Friday, June 30, 2006
Canada Day Statement from Francis Chartrand
In this weekend of the Canada Day, I wish you one day of most memorable, and that it be filled of joy, love, pride, fraternity and solidarity towards our close relations.
Let us benefit from this weekend to divide the heritage, the richness of our inheritance, the glory and the beauty of our cultures, and our Canadian folklore, so that we can say ourselves: “Yes, we are proud to be Canadian.”
All the members of the NDP Association of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles invite you to take part in the festivities of the Festival of Canada where that you are this July 1, in order to fraternize between Canadians and Canadian, Francophones, Anglophones or Allophones, from here and besides.
Happy Canada Day to all of us.
Francis Chartrand,
Candidate of the NDP in Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
President of the NDP Association of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
Let us benefit from this weekend to divide the heritage, the richness of our inheritance, the glory and the beauty of our cultures, and our Canadian folklore, so that we can say ourselves: “Yes, we are proud to be Canadian.”
All the members of the NDP Association of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles invite you to take part in the festivities of the Festival of Canada where that you are this July 1, in order to fraternize between Canadians and Canadian, Francophones, Anglophones or Allophones, from here and besides.
Happy Canada Day to all of us.
Francis Chartrand,
Candidate of the NDP in Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
President of the NDP Association of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
Canada Day Statement from Jack Layton - Friday June 30, 2006
Today, in communities large and small, from coast-to-coast-to-coast, families and friends are gathering together to celebrate this great country we share.
For many Canadians, July 1st is a day filled with longstanding traditions and for some, this is the first time they will celebrate Canada Day as Canadian Citizens.
No matter how many Canada Days you’ve observed it is always special to honour this great country.
Today is a day to reflect on the blessings Canadians share and the values that helped to build this country.
Values like tolerance, diversity and social justice. Working together we can build a strong and confident nation that we can proudly pass on to our children and grandchildren.
On behalf of all New Democrats I’m wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday. Happy Birthday Canada!
For many Canadians, July 1st is a day filled with longstanding traditions and for some, this is the first time they will celebrate Canada Day as Canadian Citizens.
No matter how many Canada Days you’ve observed it is always special to honour this great country.
Today is a day to reflect on the blessings Canadians share and the values that helped to build this country.
Values like tolerance, diversity and social justice. Working together we can build a strong and confident nation that we can proudly pass on to our children and grandchildren.
On behalf of all New Democrats I’m wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday. Happy Birthday Canada!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Blog of Francis Chartrand in the 2 official languages - Thursday June 29, 2006
It is with pleasure that we announce to you that this blog is available in the two official languages on this link: FRENCH VERSION .
Thank you for all your support.
I would like to welcome you on my blog.
NDP motion to protect the rights of seniors passes - Tuesday June 27, 2006
OTTAWA - The Opposition Day Motion tabled by NDP Seniors Critic Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain) was passed by a majority in the House of Commons this afternoon.
The Motion mandates the federal government to create a Seniors Charter that recognizes older Canadians as creative, active and valued members of our society, who deserve free drug and dental coverage.
"This is a great victory for seniors who've worked hard all their lives, and simply want access to the programs and services their tax dollars help sustain," said Charlton. "We're very pleased that a majority of MPs agreed that these programs are essential to seniors' full participation in Canadian society. The people who built this country deserve to retire with dignity and respect."
The NDP's motion calls on the government to rectify decades of under-funding of seniors' programs by creating a Seniors Charter that enshrines the right of every senior in Canada to:
income security, through protected pensions and indexed public income support that provides
a reasonable state of economic welfare;
secure, accessible, and affordable housing;
wellness, through health promotion and preventative care;
secure, public, accessible, universal health care including primary care, homecare, palliative and geriatric care, and free pharma and dental care;
self-development, through lifelong access to affordable recreation, education and training;
government services, through timely access to all federal government services and programs, including family re-unification.
It also calls for the creation of a Seniors Advocate who would publish and report annually to parliament on government policies and programs affecting seniors as well as:
conduct public education and awareness initiatives on the rights of seniors;
ensure that all new or revised policies and programs affecting seniors receive public input from older persons;
require that all new policies and programs affecting seniors are announced with specific timelines for implementation; and
act as an Ombudsman for seniors with respect to all government services and programs making recommendations as appropriate;
"The non-partisan passing of this motion is a giant first step toward ensuring that no Canadian senior will ever have to choose between buying their groceries or their medication again," said Charlton. "And we look forward to working with all Members and the provinces to make the features of this motion law as soon as possible.
Please find attached the NDP motion:
39th PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 041
CONTENTS
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Ms. Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain, NDP) moved:
That, in the opinion of the House, the government should work with the provinces to rectify decades of underfunding of seniors programs by: (a) creating a Seniors Charter that recognizes older Canadians as creative, active and valued members of our society, and that this Charter shall enshrine the right of every senior living in Canada to the following: (i) income security, through protected pensions and indexed public income support that provides a reasonable state of economic welfare; (ii) housing, through secure accessible, and affordable housing; (iii) wellness, through health promotion and preventative care; (iv) health care, through secure, public, accessible, universal health care including primary care, dental care, homecare, palliative and geriatric care, and pharmacare; (v) self-development, through lifelong access to affordable recreation, education and training, (vi) government services, through timely access to all federal government services and programs, including family re-unification; and (b) creating a Seniors Advocate to: (i) conduct public education and awareness initiatives on the rights of seniors; (ii) ensure that all new or revised policies and programs affecting seniors receive public input from older persons; (iii) require that all new policies and programs affecting seniors are announced with specific timelines for implementation; (iv) act as an Ombudsman for seniors with respect to all government services and programs making recommendations as appropriate and that this Seniors Advocate publish and report annually to Parliament on government policies and programs affecting seniors, including the effectiveness of federal funding related to the needs of older persons.
The Motion mandates the federal government to create a Seniors Charter that recognizes older Canadians as creative, active and valued members of our society, who deserve free drug and dental coverage.
"This is a great victory for seniors who've worked hard all their lives, and simply want access to the programs and services their tax dollars help sustain," said Charlton. "We're very pleased that a majority of MPs agreed that these programs are essential to seniors' full participation in Canadian society. The people who built this country deserve to retire with dignity and respect."
The NDP's motion calls on the government to rectify decades of under-funding of seniors' programs by creating a Seniors Charter that enshrines the right of every senior in Canada to:
income security, through protected pensions and indexed public income support that provides
a reasonable state of economic welfare;
secure, accessible, and affordable housing;
wellness, through health promotion and preventative care;
secure, public, accessible, universal health care including primary care, homecare, palliative and geriatric care, and free pharma and dental care;
self-development, through lifelong access to affordable recreation, education and training;
government services, through timely access to all federal government services and programs, including family re-unification.
It also calls for the creation of a Seniors Advocate who would publish and report annually to parliament on government policies and programs affecting seniors as well as:
conduct public education and awareness initiatives on the rights of seniors;
ensure that all new or revised policies and programs affecting seniors receive public input from older persons;
require that all new policies and programs affecting seniors are announced with specific timelines for implementation; and
act as an Ombudsman for seniors with respect to all government services and programs making recommendations as appropriate;
"The non-partisan passing of this motion is a giant first step toward ensuring that no Canadian senior will ever have to choose between buying their groceries or their medication again," said Charlton. "And we look forward to working with all Members and the provinces to make the features of this motion law as soon as possible.
Please find attached the NDP motion:
39th PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 041
CONTENTS
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Ms. Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain, NDP) moved:
That, in the opinion of the House, the government should work with the provinces to rectify decades of underfunding of seniors programs by: (a) creating a Seniors Charter that recognizes older Canadians as creative, active and valued members of our society, and that this Charter shall enshrine the right of every senior living in Canada to the following: (i) income security, through protected pensions and indexed public income support that provides a reasonable state of economic welfare; (ii) housing, through secure accessible, and affordable housing; (iii) wellness, through health promotion and preventative care; (iv) health care, through secure, public, accessible, universal health care including primary care, dental care, homecare, palliative and geriatric care, and pharmacare; (v) self-development, through lifelong access to affordable recreation, education and training, (vi) government services, through timely access to all federal government services and programs, including family re-unification; and (b) creating a Seniors Advocate to: (i) conduct public education and awareness initiatives on the rights of seniors; (ii) ensure that all new or revised policies and programs affecting seniors receive public input from older persons; (iii) require that all new policies and programs affecting seniors are announced with specific timelines for implementation; (iv) act as an Ombudsman for seniors with respect to all government services and programs making recommendations as appropriate and that this Seniors Advocate publish and report annually to Parliament on government policies and programs affecting seniors, including the effectiveness of federal funding related to the needs of older persons.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Francis Chartrand's statement on St-Jean Baptiste Day - Saturday June 24, 2006
In this weekend of Midsummer's Day, I wish you that our national Festival be one day of most memorable, and that it is filled of joy, love, pride, fraternity and solidarity towards our close relations.
Let us benefit from this weekend, sunny announces myself it, to share the richness, the glory and the beauty of our language, our culture and our Quebecer folklore, so that we can say ourselves: “Yes, we are proud to be Quebecer.”
All the members of the NDP Association of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles invite you to take part in the festivities of the Fête nationale, which it is of the Festival Arts en fête at Saint-Eustache, of a bonfire at Deux-Montagnes, or about a fireworks at Boisbriand or Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, in order to fraternize between Quebecers from here and besides.
Bonne Fête nationale,
Bonne Saint-Jean.
Francis Chartrand,
Candidate of the NDP in Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
President of the NDP Association of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
Let us benefit from this weekend, sunny announces myself it, to share the richness, the glory and the beauty of our language, our culture and our Quebecer folklore, so that we can say ourselves: “Yes, we are proud to be Quebecer.”
All the members of the NDP Association of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles invite you to take part in the festivities of the Fête nationale, which it is of the Festival Arts en fête at Saint-Eustache, of a bonfire at Deux-Montagnes, or about a fireworks at Boisbriand or Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, in order to fraternize between Quebecers from here and besides.
Bonne Fête nationale,
Bonne Saint-Jean.
Francis Chartrand,
Candidate of the NDP in Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
President of the NDP Association of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
Jack Layton's statement on St-Jean Baptiste Day - Friday June 23, 2006
Happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day!
Today is a day to celebrate the French culture in North America.
Quebecers will be celebrating their national day, and there will be festivities all over Quebec. It’s a time to express pride. And it is with pride that I will also take part in the celebrations in my home town of Montreal.
I would like to encourage Canadians all over the country to join in the celebration. More than a million Francophones living outside Quebec will also be asserting their pride and their presence this Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.
This presence, as well as the vitality that Quebecers and Francophones bring to Canada, is a source of pride for all Canadians. Let us all celebrate this vibrant and rich culture, whose legacy has made our country unique in the world.
Happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, everyone!
Jack Layton, Leader of the NDP
Today is a day to celebrate the French culture in North America.
Quebecers will be celebrating their national day, and there will be festivities all over Quebec. It’s a time to express pride. And it is with pride that I will also take part in the celebrations in my home town of Montreal.
I would like to encourage Canadians all over the country to join in the celebration. More than a million Francophones living outside Quebec will also be asserting their pride and their presence this Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.
This presence, as well as the vitality that Quebecers and Francophones bring to Canada, is a source of pride for all Canadians. Let us all celebrate this vibrant and rich culture, whose legacy has made our country unique in the world.
Happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, everyone!
Jack Layton, Leader of the NDP
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Update on New democrat Association of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
It is official, the New Democratic Party of Canada - Quebec Section voted unanimously so that in Saint-Jerome the Congress General is held of the Quebec Section, next on November 11th and 12th. New democrat Association of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles make a point of thanking all the participants who collaborated in the candidature of Saint-Jerôme. More than 25 young people collaborated in the project and put all a remarkable and exemplary effort, and the direction of Association have only these words: “Thank you, and let us continue work.”
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Statement on the arrests of bomb plot suspects in Toronto - Saturday June 3, 2006
NDP Leader Jack Layton issued the following statement in relation to the arrests made in Toronto announced earlier today:
"I join with Canadians across the country shocked and dismayed at the alleged planned activities of the 17 individuals arrested near Toronto. I commend the efforts and cooperation of law enforcement and intelligence services.
The NDP condemns acts of violence and terror in Canada and abroad and will continue to work to ensure the security of all Canadians."
News on www.cnn.com/ :
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"I join with Canadians across the country shocked and dismayed at the alleged planned activities of the 17 individuals arrested near Toronto. I commend the efforts and cooperation of law enforcement and intelligence services.
The NDP condemns acts of violence and terror in Canada and abroad and will continue to work to ensure the security of all Canadians."
News on www.cnn.com/ :
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News on www.radio-canada.ca/ :
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News on www.bbc.co.uk/ :
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Friday, June 02, 2006
ON THEIR RECORD: Liberal failure on climate change is another Inconvenient Truth - Friday June 2, 2006
The reviews are in.
The Liberal Party's ability to show concern about climate change after having been the architects of the last 13 years of failure on the file is "a staggering display of shamelessness."
The Liberals used an advance showing of former US Vice President Al Gore's climate change documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" to emote on the urgency of the issue.
Posted to the Liberal Party website today is a press release containing skillful performances like:
"Global warming is more than just a political issue, it is one of the biggest moral challenges facing our planet" -Liberal MP Paul Martin, Cabinet minister for 4,478 days until February 2006
"The mountain pine beetle and Spruce beetle are coming to Yukon. People are losing their livelihoods, which enable them to feed their children. This is a very real and urgent problem." - Liberal MP Larry Bagnell
Once more, what the Liberals say now, bears no relation to what they did in office.
Liberal record: Despite voting on 10 December 2002, to ratify the international Kyoto Protocol to reduce pollution, the Liberals didn't present a plan to implement the treaty for 28 months.
Liberal record: In April 2005 coalition of eleven environmental groups called the Liberals' Kyoto plan "inadequate." -source
Liberal record: A recent analysis of the Liberal government's approach to climate change concluded that emissions would have increased by 50 percent within 35 years. -'Burning Our Money to Warm the Planet'
The inconvenient truth for Liberals is that climate change worsened over their 13 years in office.
That's on their record.
The Liberal Party's ability to show concern about climate change after having been the architects of the last 13 years of failure on the file is "a staggering display of shamelessness."
The Liberals used an advance showing of former US Vice President Al Gore's climate change documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" to emote on the urgency of the issue.
Posted to the Liberal Party website today is a press release containing skillful performances like:
"Global warming is more than just a political issue, it is one of the biggest moral challenges facing our planet" -Liberal MP Paul Martin, Cabinet minister for 4,478 days until February 2006
"The mountain pine beetle and Spruce beetle are coming to Yukon. People are losing their livelihoods, which enable them to feed their children. This is a very real and urgent problem." - Liberal MP Larry Bagnell
Once more, what the Liberals say now, bears no relation to what they did in office.
Liberal record: Despite voting on 10 December 2002, to ratify the international Kyoto Protocol to reduce pollution, the Liberals didn't present a plan to implement the treaty for 28 months.
Liberal record: In April 2005 coalition of eleven environmental groups called the Liberals' Kyoto plan "inadequate." -source
Liberal record: A recent analysis of the Liberal government's approach to climate change concluded that emissions would have increased by 50 percent within 35 years. -'Burning Our Money to Warm the Planet'
The inconvenient truth for Liberals is that climate change worsened over their 13 years in office.
That's on their record.
Francis Chartrand sends an Open Invitation to Progressives in Quebec - Saturday May 27, 2006
For more than a decade many progressive people in Quebec have voted for the Bloc Quebecois as a principled political party with social democratic values. Even many federalists have voted for the Bloc to ensure that key Quebec issues were raised and progressive values were represented in the House of Commons.
For years the Bloc has stated that they would only support a federal budget if it made improvements to the Employment Insurance system, contained significant money for the environment, and took action to address the so-called fiscal imbalance.
“[For the Bloc to support the 2005 federal budget] some serious work needs to be done in regards to the fiscal imbalance and the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, we are demanding that the government apply the 28 recommendations made by the Human Resources Committee regarding employment insurance.”
-Gilles Duceppe, Le Quotidien, March 3, 2005
Clearly the Bloc Quebecois no longer maintains this principle as it has endorsed Stephen Harper’s Conservative budget that contains nothing for EI, little for the environment and a mere study on the fiscal imbalance.
While the Bloc Quebecois have abandoned their progressive tradition there is an alternative for progressive Quebec voters – Jack Layton and the NDP.
We invite all Quebec progressives who feel abandoned by the Bloc’s decision to support Stephen Harper’s Conservative budget to join with us in building an honest alternative to the Liberals, a principled alternative to the Bloc and a progressive alternative to the Conservatives.
For years the Bloc has stated that they would only support a federal budget if it made improvements to the Employment Insurance system, contained significant money for the environment, and took action to address the so-called fiscal imbalance.
“[For the Bloc to support the 2005 federal budget] some serious work needs to be done in regards to the fiscal imbalance and the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, we are demanding that the government apply the 28 recommendations made by the Human Resources Committee regarding employment insurance.”
-Gilles Duceppe, Le Quotidien, March 3, 2005
Clearly the Bloc Quebecois no longer maintains this principle as it has endorsed Stephen Harper’s Conservative budget that contains nothing for EI, little for the environment and a mere study on the fiscal imbalance.
While the Bloc Quebecois have abandoned their progressive tradition there is an alternative for progressive Quebec voters – Jack Layton and the NDP.
We invite all Quebec progressives who feel abandoned by the Bloc’s decision to support Stephen Harper’s Conservative budget to join with us in building an honest alternative to the Liberals, a principled alternative to the Bloc and a progressive alternative to the Conservatives.
NDP says corporate tax cuts won’t create child care spaces - Tuesday May 2, 2006
OTTAWA - NDP Leader Jack Layton says there is not enough investment for working families in today’s budget to warrant serious consideration of NDP support.
“This budget won’t create anymore child care spaces than Mike Harris did when he brought in the same failed tax credit scheme in Ontario. Not one single space was created,” said Layton. “How can the Conservatives say they’re providing a choice? Parents can’t choose to put their children in spaces that don’t exist and you can’t create spaces unless you know your funding is secure for the long-term. This budget is more than $3 billion short of the multi-year funding real child care needs.
“There’s nothing here for EI, precious little for training, and they’ve traded away the money to help families send their kids to college that we secured in last year’s budget amendment for infrastructure instead. So, there’ll be lots of empty libraries in this country because students won’t be able to afford to use them. The proposed changes to the student loan program amounts to nothing more than an increased ability for students to go further into debt.
“After years of making working families wait for the services they need and have been promised, in the face of continuing growing budget surpluses, the Conservatives aren’t delivering for working families. They’re no better than the Liberals.
“Just like the Liberals, we see funding for the environment here but there’s no implementation plan. Just like the Liberals, there are large corporate tax cuts instead of investment in sustainable fuels, retrofit programs to help people lower the heating costs and a green car plan.
“Now is not the time cut, now is the time to invest. After years of broken promises working families deserve real investment in the issues that matter to them.
“In the Throne Speech, the NDP secured language on important issues like creation of childcare spaces, cutting greenhouse gasses, and funding for education and training. This budget should have put those words into action. What we’re seeing instead is a child care tax cut scheme that won’t work, an environment cheque with no plan attached, and money meant to make education more accessible diverted to infrastructure instead.
“We were very clear on what we wanted to see in this budget: the priorities of working families finally addressed. We’re very disappointed that we aren’t seeing that here.”
“This budget won’t create anymore child care spaces than Mike Harris did when he brought in the same failed tax credit scheme in Ontario. Not one single space was created,” said Layton. “How can the Conservatives say they’re providing a choice? Parents can’t choose to put their children in spaces that don’t exist and you can’t create spaces unless you know your funding is secure for the long-term. This budget is more than $3 billion short of the multi-year funding real child care needs.
“There’s nothing here for EI, precious little for training, and they’ve traded away the money to help families send their kids to college that we secured in last year’s budget amendment for infrastructure instead. So, there’ll be lots of empty libraries in this country because students won’t be able to afford to use them. The proposed changes to the student loan program amounts to nothing more than an increased ability for students to go further into debt.
“After years of making working families wait for the services they need and have been promised, in the face of continuing growing budget surpluses, the Conservatives aren’t delivering for working families. They’re no better than the Liberals.
“Just like the Liberals, we see funding for the environment here but there’s no implementation plan. Just like the Liberals, there are large corporate tax cuts instead of investment in sustainable fuels, retrofit programs to help people lower the heating costs and a green car plan.
“Now is not the time cut, now is the time to invest. After years of broken promises working families deserve real investment in the issues that matter to them.
“In the Throne Speech, the NDP secured language on important issues like creation of childcare spaces, cutting greenhouse gasses, and funding for education and training. This budget should have put those words into action. What we’re seeing instead is a child care tax cut scheme that won’t work, an environment cheque with no plan attached, and money meant to make education more accessible diverted to infrastructure instead.
“We were very clear on what we wanted to see in this budget: the priorities of working families finally addressed. We’re very disappointed that we aren’t seeing that here.”
Jack Layton's speech on Canada's role in Afghanistan - Wednesday May 13, 2006
NDP Leader Jack Layton's speech from today's debate in the House of Commons on Canada's role in Afghanistan.
As I begin I wish to express on behalf of all New Democrats our profound sadness in learning today that Captain Nichola Goddard, based in Shilo, Manitoba, has been killed in service to our country, in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Captain Goddard’s family, friends, and indeed all members of the Canadian forces serving our country at home and abroad.
Mr. Speaker, New Democrats stand in opposition to this government’s plans to lock our country into a long-term war-fighting role in Afghanistan, a role that does not properly reflect the principles and ideals of the people of Canada.
For nearly five decades Canada has pursued peace in nations around the world…and brought hope to lives torn apart by war, from the Suez Canal to Cyprus, from the Sinai to the former Yugoslavia, Canada has built a reputation as a respected peacekeeping nation.
Canada is not a super power, but as a middle power we have long punched above our weight because of our contribution to the world as peacekeepers, with resolve to uphold the commitment to multilateralism through the United Nations. Our foreign policy must reflect the reality that we are a country renowned for our pursuit of peace, we are a nation of facilitators not occupiers, we are a people committed to the ideals of building bridges not burning them, we must not allow that legacy of good work to falter in the growing shadow of the Bush Administration’s Operation Enduring Freedom.
It is a convenient invention to claim that each new mission is merely an extension of the last, what the government is asking for is not an extension, but the commitment to a new mission that will engage our country until the end of this decade.
There are those in this house, on both side of the aisle, who will claim that if Canada re-directs its efforts, after four years in Afghanistan, all will be lost. There are those who are prepared to see Canada embroiled in Afghanistan to the end of this decade and beyond – they have claimed that anything less will amount to cutting and running.
But the plain truth of the matter is that Canada's military contribution has been substantial, given our capabilities. And Afghanistan is now the largest recipient of Canadian overseas development assistance. The NDP unequivocally supports the continuation of this funding. And we fully support an ongoing development and diplomatic role for Canada in Afghanistan, but the government has tied war-making and aid together in this motion and we oppose that.
New Democrats, indeed all Canadians value our country’s principled place in the world as a nation that seeks peace not conflict. There is a role well suited for Canada to play in Afghanistan, but it is not the role that the government has narrowly thrust upon the nation in this motion. We must also bear in mind that because of the unilateral decisions of this Prime Minister and the Liberals before him, Canada has been rendered incapable of further serious contributions in the world.
Mr. Speaker, despite hard won debates, and months of questioning in this House, this government, like the Liberal government before it, has refused to answer the questions we have asked: What is the effective command and control structure? What are the goals and objectives of this mission and how do they meet Canada's foreign policy objectives? What is the definition of success for this mission? And what is our exit strategy?
When the Conservatives were in opposition they asked these legitimate questions and received no answers from the Liberals. Just a few weeks ago, New Democrats asked these same questions and received no answers from the Conservatives. Canadians deserve the answers.
Mr. Speaker, as any soldier will tell you; ‘time spent in reconnaissance is never wasted’. But this government, like its Liberal predecessor, is not interested in due diligence. It is interested in merely satisfying the optics of consent.
Mr. Speaker, New Democrats will not write a blank cheque for this government, or any government, to drag Canada further into war, to drag our country further away from our place in the world as a nation of peace and peacekeeping.
It may be the prerogative of this Prime Minister and his government to blindfold the members of this house, to tie our hands behind our backs, and then proceed with the sham of so called debate, but Canadians will not be blinded, we will not be bullied into accepting the unacceptable.
Mr. Speaker, time after time, I have stood in my place and asked this Prime Minister directly to fully inform Canadians about our role in Afghanistan. And time after time, this Prime Minister has stood in his place and refused to answer these fundamental questions. Instead this Prime Minister has proclaimed in no uncertain terms that if you question the mission, you are against our troops. Well Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear, Canadians will not be lured into this false trap created by the Prime Minister’s borrowed sloganeering.
It is an injustice to the democracy we ask Canada’s young women and men in uniform to defend with their lives when this government confuses patriotism with jingoism. We will take no lessons from the government on supporting our women and men in uniform.
Let us all remember that last year it was the Conservatives who abstained rather than vote for a budget that invested 13.5 billion dollars in the Canadian Forces, a budget that invests 8.2 billion dollars more than the Conservative’s budget this spring. It was New Democrats, not Conservatives, who voted for that budget to ensure our troops would get the equipment and training they need. That’s how our party showed support for our troops.
And just this week, the Member for Sackville-Eastern Shore stood in his place and asked why after 14 years, this government continues to deny benefits to the widow of a soldier who died in uniform, and why this government continues to let lawyers fight to keep that family from receiving the support they deserve. That’s how the government shows support for our troops.
Mr. Speaker, if we are to ask this country to continue to fight a war, then we owe it to every single citizen of Canada to fully understand what we are committing to. Our troops deserve to know what we are asking of them, families deserve to know what their sons and daughters will be called upon to sacrifice.
Mr. Speaker, surely if ever there is an aspect of our public discourse that deserves to be free of partisan posturing, it is or foreign policy, it is the decision about where we will send our troops, to pursue our values, and offer their lives in return. It is the duty of every member of this House to ask the tough questions, and it is the duty of the government to answer them.
There is immense debate in NATO countries like Britain and the Netherlands about future missions in Afghanistan, but in Canada, the government is trying to ram through a motion, with no room for amendment, no option for clarity. This government does not seek a debate but rather a rubber stamp from this house to commit the Canadian Forces to a new mission.
Mr. Speaker, it is not in the interest of Canadians to blindly allow our country to be locked into a new long term commitment in Afghanistan. New Democrats will stand against this motion because we believe that the mission defined by this government, is not in line with the values and principles held by Canadians. It is not the right role to pursue the objectives of Canada’s foreign policy.
Mr. Speaker, New Democrats asked for this debate and vote, and we welcome the opportunity to stand in our places and defend Canada’s place in the world. I ask the members of this house to join us. Let our country set the standard, let Canada lead not follow, let us forge our own path in the world, a path that builds upon our strengths and reflects globally the values and principles of the pursuit of peace that define us nationally. Thank you. Merci.
As I begin I wish to express on behalf of all New Democrats our profound sadness in learning today that Captain Nichola Goddard, based in Shilo, Manitoba, has been killed in service to our country, in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Captain Goddard’s family, friends, and indeed all members of the Canadian forces serving our country at home and abroad.
Mr. Speaker, New Democrats stand in opposition to this government’s plans to lock our country into a long-term war-fighting role in Afghanistan, a role that does not properly reflect the principles and ideals of the people of Canada.
For nearly five decades Canada has pursued peace in nations around the world…and brought hope to lives torn apart by war, from the Suez Canal to Cyprus, from the Sinai to the former Yugoslavia, Canada has built a reputation as a respected peacekeeping nation.
Canada is not a super power, but as a middle power we have long punched above our weight because of our contribution to the world as peacekeepers, with resolve to uphold the commitment to multilateralism through the United Nations. Our foreign policy must reflect the reality that we are a country renowned for our pursuit of peace, we are a nation of facilitators not occupiers, we are a people committed to the ideals of building bridges not burning them, we must not allow that legacy of good work to falter in the growing shadow of the Bush Administration’s Operation Enduring Freedom.
It is a convenient invention to claim that each new mission is merely an extension of the last, what the government is asking for is not an extension, but the commitment to a new mission that will engage our country until the end of this decade.
There are those in this house, on both side of the aisle, who will claim that if Canada re-directs its efforts, after four years in Afghanistan, all will be lost. There are those who are prepared to see Canada embroiled in Afghanistan to the end of this decade and beyond – they have claimed that anything less will amount to cutting and running.
But the plain truth of the matter is that Canada's military contribution has been substantial, given our capabilities. And Afghanistan is now the largest recipient of Canadian overseas development assistance. The NDP unequivocally supports the continuation of this funding. And we fully support an ongoing development and diplomatic role for Canada in Afghanistan, but the government has tied war-making and aid together in this motion and we oppose that.
New Democrats, indeed all Canadians value our country’s principled place in the world as a nation that seeks peace not conflict. There is a role well suited for Canada to play in Afghanistan, but it is not the role that the government has narrowly thrust upon the nation in this motion. We must also bear in mind that because of the unilateral decisions of this Prime Minister and the Liberals before him, Canada has been rendered incapable of further serious contributions in the world.
Mr. Speaker, despite hard won debates, and months of questioning in this House, this government, like the Liberal government before it, has refused to answer the questions we have asked: What is the effective command and control structure? What are the goals and objectives of this mission and how do they meet Canada's foreign policy objectives? What is the definition of success for this mission? And what is our exit strategy?
When the Conservatives were in opposition they asked these legitimate questions and received no answers from the Liberals. Just a few weeks ago, New Democrats asked these same questions and received no answers from the Conservatives. Canadians deserve the answers.
Mr. Speaker, as any soldier will tell you; ‘time spent in reconnaissance is never wasted’. But this government, like its Liberal predecessor, is not interested in due diligence. It is interested in merely satisfying the optics of consent.
Mr. Speaker, New Democrats will not write a blank cheque for this government, or any government, to drag Canada further into war, to drag our country further away from our place in the world as a nation of peace and peacekeeping.
It may be the prerogative of this Prime Minister and his government to blindfold the members of this house, to tie our hands behind our backs, and then proceed with the sham of so called debate, but Canadians will not be blinded, we will not be bullied into accepting the unacceptable.
Mr. Speaker, time after time, I have stood in my place and asked this Prime Minister directly to fully inform Canadians about our role in Afghanistan. And time after time, this Prime Minister has stood in his place and refused to answer these fundamental questions. Instead this Prime Minister has proclaimed in no uncertain terms that if you question the mission, you are against our troops. Well Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear, Canadians will not be lured into this false trap created by the Prime Minister’s borrowed sloganeering.
It is an injustice to the democracy we ask Canada’s young women and men in uniform to defend with their lives when this government confuses patriotism with jingoism. We will take no lessons from the government on supporting our women and men in uniform.
Let us all remember that last year it was the Conservatives who abstained rather than vote for a budget that invested 13.5 billion dollars in the Canadian Forces, a budget that invests 8.2 billion dollars more than the Conservative’s budget this spring. It was New Democrats, not Conservatives, who voted for that budget to ensure our troops would get the equipment and training they need. That’s how our party showed support for our troops.
And just this week, the Member for Sackville-Eastern Shore stood in his place and asked why after 14 years, this government continues to deny benefits to the widow of a soldier who died in uniform, and why this government continues to let lawyers fight to keep that family from receiving the support they deserve. That’s how the government shows support for our troops.
Mr. Speaker, if we are to ask this country to continue to fight a war, then we owe it to every single citizen of Canada to fully understand what we are committing to. Our troops deserve to know what we are asking of them, families deserve to know what their sons and daughters will be called upon to sacrifice.
Mr. Speaker, surely if ever there is an aspect of our public discourse that deserves to be free of partisan posturing, it is or foreign policy, it is the decision about where we will send our troops, to pursue our values, and offer their lives in return. It is the duty of every member of this House to ask the tough questions, and it is the duty of the government to answer them.
There is immense debate in NATO countries like Britain and the Netherlands about future missions in Afghanistan, but in Canada, the government is trying to ram through a motion, with no room for amendment, no option for clarity. This government does not seek a debate but rather a rubber stamp from this house to commit the Canadian Forces to a new mission.
Mr. Speaker, it is not in the interest of Canadians to blindly allow our country to be locked into a new long term commitment in Afghanistan. New Democrats will stand against this motion because we believe that the mission defined by this government, is not in line with the values and principles held by Canadians. It is not the right role to pursue the objectives of Canada’s foreign policy.
Mr. Speaker, New Democrats asked for this debate and vote, and we welcome the opportunity to stand in our places and defend Canada’s place in the world. I ask the members of this house to join us. Let our country set the standard, let Canada lead not follow, let us forge our own path in the world, a path that builds upon our strengths and reflects globally the values and principles of the pursuit of peace that define us nationally. Thank you. Merci.
Newspaper excerpts following the campaign - spring 2006
L’Éveil – May 13, 2006
Sexual relation at the age of 16
The NDP of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles rises against bill C-127
As reported by the media and according to the Tories in office, there is growing concern with regard to youngsters facing an overexposure of sex related matters, which is causing numerous problems in today’s society. The proposed legislation (C-127) by Honourable Vic Toews, Justice Minister and Canada’s district attorney would raise the age limit for sexual consent from 14 to 16 years old. Would this be a solution to current problems which are reportedly harmful?
From a personal viewpoint, Annie-Joelle Constantin-Lortie, President of the NDP Youth within Polyvalente Deux-Montagnes and Raphaelle Dubois-Beauchamps, President of the NDP Youth in the Mille-Iles riding believe that this new law would be useless, and even harmful.
Should Messrs. Harper and Toews look further into this, they would see that the NDP in this area disagrees with the proposed new legislation for the future, and that for over a month, some Tories have wished to shed light on this matter and share their concerns with the population, in view to deal with sexual crimes and help the transition of the younger population into more mature individuals.
Some government members link the proposed C-127 law to crime. Do they actually think that by raising the age limit for consent by 2 years, sexual assaults and sex related crimes would diminish? Sexual offenders are not concerned with how old their victims are, they only want to have sex with them. Moreover, sex-related crimes would continue, although not out in the open, and this regardless of the Tories’ new legislation.
The majority of teens tend to go over limits, and some laws are trespassed. In addition, some teens are being abused in sex-related businesses and no law has been able to end this. Only long term safety planning and increasing awareness among parents and youngsters may change the pattern. This will raise concern in some cases, and will be ignored by others, regardless of whether the law is in effect, and despite the application of the new legislation C-127. Thus, New Democrats of Rivière-des-Mille-Ïles believe this proposed legislation would be useless, and have no impact.
For many citizens, sexual consent is a personal matter. Those younger than 14 years old who decide to cut short the transition period between their childhood and teenage years, generally are not mature enough to gain from this experience. In fact, when older than 14, through education and personal evolution, they feel more independent and mature, and should have the freedom to act, being able to judge what’s at stake and knowing the consequences that may result.
Both Annie-Joelle Constantin-Lortie and Raphaelle Dubois-Beauchamps, students at Polyvalente Deux-Montagnes, can count on Francis Chartrand’s full support. Francis, the NDP candidate in Rivière-des-Mille-ïles Riding during the recent Federal Election, has been an active street worker, working closely with the Café de la Paix in St-Eustache. He points out that teenagers need parental guidance, given out with wisdom and honesty, to help them achieve fulfillment in their personal evolution. Changing the age of consent may seem like a gesture of authority to youngsters, implying that for the rest of their teenage years, they are to decide on their own. This may result in more extreme attitudes in our society. Francis Chartrand is convinced that teenagers can treat this matter in a responsible manner, and he would suggest giving them the opportunity, through cultural means, to reflect on the overexposure of sex, and its drawbacks for modern youth.
We would like to hear from all local community organizations and citizens wishing to voice their concerns, and would be pleased to answer any questions at (450) 473-2423 or by E-mail : npd_rdmi@hotmail.com .
Sexual relation at the age of 16
The NDP of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles rises against bill C-127
As reported by the media and according to the Tories in office, there is growing concern with regard to youngsters facing an overexposure of sex related matters, which is causing numerous problems in today’s society. The proposed legislation (C-127) by Honourable Vic Toews, Justice Minister and Canada’s district attorney would raise the age limit for sexual consent from 14 to 16 years old. Would this be a solution to current problems which are reportedly harmful?
From a personal viewpoint, Annie-Joelle Constantin-Lortie, President of the NDP Youth within Polyvalente Deux-Montagnes and Raphaelle Dubois-Beauchamps, President of the NDP Youth in the Mille-Iles riding believe that this new law would be useless, and even harmful.
Should Messrs. Harper and Toews look further into this, they would see that the NDP in this area disagrees with the proposed new legislation for the future, and that for over a month, some Tories have wished to shed light on this matter and share their concerns with the population, in view to deal with sexual crimes and help the transition of the younger population into more mature individuals.
Some government members link the proposed C-127 law to crime. Do they actually think that by raising the age limit for consent by 2 years, sexual assaults and sex related crimes would diminish? Sexual offenders are not concerned with how old their victims are, they only want to have sex with them. Moreover, sex-related crimes would continue, although not out in the open, and this regardless of the Tories’ new legislation.
The majority of teens tend to go over limits, and some laws are trespassed. In addition, some teens are being abused in sex-related businesses and no law has been able to end this. Only long term safety planning and increasing awareness among parents and youngsters may change the pattern. This will raise concern in some cases, and will be ignored by others, regardless of whether the law is in effect, and despite the application of the new legislation C-127. Thus, New Democrats of Rivière-des-Mille-Ïles believe this proposed legislation would be useless, and have no impact.
For many citizens, sexual consent is a personal matter. Those younger than 14 years old who decide to cut short the transition period between their childhood and teenage years, generally are not mature enough to gain from this experience. In fact, when older than 14, through education and personal evolution, they feel more independent and mature, and should have the freedom to act, being able to judge what’s at stake and knowing the consequences that may result.
Both Annie-Joelle Constantin-Lortie and Raphaelle Dubois-Beauchamps, students at Polyvalente Deux-Montagnes, can count on Francis Chartrand’s full support. Francis, the NDP candidate in Rivière-des-Mille-ïles Riding during the recent Federal Election, has been an active street worker, working closely with the Café de la Paix in St-Eustache. He points out that teenagers need parental guidance, given out with wisdom and honesty, to help them achieve fulfillment in their personal evolution. Changing the age of consent may seem like a gesture of authority to youngsters, implying that for the rest of their teenage years, they are to decide on their own. This may result in more extreme attitudes in our society. Francis Chartrand is convinced that teenagers can treat this matter in a responsible manner, and he would suggest giving them the opportunity, through cultural means, to reflect on the overexposure of sex, and its drawbacks for modern youth.
We would like to hear from all local community organizations and citizens wishing to voice their concerns, and would be pleased to answer any questions at (450) 473-2423 or by E-mail : npd_rdmi@hotmail.com .
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