OTTAWA - Veteran New Democrat Dawn Black made her farewell address today to her colleagues in the House of Commons. “I am very proud to have been able to serve the people of New Westminster, Coquitlam, Burnaby and Port Moody,” said the New Westminster-Coquitlam MP, who resigns her seat effective April 13, 2009.

Black first served in the House from 1988 to 1993 and was elected again in 2006. “In my time in the House, I was witness to some of Canada’s biggest moments in recent history,” said Black. “From the Charlottetown Accord to the debate about the war in Afghanistan, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a strong voice for the people of British Columbia.”

Black counts as her personal victories the recognition of December 6th as National Day Against Violence Against Women, her efforts to make stalking a federal crime, as well as her work on Afghanistan, including her efforts to raise awareness about our soldiers returning home with post-traumatic stress disorder and uncovering allegations of torture of detainees.

While Black is proud of her accomplishments, there have been some issues that she regrets not seeing more progress on during her time in the House of Commons. “The first woman MP, Agnes MacPhail, was elected in 1921. Yet now in 2009, women represent just over 22% of the House,” declared Black. “At this rate of progress, it will take until 2100 to reach gender parity. That’s almost 100 years from now and that’s simply not good enough.”

Throughout her years as a parliamentarian, Black has also consistently fought to address the issue of the lack of decorum in the House. “Canadians primarily see politicians reflected in the news cycle. They can be forgiven for thinking Parliament is a nasty sand lot filled with testosterone driven egos. I urge all my colleagues to tone down the insults and the abuse. This place has become much worse over the years and I believe this is reflected in the increasing cynicism we hear from voters. This is ultimately dangerous for democracy.”

New Democrat Leader Jack Layton took the opportunity to thank Black for her tireless service to the people of British Columbia, especially the constituents of New Westminster–Coquitlam. “We thank Dawn for her unwavering commitment to equality, justice and fairness for all Canadians,” said Layton. “Our country and our party owe Dawn Black a tremendous debt of gratitude and we wish her the greatest success in the BC Legislature,” concluded Layton.