OTTAWA –The upcoming federal budget will set the tone for the renegotiation of the federal-provincial-territorial health accord in 2014 and outline the future of Canadian health care, New Democrat Leader Jack Layton and the party’s Health Critic, Judy Wasylycia-Leis, said today.

“We’re at a tipping point,” Layton said after a day-long panel discussion with health care experts. “We need to define and fight for the system we want and need.

OTTAWA – Since rubber-stamping the takeover of Canadian-owned Falconbridge and Inco by foreign corporations Xstrata and Vale, the Harper Conservatives have failed to protect the interests of Canadians, our economy and our resources, says New Democrat Charlie Angus (Timmins - James Bay). And the Northern Ontario community of Timmins is next to be hit by this government’s indifference.

Swiss-owned Xstrata is planning to shut down the Kidd Metallurgical site – Ontario’s only copper smelting and refining facility and one of the world’s most environmentally-efficient.

Toronto Members of Parliament Jack Layton (Toronto—Danforth), Leader of Canada's New Democrats, and Olivia Chow (Trinity—Spadina) send congratulations to the organizers of the bid for World Pride Day 2014.

It is testimony to the growing strength of the LGBT community in Toronto that such an ambitious project was embraced with enthusiasm, vision and skill.

Globally, we have a long way to go to secure human rights for all and the celebration of Pride in 2014 in our City can contribute in important ways to that struggle, offering hope and solidarity.

OTTAWA – Today, Bill Siksay (Burnaby Douglas) introduced a private member’s bill which would allow Canadians who object, on conscientious or religious grounds to paying taxes which would fund military purposes, to have their income tax diverted into a special conscientious objector account.

OTTAWA - New Democrat MP Libby Davies (Vancouver East) will table a bill today in the House of Commons to establish a national housing strategy. Seconded by New Democrat Housing Critic, Megan Leslie (Halifax), this bill will bring all levels of government together to work to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for all Canadians.

OTTAWA – As the violence continues to escalate in Sri Lanka, New Democrat leader Jack Layton called on the Conservative government to allow an emergency Parliamentary debate in the House of Commons.

“We are hearing from the Sri Lankan community about the devastation and horrors the people are facing – as Canadians, we must advocate for peace and address the situation immediately,” said Layton.

OTTAWA – Today in Question Period, Irene Mathyssen (London-Fanshawe) demanded that Minister Diane Finley own up to the slap in the face she delivered to hard-working Canadians who have been laid off due to no fault of their own.

Minister Finley’s recent comments suggesting Employment Insurance makes it “lucrative” for Canadians to stay without work demonstrates the contempt this Conservative government has for Canadians who access EI.

FALL RIVER, NS – Last year, the Conservative government promised stakeholders in the Pacific Salmon Treaty that Parliamentary hearings would be held prior to the signing of the treaty. Former Fisheries and Oceans Minister Loyola Hearn told the House of Commons that an open and transparent discussion would take place before the signing.

However, it now appears that Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea is planning to sign the Pacific Salmon Treaty before the return of Parliament.

OTTAWA — New Democrat Employment Insurance Critic Yvon Godin (Acadie-Bathurst) is disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision and says there is still much work to be done to ensure workers benefit from the security net they pay into.

“The Supreme Court says the money was taken illegally, but they aren’t asking that it be reimbursed. It’s a bit like someone not paying their taxes, but nobody ever goes after them to get the money they owe,” said Godin.

I would like to congratulate Michael Ignatieff on being appointed interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.

As Mr. Ignatieff proudly serves his constituents, I am confident he will serve his party nation-wide. I look forward to working with him in Parliament in the months ahead to help move Canada forward during these tough economic times.

On behalf of all New Democrats, I wish Michael and his wife Zsuzsanna good luck and best wishes.