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Showing posts from June, 2015

Harper Cons have no response on how to help Labrador pensioners

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I posed the following question today (June 5th) during Question Period in the House of Commons. Mr. Speaker, Hundreds of pensioners from Wabush Mines in Labrador had their health and life insurance benefits cancelled this week. The previous owner of the iron ore mine has begun debt structuring and - as usual - the first to suffer are the retirees. Many of these people worked for the company for decades, and have been left with nothing. Their pensions may be next. They deserve better than this. Mr. Speaker, What will the Conservatives do to help these pensioners?

Bill proposes National Day of Awareness for people abused by clergy, lay officials and institutions

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I tabled the following Private Members' Bill in the House of Commons today (June 2nd). I rise today in the House to table a Private Members’ Bill calling on the Government of Canada to establish a National Day of Awareness for people who have been abused by clergy, lay officials and institutions in Canada. A National Day of Awareness would be a step on the path towards healing. By shining a light on the abuse, promoting awareness and education, decreasing stigma and addressing the harm that has occurred by clergy, lay officials and institutions as a whole we can start to move forward. This Bill proposes that June 1st be set aside as the National Day of Awareness because it is the beginning of National Aboriginal History Month in Canada and the day the Roman Catholic Church in Newfoundland and Labrador closed Mount Cashel Orphanage for good. By setting aside a national day, Canadians can engage in their communities to work together to ensure that this never happ...

It won't be long now, Harper government on last legs. My speech on bank pay-to-pay fees

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I gave the following 10-minute speech in the House of Commons today (June 1 st ). Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand in support of this motion, that, in the opinion of the House, government should ban all pay-to-pay practices by banks operating in Canada through the enactment of a mandatory financial code of conduct to protect consumers. Mr. Speaker, I keep my finger on the pulse of my riding of St. John’s South-Mount Pearl in Newfoundland and Labrador. I’m constantly on the go in the community — on the doorsteps, in the coffee shops, on the streets, on the wharfs, even in the boats, Mr. Speaker. I ask my constituents for constant feedback about issues ranging from childcare and climate change to pensions and poverty. And, of course, Mr. Speaker, all federal issues having to do with the great province Newfoundland and Labrador. If it moves here in Ottawa and it affects my province, Mr. Speaker, I’m all over it — I’m on my feet in this House. Mr....