In his last statement in the House of Commons, Liberal MP Irwin Cotler (Mount Royal, Que.), critic for Rights and Freedoms and International Justice, called for the release of four prisoners of conscience (Raif Badawi, Leopoldo López, Ayatollah Hossein Boroujerdi and Biram Dah Abeid), as well as the persecuted leadership of the Baha’i religious community in Iran, on whose behalf … Read more
Liberal MP Rodger Cuzner (Cape Breton-Canso, N.S.) believes it is time for real change in federal election debates. Yesterday, he placed a motion on notice in the House of Commons asking the Procedure and House Affairs Committee to study and recommend legislation to govern fair federal election debates. The Committee will report back to the House of Commons … Read more
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) presented a plan to restore openness and transparency to government. The Liberal plan will raise the bar on transparency and accountability, and modernize the way government works, by implementing measures, including but not limited to: requiring that government data and information is open by default; giving Canadians a voice in Ottawa by allowing more independence … Read more
Liberal MP Emmanuel Dubourg (Bourassa, Que.) issued a summary following the conclusion of the inaugural Black Government Leaders Summit at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown, N.S. Delegates from across Canada and around the world gathered to discuss issues affecting black Canadians, including how to better co-ordinate efforts among black legislators across jurisdictions. The leaders adopted United Nations Resolution … Read more
Liberal critic for veterans affairs Frank Valeriote (Guelph, Ont.) issued the following statement to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day: “On the anniversary of D-Day, we are reminded of the courage displayed by our Canadian soldiers, sailors, and Air Force members, who launched an assault against the heavily fortified coast of Normandy on this day in 1944. … Read more
Liberal environment critic John McKay (Scarborough — Guildwood, Ont.) issued a statement marking World Environment Day. “World Environment Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance and the necessity of strong environmental stewardship,” said McKay. “We need a respectful dialogue between and among governments and Canadians that puts the environment at the centre of our society, … Read more
Liberal MP Irwin Cotler (Mount Royal, Que.) issued a 15-point Action Plan to combat human rights violations in Iran anchored in, and inspired by, the witness testimony and recommendations of the Fourth Annual Iran Accountability Week. The Action Plan calls for “[sounding] the alarm on the four-fold Iranian threat – nuclear, terrorist, incitement, and massive domestic repression”; … Read more
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) issued the following statement on the death of Jacques Parizeau: “It is with sadness that I learned of the death of Jacques Parizeau. Former Premier and Minister, Mr. Parizeau left his mark on Quebec. A man of conviction, he devoted his life to public service. On behalf of the Liberal … Read more
Liberal Aboriginal Affairs critic Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul’s, Ont.) issued the following statement on National Aboriginal History Month: “In June, we celebrate National Aboriginal History Month. We take this time to celebrate and honour First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities in Canada, and their fundamental contributions to the building of our country. This month-long period is an opportunity for … Read more
Liberal leader Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) issued a statement marking International UN Peacekeepers Day. “On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I commend our Canadian peacekeepers for their contributions to the advancement of global peace and human rights,” said Trudeau. “Moreover, I reaffirm our commitment to providing assistance to peace processes … Read more
