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Libby's Statements in Parliament

Libby's tribute to Robert R. Walsh, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel
December 15, 2011

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

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?

Libby’s Statement on Violence Against Sex Workers
December 6, 2011

House of Commons
HANSARD
December 6, 2011

You can also view this statement at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnN1rOffvSI

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, Vancouver-based community activist Jennifer Allan has been travelling across Canada to raise awareness about discrimination and violence against sex workers. This is an issue that touches me closely in my riding in Vancouver East, especially on this National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Libby's Statement on World AIDS Day
December 1, 2011

House of Commons
HANSARD
December 1, 2011

You can also view this statement at: http://www.youtube.com/user/LibbyDaviesMP?feature=mhee#p/a/u/1/rYDZsVgl9D0

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, on this World AIDS Day we remember those who have died of AIDS and express hope for the 34 million people who are still living with HIV-AIDS, as the rate of new infections and AIDS related deaths continue to decline.

On behalf of the NDP, we thank the many organizations and people in Canada whose dedicated and inspiring work has helped here at home and abroad. Advocates on the front line are providing critical services and education that makes a real difference to the lives of those living with HIV-AIDS. They need to know now that their funding is secure.

We also express our concern that the Global Fund to Fight AIDS faces its greatest challenge yet. Funding to this organization has been drastically cut due to the global financial crisis and it is more important than ever that Canada uphold its commitment to this effort.

The potential to ends the AIDS crisis is within our collective grasp. This is a challenge that, if we face it together, I believe we can overcome.

Statement on Rodney Watson and war resisters
September 29, 2011

House of Commons
HANSARD
September 29. 2011

You can view Libby's statement at: http://www.youtube.com/user/LibbyDaviesMP?feature=mhee#p/u/3/Lwnl-9D7Kao

Mr. Speaker,

Decorated Iraq war veteran Rodney Watson has lived in limbo for 2 years, in sanctuary at an East Vancouver church, with his wife Natasha and young son Jordan, both Canadian citizens.

I have gotten to know Rodney and know him to be strong in his conviction for peace and justice, and brave in his commitment to go up against an illegal war. It’s been a tough two years and the strong support from the War Resisters Support Campaign has been enormously important.

If Rodney were to return to the U.S., he would likely be charged, which could make his return to Canada inadmissible, tearing him apart from his family.

Libby's Statement on Animal Cruelty Laws
March 7, 2011

House of Commons
HANSARD
March 7, 2011

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker,

I, like many in BC, was horrified to learn of the slaughter of 100 sled dogs in Whistler. These dogs were massacred in an inhumane and cruel manner, and then buried in a mass grave. The public reaction has been huge, as Canadians express their outrage and sadness about this appalling crime.

I’d also like to thank the many people who sent petitions banning cat and dog fur and petitions pressing banning human consumption of horse meat. I am very pleased to have seconded Bill C-618 on banning cat and dog fur.

I strongly support Bill C-229, to strengthen cruelty to animals laws so that those responsible for such acts are punished accordingly.

All these important citizen initiatives have focused our attention on what needs to be done.

Animal cruelty laws must be effective and they must not be stripped down in the Senate. I urge all members to join together to protect animals and prevent animal cruelty.

Statement on 20th Annual Women's Memorial March
February 9, 2011

House of Commons
HANSARD
February 9, 2011

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, the 20th annual Downtown Eastside Women’s Memorial March will be held February 14th.

A lot has happened since that first march but the sad fact is that women are still very much at-risk.

The women from the Downtown Eastside, organize and lead this march because women, especially Aboriginal women, face physical, mental, emotional and spiritual violence on a daily basis. We gather together each year to support Sisters in Spirit and the Walk for Justice to show that we care.

I recently spoke at the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry in Vancouver, and asked Mr. Oppal to utilize the Commission as a community process, where those most impacted by these tragedies have a voice. They can guide the way for what needs to be done to avoid further tragedy.

I also challenged him not ignore the issues of poverty, racism, and inequality that underlie the violence experienced by these women. If we do not address these issues as a community, as a country, than real change cannot occur.

Libby speaks up on the dangers of residential cell phone towers
December 8, 2010

House of Commons
HANSARD
December 8, 2010

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):

Mr. Speaker,

Constituents in my riding are deeply concerned about cell phone towers popping up in our neighbourhoods, especially in Hastings-Sunrise and Grandview-Woodlands.

Residents are very worried that cell phone towers in residential areas make people sick. The Vancouver School Board was so concerned about the impact on childrens’ health it passed a regulation that they not be built within 350 metres of a school. Yet towers are being placed within a few metres of residential buildings where children live.

The Standing Committee on Health issued a report recommending the government research the long-term health effects of exposure to radiation from these towers, particularly its effects on children. I urge the government follow its recommendations.

I call on the government to also immediately, put rules in place, that require telecom companies to consult and seek the approval of the community and local municipalities, before they place these towers. We cannot let telecoms invade our communities and jeopardize our peoples’ health.

Libby remembers Sandy Cameron
November 1, 2010

House of Commons
HANSARD
November 1, 2010

Libby Davies (MP Vancouver East):

Mr Speaker,

The many people who knew, respected and loved Sandy Cameron, mourn his death and the loss we will experience.

His decades of leadership, compassion, and hard work in the Downtown Eastside helped countless people. Sandy's numerous, enduring and thoughtful columns in the Carnegie Newsletter, his books of poetry, his work at the Carnegie Learning Centre, as well as his kind and gentle ways of helping people, are things that inspired a whole community.

He told us and recorded our history; he was a wonderful teacher; a mentor and a guide, who, along with his partner of 25 years, Jean Swanson, helped forge a strength of community that is legendary across Canada.

Most of all, Sandy worked for social justice and peace. He believed and lived that it came from the people. His unwavering belief in our own ability to create a better world, without violence and inequality, is what he left us. The best thing we can do is carry on that work because that's what he would expect us to do.

Thank you Sandy, for the gifts you gave us. Your words live on.

Libby uses first day back to support public inquiry into missing and murdered women
September 20, 2010

House of Commons
HANSARD
September 20, 2010

Libby Davies (MP Vancouver East) Statement on Public Inquiry for Missing Women

Mr. Speaker:

I welcome the BC Government’s decision to undertake a public inquiry into the investigation of the Downtown Eastside’s murdered and missing women.

Families and friends deserve answers as to why the disappearance of their daughters, sisters, mothers and friends were overlooked for so long.

For decades, law enforcement policies played a real part in allowing over 60 women to go missing from the Downtown Eastside with little notice from authorities.