Updates from Libby

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! And welcome to the latest edition of my Community Links Bulletin.

We have made a slight revision to our bulletin, from bi-monthly to quarterly so please note the submission deadline if you wish to submit your blurb for inclusion in our next – April to June 2012 Community Links Bulletin. If you wish to make a submission or receive the bulletin, please leave us a message by email at libby.davie@parl.gc.ca. You can also view the bulletin on my website at www.libbydavies.ca

I wish good health, social justice, equality, and prosperity to all!

Best Wishes,

Libby

Dear Friends,

I know many of you have been deeply moved and are still very concerned about the situation in Attawapiskat. To find out more about what the NDP is doing, check out this video:

http://www.ndp.ca/video/all/V6UXsLwzTRs

Sincerely,

Libby

Dear Friends,

On the upcoming Day of Remembrance on November 11th, we remember the profound sacrifice of the brave men and women in the armed forces who have fought, and died, so that we could live in peace and in freedom.

We are forever grateful for their efforts, courage and ultimate sacrifice. They have reminded us of our common humanity, a universal wish for a true and lasting peace - and an end to armed conflict. With every incalculable loss, we are reminded of this goal. We are forever indebted to them.

We shall always remember the fallen, the survivors, and their loved ones – indeed, all victims of war. And we will honour them by striving for justice, dignity and respect for all. This is our commitment, and it will be embedded in our hearts and in our minds.

Lest we forget.

Yours Sincerely,

Libby

Dear friends,

Welcome to the latest edition of my Community Links Bulletin!

Since Parliament reconvened, it’s been pretty busy! As the Official Opposition, my NDP colleagues and I are working hard to hold the Conservative government to account, whether it's on the mega Omnibus Crime Bill, economy and jobs, health care and affordable prescription medications, or support for small businesses.

Check out photos from the event here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/libbydavies/sets/72157627877519294/

Dear friends,

I'd like to invite you to a very special event to help RODNEY WATSON who is approaching his two year anniversary in sanctuary at the First United Church.

I'd like to invite you to share Thanksgiving with Rodney on:
Date: Monday, October 10th
Time: 2pm - 4pm (drop in)
Place: First United Church, 320 East Hasting Street at Gore
** Please RSVP by October 5th, 2011 as space is limited

I and my good friends are cooking a turkey dinner with all the fixings to show our support for Rodney and to encourage support in the community for this brave young man, who, as a matter of conscience, refused to participate in the illegal war on Iraq.

Dear friends,

Welcome to the latest edition of my Community Links Bulletin! I hope you had a great summer! Now it’s back to school for students and back to Ottawa for me!

Parliament resumes September 19th and I expect it to a busy session. As the official opposition, my NDP colleagues and I will be working hard to hold the Conservative government to account, whether it's on health care, housing, or the protection of our environment. The first thing we expect is the mega Omnibus Crime Bill. It’s a Bill we will oppose vigorously, both for its content and process.

Dear friends,

Last month I wrote to wish Gladys Radek and all the Walk4Justice participants well on the 4th Walk4Justice , an annual walk from Vancouver to Ottawa in memory of missing and murdered women. They are currently in Saskatchewan and have been working tirelessly to raise awareness not only about the murdered and missing women and their families, but also about women and girls who have gone missing since then. Sadly, this list continues to grow.

Walk4Justice’s journey this year continues until September 19, 2011 and need ongoing funds to continue their work. If you are able to contribute to them, please do so by sending a donation to the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Pivot Legal Society, or Hope in Shadows Inc.

Dear Friends,

Happy Pride Week!

I wish to take this opportunity to give greetings and solidarity with all LGBTTQ Canadians as the City of Vancouver welcomes athletes from all over the continent to attend the 2nd Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association (GLISA) North America Outgames and Human Rights Conference from July 25th to 31st. This year’s Pride Parade on July 31st is guaranteed to be bigger, more colourful and fun.

Happy Canada Day everyone! Let's take this day to celebrate the history, diversity and strength of our community.

Check out Libby's Canada Day message at: http://www.youtube.com/user/LibbyDaviesMP?ob=5#p/a/u/2/pjoltNwqnPk

Dear Friends,

Today marks the 26th anniversary of the Air India bombing, a painfully sad day for thousands of Canadian families.

On June 23rd, 1985, 329 people lost their lives in one of Canada’s greatest tragedies as Air India Flight 182 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. Although a Canadian inquiry was launched and completed, many questions remain unanswered. Relatives still struggle to understand how it happened.

Today our hearts go out to each and every one of them. I urge all Canadians to take a moment today to reflect on one of Canada’s most horrendous acts of violence, and join the families in support and solidarity, as they continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones.

Sincerely,

Libby

Check out Libby's comments on the 2nd phase of medicare at the NDP Convention:

http://www.youtube.com/user/LibbyDaviesMP?blend=9&ob=5#p/a/u/1/HmvwVmlTujU

Dear Friends,

I'm really excited about my new role as Health critic in the Official Opposition, as announced by Jack Layton. I also remain as Deputy Leader of the NDP.

This new challenge comes at a time when the Canada Health Accord is looming on the horizon for renewal, and Medicare is under scrutiny and attack by the powerful lobbies for for-profit and privatized health care, which grows ever more threatening, despite overwhelming support by Canadians for a public health care system that works (see press release below).

Dear Friends,

I continue to be concerned about the CRTC’s approval of Usage Based Billing for internet services and the future of net neutrality in Canada. I showed my support for reform of internet usage billing policies by signing the openmedia.ca petition last Fall and continue to speak out for policies which allow free and open access to the internet in Canada. I was happy to see Openmedia.ca 's digital action plan with their concrete and sustainable proposals for Canada’s digital policies. Check out the plan at: http://openmedia.ca/plan.

My NDP colleagues and I will continue to carefully follow this issue and I am confident we will be following up on this issue when Parliament resumes.

Sincerely,

Libby

I offer my sincere condolences to the people of Japan as they experience the loss and devastation resulting from the earthquake.

This is a time when all people, governments, and communities must come together to show our compassion and support to the people of Japan and Japanese Canadians. I urge our federal government to be swift and generous in its support.

I offer my sympathy and support to Japanese Canadians in our local community, and will support all efforts to help the people, families, and communities that have been so devastated.

Libby Davies
MP Vancouver East

STATEMENT BY NEW DEMOCRAT LEADER JACK LAYTON ON THE EARTHQUAKE IN JAPAN AND THE TSUNAMI IN THE PACIFIC

I was shocked and saddened this morning to hear of the devastating earthquake that hit Japan overnight.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan, and to Canadians who are still trying to reach their loved ones in that country.

As the Tsunami makes its way across the Pacific, our thoughts are also on the safety of those living along coastal areas, including Canada’s Pacific Coast.

It will be days before we understand the full effects of this disaster, but we know Canadians stand ready and willing to help in the days ahead.
We will strongly support efforts by the government to provide aid and relief to those affected and do what we can, in their time of great need.

For those with family in Japan, Foreign Affairs has released two phone numbers you can call to get more information, 613-943-1055 or toll free at 1-800-387-3124.

Dear friends,

Welcome to the latest edition of my Community Links Bulletin!

There are plenty of celebrations happening in our community! For example, the activities surrounding the 100th Anniversary of the International Women’s Day, Vancouver’s 125th Birthday, CelticFest, and more. These and other great events are listed in the Community Link Bulletin.

I’d also like to draw to your attention a great service to help people without telephones. The Community Voice Mail program, provided by Lu'ma Native Housing Society is helping many people gain better access to phone services and information. If you like to find out more, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt0jCMbCQ-k.

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

I am co-hosting a couple of events this February, and I hope you will be able to come out and join me - please bring your comments and concerns!

Libby Davies (MP, Vancouver East) and Shane Simpson (MLA, Vancouver-Hastings) are hosting a community meeting about the placement of cell phone towers in residential neighbourhoods.

When: Sunday, February 20th at 1:00pm.
Where: Kiwassa Neighbourhood House; 2425 Oxford (at Nanaimo).
Featuring special guest speakers.
For more information contact 604 775 5800.

Libby’s Travelling Community Office is Coming to a Location Near You!

When: Saturday, February 26th from 10:00am – 12:00 noon.
Where: Thunderbird Community Centre; 2311 Cassiar (between East 6th and East 8th).

Drop by for an informal, one-on-one personal chat and tell me your concerns about federal matters.
I’m also available to hear your situation about Immigration, Employment Insurance, Canada Revenue, Canada Student Loans or any other federal issue.

*Shane Simpson, MLA for Vancouver Hastings, will also be in attendance at Thunderbird to hear your provincial concerns*.

Hope to see you there!

I offer my sincere condolences and sympathy to the family, friends, and supporters of David Kato, who was brutally murdered in his home on January 26, 2011.

David Kato embodied the GLBTT rights movement in Uganda through his work with the group, Sexual Minorities Uganda. His work led to the Uganda Human Rights Commission's October 2010 statement on the unconstitutionality of Uganda's draft "anti-homosexuality bill" and the Ugandan High Court's January 3 ruling safeguarding all Ugandans' right to privacy and the preservation of human dignity which prevents the “outing” of GLBTT persons.

His action on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community remind us all that GLBTT rights are human rights that should be recognized by all people. His courage stands as a testament to the international struggle for human rights that continues still to this day.

David Kato strived to create a Uganda that recognized the equality, freedom and dignity of all people, and for that he will be remembered. Kato’s activism in the face of threats to his personal safety highlight that we as Canadians cannot stand by and watch the violence against and persecution of Uganda’s GLBTT community. We must speak out.

Dear Friends,

Just a quick update on Bill C-304.

The Bill has enjoyed strong support from all three opposition parties and on November 24th, the Bloc and the Liberals helped us to send it back to committee for further work on a key amendment relating to the provincial jurisdiction of the Bill.

We are currently working to get it on the HRSDC agenda as soon as possible, so as to bring it back to the house for its final reading and vote in a timely manner.

The willingness of these parties to move this Bill forward was made possible thanks to the incredible work of all the organizations and citizens who keep this issue in the forefront and who continue to contact their Members of Parliament and rally support for the Bill. Thanks again for all your hard work.

Sincerely,

Libby

Dear friends,

Welcome to the latest issue of the Community Links Bulletin, a listing of events, opportunities and information of interest to people who work and live in East Vancouver.