Seniors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA – Legislation proposed by New Democrats that would put workers at the front of the line when a company goes bankrupt moved one step closer to becoming law today, passing second reading in the House of Commons.

New Democrat MP John Rafferty (Thunder Bay – Rainy River), who sponsored Bill C-501, said he is pleased the bill passed this crucial first vote.

FEDERAL BUDGET: CONSERVATIVES COMPLETELY OUT OF TOUCH WITH EVERYDAY REALITY OF CANADIANS AND COMMUNITIES
Federal budget puts Canada back on flawed track that led to recession: Savoie

OTTAWA – Victoria MP Denise Savoie today expressed astonishment that the federal Conservative government has tabled a budget that is completely out of touch with the everyday reality and priorities of Canadians and communities.

The Hon. Kevin Falcon
Minister of Health
BC Ministry of Health Services
1515 Blanshard Street
Victoria, BC
V8W 3C8

January 18, 2010

Dear Minister Falcon,

I am writing today in support of my constituents who have contacted me to express their concerns regarding plans to sell the publicly-funded Oak Bay Lodge and Mount Tolmie Hospital and build a single facility that may be privately operated.

Dear Constituents,

As I reflect on my fourth year as Victoria’s MP, I remain very proud of our community – full of resilience and constructive energy in response to the challenges we face.

2009 has been unusually difficult for many among us. The recession hit hard at our jobs and our savings. The province responded with cutbacks to community groups and the HST. The federal stimulus plan was used more for partisan photo ops and bailing out obsolescent industries, and not enough on building a more sustainable or equitable new economy.

Honourable James Flaherty
Minister of Finance
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Re: Consultation on federal budget 2010 – Victoria, BC

Dear Minister,

I am writing to convey to you the results of extensive pre-budget consultations that I conducted in my riding during the month of November 2009.

Dear constituents,

#1 : Denise's climate change series
#2 : Libby Davies' housing bill
#3 : NDP Seniors' motion
#4 : Denise's commuter choices bill

Toronto Star

Editorial

Baby steps on pension reform

It took a rally by distraught Nortel pensioners on Parliament Hill to propel the issue onto the political agenda. It took a set of concrete commitments from the federal New Democrats to shift the debate from vague assurances to tangible reforms. And it took a concerted push by the media, organized labour, seniors and all three opposition parties to convince the Conservative government that retirement security is no longer a sleeper issue.

Motion would require Triple Bottom Line assessment of federal property sales

OTTAWA – Victoria MP Denise Savoie today introduced a motion requiring that social, environmental and local-economic impacts are given full and equal consideration when the federal government sells or disposes of property.

“Under Liberal and Conservative governments there has been a fire sale of federal properties,” said Savoie. “Instead of selling out at the best immediate financial deal, I believe that respect for residents, communities and all Canadians dictates a more holistic, long-term view.”

OTTAWA – Victoria MP Denise Savoie paid tribute to the Grandmothers for Africa in the House of Commons yesterday.

“From their creative fundraising to their tireless advocacy, these remarkable women are exemplars of the Canadian spirit,” said Savoie after her formal statement. “They give their time and lend their voice in solidarity with the African grandmothers who are the backbone of that continent’s struggles with AIDS and other profound challenges.”