Here we are, the sun setting on one year and rising on the next. Not only a new year but a new decade as well. Like most people I will be making resolutions but this year I’ll be making some that I’m sure I can keep. First, starting with the proroguing of Parliament, I will write to my local MP and to the Prime Minister to voice my displeasure at having Canada’s democratic process put on hold for no better reason than the Olympics. Sorry but the business of the country must go on, in spite of the big sports show. I will continue to write to my MP and Prime Minister to ask questions about the political events that concern me and the people of Oshawa.
I will also continue to raise the profile of the Green Party in Oshawa. There will be another election eventually and the residents of this riding deserve a new perspective, they deserve something more than the status quo. Watch for us around the city, give your opinion, tell us what’s important to you and how you think your local MP can help your city.
Best wishes and have a Happy Prosperous New Year. Gail
It’s Time for Resolutions
Happy Holidays
To all our friends and supporters, the Oshawa Federal Green Party Association would like to wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We hope the Christmas season is everything you wish for. To all the members don’t forget to save the 16th of January (AGM) for us. To the rest of Oshawa-make a resolution to join the Green Party in the New Year. All the best.
National Day of Remembrance for Montreal Massacre
OTTAWA — December 6th marks the National Day of Remembrance for the Montreal Massacre, when 14 women students, Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte et Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal were killed and 13 others wounded by Marc Lepine, a young man who blamed women for his life of abuse and struggle. The anniversary is a day to consider how gendered violence impacts our society and how we can prevent any such tragedies in the future.
“We must not let these women die in vain. We must ensure that this terrible day in our history serves as a reminder that we must do better, we must continue to raise the Canadian consciousness regarding violence against women. We must take action and support prevention and outreach programs, including providing more housing to victims of spousal abuse and expanding gun control,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May.
“Unfortunately our current government appears to be moving backwards on the important issue of women’s rights, eliminating the court challenges program, canceling the national child-care program, reducing the reach of Status of Women Canada, and now undermining the gun registry,” said Adriane Carr, Deputy Leader.
The Green Party of Canada advocates breaking down barriers and advancing opportunities for women through poverty-eradication, a national affordable child care program, programs to eliminate the financial barriers to post-secondary education, programs for affordable housing and the adoption of a Genuine Progress Indicator that includes measures of unpaid and voluntary work by women.
The Green Party of Canada also believes it is time to re-visit a major policy initiative — the use of a negative income tax, or Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI) for all. The use of a GLI could eliminate poverty and allow social services to concentrate on problems of mental health and addiction.
“Poverty and violence are two sides of a coin and both must be dealt with. In a wealthy nation such as Canada, no one should have to live in poverty and no one should have to live in fear,” said May.
Persons with a Disability: The First to be Ignored, the Last to be Remembered
OTTAWA — December 3rd is the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a time when progressive nations reflect on how well they, as a people, empower persons with disabilities in society.
“Sadly, our record on Human Rights has been fading and rather than celebrating, this should be one of sober reflection,” commented Elizabeth May, Leader of the Canadian Greens. “As the media has shown, Canada’s current attitude with respect to Human Rights is in question.”
Canada has still failed to sign on to the International Convention on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Even more telling is our refusal to ratify to date the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).” It should be remembered that already 29 months have passed since the signing ceremony for the CRPD at the United Nations,” stated Joe Foster, Human Rights Critic.
The Convention marks a paradigm shift in attitudes and challenges the previous view which saw persons with disabilities as people who require charity rather than respect. It now makes it clear that persons with disabilities, like all people, are “subjects” of the international human framework with exactly the same rights and freedoms as everyone else.”
“All Canadians benefit from increasing the active involvement of persons with disabilities in the life of our communities,” said Mr. Foster.
Message of Support for World AIDS Day 2009
OTTAWA — On World AIDS Day, the Green Party of Canada expresses its deep respect to all who are participating in the global effort to halt the spread of HIV. With the numbers of people suffering with this disease still rising, more needs to be done. We must commit to helping combat the challenges of those affected by increasing awareness and support for the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS.
“We must not be complacent. The threat of HIV-AIDs is not averted. In Africa, we need to continue to ameliorate poverty, provide primary health care, and increase education especially for women and girls. In Canada, we need to confront the on-going threat in vulnerable populations, and increase treatment options, such as seniors’ facilities and hospices created for the gay community,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May.
Members of the Oshawa riding and the Oshawa-Whitby riding were happy to attend Durham Region’s Candlelight Service in honour of World AIDS Day in Pickering. ” What a humbling experience and a joy to participate. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this disease, ” stated Blaine Leal from the Oshawa Green Party.
