Libby Davies

[Health, May 28th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday B.C.'s Supreme Court decision makes it abundantly clear that Insite, the supervised injection facility in east Vancouver, is a health facility. The ruling also makes it clear that closing Insite would be “inconsistent with the state’s interest in fostering individual and community health, and preventing death and disease”.

Can the Minister of Health assure the House today that his Conservative government will abide by the court's decision and not appeal this important case?

[Youth Criminal Justice Act, May 16th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point order. I want to clarify that when the motion says, “for the purpose of considering clause 1”, this, in effect, is the whole private member's bill, not just one element of it. Could that be clarified?

[Youth Criminal Justice Act, May 16th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, I, too, thank the member for Edmonton—Mill Woods—Beaumont for standing in the House today and signifying that a motion will be coming forward to have the bill sent back to committee. He recognizes, and I certainly concur, that when it comes to a private member's bill it is important that we go through the process. I think it is important for it to go back to committee where we can have an opportunity to study it and make revisions if necessary.

We have spoken in favour of the bill in principle, but we do have some concerns about it in terms of youth treatment and how the judicial system is involved in that.

We look forward to the opportunity of seeing the bill at committee. We will be supporting the motion today for the bill to go back to committee.

[Forestry Industry, May 16th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, I challenge the minister to go to Mackenzie, B.C. and just see what the impact is on families and that community as a result of all of the jobs that are being lost there.

It is the same with the pine beetle. Climate change has allowed the mountain pine beetle to ravage the forests of B.C. The result of the red tide of destruction across B.C.'s interior is being felt in many communities and homes. This season will yet again see major fire risk because of the deadwood and climate conditions.

I would like to know what steps the Conservative government is taking to address the safety and security of communities at risk. Or will it be just another story of too little, too late?

[Forestry Industry, May 16th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has a forestry industry in crisis and a Conservative government that does not respond. The mill closure in Mackenzie, B.C. is just the latest example.

The government is allowing countless companies and communities to flounder and fail without planning for future market cycles. Without targeted help, forestry jobs will disappear, never to return.

Why is the Conservative government handing billions of dollars to oil companies while letting these forest families struggle with an impact that is devastating in local communities?

[China, May 15th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the NDP, I express sorrow and concern regarding the tragic and devastating earthquake in China.

We offer our sincere condolences to the victims and families in Sichuan, Beichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Chongqing, Yunnan and Henan and other areas that were affected. The loss of life, the suffering of communities and the grief of individual families are deeply saddening.

We extend our deepest sympathy to those who are suffering losses in China, as well as to the Chinese Canadian community, which is coping with this loss and the unknown whereabouts of family and friends in the wake of this terrible tragedy.

All Canadians share this grief and loss and they hope for recovery and support to rebuild the lives of survivors and their communities. We urge the Canadian government to demonstrate its compassion and support by providing any immediate assistance possible.

Our thoughts and prayers are with China and its people.

[Points of Order, May 14th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, I would have raised this point of order earlier, but I have only just seen the video.

On Monday evening during the vote that took place in the House, the member for Thunder Bay—Rainy River made a very unparliamentary gesture. I would like to give the member the opportunity to apologize to the House and to Canadians.

[Health, May 5th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, last week, leading researchers from UBC condemned the government's interference in research on Insite. The only response from the government was that the decision on Insite would not be based on scientific evidence alone.

If the Conservative government is not making its decisions based on evidence, then what on earth is it basing it on?

What exactly is the government so desperately seeking that was not covered in more than 20 studies? What is it so afraid of in dealing with the scientific evidence before it?

[Health, May 5th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, the exemption that allows Insite to operate is set to expire June 30. Again and again, the government has delayed a decision on this important facility, saying more research needs to be done.

The research has been done and it is absolutely clear. More than 20 studies have demonstrated the health, safety and cost benefits of Insite. This morning, the criminologist hired by the government said that Insite contributed to public order and saves lives.

When will the government listen to the evidence and extend Insite's permit to operate?

[Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, May 2nd, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, very briefly, maybe the government House leader has not had an opportunity to read the amendment carefully, but it is quite clear that it is not mandatory. The wording clearly says “for the purpose of reconsidering clause 2 with a view”. This is not something that is mandatory. It leaves it open to the committee. I think it is well within the rules of the House to allow this amendment to stand.