Ross Rebagliati (www.rossrebagliati.com) : Blog http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php This page contains the blog. Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:43:31 -0700 http://ubertor.com/?v=1.0 en Ross visiting a Senior Center in Langley http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/485 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:42:05 -0700 Ross Rebagliati General http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/485 http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/langleytimes/news/98371454.html]]> Dryden pushes for Rebagliati as OK/Coq MP http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/484 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:52:07 -0700 Ross Rebagliati General http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/484
http://www.merrittnews.net/article/20100614/MERRITT0101/100619981/-1/MERRITT01/dryden-pushes-for-rebagliati-as-ok-coq-mp]]> Alexandra quoted in Globe and Mail article http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/483 Wed, 26 May 2010 21:26:00 -0700 Ross Rebagliati General http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/483
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/real-estate/van-market21/article1575960/?cmpid=rss1]]> Oregon article mentioning me running for MP http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/482 Fri, 21 May 2010 09:22:08 -0700 Ross Rebagliati General http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/482
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2010/05/20/ex-nbaer-dudley-running-for-governor-in-oregon/]]> Diamond View Estates http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/481 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:46:27 -0700 Ross Rebagliati General http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/481 ]]> Ryan http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/480 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:45:35 -0700 Ross Rebagliati General http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/480 Wakeboard camps summer of 2010 http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/479 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:41:05 -0700 Ross Rebagliati General http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/479 Updates http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/478 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 11:33:19 -0700 Ross Rebagliati General http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/478 www.twitter.com/RossRebagliati
www.facebook.com/RossRebagliati.com


Alexandra and I took Ryan swimming this morning. He loves the water. He can now stand up all by himself. He is turning into a big boy! His 1st birthday is only one month away.

I am glad I am running for MP and can set an example for my son and his generation. Being active is important. I do not see enough politicians outside being active. Somebody has to promote an active lifestyle. Ryan's face lights up when I take him to the park or swimming. I am proud my son would rather play outside than watch tv.

~Ross]]> Ross on KOOL FM http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/477 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:06:23 -0800 Ross Rebagliati General http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/477 http://koolmornings.wordpress.com/2010/02/16/ross-rebagliati-steals-robins-gold/]]> Liberals are working for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/476 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:58:33 -0800 Ross Rebagliati Politics http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/476 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 http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/475 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:58:09 -0800 Ross Rebagliati Politics http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/475 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:
 
 
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Contact:

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

]]> Liberals are working to keep Canadians healthy http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/474 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:57:39 -0800 Ross Rebagliati Politics http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/474 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 http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/473 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:56:36 -0800 Ross Rebagliati Politics http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/473 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 http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/472 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:54:44 -0800 Ross Rebagliati Politics http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/472 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 http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/471 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:53:25 -0800 Ross Rebagliati Politics http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/471 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" http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/470 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:49:35 -0800 Ross Rebagliati Politics http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/470 "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 http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/469 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:49:01 -0800 Ross Rebagliati Politics http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/469 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:
  1. 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).
  2. 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)
  3. Negotiating loan guarantees and improving access to credit for Canada’s forestry companies (Forestry transformation announcement, Trois-Rivières, September 26, 2009)
  4. “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 http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/468 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:40:44 -0800 Ross Rebagliati Politics http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/468 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 http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/467 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:44:40 -0800 Ross Rebagliati Politics http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/467 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 http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/466 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:42:10 -0800 Ross Rebagliati Politics http://www.rossrebagliati.com/Blog.php/466 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

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