Canada lost 71,000 jobs in November—the biggest monthly job loss in 26 years. This devastating news underscores the human cost of Harper’s failure to address the deepening economic crisis. The Harper government lost the confidence of Parliament precisely because of he refused to act on behalf of all Canadians on this immensely important issue.
An NDP-Liberal majority coalition is ready to deliver the economic stimulus Canada needs. A majority coalition would provide 30 months of hopeful, stable, and effective government. A majority coalition government would create the hundreds of thousands of jobs necessary to help us weather the economic storm.
A 62 percent majority of voters opposed Stephen Harper’s agenda last October 14th.
Voters asked for a government that would actively work to kick start the economy. There is no better time for us to act together.
If you are ready for change, then you are part of the 62 percent majority.
OUR PLAN WILL:
- Build and repair infrastructure
- Build housing and retrofits
- Create child care spaces
- Develop new jobs and employment
- Reform Employment Insurance
-Olivia
December 2, 2008
Dear constituents,
The following are documents related to the forming of the coalition. Please view at your leisure.
This is the agreement reached between coalition members to address the economic crisis
An Accord on a Cooperative Government to Address the Present Economic Crisis
This is the coalition policy framework which would address the economic crisis
A Policy Accord to Address the Present Economic Crisis
Thank you,
Olivia.
An economic crisis sometimes produces the opportunity for a fresh approach.
For twenty years, successive governments promoted the same solution to every challenge facing Canadians - tax cuts. Compounding this problematic mantra is an ideologically driven agenda of deregulation and less government oversight on the important aspects of our lives. Be it food, toys, environment, or airline safety, the same ideology of “get the government off our back” reigns. It is not a coincidence that both OECD and UNICEF reported that when it comes to investment in our children, our environment, and our future Canada is at the bottom of the heap of all industrialized nations.
For the first time in half a century, productivity fell and we now work more to produce less. Facing a serious economic downturn where stock markets, oil prices, central bank interest rates and consumer confidence are sinking, it is time to change course. The same old tax cutting, slash and burn, laissez-faire approach will not work.
To protect jobs, pensions, savings, homes and deal with the real economy, the federal government must take bold and strategic steps. But both the Conservative Throne Speech and the Economic Statement do not match the urgency or the depth of what is required, nor will it ease the sleepless nights of many Canadians.
As New Democrats, we are putting forward a five point plan:
1. Introduce financial regulations that protect consumers. Stronger oversight to track the $75 billion already given to secure banks. Cap credit card interest rates and transaction fees (as done in most other countries).
2. Boast productivity and combine environmental protection with economic growth. Put a price on carbon and harness the sun, wind, water and biomass. And through innovation, make us leaders in renewable technology; create green collar jobs like retro-fitting our homes and buildings.
3. Invest in enterprise and innovation in the private sector, especially small businesses and in our research institutions through our universities and colleges.
4. Make strategic investments in infrastructure and in the real economy by repairing our crumbling cities, invest in public transit and build affordable housing.
5. Invest in our social infrastructure through a national skills training strategy to address our skills shortage. Establish pension insurance plans to protect today’s seniors and future generations. Change rules to Employment Insurance to make it more available to the unemployed. And create more jobs in child care and aged care, with more doctors and nurses, and better opportunities for First Nations.
Thank you for visiting, and happy holidays.
Thank you for the honour and privilege of serving you as the MP for Trinity-Spadina, and welcome to my new website. As we update the new site, please be advised that some of our material will be unavailable.
If you are a constituent and need help from my office, please don’t hesitate to contact me. My office is open on Tuesday and Friday, from 10:00am – 1:00pm and 2:00pm – 4:30pm, and we are located in Kensington Market at:
144 Augusta Ave
Toronto, ON M5T 2L5
p: 416.533.2710
Please call ahead to book an appointment.
Finally, you can always reach me by email at chowo@parl.gc.ca .
Warmest wishes,
Olivia
