Updates from Libby

For good eats and great summer family fun, join me at one of the neighbourhood barbeques this weekend!

Satuday, July 10th from 1:00 - 4:00
Thunderbird Community Centre
2311 Cassiar St., between E. 6th and E. 8th.

AND

Sunday, July 11th from 1:00 - 4:00
McLean Park
Keefer and Heatley

Bring your lawn chairs and have a blast!

Barbeques will be cancelled in the event of rain

Rights Here, Right Now – the 23rd International World AIDS Conference

Dear Friends,

This year’s International World AIDS Conference held in Vienna will highlight the importance of Human Rights in the effective response to HIV.

I am honoured to be participating in the Conference this year on a panel discussing the topic of Leadership and Critical HIV/AIDS Issues. I will be focusing on harm reduction and the rights of people who use drugs.

In the lead up to the International World AIDS Conference, world experts have put forward the Vienna Declaration, calling for a scientific approach to illegal drugs in the fight against HIV.

Libby sent the following letter to the Ottawa Citizen on June 11, 2010. To date, they have not published this letter.

June 11, 2010
Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to your June 11 editorial which refers to a video of me recorded last Saturday, and posted online (Hater's, Ottawa Citizen, June 11, 2010).

My reference to the year 1948 as the beginning of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory was a serious and completely inadvertent error; I apologize for this and regret any confusion it has caused.

I have always supported a two-state solution to the on-going Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have never questioned Israel's right to exist and the Palestinian’s right to a viable state.

New Democrats have long called for a peaceful, negotiated end to the conflict where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side with secure borders. This is a policy I fully support.

I reject the allegation that I hate Israel, and I reject the assertion that I said that Israel is illegitimate or an abomination. Neither are true.

Libby Davies
MP Vancouver East

Dear Friends,

Many people have asked about the process for auditing and reporting expenses for Members of Parliament. MPs’ expenditures are disclosed publicly each year and posted on-line.

In addition, there are independent, external audits done on House of Commons expenditures, including MPs’ expenses.

Unfortunately, some of the media reports on this have been inaccurate as to what actually does take place on MP expenses. The House of Commons has very strict rules for MP expenses including what is permissible or not.

Sincerely,

Libby Davies, MP
Vancouver East

Congratulations to Co-op Radio on its 35th Anniversary - here is to 35 years of great, member driven, community radio from "the heart of the Downtown Eastside Vancouver". Thank you for being such a strong voice for independant and progressive media in Vancouver and sharing the stories and events of our city and beyond.

Sincerely,
Libby

Please visit this link for information and dates on the Co-op’s calendar of events celebrating their anniversary http://www.coopradio.org/events/index.html

The tragedy in Haiti, the devastation and loss of life, and the millions of people needing assistance is something we are all thinking about. Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the affected area should contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada at 1-800-387-3124.

To make donations:

The Humanitarian Coalition
http://www.humanitariancoalition.ca
1-800-464-9154

Red Cross
http://www.redcross.ca
1-800-418-1111

UNICEF
http://www.unicef.ca
1-800-567-4483

Dear friends,

Welcome to the latest edition of the Community Links Bulletin. The bulletin’s priority is to inform residents and community organizations in East Van about the activities and services carried out in our community. And we are constantly compiling new editions of the bulletin so please feel free to send me your community updates, events, feedback or suggestions.

Dear friends,

I hope you had a great summer! Now it’s back to school for students and back to Ottawa for me! Parliament resumes September 14th and I expect it to be busy in there.

An economic update is expected this fall. My NDP colleagues and I will continue to press very hard for EI reform to ensure more people can access EI benefits. This is critical in a community like East Van where a growing number of people are facing layoffs.

How is the economic recession affecting you? I’d really like to hear from you – your experience, ideas and suggestions for needed changes. Please drop me a line (postage free) or email me! As always, I am proud to serve our community!

Sincerely,

Libby

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Libby Davies hosts public forum on the CBC with NDP Heritage Critic Charlie Angus.

No need to RSVP - and feel free to share this invitation with friends.

Date: Wednesday July 8
Time: 7 pm to 9 pm
Place: Vancouver Public Library, Alice MacKay Room (350 West Georgia Street)

For more information, contact 604-775-5800 or email daviel@parl.gc.ca

Libby Davies and Strathcona Community Centre invite you and your family to an East Van Barbeque.
... good eats and great summer fun

Date: Sunday, July 12, 2009
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: MacLean Park (at Strathcona)
Street: Keefer and Heatley

The event is free.

For more information phone 604-775-5800 or email daviel@parl.gc.ca

Dear friends,

Parliament is now recessed for the summer and I'm sure glad to be back in East Van after a long session. The economy and the recession dominated the NDP's work - holding the Conservative government to account for failing to help Canadians in these tough economic times. I was happy to see my Housing Bill C-304, for a National Housing Strategy, go through its first hour of debate in Parliament with strong support. The second hour of debate on the Bill will happen in September. I encourage you to support it by visiting http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=61565311521.

Food for Thought - New Democrats continue their cross-country tour on Food Security

To a meeting to discuss community issues
regarding the Port Metro Vancouver site

Thursday, June 25th / 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Kiwassa Neighbourhood House
In the East/West Room on the Main Floor
2425 Oxford (at Nanaimo)

Representatives from Port Metro Vancouver will be in attendance
to discuss community concerns.

Please RSVP to the phone number below. Hope to see you there!
Libby Davies, MP (Vancouver East)
2412 Main Street Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2
Phone: 604 775 5800 Fax: 604 775 5811
Email: daviel@parl.gc.ca Web: libbydavies.ca

February, 2009

Dear Friends,

We’re writing to support the Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre (GWCPC) located at 4th and Commercial (1977 Commercial Drive). It is a volunteer-run non-profit agency that has helped many residents, businesses and agencies in our neighbourhood.
 

COMMUNITY LINKS BULLETIN
March to April 2009

Dear Friends,

It’s been just a little over a month since Parliament reconvened and it’s been a very busy time with the federal budget, and the need to focus attention to alleviate Canadians’ plight during the current economic recession.

I am very concerned that the federal budget does not protect our society’s most vulnerable people. The budget includes $60 billion in corporate tax cuts yet only $1.15 billion for the unemployed, for Employment Insurance changes. Harper failed to reform Employment Insurance by freezing payments, maintaining the two-week waiting period and not improving the already too-strict eligibility requirements. The budget also contains no mention of childcare spaces and maintains the attack on women’s ability to pursue pay equity complaints through the courts.

None of that, though, will stop me and many women from celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8th. I will be remembering and celebrating women’s progress and profound contributions to family, community and society as a whole. Our scientific, economic, political and social achievements are becoming more recognized around the world, and we continue to work hard, make a difference and to get the recognition we deserve. Let’s keep up the ongoing struggle for women’s equality!

I wish you and your family and friends all the very best of Spring!

Sincerely,

Libby

Dear Friends,

The already overburdened legal aid system in our province is about to get a whole lot worse due to upcoming funding cuts. Our community’s most vulnerable will pay the price. I’m deeply concerned about this and have written to both the provincial and federal Attorneys General about this, the Hon. Wally Oppal and the Hon. Rob Nicholson, respectively. I’m including the letter for your information.

Dear Friends,

The federal budget is coming down on Tuesday, January 27th, and I have something to say about it! I hosted a budget consultation in my riding with community groups and asked for their feedback and priorities to help
stimulate our economy. I'm including a summary for your information.

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your support and confidence in the recent federal election – it’s warmly and gratefully received. And welcome to the latest edition of my Community Links Bulletin! The bulletin was delayed by the federal election and we are now trying to get back on schedule.

Dear friends,

I am sorry I cannot be at the vigil today, but I am there from my heart, and stand in support and solidarity for all our sisters who are missing.