Ross Rebagliati (www.rossrebagliati.com) : Blog

Ross on KOOL FM

Ross Rebagliati — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:06:23 PST

http://koolmornings.wordpress.com/2010/02/16/ross-rebagliati-steals-robins-gold/

Liberals are working for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia

Ross Rebagliati — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:58:33 PST

For Immediate ReleaseJanuary 29, 2010

Liberals are working for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia

OTTAWA – Liberals are working to help improve the quality of life of people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their families, by hosting a forum on Parliament Hill on neurodegenerative diseases and strategies to help ease the burden on caregivers.

“Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s will place significant demands on our loved ones as our population ages,” said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, who opened the forum by speaking about his personal experience with his mother’s illness.

“It is critical that governments take steps to plan for the expected future impact of neurological diseases on our health system and our economy,” said Liberal Public Health Critic Dr. Kirsty Duncan.

The roundtable will hear from experts in the fields of neurological diseases, advocacy organizations, as well as those personally living with these diseases.

“This is an occasion to further important discussions regarding research on the cause, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” said Dr. Duncan. “We will also look into strategies for improving the quality of life for all persons with dementia, and for easing the burden on caregivers and families of patients.”

Stephen Harper sidetracked the work of the Neurological Diseases Parliamentary subcommittee by shutting down Parliament until March. The committee was to begin two days of expert testimony next month.

“We’re hosting this forum because decision-makers, scientists, and stakeholders were keen to keep this discussion going,” said Dr. Duncan. “We need to look into pooling resources to address neurological disorders, what kinds of research should be pursued, and what kinds of help should be provided to the growing number of families affected by these diseases.”

“Let’s hope the subcommittee will be reconstituted with little delay when Parliament resumes, so we can continue our work on this important issue for the benefit of all Canadians.”

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Contact:

Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740

Office of Dr. Kirsty Duncan, MP: 613-995-4702

Factsheet: Alzheimer’s and Dementia Forum

• Today, half a million Canadians have Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. 71,000 of patients are under age 65, with women accounting for 72% of all cases of Alzheimer’s disease.

• One in three – or 10 million – Canadians will be affected by a neurological or psychiatric disease, disorder or injury at some point in their lives.

• Alzheimer’s disease is the leading form of dementia. It currently represents 64% of all dementias.

• A recent report from the Alzheimer Society of Canada highlighted that while there was one new case of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in Canada every five minutes in 2008, there will be one new case every two minutes in 2038.

• There are no cures for ALS, MS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and no effective treatments that consistently slow or stop the course of these devastating neurodegenerative diseases.

• These diseases often put a significant burden on Canadian families. There are currently at least 2.85 million Canadians providing care for a family member with long-term health problems. It is expected that the number of seniors with chronic conditions requiring home care services will increase by a third by 2017.

• According to a Health Canada study, 25% of caregivers have had their employment situation affected by their care giving responsibilities, and about 40 % of them face long term financial pressures related to these responsibilities.

Senate appointments latest in Conservative nepotism

Ross Rebagliati — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:58:09 PST

For Immediate ReleaseJanuary 29, 2010

Senate appointments latest in Conservative nepotism
265 Conservative insiders appointed since 2008 election

OTTAWA – Conservative patronage continues to plumb new depths of cynicism, as five new Conservative Senators and 32 more Conservative Party bank-rollers have been appointed to taxpayer-funded jobs – a total of 265 since the last election.

“Canadians do not accept for one minute Stephen Harper’s excuses for shutting down parliament, which include jamming the Senate with more partisan appointments,” said Marlene Jennings, Liberal Critic for Government Ethics and Democratic Reform. “Stephen Harper campaigns on Senate reform, but when in power he stacks the Senate with his most dogged, partisan loyalists. On this issue of trust, Mr. Harper’s credibility is in tatters.”

With today’s Senate appointments, Mr. Harper is unequalled in Canadian history as the only Prime Minister to make 32 Senate appointments in just one year.

Liberal Prime Ministers have appointed independent and even Conservative appointees. But in every case, Stephen Harper’s Senators have displayed no sober second thought – they consistently toe the party line and vote how Stephen Harper tells them to vote.

Liberal MP Wayne Easter revealed that, in addition to stacking the Senate, 32 more partisan Conservative appointments were made to the courts, government boards and agencies since November. 265 Conservative patronage appointees have contributed a sum total of $315,000 to Conservative coffers since the last election.

“Mr. Harper is doing everything he once criticized, while failing to establish the Public Appointments Commission he promised,” said Mr. Easter. “How can he justify appointing 22 defeated Conservative candidates, and 11 former Conservative MPs to taxpayer jobs?”

Liberal MP Marcel Proulx noted that the government has spent almost $1.4 million on the phantom Public Appointments Commission, including $350,000 this year, even though it doesn’t exist – calling into question the qualifications of Conservative appointees to conduct public business.

“Instead of focusing on creating jobs and protecting healthcare, this government is fixated on rewarding Conservative insiders,” concluded Mr. Proulx. “Canadians are not blind to this government’s deceptive ways and can see through their partisan spin machine. We’re going to keep exposing Conservative abuses of power – because the future prosperity of this country is at stake.”

Link to chart of Conservative partisan appointments:

http://www.liberal.ca/pdf/docs/290110appts_e.pdf

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Contact:

Office of Marcel Proulx, MP: 613-992-7550

Liberals are working to keep Canadians healthy

Ross Rebagliati — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:57:39 PST

For Immediate ReleaseJanuary 29, 2010

Liberals are working to keep Canadians healthy

OTTAWA – Liberals are at work today participating in a unique web conference that examines ways of closing the gap in health status to ensure all Canadians are as healthy as they can be by 2017 when Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary.

“Our cherished health care system will only be sustainable if we redouble our efforts to keep Canadians well, living up to our original commitment to Medicare,” said Liberal Health Critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett, who is hosting the event.

“To ensure the sustainability of our health care system, we must work across all government departments, all jurisdictions and in all sectors to address poverty, violence, the environment, shelter, equity and education, all of which impact the health status of Canadians.”

Liberal MPs will be joined by stakeholders at over a dozen sites across Canada, all connected via the internet. The estimated 200 web participants – from Ottawa to Toronto to Vancouver – will hear from experts on health and social policy to examine the best possible indicators to measure progress on the social determinants of health.

The e-summit follows a morning roundtable in Ottawa on Alzheimer’s and dementia, hosted by Liberal Public Health Critic Dr. Kirsty Duncan.

“Today is all about helping each other overcome some of our biggest health challenges,” said Dr. Duncan, who is also participating in the e-summit. “As Liberals, we believe it’s critical to examine what indicators would resonate with Canadians to motivate them to work together on their health, the health of their families, and their communities.”

“Stephen Harper and his government have abdicated their responsibility for health and have refused to act upon most of the commitments in the 2004 Health Accord,” Dr. Duncan concluded. “Liberals believe we need federal leadership to safeguard the health of Canadians.”

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Contact:

Office of the Hon. Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP: 613-995-9666

Office of Dr. Kirsty Duncan, MP: 613-995-4702

Backgrounder: Social determinants of health

There is a clear and robust relationship between individual income and individual health. The Canadian Institute of Health Information shows that whether it is measured using self-reports of overall health status, infant mortality rates, chronic conditions, activity limitations/disability status or the Health Utility Index, health status is worse for those with lower incomes.

Evidence shows that countries with less inequality and/or less poverty than Canada have better health outcomes and fewer health inequalities.

The health status of groups that are more vulnerable to poverty (e.g. lone mothers, Aboriginal persons, Atlantic Canadians) is consistently worse than that of the general population.

In Canada, more than 1 out of 7 children live in poverty. The situation is even worst for First Nations, with 1 out of 4 children living in poverty.

According to the Canadian Medical Association, in 2008, 21,000 Canadians died from the effects of air pollution. They forecast that by 2031, almost 90,000 people will die annually from the acute effects of air pollution if nothing is done, adding up to a cumulative 710,000 who will die due to long-term exposure to air pollution.

According to the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives, every dollar invested in early childhood development and care saves between $3 and $9 in future spending on health care, the criminal justice system, and income supports.

These statistics are especially relevant considering that health care costs are skyrocketing. Health care spending is steadily rising. Today, the total cost of health care in Canada accounts for approximately ten percent of Gross Domestic Product, growing from seven percent in 1975.

In 2009, the total amount of health spending was estimated to reach $183.1 Billion, or $5,452 per person, an increase of five percent over 2008 levels.

In the near future, our public health care system will be financed by a shrinking number of working Canadians.

In their own words: Meet Senator Runciman

Ross Rebagliati — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:56:36 PST

For Immediate ReleaseJanuary 29, 2010

In their own words:
Meet Senator Runciman

When he was Ontario’s Public Safety Minister, Bob Runciman sparked outrage for making comments directed towards the black community in Toronto:

“Runciman also described members of the black community as ‘people who don’t accept any degree of responsibility for trying to solve problems and challenges and misunderstandings.’” (Global National, August 6, 2003)

“Runciman incensed the black community and gave ammunition to his political opponents last week when he said some people ‘have a vested interest’ in continued animosity between the police and minority groups. ‘I think some people make a living off this,' he said. 'They certainly don't seem to be focused on finding solutions.’” (Hamilton Spectator, August 12, 2003)

Runciman was forced to resign as Ontario Solicitor-General after he violated the Young Offenders Act:

“A big resignation in the Ontario government. Justice Minister Bob Runciman is out. The price for a blunder in his government's Speech from the Throne last week. It identified the mother of a young offender, essentially identifying the offender. That is against the law. Runciman is stepping down while the RCMP investigates.” (CBC The National, April 27, 1998)

Runciman apologized after making offensive remarks about Aboriginals:

“A veteran Progressive Conservative MPP has apologized for making what critics call an ‘offensive’ comment when he said the $55 million budget of Ontario's new aboriginal affairs ministry is ‘a lot of smoke signals and mirrors.’” (Toronto Star, March 27, 2008)

Runciman was criticized for sexist comments about Belinda Stronach:

“Veteran Conservative MPP Bob Runciman described the billionaire former auto-parts executive as ‘something of a dipstick, an attractive one, but still a dipstick.’” (Canwest, May 18, 2005)

Runciman made homophobic comments in the Ontario Legislature:

“Homosexuality is essentially antifamily. It encourages promiscuous sexuality, a self-centred morality and socially irresponsible behaviour that exacts huge costs from society. The law has every right to discourage people from entering into paths that are demonstratively destructive, physically and psychologically, first to the homosexuals and to society itself.” (Ontario Hansard, November 26, 1986)

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Contact:

Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740

Liberals are working to eradicate poverty and homelessness

Ross Rebagliati — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:54:44 PST

For Immediate ReleaseFebruary 1, 2010

Liberals are working to eradicate poverty and homelessness

OTTAWA – Liberals are working today on Parliament Hill by hosting a roundtable that looks to fill the Harper government’s vacuum of ideas and actions for eradicating poverty and homelessness in Canada.

“Too many of our children continue to be left behind as low income Canadians struggle to make ends meet,” said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff. “Liberals believe that government has a role to play in helping to solve this problem.”

Under the Conservative government, child poverty has worsened, with food bank usage up by 10 percent since March 2008, and 37 percent of all those assisted being children.

“It is unforgiveable that Mr. Harper has no child poverty strategy whatsoever. Can we be surprised, when he once bragged that he was opposed to government programs to eliminate child poverty?” said Liberal Resources and Skills Development Critic Michael Savage. “Liberals are taking a very different approach, which includes bringing together Canadians with experience reducing poverty and homelessness with MPs who can create the policies we need to meet this challenge.”

Led by Liberal MPs Mike Savage, Ken Dryden, Ruby Dhalla, Gerard Kennedy and Senator Art Eggleton, the morning sessions will consist of a panel of social justice advocates who will assess the societal cost of poverty, what measures have worked in the past to help alleviate poverty, and determine where Canada has come up short.

The afternoon sessions will focus on what we can do moving forward and will provide an opportunity for the public to engage panel members, as well as MPs and Senators.

The final session will reflect on what was heard and panel members will be asked to prioritize what federal government actions they believe could make the most difference to reducing poverty in Canada.

“We all know someone for whom life just hasn’t turned out the way they thought it would – single mothers, people with disabilities, Aboriginals, new immigrants,” said Ken Dryden, the Liberal Party’s National Outreach Advisor for Poverty and Working Families. “Everybody deserves a chance to succeed in life. It's well past the time that we come together in a collective effort to do something about poverty. That’s what this day is about.”

One of the many consequences of the Prime Minister’s decision to shut down Parliament was ending an ongoing Parliamentary study on Poverty.

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Contact:

Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740

Office of the Hon. Ken Dryden, MP: 613-941-6339

Office of Michael Savage, MP: 613-995-9378

Backgrounder:

The Realities of Poverty in Canada Today

• Almost three and a half million people live in poverty in Canada
• 1 in 7 Canadian children (about 788,000) live in poverty, but these numbers do not include children in shelters, in the Territories or on reserves.
• In a 2007 UN report on the well-being of children, Canada placed 12th out of 21 countries, behind nations such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Spain and Switzerland.
• In First Nations and Inuit communities, the numbers are considerably higher, with 1 in 4 children growing up in poverty.
• Food bank usage in Canada has increased 10 percent since March 2008, with 37 percent of all those assisted being children.
• Canada's National Secretariat on Homelessness has estimated that homelessness affects approximately 150,000 people, although other reports identify as many as 300,000 homeless in Canada.

Meeting the Challenges of Poverty, Homelessness & Social Housing

Investing in people through social infrastructure stimulus is an important part of economic infrastructure stimulus. While the Harper government has made plenty of promises, they have delivered very little. Just look at the facts. As of December:
• Only 12 percent of promised infrastructure projects were generating jobs;
• Only 4.6 per cent of a $1-billion fund to renovate existing social housing units has been spent;
• Only 1.9 per cent of a $400-million fund for low-income seniors' housing is out the door; and,
• Only 0.1 per cent of a $75-million construction fund to house people with disabilities has been spent.

Harper’s newest Senator attacks bilingualism

Ross Rebagliati — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:53:25 PST

For Immediate Release
February 1, 2009

In their own words:
Harper’s newest Senator attacks bilingualism

Stephen Harper’s newest Senator, Bob Runciman, has some strong views opposing bilingualism and French-language services, including support for the Alliance for the Preservation of English in Canada (APEC), a notorious anti-French organization that once trampled on and burned a Québec flag.

Runciman’s support for APEC’s campaign against the Canadian government’s policy of official bilingualism:
“Leeds MPP Bob Runciman wrote [APEC] a supportive letter last month ... Runciman will be the English preservation group's guest speaker at its April 27 monthly meeting, according to Garner.” (Kingston Whig-Standard, April 11, 1987)

“It is ‘extremely important’ that the various groups opposed to French-language services ‘pull together,’ said Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP Robert Runciman.” (The Ottawa Citizen, November 6, 1989)

APEC’s tactics:
“APEC is best known in Quebec for television footage of some of its members trampling on a Quebec flag in Brockville, Ont., last summer.” (Toronto Star, November 21, 1990)

“Some members of the Association for the Preservation of English in Canada trampled on the Quebec flag.” (Toronto Star, June 20, 1991)

“On a platform behind the train station, a Quebec flag was spread out. About half a dozen demonstrators took turns stomping and spitting on the Fleur-de-lis before it was set ablaze.” (Ottawa Citizen, October 19, 1992)

Runciman worked with APEC in opposition to French immersion education:
“The Brockville chapter of APEC successfully opposed a petition to introduce French immersion classes in the Leeds and Grenville school district; not that the school board really needed prodding from APEC to turn down French immersion. Bob Runciman, the local MPP, supports APEC and has addressed a meeting of its Brockville chapter.”
(Kingston Whig-Standard, July 11 1987)

Runciman helped whip up anti-bilingualism sentiment:
“Runciman has apparently helped whip up the anti-bilingualism sentiment in the area, and [APEC] members claimed 1,400 people have joined the cause in Brockville and 10,000 across the province.” (The Toronto Star, Aug 16 1987)

Runciman on federal bilingualism:
A “supreme exercise in social engineering...Pierre Trudeau's social revolution, whose central, inescapable fact is loss of power for unilingual Canadians.” (Bob Runciman, Ontario Hansard, May 21, 1986)

“There are feelings there underneath the surface. There's a lot of lingering resentment over federal bilingualism.” (Bob Runciman, Windsor Star, July 24, 1987)

Runciman opposed French-language services in Ontario:
“‘The way Peterson has been introducing and applying French services is going beyond the intent of most members (who voted in favor of the bill),’ Runciman said. He cited French telephone books and Queen's Park publications as examples of unnecessary measures.” (The Kingston Whig-Standard, Aug 15 1987)

“[Runciman] stands to the right of his Tory colleagues in the degree he thinks bilingual services are needed in Ontario.” (Kingston Whig-Standard, Sep 16 1989)

“Progressive Conservative MPP Robert Runciman today called on Consumer and Commercial Relations Minister Monte Kwinter and LCBO Chairman Jack Ackroyd to explain why the Board intends to hire only 'bilingual' applicants for new jobs at its stores in Cornwall and Ottawa... to require all new employees to speak both languages is preposterous.” (Bob Runciman Press Release, December 16, 1986)

Runciman advocated the shut-down of Ontario’s French-language public broadcaster:
“It's costing us, as taxpayers, something like $35 million a year for the operation of La Chaîne...Why do they need that symbolic gesture out there which is costing millions and millions of taxpayers' dollars and accomplishing virtually nothing?” (Bob Runciman, October 28, 1993)

“They are attempting to appeal to something like 185,000 Franco-Ontarians. That is their audience. ...What we are doing is spending significant sums of taxpayers' money on a network which is really not fulfilling any meaningful need within the province.” (Bob Runciman, Ontario Hansard, October 30, 1991)

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Contact:

Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740

"An evening with Sukh Dhaliwal, MP and Olympian and Liberal candidate Ross Rebagliati"

Ross Rebagliati — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:49:35 PST

"An evening with Sukh Dhaliwal, MP and Olympian and Liberal candidate Ross Rebagliati"

The Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon Federal Liberal Association is excited to host a fund-raising dinner with Sukh Dhaliwal, MP and Liberal candidate for Okanagan--Coquihalla, Olympian Ross Rebagliati

Date: Saturday February 6th
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m
Venue: Coast Hotel Chilliwack, 45920 First Avenue, Chilliwack

Sukh Dhaliwal is Liberal Member of Parliament for Newton--North Delta. Mr. Dhaliwal was first elected to the House of Commons in January 2006. He currently serves the critic for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Western Economic Diversification.

Ross Rebagliati is the Liberal candidate for Okanagan--Coquihalla. Mr. Rebagliati won the first ever gold-medal winner in snowboarding at the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan in 1998.

This fund-raising dinner is to be held just one day prior to the Community Torch Celebration passing through Chilliwack on Sunday, February 7th, 2010 and just 5 days before the 2010 Vancouver 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremonies. The timing for Ross' visit, just one day prior to the Torch relay arriving in town, is impeccable. Ross will have his gold medal with him on display as well as a torch from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olmpics torch relay.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will be 50-50 between both the Chilliwack--Fraser Canyon Federal Liberal Agency Riding Association and Okanagan--Coquihalla Riding Federal Liberal Agency Riding Association on a 50-50 basis.

As you will see below, the net ticket prices range from a low of approximately $10 to a high of approximately $71.25 after tax credit.

Regular Dinner & Speech Ticket @ $150.00 (Approx. $105 Contribution receipt/ticket)
$150 less $45 meal = $105. 75% tax credit of $78.75 = $26.25 + $45 = $71.25 Approx. Actual Cost

Student* Dinner & Speech Ticket @ $100.00 (Approx. $55 Contribution receipt/ticket)
$100 less $45 meal = $55. 75% tax credit of $41.25 = $13.75 + $45 = $58.75 Approx. Actual Cost * Must have valid Student ID at the door.

Regular Speech Only Ticket @ $80.00 ($80.00 Contribution receipt per ticket)
$80 Ticket. 75% tax credit of $60= $20 Approx. Actual Cost

Student* Speech Only Ticket @ $40.00 ($40.00 Contribution receipt per ticket)
$40 Ticket. 75% tax credit of $30= $10 Approx. Actual Cost * Must have valid Student ID at the door.

To purchase tickets please call:

Paul at 604-340-3553;
Stan at 604-823-4015 or
Anita at 604-845-8899

Liberal policy in support of the forestry sector

Ross Rebagliati — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:49:01 PST

For Immediate ReleaseFebruary 1, 2010

Just the Facts:
Liberal policy in support of the forestry sector

Today, the Forest Products Association of Canada released a study that shows how the forestry sector can become a job-creating economic growth engine.

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has announced a number of policies that would help to revitalize and transform the forestry sector and support forest workers, reversing its decline under the Harper government:

An unprecedented commitment to clean energy by quadrupling Canada’s production of renewable energy by 2017 (Laval University environment speech, November 26, 2009), including investments in research and development to drive forest product innovation for new clean bio-energy technologies (Forestry transformation announcement, Trois-Rivières, September 26, 2009).
Boosting job-creating productivity and competitiveness through a cash advance on the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance to help manufacturers purchase new equipment (Job creation announcement, January 27, 2010)
Negotiating loan guarantees and improving access to credit for Canada’s forestry companies (Forestry transformation announcement, Trois-Rivières, September 26, 2009)
“Going where the growth is,” to open new markets for forest products in India, China and other emerging economies. (Forestry transformation announcement, Trois-Rivières, September 26, 2009 and Toronto Board of Trade speech, September 21, 2009).

These policies will make the forestry sector more competitive, contribute to sustainability and create jobs.

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Contact:

Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740

Harper government changes targets again

Ross Rebagliati — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:40:44 PST

For Immediate ReleaseFebruary 1, 2009

Just the facts:
Harper government changes targets again

Far from demonstrating “enlightened sovereignty,” the government has moved even further away from the 20 percent greenhouse gas reduction target announced in April 2007.

Setting a new goal of a 17-percent reduction below 2005 levels by 2020 follows the pattern established by our climate-change-denying Prime Minister. Here’s a look back at the Harper environmental legacy:

January 2006. Canada’s Conservative government is elected. Stephen Harper becomes Prime Minister. The Harper government cuts or freezes up to $6 billion in environmental programming upon coming into office.

April 2007. Environment Minister John Baird tables “Turning the Corner,” the Harper government’s second environmental plan in six months, calling for emission reductions of 20 percent below 2006 levels by 2020, and between 50-65 percent by 2050. Every independent analyses of the plan finds that it lacks the capacity to meet its own targets.

May 2009. New Conservative Environment Minister Jim Prentice announces the Harper government’s third climate change plan in three years by indicating that climate change regulations will not be developed until 2010 and may not take effect until 2016.

January 30, 2010. The government files its official Copenhagen Accord papers that show Canada’s new goal is 17 percent, down from the previous 20 percent. The plan shows the government still has no plan on how to reach that new target and at least one environmental group has predicted it will result in an increase in emissions.

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Contact:

Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740

Liberals are working to protect the independence of government agencies

Ross Rebagliati — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:44:40 PST

For Immediate Release
January 26, 2009

Liberals are working to protect the independence of government agencies

OTTAWA – Liberals are working on Parliament Hill today by hosting a panel on governance, focussing on the independence of the government agencies that safeguard our public institutions.

Today’s session on governance comes the day after Canadian diplomat Richard Colvin’s lawyer complained of government reprisals for his subpoenaed testimony at Parliament’s Afghanistan Committee, and after it was revealed that a Conservative donor with no criminal or policing experience was appointed interim head of the RCMP public complaints commission.

“The Conservatives have dangerously undermined the independence of government agencies that safeguard our public institutions,” said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, who attended today’s panel. “The unacceptable treatment of Mr. Colvin and the appointment of a Conservative supporter with no experience to oversee the RCMP underlines the contempt the Harper government has for the rules that protect our democracy.”

“Today we heard from three former heads of government agencies who had to contend with interference from the Harper government whenever their work was critical of the government,” said Liberal Democratic Reform critic Marlene Jennings, who chaired the session. “I want to thank Linda Keen, Peter Tinsley, and Paul Kennedy for telling their stories, as well as professors France Houle and Ned Franks for sharing their expertise.”

Peter Tinsley was the Chair of the Military Police Complaints Commission, Paul Kennedy was the Chair of the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP, and Linda Keen was the President of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

“The Harper government has muzzled the heads of independent government agencies,” Ms. Jennings continued. “When they asked too many questions, or if their opinions differed from those of the government, they were sent packing.”

“Now that we’ve heard their side of the story, as well as their suggestions for improving the system, our next challenge is to strengthen the rules that protect our democracy,” Ms. Jennings concluded. “While a Liberal government may not always agree with every agency, we need to find new ways to keep them immune from political interference.”

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Contact:

Office of the Hon. Marlene Jennings
613- 995-2251

Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740

Liberals are working to help Canadian veterans

Ross Rebagliati — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:42:10 PST

For Immediate Release
January 28, 2009

Liberals are working to help Canadian veterans

OTTAWA – Liberals are working today on Parliament Hill by hosting a forum that focuses on how government can better aid and support Canadian veterans and their families.

“Veterans are the heroes of our nation,” said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff. “They put their mind, body and heart on the line for the freedom and democracy we enjoy today. We owe it to them to listen to their concerns and come up with strategies to get them the aid and support they and their families deserve when they return from active duty.”

The roundtable will hear from experts representing veterans associations, mental health research and occupational therapy, to focus on the New Veterans Charter, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Afghanistan war vets. Liberal Senator Romeo Dallaire will also give the keynote address to discuss challenges facing modern-day veterans and their families.

Liberal Veterans Affairs Critic Robert Oliphant said it’s important to hear directly from veterans about the issues that affect them and their families and what governments can do to address those issues.

“Canadians need a new conversation about the care and compassion of the men and women who put their lives on the line for the safety of Canadians and the future of democracy around the world,” said Mr. Oliphant. “This roundtable will allow us to work together on ideas that will guide the needs of veterans for the years to come.”

Mr. Oliphant said the Charter – implemented in 2006 with a promise by the Harper government that it would be regularly reviewed – is not meeting the needs of today’s veterans and their loved ones.

“Veterans groups that signed on to the Charter did so with the understanding that it would evolve when necessary to meet the standards and demands of our modern Veterans – but this has not happened.”

Roundtable participants will watch a videotaped presentation of a mother of a wounded soldier, Francine Matteau. Along with her son, she is mounting a case against the New Veterans Charter, claiming he would have received better financial compensation under the old charter.

“The fight Mrs. Matteau is leading is just one example of how the Charter is not working for our veterans,” said Mr. Oliphant.

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Contact:

Press Office, Office of the Leader of the Opposition, 613-996-6740
Office of Rob Oliphant, MP: 613-669-3374

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Canada’s Veterans

Ross Rebagliati — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:41:42 PST

For Immediate ReleaseJanuary 28, 2009

Just the Facts:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Canada’s Veterans

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Historically, PTSD has been associated with military personnel and their reactions to traumatic experiences involving combat and warfare situations. More recently, PTSD has been linked to traumatic situations that don't just affect soldiers. Paramedics, police officers, front-line nurses and victims of abuse, violent crimes or accidents have been known to develop symptoms.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in 10 people have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Symptoms of PTSD include reliving the traumatic event, emotional numbing and avoidance, and changes in sleeping patterns and alertness. Some experience severe psychological stress that can affect them long after the traumatic event, including flashbacks and nightmares or tuning out for periods of time, making it hard to live a normal life. According to expert Dr. Greg Passey, a retired military psychiatrist who treats veterans with PTSD, one in five people with PTSD attempt suicide.

How is PTSD treated?

Specialized treatment is required for Canadian veterans affected by PTSD. The majority of Canadian veterans affected face a difficult transition to normal life with few resources and supports available, and are generally required to compete for limited specialized medical services available to all Canadians.

While depression and anxiety can be treated with medication, therapy with mental health professionals can help, including:

• Group therapy.
• Exposure therapy, in which the person works through the trauma by reliving the experience under controlled conditions.
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy, which focuses on the way a person interprets and reacts to experience.
• Some people fully recover within six months, but it can take much longer. Cognitive-behavioural therapy appears to be the most effective treatment, according to research.

PTSD and Canada’s Veterans

In 2007, Veterans Affairs Canada calculated that the number of operational stress injury cases jumped by more than 400-500 percent over the previous five years.

In a December 2008 report, Pat Stogran, the Ombudsman for National Defence and the Canadian Forces, found a number of individual cases where military members and/or their families were not treated fairly by the Canadian Forces or did not get access to the care and treatment that they needed from Veterans Affairs.

Most notably, Ombudsman investigators found that 18 of 31 recommendations from their2002 report have not been fully implemented, particularly those dealing with broader issues of leadership, governance, data collection and monitoring.

The Ombudsman stated that this has hampered the overall coordination of efforts and consistency of care received by military members across the country suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other operational stress injuries. The Ombudsman also noted a number of complaints received by the Office are in regards to Veterans Affairs Canada staff not understanding the problems faced by people dealing with operational stress injuries.

The report recommended further steps be taken, including:

• Create a full-time operational stress injury coordinator responsible for all related issues, including the quality and consistency of care, diagnosis and treatment, as well as training and education.
• Develop a database of Canadian Forces personnel — both regular and reserve forces — affected by stress-related injuries.
• Conduct an independent and confidential mental-health survey of Forces personnel.

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Contact:

Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740

Harper government delays endangering food safety

Ross Rebagliati — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:41:10 PST

For Immediate Release
January 28, 2009

Harper government delays endangering food safety

OTTAWA - The Harper government’s failing grade from federal meat inspectors on improving food safety is proof that the Conservatives have learned nothing from the 2008 deadly listeriosis outbreak, Liberal MPs said today.

“Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz promised Canadians he would implement Sheila Weatherill’s recommendations, and yet here we are six months later and the meat inspectors tell us nothing substantive has been done,” said Liberal Agriculture Critic Wayne Easter. “We need more than empty commitments from the Conservatives – we need action.”

22 people died in the summer of 2008 due to what Ms. Weatherill called a ‘vacuum in senior leadership’ among government officials.

In her report, Ms. Weatherill made 57 recommendations, calling for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to make changes to its new meat inspection system, known as the Compliance Verification System (CVS), and to conduct an audit to determine the number of additional food inspectors required.

According to Bob Kingston, president of the union representing federal meat inspectors, the ‘vast majority’ of the recommendations have so far been ignored. The CVS remains unevaluated, inspector shortages remain a problem, inspectors continue to be hobbled by an inspection system that is deeply flawed and the audit has not even begun, he said.

“The Conservatives seem to think that if Canadians are no longer watching, they can just sweep it under the rug,” said Liberal Health Critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett. “For once, Prime Minister Harper and Minister Ritz have to realize that in some cases, government has a role to play, especially when the health and safety of Canadians is involved.”

“The Conservatives cannot continue to gamble with people’s lives,” said Liberal Public Health Critic Dr. Kirsty Duncan. “They must act on these recommendations now.”

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Contact:

Office of the Hon. Wayne Easter, MP: 613-992-2406
Office of the Hon. Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP: 613-995-9666
Office of Dr. Kirsty Duncan, MP: 613-995-4702

Conservative cost-cutting should start with new partisan TV ad campaign

Ross Rebagliati — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:32:31 PST

For Immediate Release
January 22, 2010

Conservative cost-cutting should start with new partisan TV ad campaign

OTTAWA – Contrary to claims that prudent spending is on the way, the Conservatives have launched a brand new, multi-million dollar advertising campaign using tax-payer money to promote their so-called Economic Plan, Liberal Treasury Board Critic Siobhan Coady said.

“If Stockwell Day, our newly-minted Treasury Board President, is serious about cutting unnecessary and wasteful expenditures, he should start with the government’s new multi-million dollar, partisan-propaganda TV advertising campaign, “ said Ms. Coady.

“Stephen Harper is full of lame excuses for using your money to promote himself, with his laughable claim that government advertising is economic stimulus for media outlets. Spending millions of taxpayer dollars on television ads promoting this government’s partisan agenda makes it pretty clear that Mr. Day has no more credibility when it comes to prudent spending than his predecessor.”

Coady went on to point out the Harper Conservatives’ contradictory behavior, rationalizing cuts to organizations that challenge their political agenda while increasing advertising spending to promote themselves. The Conservatives have recently cut funding to three prominent organizations that have been critical of the government, including the Canadian Council on Learning, the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences, and to KAIROS, an international development agency made up Canada’s churches.

“On the one hand, the Conservatives are saying they need to be frugal, using this as an excuse to punish organizations that have been rightly critical of this government’s record. On the other hand, they waste money on TV ads to make Canadians believe that they’re hard at work when instead they’ve shut down Parliament, where they should be doing the job Canadians elected them to do.”

From January to June of last year alone, the Conservatives spent $56 million on so-called Economic Plan advertising. With this new TV campaign and ads running throughout the fall, this figured has likely doubled, breaking the $100 million mark.

“By launching this new TV campaign to advertise their so-called Economic Plan, almost a full year since the last budget, the Conservatives are simply trying to change the channel,” continued Coady. “Let’s not kid ourselves – this is partisan propaganda on an unprecedented scale, with no other purpose than to try to distract Canadians from Stephen Harper’s unpopular decision to shut down Parliament.”

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Contact:

Office of Siobhan Coady, MP: 613-992-0927

Stephen Harper’s top twenty democratic abuses

Ross Rebagliati — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:30:55 PST

For Immediate ReleaseJanuary 23, 2010

Stephen Harper’s top twenty democratic abuses

In advance of today’s rallies organized by Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament, we thought we would remind Canadians of Stephen Harper’s top twenty abuses of democracy:

1.    Shutting down Parliament – twice – to get out of political hot water and avoid democratic scrutiny.

2.    Firing nuclear whistleblower Linda Keen for her warnings about the Chalk River nuclear reactor.

3.    Refusing to renew the contract of RCMP Public Complaints Commissioner Paul Kennedy after he was critical of the government.

4.    Shutting down the Military Police Complaints Commission before Richard Colvin was set to appear and failing to renew the contract of Commissioner Peter Tinsley.

5.    Using a “dirty tricks manual” to grind Parliamentary committee business to a halt.

6.    Withholding information from the Elections Commissioner, which necessitated a police raid on Conservative Party Headquarters.

7.    Breaking his own fixed election date law to call the 2008 election.

8.    Refusing to provide adequate funding and independence to the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

9.    Refusing to provide unredacted documents concerning the Afghan detainee scandal to Parliament after a motion ordering their disclosure was passed in the House of Commons.

10.    Boycotting the Afghanistan committee by refusing to show up.

11.    Attacking public servant Richard Colvin for doing his public duty to truthfully respond to questions from Parliament.

12.    Breaking election promises to never run a deficit, appoint only elected Senators, to never raise taxes, and to increase the accountability of government.

13.    Trying to eliminate political party financing in the 2008 Fall Economic Statement in a bid deprive political opponents of funding.

14.    Scrapping the court challenges program that helped underfunded groups fight for constitutional rights.

15.    Abandoning their promised Public Appointments Commission after their proposed watchdog, Conservative fundraiser Gwyn Morgan, was rejected.

16.    Firing Canadian Wheat Board President Adrian Measner to undermine its independence.

17.    Trying to amend Canada’s constitution to put term limits on Senate appointments and redistribute House of Commons seats – without first consulting the provinces.

18.    Launching a lawsuit to hush-up the Cadman Affair into bribery allegations.

19.    Refusing to disclose the time, date and location of Cabinet meetings.

20.    Requiring media to be on a pre-approved list before they can ask the Prime Minister questions at press conferences.

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Contact:

Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740

Written Order Paper Questions go unanswered as Parliament shut down

Ross Rebagliati — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:28:43 PST

For Immediate ReleaseJanuary 24, 2010

Written Order Paper Questions go unanswered as Parliament shut down

OTTAWA – Stephen Harper’s decision to shut down Parliament means that dozens of written MP questions to the government will go unanswered.

In addition to killing 36 pieces of legislation, eliminating dozens of House and Senate committees and shutting down Question Period in the House of Commons and Senate, by proroguing Parliament the Conservatives have also hidden from their responsibility to provide potentially embarrassing and incriminating answers to written Order Paper Questions from MPs.

The government has 45 days to respond to Order Paper Questions, but when Parliament is prorogued, all Questions on the Order Paper die. They can all be resubmitted, but instead of getting answers on January 25th when Parliament was supposed to resume, the clock will have to start again on each question. The government can continue to hide facts from Canadians thanks to the Prime Minister’s self-serving decision to shut down Parliament.

Of 123 unanswered Questions on the Order Paper, 112 were submitted by Liberal MPs. Here are some of Order Paper Questions submitted by Liberal MPs that would have had to be answered on January 25th if Parliament had not been shut down:

Redaction of Afghan detainee memos (Michael Ignatieff): Who was responsible for redacting the documents and what role did the DFAIT, National Defence, the Privy Council Office or any ministry play?

Abuse of Afghan detainees (Ujjal Dosanjh): How many times has the government notified the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) of allegations of abuse, mistreatment, or torture of Canadian-transferred detainees? Did the government follow-up on these or any other investigation with regards to allegations or evidence of abuse, mistreatment, or torture of Canadian-transferred detainees to ensure that each of the allegations had been investigated? What were the results of these investigations? What did the government do to assure itself that the allegations had been sufficiently investigated by the AIHRC or any other entity? Were any records or files kept on these investigations?   Were any of these investigations deemed to be insufficient and, if so, what was done to remedy this?

Afghan detainee policy (Ujjal Dosanjh): Did the government ever request legal opinions regarding Canada’s domestic and international legal responsibility for detainees captured by the Canadian military or military police in Afghanistan and transferred to Afghan authorities? Did this legal advice contribute to the formulation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's diplomatic contingency plan related to detainees?

Status of Women (Michael Ignatieff): How many funding applications or requests has this office received since 2006? How many funding requests were granted since 2006? What is the name of each organization or individual who received funding from Status of Women Canada since 2006?

Infrastructure spending (John Cannis): What projects have been funded, where are they located, who applied and how much money has been allocated to each project, for each of the following:
•         Building Canada Fund-
•         Recreational Infrastructure Canada Fund
•         Knowledge Infrastructure Fund
•         Community Adjustment Fund

Cost of new justice legislation (Mark Holland): What are the costs associated with the implementation of government crime legislation? What plans does CSC have to alter existing facilities to meet the needs of inmates and staff over the next 15 years, what is the timeline and what costs are associated with these projects?

Government advertising (Andrew Kania):   How much has the government spent on promoting Canada's Economic Action Plan through advertising in print, radio and television? When and where was each advertisment published, aired and broadcast?

Government asset sales (Martha Hall Findlay): Which government departments have assets being considered for sale to meet the government’s commitment to sell $10.1 billion worth of government assets over a five year period?

Cost cutting (John McCallum): Which 21 departments and agencies participated in the government’s program spending review?   For each of the participating departments and agencies, among what programs or services were the savings identified and in what amounts?

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Contact:

Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740

Liberals pledge to prevent abuse of prorogation

Ross Rebagliati — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:28:22 PST

For Immediate ReleaseJanuary 25, 2010

Liberals pledge to prevent abuse of prorogation

OTTAWA – Surrounded by members of the Liberal caucus in front of the House of Commons on the day when Parliament should have resumed, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff announced that the Liberal Party of Canada will seek changes to the House of Commons’ rules that would prevent the Prime Minister from using prorogation illegitimately.

“Twice in one year, Mr. Harper has abused his powers by shutting down Parliament to save his political skin,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “In appropriate circumstances, prorogation is a legitimate procedure, but we need new rules to prevent Mr. Harper – or any other Prime Minister – from using it to escape democratic scrutiny.”

"Today, we're putting forward a concrete, practical proposal that will set out clear terms for how and when a Prime Minister can ask to prorogue," said Mr. Ignatieff. "I pledge that a Liberal government will respect these rules and the role of Parliament in ensuring accountability to the people of Canada."

To prevent future abuses of prorogation, the Liberal Party of Canada will seek to amend the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to:

•    Require at least 10 days written notice from the Prime Minister of his intention to seek to prorogue, together with his specific reasons for doing so;

•    Require the Prime Minister to bring the issue of prorogation before the House of Commons for a full debate;

•    Prevent a request for prorogation within the first year after a Speech from the Throne, unless the House consents;

•    Prevent a prorogation longer than one calendar month without the consent of the House;

•    Prevent a request for prorogation if a matter of confidence has been scheduled in the House unless the House consents; and,

•    Allow Parliamentary Committees to continue to function during the period when Parliament is prorogued until the start of the new session.

“Parliament should not prevent a Prime Minister from using prorogation in proper circumstances,” said Liberal House Leader Ralph Goodale. “But the Prime Minister must be held to account for why he is using it, and the rules must be clear on when shutting down Parliament would be wrong.”

Liberals intend to submit their proposal to the House Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs for consideration by all parties, and will then bring forward amendments to the Standing Orders of the House of Commons, in the form of legislation if necessary.

“Parliament doesn’t serve the Prime Minister – it serves Canadians,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “That’s why Canadians need clear, binding conventions on the proper use of prorogation.”

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Contact:
Office of MP Ralph Goodale
613-947-1153

Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740

RCMP oversight under the Conservatives

Ross Rebagliati — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:27:48 PST

For Immediate ReleaseJanuary 25, 2010

Just the Facts:
RCMP oversight under the Conservatives

The new interim chair of the independent RCMP Public Complaints Commission, Ian McPhail, is a long-time supporter of the Conservative party with no relevant qualifications for the job. The man he is replacing, Paul Kennedy, boasts considerable national and international public safety experience, but lost his position after making critical comments about the government’s public safety policies.

Paul Kennedy

Over 35 years of public service, past RCMP Public Complaints Commission Chair Paul Kennedy was the Canada’s Co-Chair of the Canada-U.S. Cross Border Crime Forum, Chair of the Canadian National Co-ordinating Committee on Organized Crime, Chair of the Assistant Deputy Ministers Committee on Public Safety and Chair of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Commission of the Organization of American States.

First appointed Chair of the RCMP Public Complaints Commission in 2005, during his tenure Mr. Kennedy investigated Taser use, in-custody deaths, and the internal investigation procedures of the RCMP.

Ian McPhail

Ian McPhail was named Vice-Chair of the RCMP Public Complaints Commission by Peter Van Loan on January 18, 2010. His appointment as “interim chair” is expected to last at least one year.

Mr. McPhail is a wills and real estate lawyer with no criminal law or policing experience.

He was appointed Chair of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Acting Chair and Director of TV Ontario, and Chair of the Ontario Environmental Review Tribunal under Progressive Conservative Premier Mike Harris.

Mr. McPhail donated at least $4,886.32 to the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario from 1995-2008.

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Contact:

Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740

Liberals slam delays in non-profit infrastructure funding

Ross Rebagliati — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:26:36 PST

For Immediate Release
January 25, 2010

Liberals slam delays in non-profit infrastructure funding

OTTAWA - Infrastructure Minister John Baird should be at Parliament today answering questions and providing information to Canadians about his troubled infrastructure stimulus program, Liberal Infrastructure Critic Gerard Kennedy said today.

At a Parliamentary committee on December 2, 2009, Mr. Baird promised to release a list of non-profit infrastructure stimulus recipients “within a few days.” Instead, 54 days later, no list has been made public while Mr. Baird and his colleagues have made select, one-off announcements, like the one today at the Toronto United Way.

“Charitable organizations and the Canadian public who pay the bills don’t deserve this kind of poor treatment,” said Mr. Kennedy. “Mr. Baird can't escape accountability for the failures of his programs.”

In December, the Parliamentary Budget Officer confirmed that only 12 percent of announced funds had started to create jobs. The non-profit sector was forced to cope with a highly-erratic application process, given only a few weeks in the dead of summer to apply, and then received no response from federal government for six months.

“Average Canadians have seen almost no benefits from the billions of dollars Mr. Baird and Mr. Harper have been bragging about,” said Kennedy. “The stimulus part of the program has failed – and now the question is whether long-term value will even be realized."

$335 million of the Ontario portion of the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund has yet to be announced, despite the promise in the budget of a year ago to have projects started by the end of May 2009.

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Contact:

Office of Gerard Kennedy, MP: 613-992-2936