NDP Press Releases

WELLAND – New Democrats reacted today to disturbing new internal documents obtained by Postmedia News that outline another appalling failure in the Conservative government’s record on food safety.

The internal documents also exposed dramatically overstated claims of low sodium and fat levels, as well as inaccurate claims about whole grains, baked goods, candy and even mislabelled meat products.

OTTAWA – New Democrat Critic for International Cooperation John Rafferty (Thunder Bay-Rainy River) welcomed Minister Bev Oda’s comments that indicated the Government of Canada will provide funding for safe abortion services in countries where abortion is legal through CIDA’s Maternal Health Initiative.

OTTAWA- With the deadline for the switch from analogue to digital TV now one year away many Canadians are still unsure how this will affect their television access. 

“So far the Conservative Government has dropped the ball preparing Canadians for this transition that has been in works since 2007,” said New Democrats Digital Issues Critic Charlie Angus.  “Canadians are completely unprepared for this change in service.  I am hearing from a lot of people who are worried that they won’t be able to watch TV after this goes through.”

OTTAWA – Canada should add its support for the establishment of a UN Commission of Inquiry into alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by the military regime in Burma, says New Democrat Leader Jack Layton (Toronto-Danforth).

“Canadians have spoken out against human rights violations in Burma – from political repression and forced displacement of civilians to sexual violence, torture and murder,” said Layton. “Violating human rights has been used systematically and with impunity by the Burmese junta and it’s time to establish a UN Commission of Inquiry.”

OTTAWA – On the first International Day against Nuclear Tests, New Democrats renewed their call for Canadian leadership toward achieving the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.

OTTAWA – New Democrats today renewed their call for the Government to take action on the challenges arising from Canada’s aging population.

“We have known for some time that we have a rapidly growing community of seniors in this country yet the government continues to drag its feet,” said New Democrat Critic for Senior and Pensions issues, Wayne Marston (Hamilton East-Stoney Creek) “All we have had so far is announcements and re-announcements but no action. Harper seems prepared to let this crisis develop unchecked. Our seniors deserve better.”

OTTAWA — New Democrats are demanding the Conservative government to immediately start a comprehensive review of regulation of unconventional oil and gas production in Canada they promised in the spring.

On June 2, Conservatives and opposition MPs unanimously voted for a motion by New Democrat Environment Critic Linda Duncan (Edmonton—Strathcona) to immediately conduct an open public review of relevant federal laws, regulations and policies regarding the development of all unconventional sources of oil and gas. Since then the Conservatives have turned their backs on that promise.

OTTAWA – New Democrat International Cooperation Critic John Rafferty (Thunder Bay – Rainy River) today criticised the Conservative government’s lack of leadership and slow response to the growing disaster in Pakistan.

OTTAWA – After approving one job-killing takeover after another, the Harper Conservatives must ensure there is a comprehensive public review of any takeover of Potash Corporation by Australian mining giant BHP Billiton.

OTTAWA – New Democrat Veterans Affairs critic Peter Stoffer today called on the Conservative Government to renew the term of Veterans Affairs Ombudsman Colonel Pat Stogran.

“Col. Pat Stogran has been a champion and tireless advocate for the rights of both Military and RCMP Veterans and their families,” said Stoffer. “He has acted in the interest of our men and women in uniform and has stood up to the Government when necessary. He shouldn’t be punished for that.”

OTTAWA – In the wake of a controversial proposal on net neutrality advanced by Google and Verizon in the United States, New Democrats are calling on the CRTC to lay down clear rules to ensure equality of access to all information on the Internet for all Canadians.

Google and Verizon announced a proposed net neutrality framework that contains some positive principles but excludes wireless networks and any “managed” services, which could range from health-care monitoring to gambling.

“The floods in Pakistan are an immense natural disaster and the Government’s response has been completely inadequate,” said New Democrat Leader Jack Layton. “Minister Oda has offered just seven cents of aid to each flood victim in that country. It’s a shameful response to one of the worst natural disasters in recent memory.”

New Democrat Critic for International Cooperation John Rafferty said the Harper government is out of touch with the growing crisis in Pakistan and that other countries have already stepped forward with more aid.