NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair (Outremont, Que.) issued the following statement: “I wish to echo the words of my friend and colleague, Georgina Jolibois, the former mayor of La Loche and the current MP of the area, regarding today’s tragedy. Catherine and I are shocked and heartbroken after hearing the news of a shooting at the La Loche Community School. We send our love … Read more
The NDP is calling for a universal prescription drugs plan to be included in a new Health Accord. Canada is the only country in the world with universal healthcare that does not provide universal prescription drug coverage,” said NDP health critic Don Davies (Vancouver-Kingsway, B.C.). “Excluding drug coverage means higher healthcare costs in the long run … Read more
NDP Foreign Affairs critic Hélène Laverdière (Laurier-Sainte-Marie, Que.) issued a statement: “On behalf of New Democrats and concerned Canadians, I urge the government to reverse its decision to not grant Raif Badawi Canadian citizenship,” she said. “Human rights experts, including Amnesty International, have been calling for Mr. Badawi to be granted Canadian citizenship in order … Read more
NDP Industry critic Brian Masse (Windsor West, Ont.) issued a statement in response to Postmedia layoffs across Canada: “Following the announcement by Postmedia CEO Paul Godfrey today, I am foremost concerned about the jobs lost and the people affected by this news,” said Masse. “New Democrats have long been concerned about the creeping concentration and dilution of competition … Read more
New Democrat MPs elected Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay, Ont.) as their National Caucus Chair and Ruth Ellen Brosseau (Berthier—Maskinongé, Que.) as vice-chair. The full release is available online.
New Democrat foreign affairs critic Hélène Laverdière (Laurier–Sainte-Marie, Que.) made the following statement on World Religion Day: “Today, people around the world are celebrating World Religion Day – a celebration that brings together believers from all religions to foster greater understanding. While tolerance has come a long way, millions of people throughout the world face discrimination, abuse … Read more
NDP Health Critic Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway, B.C.) called on the Liberal government to adopt a national ban of for-profit and paid-donor blood clinics in Canada. This comes after repeated attempts by a private, for-profit blood plasma company to open clinics in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan that would offer payments to donors. “It’s time we … Read more
NDP foreign affairs critic Hélène Laverdière (Laurier—Sainte-Marie, Que.) issued the following statement in reaction to Samar Badawi’s arrest by Saudi Arabia: “New Democrats condemn the arrest and detention of activist Samar Badawi, the sister of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi. We call on foreign affairs minister Stephane Dion to condemn the arrest by immediately summoning the Saudi … Read more
Prominent Canadian women should be featured on Canada’s banknotes, the NDP urged. “It’s time to break through the paper ceiling and feature prominent Canadian women on Canada’s money bills,” said NDP status of women critic Sheila Malcolmson (Nanaimo-Ladysmith, B.C.). “As we reach Canada’s 150th anniversary, the Queen shouldn’t be the only woman who is celebrated on our … Read more
As a result of the Nipigon bridge failure, Canadians who want to cross their own country are being forced to detour through the United States. Although efforts are being made to stabilize the situation, NDP MP Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay, Ont.) said the bridge failure is a symbol of the growing infrastructure crisis in the … Read more
