New Democrats slammed Conservative changes to the National Research Council as narrow-minded and short-sighted. The changes will see the NRC focused more on immediate commercial science and lose the once-proud institute’s capacity in long-term scientific and innovation research.
OTTAWA – New Democrat Treasury Board critic Mathieu Ravignat (Pontiac) tabled a motion in the House of Commons today to split the Budget Implementation Act (C-60) by removing clauses pertaining to the Financial Administration Act and collective bargaining between Crown corporations and their employees and referring them to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates.
The Auditor General reported last week that the Conservatives can’t account for $3.1 billion in Public Security and Anti-Terrorism spending between 2001 and 2010.
Yesterday, Conservative ministers Tony Clement and Jason Kenney said some strange things in the House of Commons about the $3.1 missing billions:
New Democrats support PEI Premier Ghiz’s call for a long-overdue National Seniors Strategy. The Conservatives’ inaction on this file is irresponsible. They have no comprehensive plan for seniors, who now form the fastest-growing segment of our population.
I would like to congratulate Robert P. Kelly on his appointment as Chairman of the Board of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
OTTAWA – Today, as C-42 continues to be reviewed by a Senate committee, New Democrats were joined by RCMP members' associations in arguing that the Conservative bill will be inadequate to rebuild public confidence in the RCMP.
The Conservative government should take advantage of World Press Freedom Day to withdraw its plan to interfere in the CBC collective bargaining process, said New Democrat Heritage critic, Pierre Nantel.
It is my pleasure to extend best wishes to all Canadians celebrating Orthodox Easter.
Today we are marking World Press Freedom Day.
On behalf of Canada’s New Democrats, I would like to congratulate Stephen Poloz on being selected as the new Bank of Canada governor.
OTTAWA — New Democrat critic for Human Resources and Skills Development Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain), tabled a motion in the House of Commons today to split the Budget Implementation Act (C-60) by removing clauses changing the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the temporary foreign workers program and referring them to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
New Democrat MP Christine Moore (Abitibi-Témiscamingue) tabled a bill today to support volunteer firefighters across the country.
In response to a Written Question by Charlie Angus the government has revealed their utter incompetence at managing and protecting the private information of Canadian.
OTTAWA — New Democrat Industry critic Hélène LeBlanc (LaSalle-Émard) tabled a motion in the House of Commons today to split the Budget Implementation Act (C-60) by removing clauses changing the Investment Canada Act and referring them to the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology.
OTTAWA – New Democrat Treasury Board critic Mathieu Ravignat (Pontiac) tabled a private member’s bill to strengthen the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act today in the House of Commons.
Today, the Conservatives broke their own record for use of Time Allocation in a sitting Parliament.
OTTAWA — New Democrat Finance critic, Peggy Nash (Parkdale-High Park), tabled a motion in the House of Commons today aimed at dividing the budget bill into several parts so that each one can be properly studied by the appropriate parliamentary committee.
After losing track of $3.1 billion in anti-terrorism spending, Stephen Harper said that it was just an issue of a “lack of clarity”. He didn’t even acknowledge the problem that was raised by the Auditor General: A $3.1 billion void between what was spent and what was reported on the government’s Anti-Terrorism Initiative.
OTTAWA – New Democrat Labour Critic Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont--La Petite-Patrie) has issued the following statement on International Workers’ Day:
OTTAWA – Alarmed at impending cuts to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), New Democrats are today calling on the Auditor General to open an investigation into the agency’s ability to crack down on tax cheats.
New Democrats across Canada are proud to celebrate Asian Heritage Month.
New Democrats supported the passage of Bill C-15, the Strengthening Military Justice in Defence of Canada Act, at third reading today.
OTTAWA — New Democrat Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) has tabled a motion to conduct a parliamentary study of the tragedy in Bangladesh and take action to prevent similar tragedies in future.
Multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common neurological disease among Canadian young adults, affects the lives of thousands of Canadians every day. Its symptoms include fatigue, loss of balance as well as vision impairment, and difficulty walking and speaking. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world and every day, three more Canadians are diagnosed with this chronic disease.
OTTAWA – Today, the MP for Burnaby – New Westminster and Energy and Natural Resources critic, Peter Julian, was re-elected by acclamation as Chair of the national NDP caucus.