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Libby supports regulations for safer cosmetic contact lenses
January 31, 2012
Speeches in Parliament

House of Commons
HANSARD
January 31, 2012

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):

Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to speak to Bill C-313.

I would like to thank the member for Sarnia—Lambton for bringing forward the bill. Some of my colleagues already spoke to the bill in the first hour of debate and signified our support for this legislation and that certainly continues. I do not know that there is more information to add in the second hour of debate, but it is important that we have a second hour of debate.

I want to begin my remarks by speaking more generally about what the bill raises in an important sense.

The health care system in Canada is huge. We have many health care concerns, such as natural health products and the mainstream health system itself. There is no doubt that we live in an age where more and more cosmetic-type therapies, aids and assistance, whether they are in drugs or other forms, are available on the market. One only has to look at television or any form of mass media to see the incredible amount of advertising and promotion of all kinds of products. One the one hand we can say that is a good thing in that consumers have lots of choice in this country. On the other hand, as Members of Parliament we hear stories from our constituents of things that have happened to people or complaints that have been made.

Libby urges the Conservative government to work with the provinces to improve health care
January 30, 2012
Question Period

House of Commons
HANSARD
January 30, 2012

To view this question, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK_lr-PxKNk

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives failed in their commitment to the 2004 health accords, including expanding home care, reforming primary care, and getting prescription drug costs under control.

Now the Prime Minister has made the situation worse by telling the premiers that he will unilaterally reduce the Canada Health Transfer.

Fixing our health care system must be done by collaborating with the provinces. That is what Canadians expect.

Why is the government slamming the door in their faces?

Libby fights for Canadians' pensions
January 30, 2012
Speeches in Parliament

House of Commons
HANSARD
January 30, 2012

You can watch Libby deliver this speech at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-WowHFi_Uw

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have an opportunity to speak to Bill C-25, which is the pooled registered pension plans.

I will begin by commenting on the remarks made by the Minister of State for Finance during the debate earlier this morning and again in question period in response to one of his own member's questions on this bill. He said that they were doing a great job on pensions and helping seniors. I was surprised to hear the minister of state say that Bill C-25 would be accessible. He kept stressing that it would be accessible.

When we look at the bill and the proposal the Conservatives have, there is absolutely nothing accessible about it. How can something be accessible when one cannot afford it? How can something be accessible when to go ahead with this kind of savings scheme would be to put one's money at risk in very volatile markets? How can it be accessible to the 1.6 million seniors who are considered to be living in poverty, as estimated by the Canadian Labour Congress? I was very surprised to hear the Conservatives describe this proposal as something that is accessible.

NDP MPs ask Health Committee to review federal health care funding
January 26, 2012
Press Release

OTTAWA – New Democrats have convened a meeting today of the Standing Committee on Health to address the urgent need to define the federal government’s role in future health care funding.

“We are at a critical crossroads in the history of Medicare in this country. Last week in Victoria, the premiers made it clear that they expect more from the federal government. But Conservatives have failed to take the lead in helping plan – and fund – future public health care in Canada,” said New Democrat Health critic Libby Davies. “Provinces, and Canadians, want action now. And the NDP is responding to that call.”

NDP members of the Health Committee submitted a letter to the Clerk of the Standing Committee on Health on January 23, 2012, demanding an urgent meeting to discuss this issue.

Stephen Harper must come back to the bargaining table: NDP
January 17, 2012
Press Release

VICTORIA – New Democrats are demanding that Stephen Harper come back to the bargaining table and work with Canada’s first ministers to come up with a health care agreement ensures adequate health care for Canadians.

“Canada’s premiers are united in their disapproval of the current Harper formula,” said New Democrat Health critic Libby Davies. "This hands-off approach doesn't work for the provinces and it won’t work for Canadians. Mr. Harper needs to show some leadership and come back to the table. Canadians have been clear – they want better healthcare. So why is our own Prime Minister stepping away from his responsibilities?”

Harper is threatening the sustainability of healthcare in Canada: NDP
January 15, 2012
Press Release

OTTAWA – Today New Democrats blasted Stephen Harper’s plan to unilaterally cut federal health transfers and call on the Conservative government to instead work with the provinces to come up with a sustainable solution.

“What the provinces need is a federal partner that’s committed to improving Medicare, not one that leaves the table without paying its fair share,” said New Democrat Health Critic Libby Davies (Vancouver East). “The provinces were clear about the dangers of Mr. Harper’s out-of-touch plan--now Kevin Page is too.”

HARPER FAILS TO SHOW LEADERSHIP ON HEALTH CARE
January 15, 2012
Press Release

VICTORIA – As premiers gather in Victoria for health care talks, New Democrats today blasted Stephen Harper’s failed leadership on health care, pointing out how the government’s inaction on implementing the much needed reforms included in the current health care accords has hurt the frontline services Canadian families rely on.

“Conservatives talk about being committed to health funding, but then went and announced cuts to health funding. You can’t trust Conservatives to stand up for public health care,” said New Democrat Health critic Libby Davies (Vancouver East). “After investing over $160 billion in health care, many of the reforms included in the 2003-2004 health accords have seen little or even no improvement under Stephen Harper’s leadership.”

Conservatives fail on health care accountability
December 20, 2011
Press Release

OTTAWA – A day after Finance Minister Jim Flaherty shocked provinces by unilaterally declaring a new formula for health care funding, New Democrats blasted the government for turning their backs on much needed health care accountability.

“It’s the federal government’s job to ensure Canadian families have access to universal, quality health care services—no matter where they live.” said New Democrat Leader Nycole Turmel. “Instead of working with the provinces to improve frontline services, the Conservatives have simply cut and run.”

Libby's tribute to Robert R. Walsh, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel
December 15, 2011
Statements in the House of Parliament

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise in the House on behalf of the NDP to pay tribute to one of Parliament's most distinguished procedural officers, Robert R. Walsh. Since his appointment in 1999, Rob has carried out his duties as Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel with fortitude and expert knowledge.

I have had the honour to know Rob over the years and to appreciate his wisdom, integrity and fairness. We recall in particular, in 2009, his outstanding contribution to uphold the rights of MPs to disclosure of documents pertaining to Afghanistan detainees. He never wavered in providing advice and expert opinion to the House.

He has shown immense dedication to serve and support individual MPs. He has courageously defended the democratic mandate of this parliamentary institution, a true public servant in the most honourable sense.

I know I speak for members from all sides in giving sincerest thanks to Rob for his service to Canadian democracy, and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Libby's Statement on the Conservative government's declining support for public health care
December 14, 2011
Statements in the House of Parliament

House of Commons
HANSARD
December 14, 2011

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, it is astounding that the Conservative government plans to determine the future funding for health care based on economic growth. This comes after the government has long promised an annual 6% increase. It is an outrage that the government would consider cutting its increase in half and threaten the stability of front line health care services.

While the government is ready to cut future funding to health care, it has still not delivered on the promises made in the 2004 accord.

This week, the Health Council of Canada reported that 23% of chronically ill Canadians cannot afford their medications. This is why the government must uphold its current commitments and fulfill the promises of 2004, including a national prescription drug coverage plan. Now is the time to act on health care, not to cut its funding.

The provinces need leadership and accountability from the federal government to sustain our public health care system. Why is it backing away from the table, signalling that Canadians' number one concern is not shared by the government?