September 24, 2009
Ontario's Flu Shot Rollout for Seasonal and H1N1 Vaccines
The recent studies have meant a significant shift in the plan... most of us are going to have to get our H1N1 shot BEFORE we can get our seasonal flu shot... even though their availability is seasonal then H1N1...
September 23, 2009
Conservatives’ H1N1 vaccine order delay risks Canadian lives
Amid reports that Vancouver schools are closing with as many as one third of the school children coming down with what could be the H1N1 flu, Liberal MPs expressed concern...
September 23, 2009
Statement from Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on Ahmadinejad's speeech at the UN
I 100% agree with his remarks condemning Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech at the United Nations today.
September 22, 2009
The Globe and Mail Editorial is Right!! The ads aren't good enough...
Today's Globe and Mail had an excellent editorial comparing Canada's H1N1 advertisements to our international partners....
September 22, 2009
Common European Framework for French in St. Paul's
Discussion with Sindy Preger representative for 'St Paul's West Parents for French' association regarding access to French Immersion education in St. Paul's
September 22, 2009
Linda McQuaig... tremendous... exactly what we need to contribute to the debate...
Phew....Linda McQuaig has just helped write my 5 minutes live at the Senate Committee on Aging next Wednesday.
Click
here for her op-ed.
September 22, 2009
St. Paul's Corn Roast tonight to celebrate the first day of Autumn
A extra celebration this year replacing our Annual Canada Day Picnic we had to cancel because of the garbage strike. Great to have Dr. Eric Hoskins there to celebrate his first official event as our M.P.P., Joe Mihevc was there - wonderful as always.
September 21, 2009
Canada Wins When Canada Leads
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff today shared his and the Liberal Party's economic vision today. Click here to read the full speech.
September 20, 2009
69th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
Our family celebrates Peter's father... Peter St. George O'Brian... a decorated Spitfire pilot commemorated on Battle of Britain London Monument on the river Thames.
September 20, 2009
Tory ads... self interest instead of Public Interest.... Canadian Press
CONS spend 5x promoting themselves than communicating to Canadians how to prepare for H1N1.
September 19, 2009
Preparing for Washington hearing on Sept 30th... Anthony Weiner on Morning Joe....very interesting
Congressman Weiner
asks Joe Scarborough... what is the 'value' of insurance companies in health care... 30% of costs... what is the value for it when Medicare is run at 4% ???
September 18, 2009
Minister Aglukkaq still refuses to apologize to aboriginal communities
It is just not good enough... Health Canada has apologized for the shipment of body bags, but the Minister herself needs to accept the responsibility and apologize herself. Ministerial accountability means that the Minister is responsible.
September 18, 2009
Happy New Year to our Jewish friends
Click here for the Jewish New Year message from Michael Ignatieff.
September 18, 2009
Top 10 reasons why the Liberals no longer have confidence in this government
Click here for the top 10 reasons the Liberals no longer have confidence in this government...
September 17, 2009
First autumn H1N1 outbreak hits – and Harper government is not prepared
OTTAWA - The first pandemic outbreak in Canada’s H1N1 fall flu season has struck Vancouver Island – and the Harper government is still not ready to confront it, Liberal Health Critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett and Vancouver South MP Ujjal Dosanjh said today.
September 17, 2009
Fantastic win for Dr. Eric Hoskins MPP St. Paul's
What an exciting prospect... A wonderful partner for 'bottom-up' democracy between elections for St. Paul's. If you haven't met him yet please drop by our corn roast at Well's Hill Park on Tuesday 5-7...
September 16, 2009
Chiefs furious after Ottawa sends dozens of body bags to flu-stricken reserves
WINNIPEG — Aboriginal leaders in Manitoba say they are horrified and want an explanation as to why some of the reserves hardest hit by swine flu in the spring have just received dozens of body bags from Health Canada.
September 16, 2009
Harper’s H1N1 preparedness plan? Buy body bags
OTTAWA – After months of ignoring pleas from Canadians to help them deal with the H1N1 flu virus, the Harper Conservatives have finally responded – by sending body bags to the First Nations communities on the front lines of the illness...
September 14, 2009
Order Paper Response: Natural Health Products Directorate
Earlier this year we worked with the Canadian Health Food Association to place a question on the order paper about the Natural Health Products Directorate....we got our response today
September 14, 2009
Great Meeting today with Dr. Eldon Smith
Dr. Smith is the Chair of the Steering Committee for the Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan. The strategy is so impressive....brought together 29 thought leaders and and experts in heart and vascular health and disease
September 13, 2009
AIDS Walk for Life... still such a need...
Troubling statistics... most high school students think that there is a cure for AIDS.... we need to redouble our efforts for awarenesss, prevention, Rx and research... Great to be there today with Bob Rae, George Smitherman, Margaret Best and Kyle Rae.
September 12, 2009
Renee Hetherington has won the Liberal nomination in Saanich-Gulf Islands
Check out her website. She is a respected award winning climate change scientist... I do believe that Elizabeth May should choose a different riding --- doing the right thing for the PLANET !!!
September 11, 2009
Feds to follow listeriosis advice - CBC
This is very good news... I am very relieved that the government has taken Ms. Weatherhill's recommendations seriously.
Her report was very hard-hitting...
September 11, 2009
Minister Aglukkaq's Response to our Letters
Her letter raises more questions than were answered...
September 11, 2009
Harper fails to protect Canadians’ health
Stephen Harper’s Reform-Conservative government has left Canadians vulnerable to the H1N1 pandemic this fall, said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff today.
September 10, 2009
Terrific Article by Michael Pollan
I was sent this article after my presentation in St. Gallen....originally published in the New York Times....so important to see the connection between agricultural policy and HEALTH....it's all about breaking down silos!!
September 10, 2009
Good briefing yesterday by the Minister and PHAC
Would have been nice to have this information six months ago, but better late than never!! You can also learn more by visiting www.fightflu.ca or calling the Public Health Agency of Canada’s hotline at 1-800-454-8302.
September 9, 2009
Obama impressive tonight.....
Click here for the full speech
I am honoured to have been asked to testify at the U.S. Special Senate Commitee on Aging.... to defend our cherished Canadian system...look forward to your advice...
September 7, 2009
Amazon.ca... recommending that you read Michael Ignatieff !!!
Was thrilled to get this recommendation from Amazon today !!!!!! I have read most of them !!!!! Hopefully the ads will help Canadians get to know him better too !!!!!!
September 7, 2009
Labour Day.....always worth remembering the gains that have been made
.....almost 100 years ago a fire in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory killed 146 women garment workers because the door was bolted shut..... the fight for proper working conditions and fairness goes on.... today we celebrate some of the progress....
September 5, 2009
Fantastic closing to the Conference...
Ilona Kickbusch gave her usual tour de force summary of the conference.... Ageing, Poverty and Justice... emerged as the key issues...
September 4, 2009
Honoured to be asked to present at the World Ageing & Demographic Congress
This morning the panel on Spotlights on Rights... this evening was the speaker at the Speakers' Dinner... on Political Will as a Determinant of Health... and how we can harness the Grey Power to increase Political Will...
September 4, 2009
Pregnant women will now have a choice .... vaccine without adjuvant
excellent article today by Helen Branswell on the decision of the government to buy some vaccine from GSK without the adjuvant.... expressly for pregnant women ... to help encourage them to get vaccinated.....
September 3, 2009
Combating Misinformation on H1N1
Over the past few days I have become concerned about the amount of misinformation surrounding H1N1, especially in light of the CBC documentary last night.
September 3, 2009
Reality Check: Separating Conservative spin from economic fact
Today in Niagara Falls, Stephen Harper claimed that "Canada's economy has been significantly better than elsewhere."
September 3, 2009
Conservative fear-mongering about home renovation tax credit
ISSUE: The Harper government is playing politics with the home renovation tax credit by falsely telling Canadians that a fall election would kill the budgetary measure.
September 2, 2009
Conservative mishandling of H1N1 response risks Canadians' health
The Canadian Medical Association Journal has confirmed what Liberals have been saying from the start of the H1N1 outbreak - the Harper government is failing to properly protect the health and safety of Canadians, Liberal MPs said today.
September 1, 2009
The Liberal Party of Canada cannot support this government any further
Michael Ignatieff gave a great speech in Sudbury today!! Click here to read it!!
September 1, 2009
Parliamentary Report from Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP
Please click here to read a copy of my Fall 2009 householder.
August 28, 2009
Harper Government's 'Stay-the-Course' Approach to H1N1 Not Good Enough
OTTAWA - Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq's strategy of "staying the course" on H1N1 preparedness flies in the face of serious concerns that exist about the rapid spread of the flu virus as children head back to school, Liberal MPs said today.
August 26, 2009
Equal Voice: Experiences Program - Advancing Young Women in Democratic Life
Check out who’s making a difference in these inspirational videos!
August 26, 2009
Secretive Conservatives Attempt Listeriosis Outbreak Cover-up
OTTAWA - The Harper Conservatives are playing divisive political games by voting to silence listeriosis outbreak investigator Dr. Sheila Weatherill in an attempt to maintain the veil of secrecy...
August 24, 2009
Tonight at 8 --- Live TOWN HALL on H1N1
Kirsty Duncan and I are doing a LIVE TOWN HALL tonight on En Famille... to hear the concerns from Liberal Party members on how prepared they are feeling for the autumn... we will do another one for everyone using Elluminate...Thursday at 11 AM.
August 24, 2009
I Wish I Had More Time to Read Blogs...
This blog made me laugh... the rebuttal is so important...
August 23, 2009
Eric Hoskins' Launch Today... Then the Bus to the Cottage...
George Smitherman and Eric were truly inspirational... we are so lucky to have these amazing people in public life... terrific turnout at the launch...click here to find out more...
August 22, 2009
The Barns This Morning With Eric Hoskins... Tomorrow the Campaign Launch... noon... 556 St.Clair
What a treat... to be at the Barns this a.m. and being able to introduce this amazing Canadian to the extraordinary Canadians that make St. Paul's the best riding in the country !!!
August 22, 2009
Bob Ramsay's 60th Birthday... We All Sang at Roy Thompson Hall !!!!!! Happy Birthday to You !!
I first met Bob Ramsay in 1960 at the Juniors Florists party at the FTD Convention in Detroit... his parents were Ramsay Florist in Edmonton... my sister Jill and I ... Eunice Denby Flowers in Toronto....
August 21, 2009
Harper Government Playing Political Games With Cancer Patient Care
OTTAWA - In the face of growing criticism over the Harper government's mishandling of the medical isotope shortage and cancer testing crisis, the Harper Conservatives are preventing leading nuclear and medical experts from testifying at today's committee
August 21, 2009
CON GAMES - Part 2
We have all come to Ottawa to discuss the isotope crisis... we thought it was about patients... but today Committee Chair Leon Benoit tried to block any questions related to HEALTH... including my questions to David Caplan the Ont. HEALTH minister. Grrrr.
August 20, 2009
CON GAMES... Formerly Known as Parliamentary Committees
Here we go again, the Conservatives have used their book of tricks to block the nuclear doctors from testifying at Natural Resources Committee tomorrow.
August 19, 2009
CMA Council passes strong resolutions on Isotopes and H1N1 preparedness
Here are the resolutions as tabled ... There were some friendly amendments that we will post when we get them !!
August 18, 2009
Canada's Doctors Echo H1N1 Concerns
OTTAWA - Given the Conservative government's poor track record in managing health crises, Liberal MPs continue to express their concerns that Canada isn't prepared for a second wave of H1N1 flu.
August 17, 2009
CMA Survey Shows How Tough Economic Times Are Linked to Health
Click here for the full story...
August 16, 2009
CMA Meeting Opens Tonight in Saskatoon
Unfortunately with the time change will have to postpone the MSN chat til next Sunday at 9...
August 15, 2009
A Rorschach Test on Women's Lib - The Star
The facts about Justice Douglas Cunningham's decision regarding the testimony of MPP Lisa MacLeod are still being debated even amongst feminists ...
August 15, 2009
Health Critic Virtual Advisory Group E-Newsletter - It Was Sent Out 2 Weeks Ago... Forgot to Post !
My update on Chalk River/Isotopes, H1N1, BILL C-6: An Act respecting the safety of consumer products (Canada Consumer Product Safety Act), BILL C-32: An Act to amend the Tobacco Act, Food Safety, Towards a Comprehensive Food Policy for Canada and more!
August 13, 2009
H1N1: Aglukkaq Exits Before Taking Main Questions
MPs furious after Tory leaves early...
August 13, 2009
Harper Government Must Compensate Provinces For Isotope Shortages
OTTAWA - Instead of blaming Atomic Energy Canada for his own government's inability to resolve the isotope shortage, Prime Minister Harper must compensate provincial governments for the increased costs they will continue to face to provide cancer tests.
August 12, 2009
Liberals Still Looking For H1N1 Answers
OTTAWA - Liberal MPs today continued to press the federal government for a coordinated, comprehensive national response to the threat of a H1N1 flu pandemic.
August 12, 2009
Pandemic Preparations: CTV News Channel: Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Liberal Health Critic
The Liberals are looking to find out what lessons were learned from the first round of swine flu in the spring based on what was done and what wasn't done.
August 11, 2009
GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN AND CHALLENGES TO FOOD AND PRODUCT SAFETY>>>>
Honoured to be added to the panel today on this important topic... with knowledgeable people from both sides of the border chaired by The Honorable William J. Hughes - former Congressman and former Amabassador of Panama.
August 10, 2009
Cedarvale Community School rated among Ontario`s best...
Great to get this new from Trustee Josh Matlow...... Congrats to all involved !!! Principal Martin Hunt, the teachers, the parents and the students .... Terrific job !!! `Community` is well placed in the name of your school !!!
August 9, 2009
Preparing for the TransAmerica Conference Panel on Health Care This Week in Ottawa
Honoured to have been asked to be on a panel with Roy Romanow and CMA President as well as 2 congressmen... was looking for an article in the New York Times Magazine that people have mentioned - think I found it !!!! let me know of any more ammunition !!!
August 7, 2009
Time to Recall the Health Committee on H1N1
Today the Clerk of the Committee received letters from the 3 Liberal members of the Health Commitee and the NDP asking that the Committee be recalled next week to ascertain the state of preparedness and the quality of the response to date.
August 6, 2009
Once Again, an Eloquent Analysis From André Picard...
We could learn a few things from the U.S.
The debate about health-care reform is really heating up south of the border...
August 6, 2009
Very Moving Ceremony for Brian Innes... He Died Far Too Young
What a terrible loss... this wonderful man... proud farmer, rural health expert, professor.... his sister Christine Innes gave a wonderful eulogy... and Rx'd that we all go home and have a wee dram of whiskey in his memory... Slainthe !!!
August 4, 2009
Bob Rae: Thinking About Health Care
Terrific piece by Bob Rae on Health Care and the U.S. fight against Canadian-style health care...
August 4, 2009
Twittering... Tweets... I love it !!!!!
Nikisha Reyes-Grange has been a great coach !!! In July she taught me to SEARCH on Twitter for the issues I care about... so I searched 'H1N1' and found out that a unit of the Children`s Hospital in Edmonton had been closed...
August 4, 2009
The Globe and Mail Editorials on Vaccines and Isotopes
Two important issues the Government has been slow to respond to.
August 3, 2009
Simcoe Day in Simcoe County... Again... a Fantastic Tradition !!!
We are thrilled to be here at our beloved Georgian Bay... once again reminded of the history of Ontario... Tiny Township was named after one of Lady Simcoe`s dogs - Tiny... the other townships Flos and Tay were the names of her other 2 dogs !
August 2, 2009
MSN Chat This Weekend Monday at 9 !!!!!!
Look forward to it !!!!
August 1, 2009
H1N1... Relieved to See That the Public Education Campaign has Started...
The ads in the Community newspapers are a good start... Fight Flu... the test must be... does every Canadian feel confident that they will know what to do this Fall when Phase 2 of the pandemic hits...
July 31, 2009
Community Health Centres... We Do Love Them !!!
Was great to join Michael Ignatieff and Minister Aileen Carroll today at the Barrie Community Health Centre.
July 30, 2009
The Source - Isotopes... Letter to Editor
Published in the August / September 2009 The Source - Health & Wellness Journal.
July 28, 2009
2 More Interesting Commentaries as the U.S. Health Debate Heats Up...
From The Globe and Mail and Washington Post...
July 28, 2009
Every Canadian Should Know How to Swim...
Some say the 3S`s... swimming, skiing and skating should be as important as the 3R`s... reading, writing and arithmetic...... for me SWIMMING for sure......
July 27, 2009
Diana Krall on The Hour... Inspiring......
Brilliant natural talent... treasure...
July 26, 2009
Our Home and Native Land......
A couple of years ago, I was reminded that Vaughan Road is an ancient portage route used by the First Nations . So today I Googled `Vaughan Road portage` and ended up at the TTC Map of the Wychwood area.
July 24, 2009
CHML AM 905 Morning News: Bob Bratina show... on the U.S. Attack on the Canadian Health Care System
What a great opportunity to talk to the people of Hamilton who are really upset about the attack ads... Bob felt that this may well be a good thing as Americans begin to understand the need for health insurance as step # 1......
July 23, 2009
Dr. Lynn McIntyre... a Canadian Hero...
What a treat to have breakfast with this public health champion... previously a star at Dalhousie... now the University of Calgary has recruited this fearless academic... from hungry children to Aborginal people's health to Africa.
July 22, 2009
Stolen Sisters... Missing Aboriginal Women in Canada... Bev Jacobs and the Native Women's Assoc.
A horror story - hundreds, probably thousands of Aboriginal women missing... This morning MP's Anita Neville and Todd Russell convened a breakfast with Kirsty Duncan and Tina Keeper and I... to hear first hand from those working on the front lines.
July 21, 2009
H1N1 in Aboriginal Communities...
Today we hosted a roundtable on H1N1 preparedness... Elder Courchene's words were truly moving... he knows how it feels to 'lose a litte one'... he stated that there is no place for jurisdictional wrangling when people's lives are at stake.
July 21, 2009
Incompetence and Political Interference by Harper Government Mar Listeriosis Report
OTTAWA - Today's listeriosis report from investigator Sheila Weatherill confirms the Harper government's incompetence and partisanship makes them incapable of properly protecting Canadians' health and safety, Liberal MPs said today...
July 20, 2009
Dinner With my Sister and Brother-in-Law and Niece... in Calgary...
Peter and I were thrilled to hear about Jill`s work at the National Park interpretation centre at Rocky Mountain House, Jeff`s exciting new challenge with addicted youth... and the programme to take them onto the land...
July 20, 2009
Liberals Call for Immediate Release of Full Weatherill Report into Listeriosis Crisis
OTTAWA - Liberals called on the Harper government to immediately release to the public the full, unedited report on the listeriosis crisis that author Sheila Weatherill is due to deliver to Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz today...
July 20, 2009
Garden River Community Prepares for Pandemic - Without Help From Harper Government
OTTAWA - The Garden River First Nations community is a model for pandemic preparedness - even in the absence of assistance or leadership from the Harper Conservative government, Liberal MPs said today...
July 20, 2009
It Seems That This Government Can`t Even Release a Press Release From an Independent Investigator`
The report on the Listeriosis Investigation was delivered to the Minister of Agriculture today (we still don`t know why this isn`t a HEALTH issue) and we understand that it confirms our suspicions that there was indeed political interference last summer.
July 19, 2009
Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Meeting Today... Honoured to be Asked to Speak
What a treat to hear Flora McDonald speak about her work with women and girls in Afghanistan, and then Tracey-Lee Eddy speak about the EqualVoice Experiences program.
,
July 18, 2009
Garden River... a Model... for Pandemic Preparedness...
I was so impressed yesterday...Garden River.
July 17, 2009
Garden River... They Said I'd be Impressed... I was ... Chief Lyle Sayers Should be Very Proud.
Click here to read the article from the Sault Star about my visit... Garden River is a model for pandemic preparedness... I was so impressed.
July 17, 2009
Harper's Decision to Leave Isotope Business Hurting Canada
OTTAWA - The month-long shutdown of Holland's medical isotope reactor that begins Saturday will worsen the Conservative healthcare crisis and makes clear that Stephen Harper's decision to pull Canada out of the nuclear medicine business...
July 16, 2009
Open Letter to Minister Aglukkaq Re: H1N1
Dear Minister Aglukkaq:
I am writing on behalf of the Liberal caucus to express my growing concern over your silence on the federal government’s preparedness for the spread of the H1N1...
July 14, 2009
International Circumpolar Congress on Health Research in Yellowknife
Truly wonderful... I was such a fan of IPY: International Polar Year... and the IPY initiative for Health Research... thrilled to be here today in Yellowknife... to make sure the momentum continues...
July 13, 2009
Harper Impatient to Resume His Assault on Government
Here's an article by my friend Armine Yalnizyan, a senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
July 9, 2009
Robert LePage encore une fois... Fantastique
Ce soir je suis alléé regarder Moulin a Images... projeté sur les silos de BUNGEE... L`histoire de Québec en 45 minutes !! des millions d`images et des sons. Absolument merveilleux...
July 8, 2009
Liberals Urge Harper Government to End Discriminatory Tourism Policy
OTTAWA - In the wake of Conservative MP Brad Trost's revelation that the Prime Minister's Office has reprimanded Minister Diane Ablonczy for awarding tourism funding to the Toronto Pride Festival, Liberal MPs are calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper..
July 8, 2009
`J`ai tuer ma mere` - le film presenté a Cannes - a gagné 3 prix
Between conference calls on isotopes and H1N1 and responding to the media calls be the PRIDE funding... mon cours d`immersion m`a amenéé au film Québecois celebré......
July 8, 2009
Prolonged Cancer Testing Crisis Puts the Lives of More Canadians at Risk
OTTAWA - The Harper government's admission that their cancer testing crisis will last until at least the end of 2009 has Liberal MPs demanding actions that put the health of Canadians first...
July 7, 2009
Stephen Harper Demotes Minister for Helping Toronto PRIDE
And a colleague is triumphant... looks like the Conservatives are desperate to appeal to their anti-gay base... but the Prime Minister won`t explain his decision... rumours are that her Chief of Staff`s head will roll too...even though PMO had approved.
July 7, 2009
Securing the Public Health Realm: Re-envisioning Canada's Role in the New Century
Here's an article by Kumanan Wilson from this month's issue of 'Policy Options'...
July 7, 2009
Health Committee Needs to be Recalled...
We cannot wait until September...
July 6, 2009
Isotopes... Problems HUGE This Week...
Today`s media release from the Minister of Health is somewhat misleading... Iodine 131 is used in a very small percentage of cases requiring isotopes... the alternative supply was supposed to be secure....
July 5, 2009
HAYS Stampede Breakfast This am in Calgary at the Fabulous Heritage Park.
Was delighted that Jason Kenney approved of my 'western' duds !!! I think it would be great if every Canadian to come to Calgary during Stampede week... It so great... the only people who look out of place are those NOT in Western dress !!!!
July 4, 2009
Alberta Bound - Wrong Direction in HEALTH and HEALTH CARE
What an amazing experience... from the Liberals in Medicine Hat to the intervention by the Friends of Medicare in Calgary, it is quite clear that Alberta in going in the wrong direction...
July 4, 2009
Saturday in Calgary During Stampede...
Stampede breakfast - terrific speech by Michael Ignatieff... inspiring policy session with courageous Alberta Liberals, visit to the Indian Village on the Stampede Grounds and then a great meeting with Friends of Medicare.
July 2, 2009
Response to Globe and Mail editorial today.... on Parliamentary Budget Officer
the PBO has 2 very different jobs.... one to the public and parliament, the other as a research resource for Parliamentarians and Parlimanetary committees... eg costing a Private Member' Bill before the member decides to table it.
July 2, 2009
Alcohol, Then Tobacco. Now Fast Food?
Here's a great article written by Douglas McMillan from the magazine BusinessWeek... sent by my friend Penny Murray.
July 1, 2009
Happy 142nd Birthday Canada...so sorry we won't be able to celebrate in our usual fashion
A very special 'Happy Canada Day' for those for whom this is their first July 1st as a Canadian citizen...... but
July 1, 2009
Great day.... Christie Gardens ... World Class Bakery... Fringe Festival
Even without our picnic... great Canada Day....Started with 'O Canada' at Christie Gardens, then got to give our Canada pins and the World Class Bakery fabulous Canada cookies on St. Clair West... then tonight 'I will not Hatch' at the Fringe....
June 30, 2009
Canada Day... Our Celebration Postponed......
because of the strike, our permit has been withdrawn for Wells Hill Park... instead come and pick up your Canada pin and a cookie outside the World Class Bakery on St. Clair at Christie... between 1 and 3.
June 29, 2009
LOOT tonight at Soulpepper ..... Joe Orton at his finest !!!!
Was so great to be there tonight with Peter and Ben and Ben's friend Adam. We thoroughly enjoyed the play ...but especially the beers afterwards with the truly wonderful Jonathan Watton...who played Dennis.
June 29, 2009
Gathering Voices... Very Impressive Remarks by Shawn Atleo This Evening
Click here to see the campaign website for Shawn Atleo one of the candidates for the National Chief of the AFN.
June 28, 2009
Happy PRIDE !
I think that PRIDE is my new favourite word..... Rev. Brent Hawkes this morning at the PRIDE service talked about sickness, addictions, desparation..... What was once SHAME is now PRIDE.... not only for our GBLT community....
June 27, 2009
The House on CBC radio this am - H1N1 ---- aboriginal communities
The situation in aboriginal communities is germ warfare.... it is IMPOSSIBLE to have infection control in communities when 80% of the houses have no running water or sewers... or 5 people living in one house...
June 26, 2009
yup .... the hand sanitizer controversy did drive me nuts....
Carol Goar has captured it brilliantly in today's Star...click here for the article.
June 24, 2009
Native Communities hit by H1N1 flu feel abandoned by the Harper Conservatives
Liberal MPs visiting the native reserves hard-hit by the H1N1 flu epidemic condemned the Harper government’s lack of action in helping the community prevent and cope with the outbreak....
June 22, 2009
Allan King tribute today... truly moving for Peter and I ..... we will miss him
'I used to have a fantasy everyone would see my films and be changed for the better. That's why you want to make films.'
June 21, 2009
Salt: Hard to Shake..... excellent articles in Globe and Mail
Click here
to read the article....Here's what I sent as a Letter to the Editor...which they published on Monday!!
June 20, 2009
Heavens opened .... boooooo ... silver lining as always...
one my favourite day in St. Paul's....
the Strawberries and Asparagus Festival...ended up at Phil White Arena ...but still a terrific rainy day programme..... congrats to Chris Chopik and the whole team..... then the POW WOW at Wells Hill Park
June 19, 2009
Harper Conservatives ignore expert testimony on MAPLE reactors
OTTAWA - The Harper Conservatives' decision to scrap the MAPLE reactors and get out of the isotope business has put the health of Canadians at risk, Liberal MPs said today....
June 19, 2009
Raising the World's IQ
Had a great meeting this afternoon with Elliot Hughes and Evelyne Guindon from the Micronutrient Initiative...they pointed me to this article by Nicholas Kristof from the New York Times...all Canadians should read about this wonderful initiative!!!
June 18, 2009
Food Safety committee report calls for full public inquiry into listeriosis outbreak
OTTAWA - Liberal Agriculture Critic Wayne Easter and Health Critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett today called for a full public inquiry into last summer's listeriosis crisis, echoing a key recommendation of the Parliamentary Food Safety committee...
June 17, 2009
Question Period today....
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has finally admitted that there is an isotope crisis....
June 15, 2009
Question Period Today...
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, unlike what the Minister of Health stated last week, there are no alternatives for children with cancer. Her own guidelines state that. Children get technetium 99 or nothing....
June 12, 2009
Isotopes.... This is a medical crisis - like SARS or H1N1 .... it needs to be treat as such...
I have recently been asked ....What would you do ... here are my thoughts.....Glad to see MacLeans picked it up!!
June 11, 2009
Question Period Today...
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, today and every week day in Canada three families will sit in their doctors' offices and be told that their child has cancer....
June 9, 2009
Just the facts: Lisa Raitt's isotope incompetence and the health crisis
"It's sexy. Radioactive leaks. Cancer."
"When we win on this, we get all the credit... I'm ready to roll this dice on this one. This is an easy one." - Conservative Minister Lisa Raitt, January 30 2009
June 9, 2009
Cancer victims outraged over Raitt 'sexy' comment
Here's an article by Murray Brewster of the Canadian Press...OTTAWA — Cancer survivors and their supporters say they're astounded Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt would describe the shortage of isotopes used in cancer tests as a "sexy" issue....
June 9, 2009
Question Period today...
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we heard today from the Canadian Breast Cancer Network that it is appalled by the frivolous attitude and the lack of respect...
June 8, 2009
Health crisis mounts for heart and cancer tests
OTTAWA - With lawyers in court seeking to suppress media reports of alleged cabinet infighting over their incompetent handling of the Chalk River health crisis...
June 8, 2009
Question Period Today...
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, three weeks later and still the message from the Minister of Health to the provinces and territories is the same: they are on their own and will have to figure out how to get along without isotopes....
June 6, 2009
D-Day ceremony very moving..... still unbelievable to understand the magnitude of those numbers
so many lives lost and so many injured for life.... but in the cause of freedom .... Canada had never been attacked personally and yet we sent our young men and women to protect the world..... My Dad was in Conn Smythe's 30th Battery..
June 5, 2009
Question Period Today...
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, sadly the Minister of Health has failed Canadians. Her message to the provinces, “You're on your own, figure out how to get along without isotopes”....
June 4, 2009
Question Period Today....
MacLeans thought I did a great job!! You can read the blog post about it here ...
June 4, 2009
John Turner 80th Birthday Tribute Dinner
Was honoured to be included in the 80th birthday party for my Right Honourable constituent John Napier Turner. Lloyd Robertson's introduction was masterful...
June 4, 2009
Obama made me late !!!
I arrived a little late for the Reform Caucus meeting this am...... I started watching Obama's speech to the Muslim world.... and lost all track of time..... It was truly masterful....inspiring...as always...we are running out of words
June 3, 2009
Late Show on Harm Reduction
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Madam Speaker, on March 12, during the meeting of the 52nd session of the committee on narcotics and drugs, I rose in the House and asked the government to deal with the recent World Drug Report, which stated...
June 3, 2009
Question Period today....The PM has a double standard...
Here's the exchange I had today with Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt..... the Minister did the right thing by offering her resignation... she had no choice based upon the Prime Minister's guideline and decision last year dealing with Maxime Bernier.
June 3, 2009
Walk Softly
Here's something sent by my colleague and the MP for the Yukon Larry Bagnell...it was written by Heidi Marion who farmed for 6 years in the Southern Lakes district with her husband, Garret Gillespie...
June 2, 2009
Statement in the House of Commons on Mothers and Midwives Campaign
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, this morning, I was honoured to attend Senator Keon's breakfast to address the appalling lack of progress on the fifth millennium development goal: improving maternal health....
June 2, 2009
Speech in the House of Commons on Bill C-32, An Act to Amend the Tobacco Act
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to stand today to speak to Bill C-32, An Act to amend the Tobacco Act....
June 2, 2009
A truly wonderful day.. the twelfth anniversary of my election to Parliament
and would have been my parents 61st wedding anniversary..but we are truly celebrating the wonderful Playblack Award my son Jack won this evening at the Canadian Film Centre for his volunteer work there with their productions....
May 31, 2009
World No Tobacco Day...... Time for Canada to lead again...
today the WHO has decided to promote the evidence-based Canadian approach started 8 years ago by Minister of Health Allan Rock... putting graphic pictures on the packages really does persuade people to stop smoking.....
May 28, 2009
Conservative mismanagement of Chalk River puts lives at risk...
...5000 Canadians can't get the cancer tests they need each day
May 27, 2009
Speech for Late Show on Food Safety
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, it is in sorrow that I address the House this evening in terms of the lost 22 lives in the listeriosis outbreak of last year and the need for a straightforward public health inquiry into the response.
May 27, 2009
Understanding our democracy
Here is an article written by Adrienne Clarkson regarding our system, and of the functioning of every part of our democracy....Published in the National Post...
May 25, 2009
Make EI work
By Michael Ignatieff :
We're in a recession that is rewriting the rules of our economy....
May 22, 2009
My Conversation with Ilona Kickbusch...
Had a fantastic e-mail exchange today with my friend Ilona Kickbusch in Geneva about the need for a Comprehensive Food Policy for Canada...
May 21, 2009
Another Isotope Crisis.....the conservative government should be truly ashamed...
Here's an editorial from today's Toronto Star...the gov't needed a plan.... Maple 1 and Maple 2 had serious design flaws and the gov't decided that they would not be operationalized.... but they had NO PLAN B ..
May 21, 2009
All a Twitter.....
Please join me @Carolyn_Bennett
May 20, 2009
Goodale at the Economic Club..... fantastic as always....
Here's the speech given by the Hon. Ralph Goodale at the Economic Club of Canada today....
May 20, 2009
Tory Attacks ... Not working ...
The first reaction I had was an email from someone so annoyed with the ads that he wanted to know how to send a cheque to my re-election campaign ...
May 19, 2009
Latest Chalk River shutdown and delayed public notification poses health and safety risk to Canadian
Our press release...you can also read my speech on Chalk River here...
May 17, 2009
It`s Hard not to Think of The Bay !!!! 30th Years On
Peter and I were thrilled to host our friends on the Georgian Queen today on a true BAY DAY ..... a serious South West wind.... but our 30th Wedding Anniversary as a wonderul excuse to get out onto our beloved Georgian Bay.....
May 17, 2009
MSN CHAT...
this week Monday night !!!!
May 16, 2009
Killarney Bound...... our hearts to fail
Peter and his friend James Caverhill have captured our love of the Georgian Bay in their song.......Can`t wait til we can put this up online !!!!
May 15, 2009
Flight path concerns over St. Paul`s....
I met this am with Greg Russell who has been very concerned with the aircraft noise over Davisville and Yonge......it is clear that there are problems.... please let me know about your experiences....
May 14, 2009
Holding the Government to Account...... The Main Estimates are worrying
Noble intentions are not enough..... I was concerned to see that the estimates for the Public Health Agency of Canada show LESS money booked for public health infrastructure and Emergency Response.... ditto $$ for CFIA
May 14, 2009
Harper misleads Canadians on Employment Insurance
Prime Minister Stephen Harper made several misleading statements about EI in the House of Commons yesterday.....
May 12, 2009
Online global grocery site helps shoppers understand where food comes from
TORONTO — A new online tool by Washington-based consumer advocacy group Food & Water Watch could capture the interest of Canadians concerned about the safety of imported foods....
May 12, 2009
Statement in the House of Commons in Recognition of World Hepatitis Day
L'hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Monsieur le Président, dans une semaine à compter de ce jour, le Canada rejoindra des groupes et des nations partout dans le monde pour améliorer la sensibilisation du public sur les hépatites B et C...
May 12, 2009
Health Critic Virtual Advisory E-Newsletter - May Edition
From the moment that the World Health Organization announced that the flu outbreak was of international concern, we have called on the Conservative government to prepare coordinated response....
May 11, 2009
Harper government continues to fail test of independence with regards to listeriosis probe
OTTAWA - Confirmation that listeriosis investigator Sheila Weatherill has hired employees from the very government departments that are at the centre of the probe shows that the Harper government has never been serious...
May 10, 2009
Happy Mother`s Day !!!
I was so pleased to receive a pair of red Wellies ...Hunter .... Appointment to the Queen !!! ....and a wonderful card .... `These boots are made for walking ME` signed Marley !! our wonderful chocolate Lab.....named BEFORE the book and the movie !!
May 9, 2009
Foodie, Barns, Oriole Park School Fair and M&M for Colitis
Today would be a tremendous example of the inspiration that is the life of an MP !!!!
May 8, 2009
ENGINEERING Better Public Policy
I was honoured to be asked to speak to the Professional Engineers of Ontario on the need for them to become more involved in public policy.... We need the best brains possible to get the best possible public policy.
May 8, 2009
Women Build..... Habitat for Humanity..... totally inspirational
I was honoured to be asked to speak this am at the Women Build project for Habitat for Humanity.....great to see Peggy Nash there too and her sisters from the CAW...and honoured to be able to man the caulking gun to glue down the 2nd floor...
May 8, 2009
TRUE PATRIOT LOVE...... wonderful event tonight with Michael Ignatieff for World Literacy
it was exceptional..... sold-out audience for the book launch of True Patriot Love.... I tried to buy one of the 60$ tickets but they were all gone !!!
May 7, 2009
No Access !!! with the coaching of the Canadian Paraplegic Association I spent my day on wheels.
How humbling.... empathy soared..... I joined many of my fellow Parliamentarians in the challenge from the Canadian Paraplegic Association to spend the day in a wheelchair..... and a wheelchair basketball wheelchair to boot....
May 6, 2009
Hooray for Canada !!
Congratulations to Dr. Frank Plummer and his team at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg ...one of the 2 pillars of the Public Health Agency of Canada..... they have sequenced the genes for the H1N1 virus that has caused the pandemic....
May 6, 2009
Statement in the House of Commons in recognition of Women for African Grandmothers Campaign
L'hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, today, the Women for African Grandmothers generously gave each member of Parliament a symbolic friendship pin...
May 6, 2009
Liberals pass resolution to end gay organ donor ban .... we need science NOT discrimination....
EXTRA article written by Dale Smith.....Gay Toronto MP Rob Oliphant wants to see new party policy put into legislation.... Canada has a pathetic record on organ donation.... we can't exclude 10% of the population
May 4, 2009
We need more women in Parliament
Here is an article from Staci Ahonen, Officer of government affairs, Canada Post - Crystal Gillis, Assistant to Liberal MP Rodger Cuzner, - and Ellen Shustik, Atlantic Liberal caucus researcher...
May 4, 2009
Swine flu on rise, MPs washing hands more frequently
The Hill Times : But federal legislators say they're doing little else differently to change their highly-social daily routines, gruelling schedules...
May 2, 2009
James Travers is sooooo right.....I've had enough......but am not prepared to give up.....Down with
For my reflections on the state of our democracy in Canadaclick here
May 1, 2009
H1N1 Flu Virus Information the from Public Health Agency of Canada
Please continue to check my website for updated information...
You can visit PHAC's H1N1 Flu Virus website here or call their hotline at 1-800-454-8302
April 30, 2009
As always André Picard invaluable at a time like this ..
His columns in the Globe and Mail answer some of the most important questions ...
April 29, 2009
Speech in the House of Commons on Bill C-6, An Act respecting the safety of consumer products
L'hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Monsieur le Président, je suis heureuse de parler cet après-midi du projet de loi C-6, Loi concernant la sécurité des produits de consommation...
April 29, 2009
Question Period Today
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, today I received a call from a concerned constituent...
April 28, 2009
My meeting with the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada
Had a great meeting today with Dr. Marcia Anderson, the fantastic new President of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada and Kandice Leonard, IPAC's wonderful executive director!!
April 27, 2009
Question period today
Here is my Question to the Minister of Health in the House of Commons today...
April 27, 2009
Liberal Food Caucus Tour - Montreal
Unfortunately I was called back to Ottawa to receive and give briefings about the H1N1 Flu Virus, but here's what my colleagues Joyce Murray and Lise Zarac heard at the food caucus stop in Montreal...
April 27, 2009
Order Paper Questions
Here's 4 questions I submitted to the order paper today...I'll share the answers with you when we get a response from the government....this is another way we're holding them to account!!
April 27, 2009
Liberals call for all-party cooperation in response to potential swine flu outbreak
OTTAWA - Liberal MPs today called for all-party cooperation to coordinate the government's response to the swine flu outbreak...
April 25, 2009
Down with the King – H.R.H. Steve.
James Travers observed in last Sunday's column that it has taken 500 years to wrestle power from the King and only 50 years to get the power back in one man's office. I’m not ready to concede defeat....
April 25, 2009
Liberals call on Conservative government to exercise precaution as WHO raises international concern
TORONTO – In response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) announcement that the swine flu outbreak is a “public health emergency of international concern,” Liberal Health Critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett, and Dr. Kirsty Duncan, MP Etobicoke North...
April 25, 2009
CAN CARES..... Terrific opportunity for persons with arthritis to hear directly from the researchers
I was honoured to present today at the Canadian Arthritis Netwrok.... to an organization that has always been in the forefront of patient empowerment...My congratualtions to all the organizers .. was great to see some former patients too !!! They were the
April 24, 2009
Liberals call on Harper government to end delays in regulating assisted human reproduction
Liberals today called upon the Harper government to stop delaying regulations for protecting Canadians who need medical assistance to form a family...
April 23, 2009
McMurrich Business Day .... Health Committee got in the way !!!
was so sorry to miss it this year..... but happy that Anne Sorrenti from my office was able to go in my place....
April 22, 2009
Statement in the House of Commons in Recognition of World Malaria Day
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, April 25 is World Malaria Day, a day of unified commemoration of the global effort to provide effective malaria control around the world...
April 22, 2009
Statement from Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on International Earth Day
On Earth Day, we renew our commitment to make our water fresher and our air cleaner, and to protect our natural resources and our country's surpassing beauty for our children and grandchildren...
April 17, 2009
Harper government incompetence put lives and health of Canadians at risk
Today's damning report on the response to last year's listeriosis outbreak lays the blame for the slow reaction at the feet of the Harper government...
April 15, 2009
Experts Discuss Food Policy
Here's an article by Rob O'Flanagan from the Guelph Mercury about the Liberal Food Caucus' trip to Guelph...
April 14, 2009
Federal Liberal food caucus hears call for domestic fair trade policy
Here's an article about what we heard on the food caucus tour to PEI last week....
April 12, 2009
Happy Easter....MSN chat tomorrow night !!!!!!
Great to be here at the Georgian Bay.... Bone-In Ham, Scalloped potatoes, creamed corn with peas !!!! Chocolate Mousse ....our boys loved the wonderful chocolate bunnies from the The Elegant Gourmet Chocolate & Coffee Co. in Midland
April 9, 2009
Food Caucus Tour - Eastern Canada
Here are some notes about what we heard on the road in St. John's, Halifax, Cap Pele, Dieppe, Moncton and Charlottetown ...thanks to all the participants for their time, effort, and ideas—and we hope that we have done a good job of reflecting your thought
April 8, 2009
Liberal food caucus in Moncton today
The Liberal Food Caucus is currently touring Canada gathering information and recommendations about food sources and related issues. It will be in Moncton today to hear what New Brunswickers have to say....
April 8, 2009
The Growing Threat of Food Safety
Here's an article about some of the food safety initiatives being undertaken by President Obama's administration...we should follow suit!!!
April 8, 2009
Kathleen Merrigan: Towards a Better U.S. Food Policy
Another article about the emphasis President Obama is placing on food safety and food policy...
April 7, 2009
World Health Day: focus on making hospitals safe in emergencies
WHO is today celebrating World Health Day by focusing attention on the large numbers of lives that can be saved during earthquakes, floods, conflicts and other emergencies...
April 6, 2009
Health Critic Virtual Advisory E-Newsletter - April Edition
Our experiment in e-democracy is working out extremely well!! Your comments and suggestions have been crucial to our success in holding the government to account in Question Period, at Health Committee and at the newly formed Subcommittee on Food Safety.
April 6, 2009
Liberals tour country to hear Canadians' opinions on food
The Liberal Food Caucus is continuing its tour of Canada this week to gather input and recommendations for a comprehensive food policy that will ensure our food sources are accessible, affordable and safe....
April 6, 2009
Sticking behind the gun registry
Here's an article from today's Toronto Star about how Prime Minister Harper is putting politics ahead of public safety with his government's recent bills which seek to repeal mandatory registration of rifles and shotguns...
April 6, 2009
Statement from Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Official Opposition, on the Earthquake in Italy
Today, I join Canadians across the country in expressing my sadness at the news of the earthquake that hit the Abruzzo region of Italy.
April 4, 2009
Timeline set for ag committee's food safety probe
Here's an article from "Farm Business Communications" about how we pressured the government into agreeing to a comprehensive study on last summer's listeriosis outbreak and food safety...
April 2, 2009
Statement in the House of Commons for Cancer Awareness Month
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, cancer is a tragedy that affects too many Canadian families. On average, 3,200 Canadians are diagnosed every week with this terrible disease...
April 1, 2009
Responses to my order paper questions...
In February we submitted our questions to the order paper...the order paper is another method we are using to keep this government on probation and hold them accountable....here are the answers!!!
March 27, 2009
Neighbourhood check-ups tomorrow - please come in the afternoon
I will be attending the funeral of former Parliamentarian the Honourable Douglas Frith at 11 am tomorrow..... I will go to St.Matthew's Bracondale House at 10.30 to say hello....but hope that those that had been planning on going there .....
March 26, 2009
Liberals call for mandate and transparency on food safety
The Conservatives must stop stalling the listeriosis investigation and provide Canadians with a clear and transparent study of food safety, said Liberal Health Critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett and Agriculture Critic Wayne Easter.
March 26, 2009
Listeriosis probe will be extended
Here's an article by Sarah Schmidt of CanWest News Service about how the Conservatives allowed the Parliametnary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture to filibuster his way through the food safety subcommittee...
March 26, 2009
Question Period today...
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the minister does not seem to understand timeliness. Yesterday the government allowed, or more likely coached...
March 25, 2009
Speech in the House of Commons on Chalk River
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Madam Speaker, on March 2, I asked the Minister of Natural Resources whether the government had a plan to ensure a secure supply of medical radioisotopes...
March 25, 2009
CBC-Radio-Canada: Liberals denounce Conservative inaction
Click here to read today's press release!!
March 24, 2009
Question Period today...
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, fetal alcohol syndrome is a totally preventable birth defect. It affects over 300,000 Canadians and their families...
March 20, 2009
Circle of Harper Critics Wider This Week
Here's an article by Chantal Hebert which appeared in today's Toronto Star...
March 19, 2009
Food Caucus Tour - Saskatchewan
This is what we heard on the road in Saskatoon...thanks to all who participated for their time, effort, and ideas—and we hope that we have done a good job of reflecting your thoughts!!
March 18, 2009
Food Caucus Tour - Alberta
Here are some notes about what we heard on the road in Turner Valley and Calgary...thanks to all the participants for their time, effort, and ideas—and we hope that we have done a good job of reflecting your thoughts!!
March 17, 2009
Is this the real Harper?
Great article from today's Toronto Star...
March 17, 2009
Science Minister Won't Confirm Belief in Evolution
Hard to believe this is happening in Canada... couldn't even get into Darwin's 200th birthday exhibition in London...it was lined up around the block...
March 17, 2009
Food Caucus Tour - Vancouver and Abbotsford, British Columbia
This is what we heard while on the road with the food caucus BC...Click here for an article about our visit!!!
March 16, 2009
Food Caucus Tour - Farm Visit in Saanich, British Columbia
Click here for a video of our visit!!
March 16, 2009
Food Caucus Tour - Roundtable Discussion in Victoria, British Columbia
About 60 people from producers to restauranteurs to consumers attended the townhall at Spinnakers.
We are grateful for participants` time, effort, and ideas—and we hope that we have done a good job of reflecting their thoughts....
March 13, 2009
Michelle Obama’s Agenda Includes Healthy Eating
In her first weeks in the White House, Michelle Obama has emerged as a champion of healthy food and living....
March 12, 2009
Question Period today...
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, this week the 52nd session of the committee on narcotic drugs convenes in Vienna...
March 9, 2009
Speech in the House of Commons on Health Research
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, when I was first elected in 1997, it was a worrying time in the health research community in Canada...
March 6, 2009
Question Period today...
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, last week President Obama's budget signaled support to open up the cross-border medicine trade....
March 6, 2009
Statement in the House of Commons for International Women's Day
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, this weekend Canadians will celebrate the 98th annual International Women's Day...
March 5, 2009
Michael Ignatieff's op-ed
Today we can read in the National Post Michael's wonderful op-ed. Please take the time to read this...
March 5, 2009
Worrying study in Globe and Mail today on Bisphenol A
The Conservatives can't be trusted on these files. Still we have no implementation of the proposed ban on baby bottles .... Nor action on the task force report to ban transfats.
March 4, 2009
Question Period today...
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, contrary to an earlier report, public health officials in four provinces had been informed last July that strains of listeria had entered the food chain....
March 2, 2009
CUPE Ontario resolution on Israeli universities crosses the line
Below is an article regarding the CUPE wing calling for a boycott of Israeli universities.
February 28, 2009
Dalhousie Medical Students... truly inspiring
Was great to see my friend Dr. David Zitner again with this truly impressive group of medical students at Dalhousie University.
February 27, 2009
Are we going to become America's Discount Drug Store?
I'm concerned about a line in President Obama's budget that signals the cross-border medicine trade will be opened up...
February 27, 2009
Friends of Medicare - Edmonton
Totally inspiring to be with this passionate group of Albertans fighting every day for our public health care system. Click here to know more about their work.
February 24, 2009
Question Period Today...
Mr. Speaker, just weeks ago, the Minister of Natural Resources stated categorically in the House that the supply of medical isotopes was secure...
February 23, 2009
Statement in the House of Commons for Heart Health Month
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, February is Heart Month and I stand to honour the hard work of all the researchers, health care providers and volunteers who work every day to improve the lives of Canadians with heart disease....
February 23, 2009
Ensuring the Future of Food
This is a great little Japanese video clip talking about the future of global foods. Click here
February 23, 2009
Bill C-11: An Act to promote safety and security with respect to human toxins
L'hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Monsieur le Président, j'ai le plaisir de faire un discours au sujet du projet de loi C-11...
February 22, 2009
The Politician and Doctor: The Interface
Had the opportunity to give the keynote address at the Canadian Federation of Medical Students dinner...
February 20, 2009
Canadian Council for Learning...... hugely important work at risk ....
the Board of CCL included policy makers and community leaders in the lunch today with their Board members who meeting in Toronto today.... the Board Chair, Robert Giroux.... and CEO Dr Paul Cappon made a strong case for the essential work of the Council
February 19, 2009
Breakfast with the Chiefs with CIHI - data, indicators and rankings ....
Fanatastic presentation from Graham Scott Chair of CIHI and Glenda Yeates the CEO..... It is such an important thing they do.... sort the raw data into reports that Canadians can understand..... choose the indicators that matter and shy away from rankings
February 19, 2009
Obama-mania
It was indeed a love-in..... lots has been written ... but as a Parliamentarian I was a tad disappointed that the visit was organized for a week Parliament wasn't sitting and that yet again the Executive trumped the Parliament....even in a break week ...
February 18, 2009
Darwin rules !!!!
On the way to the airport today we tried to see the fabulous exhibit to honour the 200th Anniversary of Darwin .... we arrived at the Museum of Natural History to find a line up around the block.... on Wednesday at noon ?? We were impressed !!!!
February 17, 2009
London Conference on Combating Antisemitism..... strong final statement....
What an amazing day at Lancaster Palace....and then the agreement on such a strong final statement.... click here for the website for the antisemitism conference
February 16, 2009
Irwin Cotler makes Canada proud
Irwin conceived the idea of the Inter-Parliamentary Coalition Combating Antisemitism and now is co-chairing the Conference here in London.
February 15, 2009
No MSN chat tonight.....I'll be in the air...
en route to London for the Anti-Semitism Conference that starts tomorrow am. Look forward to sharing with you all the details of the Conference.
February 15, 2009
Roundtable on Healthy Kids today .... CANCELLED
because of a family emergency Minister Best is unable to join us this afternoon....in consulting with the groups that had suggested the roundtable ...they have agreed that we should postpone until the Minister is available....
February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine`s Day..... Say it with Flowers !!!
As the daughter of florists this day was always a nightmare....but it and Mother`s Day and Christmas and the other holiday put me through university !!!
February 13, 2009
Liberal MPs attend global conference to combat anti-Semitism...
I will be one of the 100 Parliamentarians from 35 different countries going!!!
February 13, 2009
Question Period today...
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday at committee, the health minister claimed that her government remained dedicated to reducing the youth smoking rate....
February 12, 2009
Skating outside in Febrary seems to be a problem ..
Tomorrow we were supposed to be skating on the canal for Winterlude here !!! BUT...... The mild weather has meant that canal is rapidly melting and the canal unsafe for skating ...
February 12, 2009
Community Health Centres .... Obama gets it !!
In preparing for our meeting this AM with Michael Ignatieff and the Community Health Centres, I was asked to read the Obama/Biden plan to lower health care costs and and ensure affordable, accessible health coverage for all ..
February 11, 2009
Proud to be Canadian
Australian Definition of a Canadian - Fabulous compliment, I love it!
February 11, 2009
Questions on the Notice Paper
Here are the questions I submitted to the notice paper yesterday...we will get these answers and hold the Conservatives accountable!!!
February 10, 2009
Statement to the House of Commons on Mental Health
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib): Mr. Speaker: as the Mental Health Commission of Canada holds its regional round-table in Ottawa today, providing local stakeholders with an opportunity to respond to its draft document...
February 9, 2009
Health Canada data hard to understand: report
We have to do better....Canadians deserve to know... And be able to compare their health status and care amongst the provinces and territories ...
February 9, 2009
Parliamentary budget officer should be reined in, say Liberal and Tory MPs
Click here. She left out that I thought he was doing good work, and that there is a difference between automatic reporting...
February 8, 2009
Change Commission Presentations
Please find the English and French powerpoint presentations that I made to the LPCO AGM in Barrie today...
February 6, 2009
Health Critic Virtual Advisory Group E-Newsletter
Here's the text of February's e-newsletter to our virtual advisory committee....email bennec@parl.gc.ca if you like to become a member !!! there's homework for this weekend !!!
February 4, 2009
Meat inspection process to face first legal challenge
This will not be the first challenge the inspection system faces...we are planning on having a joint Agriculture and Health subcommittee to study food protection....
February 3, 2009
Why Canada Needs a Food Policy
Great article here by Wayne Roberts who briefed us at our January 23 mini-summit about the need for a national food policy...
February 3, 2009
The Harm Reduction Controvery & Injection Sites
Here's a summary of what I presented to on presenting at the 1st Annual Interprofessional Health Law Conference on January 17...
February 3, 2009
Question Period Today....
Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, last year Conservative incompetence caused a critical shortage in medical isotopes that risked and disrupted the lives of thousands of Canadians and patients around the world....
February 3, 2009
Recognition from my friends at STAND Canada... they are my heroes !!!
Click here for STAND's blog....
February 2, 2009
New Food Policy Supports Tradition and Transition
Here's a great article from today's Guelph Mercury about our food e-summit on January 23.....
February 2, 2009
Healthy people, healthy performance, healthy profits
Healthy People, Healthy Performance, Healthy Profits: The Case for Business Action on the Socio-Economic Determinants of Health, is available for download here...
February 1, 2009
East of Berlin.... at the Tarragon....
I was inspired by Anne Goodman who came to see me on Friday about her concerns about issues in the Middle East...she suggested that I make sure that I saw East of Berlin at the Tarragon....I was delighted that my son Ben came this afternoon too...
January 31, 2009
UN International Holocaust Remembrance Week ends today....
Irwin Cotler writes today in the Montreal Gazette.....`If every moral outrage is deemed to be the Holocaust, then nothing is - and the Holocaust becomes nothing as well`
January 30, 2009
The Audacity of Educated Hope
Here is a great article by Henry A. Giroux about how President Obama is emphasizing hope though education....our Prime Minister could learn some lessons!
January 28, 2009
Canadians Want School Meals Programs!!!
Of the 32 budget proposals presented to the Globe, the school meals program was a clear winner!...With 127 yays (and 1 nay) by 5 pm yesterday...
January 28, 2009
Budget Summary By Sector
Here's what the budget delivers for the both the health sector and for social programs in general. The Liberal response will follow....
January 28, 2009
Liberals Put the Conservative Government
Click Here to view the Liberal press release...
January 27, 2009
Budget 2009..... ???????
thanks for all the emails and great comments and advice..... good caucus discusssion tonight..... A very tough call.... budget is devoid of vision or real transformative changes...... stay tuned.....
January 25, 2009
MSN chat tonight postponed til Tuesday night...
Would love your advice AFTER we`ve seen the budget on Tuesday.....
January 20, 2009
A day to remember : Hope and inspiration from south of the border
Like the night of the US election, each of us will remember forever where we saw the President's inaugural address today.... Canadians are enthralled with this new way of doing politics and the true leadership demonstrated by this new US President.
January 20, 2009
Mandate for Listeriosis Investigation: Insufficient
The mandate given to former Edmonton Health Authority President Sheila Weatherill as investigator of last year's listeriosis outbreak is insufficient to provide transparency to Canadians...
January 19, 2009
Stimulus package should boost economy, create jobs, and improve social safety net
Click here to read
January 19, 2009
Liberal Caucus meets in Ottawa to plan the next Parliamentary session; announce Change Commission
I was honoured to be asked to co-chair the Change Commission of the Party whose responsibility is to listen to grassroots in order to make the changes necessary in order to make the Liberal Party more relevant and responsive to the needs of Canadians.
January 17, 2009
U of T Health Law Conference...Honoured to Present on Harm Reduction
Health Law Conference Terrific day. Wonderful speakers ... But more importantly terrific interprofessional students - law, medicine, health. Congrats to the wonderful organizers.
January 12, 2009
RELEASE: Harper must act on listeriosis probe
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s delay in appointing a lead investigator to look into last summer’s listeriosis crisis is further evidence that his Conservative government does not take this issue seriously, Liberal Agriculture Critic Wayne Easter
January 1, 2009
Happy New Year... off this evening en route to Sudan with CASS and STAND
will be back on the 11th ... and will 'backblog' my experience.... like last year's trip ... I am joining Glen Pearson and Jane Roy and their volunteers from CASS
December 30, 2008
it`s hard not to think of The Bay.....
Last evening a friend suggested that I have a look at the `big ideas` that have made Canada great... it`s the basis of Professor Martin`s book coming out in the new year...
December 26, 2008
Reading out loud...one of the joys of the holidays....
Monique Begin gave me a beautiful red silk boa for my birthday ..... but also a wonderful little red book....Alan Bennett`s `The Uncommon Reader`.... It is truly spendid.... her heartfelt words ring my ears - `J`adore la beauté` !!!!
December 25, 2008
PEACE, HOPE, LOVE, JOY
whether one celebrates Christmas or not ....this season provides us all with time for reflection and these words of the season seem even more important aspirations...
December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve..... our family together at our beloved Georgian Bay...
2 weeks ago my father was in hospital so tonight it is particularly wonderful for all five of us to be here at the Bay eating the delicious tortieres made locally by Mme. Maurice in LaFontaine with Wendy B`s tasty Homemade Chili sauce.
December 23, 2008
HEALTH ..... essential part of the Economic Stimulus Package.
I was pleased to participate on Friday with the health stakeholders who were so helpful in developing 3 health priorities as advice for an economic stimulus package.....
December 22, 2008
the cynicism thermometer.....thru the top... Senate appointments the height of hypocrisy
I believe that the PM has absolutely no moral authority to make these Senate appointments today... he had almost 3 years to make the Senate work...he prorogued Parliament rather than face a confidence motion in the House...
December 21, 2008
Menorah lighting at the Zareinu Educational Centre with Michael Ignatieff
'Making Miracles Happen' describes the work of the Zareinu Educational Centre's work with autistic children....Hanukkah is the celebration of the miracle of one day of oil lasting 8 days....this afternoon was truly inspirational....
December 20, 2008
yup .. it is indeed my birthday.... I am 58 years old....
What an a fantastic start to my birthday .....my new favourite thing in my whole life 'The Barns'..... and the Kurtis Coffee...Wychwood Blend !!!! .....and today 'Holiday Blend'..... our spectacular Anne Sorrenti was doing the cooking demonstration again
December 19, 2008
WOW...... it is such a horrible testimony to the fact that women are still not listened to....
Bev Wybrow CEO of the Canadian Women's Foundation mentioned this article to me this a.m.... it is truly upsetting....
December 18, 2008
Michael and Zsuzsanna's Holiday Party .... an amazing turnout at C-Lounge tonight
What an amazing energy and spirit .... Liberals together again...I was honoured to have been asked to introduce/thank Michael tonight....
December 18, 2008
Terrific meeting with Mary Ferguson Pare today ... BONUS: a tutorial in bullying
Today I had been booked at a Bullying conference in Listowell Ontario...a number of things interfered ... and so I was able to meet with a number of wonderful constituents who had ideas on possible suggestion om essentail ingreients in an economic stimulu
December 17, 2008
The Thinking Woman's Brain Spa .... April 17-19 ....Niagara-on-the-Lake ..PEACE, ORDER & GOOD GOVER
Terrific day .... great meetings today.. I am sooooo looking forward to this event....an opportunity for women to get together and discuss the things that really matter.... Making a Difference, Doing Things Differently, Getting the Credit.....
December 16, 2008
TIG .... one of my favourite things.... mike and jen ...2 of my heroes....
I was honoured to be invited to the launch of V6 of the site of Taking IT Global..... tigweb at amazing The Store Front at Bloor and Ossington....
December 15, 2008
Not possible....my 'baby' is 26 today.....
As my mother used to say at every one of my and my sister's birthdays ...'I feel a lot better today than I did 26 years ago' .... I was pretty bad at having babies....toxemia, a month in hospital each time, caesarian sections....
December 15, 2008
Laurier Club tonight.... Michael and Bob and Dom ....together again !!!
what tremendous energy .... Bob and Dom elegant and forward looking..... what a terrific team !!! Michael very focussed on the work we have to do together..... we have a huge responsibility to better explain to Canadians how government in Canada works....
December 13, 2008
truly wonderful .... greeted at the Barns by our truly wonderful Anne Sorrenti
anne not only is the spectacular constituency assistant who fights for constituents..... but as a chef... today treated everyone at the Barns with her truly delicious interpretation of the offerings of the vendors at the Barns today....
December 11, 2008
Social Determinants of Health....the launch of the 2nd edition... of Dennis Raphael's sentinel book
i was honoured to be there this afternoon at the South Riverdale Community Health Centre for the launch.... and even more honoured to have been asked by Dennis to write the forward......
December 11, 2008
'Towards a Comprehensive Food Policy for Canada' - announcement today
The Liberal opposition announced today the beginning of a nation-wide consultative process to establish a comprehensive national food policy designed to protect the health of Canadians...
December 10, 2008
Reflections on Human Rights Day....
Today marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the UN Declaration on Human Rights...Here are some important reflections ...
December 10, 2008
What an emotional day.... a new leader a strong beginning
Bob Rae nominated his life-long friend Michael Ignatieff as the interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Dominique LeBlanc seconded the nominated and the caucus unaminously agreed...
December 9, 2008
Bob Rae withdraws from the Liberal leadership race....
what a class act..... everyone truly impressed with his statesmanlike decision and elegant announcement that he will withdraw from the leadership putting Canada and the party ahead of all else.....and throwing 100% support behind Michael Ignatieff...
December 9, 2008
A great charity to support this holiday season...
Click Here!...This link was given by one of our constituents...a group of friends in Toronto and Vietnam has joined forces to help roughly 200 orphans in two orphanages in Vietnam
December 8, 2008
Stéphane Dion has indicated today that he will step down as soon as we have named a new leader....
We are all grateful for his integrity and the dignity with which he has made this difficult decision. There is much consensus that before Parliament resumes, we must have a permanent leader in place. How we do that is a hot debate today !!!!
December 8, 2008
Dominic LeBlanc withdraws from Liberal Leadership race...
As I said last night on Newsnet.....we will miss him... he was fantastic at the debate last month.... he is so smart, funny and has an amzing breadth and depth in public policy....
December 7, 2008
Fanstastic conversation with David Docherty today...off to CTV Newsnet to fight for democracy
We are very fortunate to have such a inspiring expert watching over our Canadian Democracy.... the technology had a few hiccups with my office firewalls.... but I loved the experiment and hope we can do it again soon !!!!
December 6, 2008
Great day of support !!! at the Barns and at the Rally
100% support this am at the Green Barns for replacing Stephen Harper..... and then 1000`s this afternoon at the rally for the 62% Majority.....
December 5, 2008
Join us for a conversation on Parliamentary Demococracy with Professor David Docherty !!
on Sunday December 7 at www.tigurl.org/thguest at 4pm to express your opinions....
December 5, 2008
Rally for Change on Saturday!
Please join us this Saturday December 6 at 1pm at Nathan Phillips Square to speak out in support of our democratic rights!
December 5, 2008
What the world is saying about us
Here are some headlines from around the world....they are consistent with my idea that what happened yesterday was like pulling the fire alarm before an exam you were going to fail....
December 5, 2008
A moving ceremony today at Women’s College Hospital
Today I was in attendance at an emotional ceremony at the Women's College Hospital in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women...Every year, this ceremony commemorates the lives of the 14 women who were murdered
December 5, 2008
Prorogation...... so sad ...... irresponsible of the PM to refuse to face the will of Parliament
The Prime Minister promised Canadians that there would be a vote on December 8.... now Parliament won't sit until the end of January..... The Supplementary Estimates won't be voted on Tuesday night... and the government will not be able to spend $
December 4, 2008
Where's the Action? Good Question Indeed....
Great article by Andre Picard. Stephen Harper and the Conservatives may want to lock the doors on Parliament, but we're going to continue to work and lead! Here are some of the public health goals I have, and will continue to endorse....
December 4, 2008
Fight poverty to improve economic and social health
Here's a great article about how poverty reduction strategies can provide a necessary economic stimulus. You can also click here for more on this crucial issue
December 3, 2008
Constitution and precedent are on coalition's side
Here is an article written by Constitutional Expert Peter H. Russell which appears in today's Toronto Star where he makes the legal case for a coalition government...
December 3, 2008
Are you part of the 62% majority?
Are you ready for to be part of the coalition for change? Click here!
December 3, 2008
We need stability.... The Prime Minister said nothing new tonight....
A prorogation would mean total instability and uncertainty for crucial weeks in these tough economic times.... Parliament has lost confidence in this government and should be allowed to form an alternative government.
December 2, 2008
President Harper just doesn`t get it ..... hypocrisy at its finest....
He thinks he`s the President....but he is the Prime Minister in a Parliamentary Democracy.... he has lost the support of the House ... and now is doing everything in his power to avoid the vote of non-confidence...
December 1, 2008
Statement to the House of Commons on World AIDS Day
Mr. Speaker:
As we recognize World AIDS Day, I would highlight that this year’s theme is leadership. However, support for Canadian AIDS programs is set to expire IN 2010 and not one of Canada’s AIDS Service Organizations was notified that their
December 1, 2008
Opposition parties sign agreement to form alternative government
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion, New Democrat Leader Jack Layton and Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe today announced...To read the full article please click here
December 1, 2008
Open Letter to Canadian Citizens
Stephane Dion, Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe's open letter to all Canadians indicating their loss of confidence in the Conservatives
November 30, 2008
THANK YOU, thank you thank you... I do love my job !!!!
What a truly wonderful event this evening as we thanked all our supporters and volunteers...including those courageous folks who were the vicitims of the horrifying vandalism.....
November 30, 2008
Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada..... AGM this morning in Montreal
One of my favourite organizations in Canada.....doing such important work.... recruting and retaining more indigenous med students.... working on the curriculum ... I am proud to be a member and thrilled to see the strategic planning ....
November 29, 2008
The Barns !!!!! Farmer's Market this am !!!!
What a treat ... tastes, smells and especially the conversations !!!! Huge support for a coalition government....
November 29, 2008
Concessions, concessions, concessions..... the Government is desparate,,,,
The twelve days of Christmas won't work.This government has lost the confidence of parliament. The latest rumour of prorogation is shocking..... it'd be like pulling the fire bell before you have to write an exam you know you're going to fail....
November 28, 2008
Home again..... the College of Family Physicians of Canada !!!
What a great day.... the inspirational Installation Lunch of the new President for Ontario.... and then tonight the Awards Banquet for the Sections of Teachers....
November 28, 2008
Harper doesn't get democracy.... HE did NOT get a mandate for his way or the highway ......
Steve, 2/3 of Canadians did NOT vote for you.... that means you have to obtain the consensus of Parliament to do what the majority of members think is in the best interests of Canadians...
November 27, 2008
Health Canada tests find melamine in baby food
This is an article from The Globe and Mail. We learn that Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has detected traces of melamine in infant formula....
November 27, 2008
Harper has not understood his role as PM of a minoirty government
He was supposed to consult and try to find a way to govern with the approval of Parliament.... instead he has yet again descended to partisan antics instead of governing in these tough times.....
November 27, 2008
Mumbai terrorism ..... so awful
This am I received a voice mail from my friend and constituent Vanessa Webb who is working in Mumbai..... but thankfully was in Prague at the time of the attack....
November 26, 2008
Event for Daily Bread Food Bank
Benefit exhibit for Daily Bread Food Bank....
November 25, 2008
Conservatives put Canadians in danger by failing to advise of TB risk on planes
Extracted from the Liberal Website.
OTTAWA – The Conservative government must immediately explain why the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) failed to advise the public about possible tuberculosis (TB) exposure on international airline flights, L
November 25, 2008
I'm protected !!!! Flu shot today !!! Have you had yours ?????
It didn't hurt a bit !!! I am too busy to get sick !!! So many colleagues setting a splendid example.....
November 24, 2008
Public not told of TB exposure
November 24, The Globe and Mail :
Manifests not given for a quarter of flights probed for possible TB exposure, report says....
November 20, 2008
Artscape Wychwoood Barns !!!!
YEAH !!!!!! A dream is born....today it`s official
click here for the website for the Barns
November 20, 2008
Churchill Society this evening honouring Rt. Honourable Kim Campbell
Truly wonderful evening..... celebrating women in politics.... and plarimanetary democcracy....started with the Honourable Celia Sandys rembrances of the role women played in the life of her grandfather Sir Winston Churchill.
November 19, 2008
The Speech From the Throne..... YAWN !!!! Embarrasssing.....
in these turbulent economic times it was actually quite shocking to hear a history lesson instead of real commitments that would reassure Canadians that the government understands the gravity of the situtation and will take real action.....
November 18, 2008
Triage: Dr. James Orbinski`s Humanitarian Dilemma
Peter Raymont, White Pine Pictures, CIDA and the NFB .... should be be huegely proud to tell this story of this amazing Canadian....... It was also wonderful to see Senator Dallaire receive his duplicate Emmy for `Shake Hands with the Devil`...
November 18, 2008
Job# 1 .... elect the speaker....
many ballots later .... Peter Milliken is elected the Speaker of the 40th Parliament.....
November 17, 2008
John Hartman and David Milne drypoints......truly wonderful exhibition at Carleton...
Invention and Revival ... what a fabulous way to go 'back to school' today..... off the train at the Ottawa station and straight to the Carleton University Art Gallery....
November 16, 2008
Liberal Executive Council.... such energy about the need for grassroots renewal.....
Spectacular weekend....but soured by the debate about the nature of the debate.......
November 15, 2008
Green Arts Barns Gala...... spectacular....
what a tremendous success ,,,, and tribute to Joe Mihevc`s tenacity..... I was thrilled to be there tonight to present the volunteer awards to Peter (Lord of the Rink !) McKendrick and Roscoe Handford.....local SAINTS....
November 14, 2008
Hellenic Home Gala .... worth the drive to Markham !!!!
What an impressive event..... Congratulations to Patty Agrapidis and all the organizers..... We are so lucky to have the vibrant Greek community showing the way in a real continuity of care for older persons.... I love BEST PRACTICES !!!
November 14, 2008
Human Rights Watch Awards Dinner....
totally inspiring ....these people risk their lives every day in the pursuit of human rights Evan Soloman did a fabulous job....
November 14, 2008
Perceptions must change
Click here to read an article extracted from Leader-Post, on Friday, November 14, in which I spoke Thursday about
November 13, 2008
The Politics of Population Health..... in Regina !!
You can find Here 'The politics of population health' I presented in Regina last this morning
November 12, 2008
Toronto Seniors Council....
Terrific event this a.m. - Decisions, decisions, decisions.... I was pleased to present a version of my Grey Tsunami talk !!!
November 11, 2008
`Raisin in the Sun` at Soulpepper
As good as they said !!!! we loved it ....hard to believe that it was written so long ago and set in Chicago....it was current and relevant ...... The fight against racism must be ongoing..... What a truly brave narrative.....
November 11, 2008
Remembrance Day at Northern Secondary School
Huge congratulation to the student and Tamara Ivens and her committee.... the MC`s, the readings, the powerpoint, the dance, the orchestra, the choir....the principal`s remarks.... all were perfect....
November 10, 2008
Nickle-a-Drink Foundation
Wonderful event this evening in support of the Nickle-a-Drink Foundation to raise funds for Mental Health and Addictions. Andre Picard was fantastic as the speaker.....
November 7, 2008
Chris Plummer as Caesar.... I'll never forget it.....
Ben had a day off today.... so I was thrilled that we could both take in the matinee of Caesar and Cleopatra at Stratford
...Ben and I think you should all go asap !!!
November 4, 2008
Goose bumps is chicken flesh in French !!!
Tonight I was thrilled to be in Quebec City watching the American election chez Senator Dennis Dawson... with all his wonderful friends .... As Obama was declared President...I had to ask for the French word for goose bumps en Francais....
November 3, 2008
Digital boom is about to hit the workplace .... important in politics too !!!
From Monday's Globe and Mail
November 3, 2008 at 7:21 AM EST
The children of the baby boomers are coming of age. They're the Net Generation, as author Don Tapscott calls them, because they're the first generation to grow up with the Internet...
November 1, 2008
SUN MEDIA: Big job ahead for new health minister ..... 'I love her' CB
OTTAWA -- Canada's new health minister, a rookie MP from Nunavut, is about to confront a mountain of problems ranging from doctor shortages to food-safety fears to the abysmal state of aboriginal health...
October 31, 2008
HANDBOOK FOR PROGRESSIVES
This is an extract of the As it happens CBC radio show..
As It Happens link : October 31st, 2008
October 31, 2008
The meaning of work generates stress or well-being
Great article...... back to the future.... I remember Hans Selye's 'Stress without Distress'..... sure know that my job creates energy !!! Very happy to have it back !!!!
October 31, 2008
Humbling.... sworn in today.... as the Member of Parliament for St. Paul's
thank you all again..... I am so proud to represent the youngest, most educated riding in the country....
October 30, 2008
New Minister of Health ..... great choice.... hope the PM will let her do her job ....
Leona Aglukkak is an excellent choice ...
October 29, 2008
Thinking woman's Brain Spa --- postponed.... keep the date... April 16-20, 2009
It was supposed to be October 16-19.... seeing Mrs. Warren's Profession and having a debate on prostitution were to be the highlights !!! Well today some of us saw the fabulous play and met with the fabulous Jackie Maxwell...to plan next year.....
October 28, 2008
Fantastic discussion this evening with the impressive young people at CJPAC
CJPAC has done an amazing job of including young people and the community in advocacy for Israel and the issues affecting the Jewish Community here in Canada and around the world.
October 28, 2008
Hadassah Bazaar ...media launch today.... for the last ever..... so sad..
I was please to have been invited by Barbi Benjamin Levitt, the Chair of the last ever Hadassah Bazaar....to 'Bling a bag'.... with Jennifer Valentine from CITY TV.
October 28, 2008
Can we trip Harper? ..... with a few thoughts from CB !!
Source: Xtra
By: Marcus McCann
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
October 27, 2008
AGO ... Rebirth.... Ramsay lunch today honouring the 3 'local boys'
Matthew Teitelebaum was inspiring as he walked us through the vision of the new Art Gallery of Ontario ... soon to reopen ....
October 27, 2008
The truly amazing Reitman family identify a gap .... support for the families coping with Alzheimer'
I was honoured to be included today in the opening of the The Cyril and Dorothy, Joel and Jill Reitman Centre for Alzheimer Support and Training at Mount Sinai Hospital. This disease touches so many families ...
October 26, 2008
MSN chat tonight a little late... should be on by 930
carolynbennettmp@hotmail.com
October 25, 2008
Neighbourhood Checkup for today....cancelled...
as we were unable to send out reminders.... We haven`t received any RSVP`s....so we will reschedule the Eglinton/Mount Pleasant/Bayview neighbourhood checkup for today at the Mt. Pleasant Library...
October 23, 2008
Towards a Comprehensive Food Policy for Canada
Was honoured to present the keynote this am for Day 2 of the Championing Public Health Nutrition Conference put on by the Centre for Science in the Public Interest.
October 23, 2008
Caucus today..... bittersweet...without bitterness...
It was so sad ....the insight and wisdom in the remarks of each of our departing Mp`s was so poignant.... if only every Canadian could have heard them.... the cynicism about politicians is so sad....
October 22, 2008
Walter Willett ... Our hero ... Nutrition Policy based upon evidence
Great to hear Dr. Willett Chair, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health who authored 'Eat, Drink and be Healthy' ...
October 21, 2008
On the rails again to the Nation's Capital
Was proud to be boarding VIA this am headed back to Ottawa. Tonight was the dinner for the speakers for the Championing Public Health Nutrition Conference which starts tomorrow...
October 20, 2008
Sadness and Celebration
This afternoon Stéphane Dion announced that he will step down as leader as soon as our Party has chosen a new leader
October 19, 2008
MSN chat tonight at 9 ..... Post election observations !!!!
carolynbennettmp@hotmail.com
October 18, 2008
Campaign Debrief today ..
Good meeting .... Great team ... But lots to learn as always ...
October 17, 2008
Learning Democracy by Doing Conference at OISE today
Great to be able to be there this am for the Learning Democracy by Doing Conference
Miriam Wyman did a fantastic job moderating the first session “Citizenship Learning and Partici
October 17, 2008
Third An
Terrific Celebration today .. Jackie Richardson and the Regent Park choir were fantastic !
October 17, 2008
Third Annual Mayor's Arts Awards Lunch
Terrific Celebration today .. Jackie Richardson and the Regent Park choir were fantastic !
October 17, 2008
Terrific to be at The Bay
Was wonderful to get up to the Bay
October 16, 2008
Canadian Association of Food Banks launch of new logo
Was honoured to be there this am at this great launch of their fabulous new logo
October 15, 2008
Thank you all so much ...
I am honoured that the people of St. Paul's have renewed my contract as their MP ! I look forward to working hard on behalf of all the people of St. Paul's .... and all Canadians.... Lots of work ahead !!!
October 15, 2008
Presentation at the Municipal Association of Victoria Australia
Honoured to present tonight (tomorrow morning) to the Municipal Association of Victoria Australia on the Role of Elected Representatives in Citizen Engagement.
October 13, 2008
Turkey burgers....cranberry salsa....pumpkin maple tarts....Election Day EVE ... Thanksgiving Day..
Although Stephen Harper kinda ruined our Thanksgiving weekend..... we sure made the best of it here in St. Paul's !!!
October 13, 2008
VOTE tomorrow.... I hope for me !!! Bring ID !!!
We will not be able to change this website after midnight.... so I want to remind you all to get out and vote tomorrow.....9.30am-9.30pm .... St. Paul's has one of the highest voter turnouts in Canada.... Make us proud !!!
October 13, 2008
The Better Way..... 5 subway stops tomorrow am
Am thrilled that a photojournalism student from Loyolist College will be accompanying me tomorrow starting at 630am !!!!! Eglinton, Davisville, St.Clair, St.Clair West, Eglinton West..... got my tokens !!!! looking forward to seeing you all on the rails !
October 13, 2008
Strategic Voting..... it's about the arithmetic to STOP STEVE... and making good things happen
Just watched the truly wonderful Briony Penn on CTV ... as an environmental activist and journalist she'd been asked to run by the Greens and theNDP .. and chose to run for us .... voting for Briony is about the planet !!!!
October 12, 2008
Great day on the streets of St. Paul's.......
from Roehampton in the North East of the riding to Rogers Road and Dufferin in the South West of the riding it was a great day knocking on doors !! none-the-less it was still so upsetting meeting with the vicitms of the vandalism on Banff Avenue...
October 12, 2008
MSN chat tonight,,,, starting early at 830
carolynbennettmp@hotmail.com
October 11, 2008
He didn't call !!!!!.... I'm still waiting for Tony Clement to call me to apologize....
This morning I drove to Bracebridge to meet with the Liberals there and our wonderful candidate Jamie McGarvey.... it's no secret that Tony Clement has taken the opposite side of almost every issue I and Liberals care about.....
October 10, 2008
What terrible journalistic ethics... and terrible journalism......
We all do retakes for taped interviews.... and the interviewer's question was truly bizarre....how many tenses can you put in one question ? they should have replayed the question over and over .... and then asked why that person is on air ?
October 10, 2008
St. Paul's Riding Profiled on CFRB ------ have a listen !!! and then vote !!!!!
St. Paul's Riding Profiled on CFRB
October 9, 2008
Michael Coren Live tonight...... lotsa fun !!!
Stephen Harper is talking about an arc that Paul Martin built...... he was either asleep or steered into onto the shoals based upon his Republican ideology....which clearly didn't work for Geroge Bush ... and now has caused a world wide crisis....
October 8, 2008
Stephane Dion spectacular at the Canadian Club today....
flanked by Ralph Goodale and Paul Martin ..... Stephane Dion gave an amazing speech .... I hope every Canadian takes the time to watch it ..... this is true leadership in these turbulent economic times.......
October 8, 2008
Health AND Health Care - a Dialogue....but still Conservative NO SHOW....
Was honoured to represent the Liberal Party this afternoon at York University at the Dialogue on Health and Health Care....co-hosted by the RNAO..... Stephen Fletcher was supposed to be flown in to represent the Conversatives..... he didn't show up.... ne
October 7, 2008
Interview with The Torontoist..... online magazine
Keep Calm and Carry On...... my team has done an amazing job.... St. Paul's has risen to the challenge .....The Toronto Police have established a task force....please let us know if you see or hear any clues..... Detective Nevin is doing an amazing job...
October 7, 2008
Where's Heather ???? We missed her on Goldhawk live....
Many questions this am at the Heath Subway stop ...... Conservatives wondering why their candidate wasn't on the show.....
October 7, 2008
Green Neighbors 21 Conversation.....Putting a Price on Carbon..... thank you !!!!
Terrific format.... excellent presentation....terrific discussion.....Robert Fugere did a fantastic job as moderator...... I was proud to be able to present our Liberal plan....Heather and Anita presented theirs.... and Frank de Jonge presented for the G
October 6, 2008
Media feeding frenzy today..... huge concerns re the incidents in St. Paul's and Parkdale High Park
everyone still shocked..... a few more reports today.... people who had been away or hadn't noticed ......
October 5, 2008
Cleaning up the mess..... we're all still pretty numb ...
the numbers of victims are still climbing ,,,, in St. Paul's they all it seem to be from Friday night.....but now they are also reports of similar incidents in Parkdale Highpark...... and 2 in Don Valley West bordering on St. Paul's ....
October 5, 2008
It's the economy, stupid.... Clinton's famous line
wonderful townhall this afternoon at Christ Church Deer Park.....quality turnout !!! good discussion...I was please to hear the fears and the solutions......
October 4, 2008
How awful... We have moved from pranksters to life threatening acts
I was sickened to hear today about several acts of vandalism involving
cutting the brake lines on the cars of Liberal supporters in my riding.
October 3, 2008
Canadians rightfully upset that they are supposed to go to the Advance Polls without seeing the Con
Today I was proud to represent our leader and the Liberal Party at the board meeting of the Canadian Nurses' Association...... Doris Grinspun head of the RNAO who is originally from Chile was incensed that this government expects to be re-elected without
October 2, 2008
Instant poll finds Dion clear debate winner
French-speaking Canadians surveyed by Ipsos Reid immediately after Wednesday's debate said the Liberal Leader won the night, and one in five viewers say they changed their mind
October 1, 2008
Celebrating the International Day of Older Persons
Was happy to be able to join the residents of St Hilda's and Meighan Residences today on the International Day of Older Persons.
October 1, 2008
Can't Believe Steve: Why Harper Foreign Policy Fails the Test
Great blogs posted by Bob Rae...
September 30, 2008
Harper caught .... lock step to the point of plagiarism with the Coalition of the Willing....
Canadians received a very important reality check today.... Stephen Harper wanted us to go into IRAQ.... and in trying to convince us ...he read verbatim from a speech from John Howard then PM of Australia... one of Bush`s Coalition of the Willing....
September 29, 2008
Shana Tova
Happy New Year to our Jewish community....
September 28, 2008
Signs
Please!
Let the childish sign pranks STOP!
Would the pranksters who are stealing our signs and putting them on public property and other people's lawns just stop it?
September 28, 2008
What a fantastic birthday present for Stephane Dion.....36.6% women candidates !!!
Fantastic rally this am .. we've exceeded the goal of 1/2 women candiates.....49 more than the Conservatives !!!!! I was honoured to be asked to speak....
September 26, 2008
CBC taping this am on the Liberal platform on Health and Health Care
Was honoured to be able to present my 90 seconds LIVE this am at Simcoe Park !! but taped for Friday am... the text follows !!!
September 26, 2008
Love and Live Life Gala.......Bob Rae, Mario Silva....proud to be included....
honoured to be asked to speak tonight at this sold out fundraiser for this amazing new organization to support Portuguese patients with breast cancer...
September 25, 2008
Subway Stops!
I'm pleased to report that we have visited all the subway stops in the riding, and lots of the bus stops! Please let me know if you think there is somewhere in the riding I need to be!
September 24, 2008
Co-op Radio CFRO 102.7FM
If you're up later tonight after the all-candidates debate I'll be on Co-op Radio CFRO 102.7FM to discuss health issues. Listen in at 10:35pm !! Click through for the link...
September 24, 2008
Almost half way to election day !!!!
We are very proud to have been able toreach our half way target of communicating with every household in St. Paul's by now - literature, call or door knocking..... Please let us know if for some reason you have been missed ....
September 23, 2008
Its a good sign...
We're getting our sense of humour back:
http://www.liberal.ca/story_14866_e.aspx
September 22, 2008
Brain spa...... Health policy at U of T
Honoured to be asked by the amazing Tony Culyer to speak to his Health Policy class on 'Putting the Public back into Public Health'.....
September 22, 2008
EDO .... fantastic event .... and $$$$ to pay for the campaign !!!!.....
What an amazing evening.... hugely honoured to have John Turner, Michael Ignatieff, Michael Bryant, George Smitherman, Kathleen Wynne, Arlene Perly Rae.... truly humbling....
September 21, 2008
Whoppers! on Crime
Whoppers !!!
The ongoing mythology that Liberals blocked the Crime Bills is just untrue ..
The liberal supported the vast majority of the Bills (10/13) and offered to fast track 8 of them (the offer was rejected)
Three Bills were problematic ....
September 19, 2008
Gerry Ritz NOT the first tasteless wisecracker on food safety
Laura Young wrote.....Conservatives have a pattern of cracking jokes about increasing Canadians risk of sickness & dying when it comes to food.
September 18, 2008
Letter to my constituents from my friends in the Jewish Community
How terrific!!! My friends in the Jewish community have come through again for me!! Proud to share it with you: Letter.pdf
September 17, 2008
Herbert Hoover in a blue sweater !!! Bob Rae on Stephen Harper:
Just for those who need a little history brush up. Herbert Hoover was the President of the US who presided over the Great Depression .. With brutal coldness ... He thought the churches and communties should just deal with the real challenges facing all th
September 16, 2008
Harper speaks with forked tongue
Dion says he may not speak English perfectly, but he speaks THE TRUTH better than Stephen Harper in English and French !!!
September 15, 2008
Noble Choice for the Liberals
Chris Fell
The Meaford Express
September 14, 2008
One Week down ! Harper loses most ground !
The headline in the Edmonton Journal this morning reflected the drop in approval for Harper based on this bizarre CON first week strategy.
September 13, 2008
'Looking into it'
Today i was stopped on the street by a retired gentleman with an engineering ring. He wanted me to know that 'this climate change thing is real'
September 12, 2008
Honoured to be asked to present today at Queen's on Global Public Health Governance
I was asked to present on Public Health and Public Secuirty: What are the gaps? how do we fill them?
September 11, 2008
9/11 .... this date will forever be a poignant reminder of the horror of hatred
Our neighbour across the street Rob Tyrie was in the World Trade Tower and was able to escape with his co-worker - a Muslim.... I'll never forget the conversation with him in which he hoped that people like his friend would never be discriminated against
September 10, 2008
Elizabeth May in the debate ... truly the right thing... Great morning with DIon and the women candi
I am proud that Stephane Dion supported her inclusion from the beginning.... I was interested to see the commentary from Tony Burman that we need to remove these decisions from those that have the sole motivation of 'good TV' and give it to a independant
September 9, 2008
Puffin Poop ? surely not....
Can't believe that a sitting government can stoop to the level that even Stephen Harper knew he had to apologize for..... and expect that we would believe that this micromanager never saw the internet embarrassment......explicitly designed for the websavv
September 8, 2008
seems like just yesterday !!! Great to see so many friends this am at the Davisville Subway !
Truly warm and wonderful...... Terrific feeling .... so many people offering to come and help .... lots of advice.... Hope to see you all tomorrow night at the Campaign HQ at Bathurst and Eglinton at 530. Very passionate Dion today.... infuriated by the
September 7, 2008
We're off !!! Very strong start for Stephane Dion !!
I was thrilled to be able to take my volunteers to my Dad's new condo IN the riding.... for the first time in his 90 years...he'll be able to vote for ME !!! and have a BENNETT sign on his balcony !!!!
September 4, 2008
Agriculture Minister Ritz must be fired
Le Français suit l'anglais
September 2, 2008
Hmmmmmm .... the misinfomation campaign starts ...... I AM REAPPLYING FOR MY JOB .
One of my friends was visited today by the Conservative candidate and her team in Deer Park..... she was told that I might not be running again .... What a ridiculously bizarre strategy..... I`ve been the nominated candidate for a very long time....
September 2, 2008
Long-Term Ills Tied to Bad Food: Symptoms May Arise Years After Poisoning
By Annys Shin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 2, 2008; HE01
September 1, 2008
In case you missed the CBC Radio interview with Elizabeth May
You can listen to the interview here
September 1, 2008
Let me offer Flaherty a bit of free advice
The Toronto Star
Martin Knelman
September 1, 2008
Gustav...... applied learnings of Katrina..
I remember Labour Day weekend 3 years ... I remember watching those cars leaving New Orleans..... I remember asking out loud to the TV.... 'Where are the buses ?' This year there were buses AND a plan....
September 1, 2008
Building an Inclusive and Accessible Canada: A National Action Plan on Disability
To view the presenation from the 21st World Congress of Rehabilitation International in Quebec City click here!
August 31, 2008
Annie's Story in today's Star
Barbara Farlow has taughts us all so much.... a poignant story that will hopefully change the lives of families with children with disabilities forever.....
August 31, 2008
MSN Monday night this week because of the holiday...
carolynbennettmp@hotmail.com .... Talk then !
August 31, 2008
'God decided before he was born that I am his mother'
This article appeared in today's Ottawa Ctizen about my friedn Peggy Taillon and her amazing story adopting a Kenyan child.
August 30, 2008
How Annie's short life inspired her mother's mission
I believe this article today can help change the way people think and feel
August 29, 2008
Harper delivers worst economic performance since Mulroney
Press Release
Le Français suit l'anglais
August 29, 2008
Honoured to have been asked to present at the World Demographic Congress
The guru of Age Friendly Cities Alex Kalache chaired our session.The impressive Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford from the New York Academy of Medicine presented the initiative in New York City, renowned gerontologist Laura Machado present the intitiative in CopaCaban
August 29, 2008
Fasten your seatbelts....looks like the PM wants an election !!!
Stoking the fires of cynicism.... the Pm seems to be prepared to break his own law ....in order to go to the GG to dissolve Parliament..... he seems to want to avoid losing the 4 by-elections...the ìn and out` investigation... scrutiny on Listeriosis
August 28, 2008
Quick, turn on your radio!
I'll be speaking on the Shauna Rae Show (Newstalk 1290 - London, ON) this morning at 11:05am about Minister Clement's mishandling of the Listeriosis outbreak. To listen live follow this link!
August 28, 2008
Best excuse for a party !!!
Was honoured to have been included.
August 27, 2008
Conservative secrecy putting Canadians at risk
Press Release
Le Français suit l'anglais
August 27, 2008
I Agree with CBC
Where's Tony?
August 26, 2008
Health Minister Clement chooses American politics over the health of Canadians
Press Release
Le Français suit l'anglais
August 26, 2008
Pomerleau acted responsibly... The Hill Times
To read the Hill Times article click here
August 25, 2008
Ensuring a Society for ALL ... International meeting on disability and human rights
Marie White, President of Canadian Council of People With Disabilities blasts the current government ... 'social policy is homeless'.
August 25, 2008
Conservatives cannot be trusted to protect Canadians’ health and safety
Press Release
Le Français suit l'anglais
August 23, 2008
One night at the cottage....with a few of our friends....
Karen Redman, our Whip, once sent me an email asking me what was my absolute favourite meal.... her's was turkey dinner !!
Mine is this meal we have every August at the cottage !!
August 22, 2008
Age-Friendly Toronto !
Preparing for St. Gallen!
August 22, 2008
Minister Clement's Speech at the AIDS Conference in Mexico
August 22, 2008
Brison meets with local seniors
A bit of media coverage from my trip to Scott Brison's riding!
August 22, 2008
Grand Manan N.B.... Truly wonderful....
Katie Wilson the Director of Nursing at the Nursing Home here invited me to speak with the Directors of Nursing from N.B.... I learned a great deal this am....particularly on the realities of Pandemic Preparedness....
August 21, 2008
Outbreak highlights misguided Conservative food safety cuts
Le Français suit l'anglais
August 20, 2008
Kings Hants.... and Seniors....and Primary Care
Great to be invited by Scott Brison to meet with the Seniors and Health Care experts in his riding..... I learned a great deal....The challenges of rural Canada are daunting....
August 19, 2008
Ottawa 580 Newtalk
Be up early tomorrow!
August 19, 2008
Clement's attack on medical professionals is shameful - Bennett
le français suit l'anglais
August 19, 2008
Conservatives hide food safety cuts, risk health and safety
le Français suit l'anglais
August 18, 2008
Emergency meeting of the Agriculture Committee today
Ottawa, Ontario
August 18, 2008
Tony Clement questions ethics of doctors who back safe injection sites
Source: The Canadian Press
Aug 18, 2008
August 17, 2008
More great media coverage from the Aug. 7th Seniors Roundtable in Ottawa!!
The following article appeared in today's The New EMC publication in Ottawa
August 16, 2008
La Presse today : Recommendation d'un Coroner Un cours de natation obligatoire au primaire.
Je suis d'accord.
August 16, 2008
Full moon on the Georgian Bay
Peter and Marley and I went for a walk tonight on Thunder Beach..... it always makes us feel so Canadian....... the sunset, the beach, the water.....
August 15, 2008
Great letter from a constituent re: the Tory spam flooding the riding !!!
I received this letter from a constituent in regards to the Tory taxpayer funded spam some of you may have received in the past few days.
August 14, 2008
Conservative Government Quietly Cuts Programs in Support of the Film and Video Sector
Important advisory from the CFTPA
CANADIAN PRODUCERS VERY CONCERNED
ABOUT NEW CUTS TO CULTURE FUNDS
August 13, 2008
Conservatives must act now on air quality – Bennett
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) released their report yesterday, to access the report follow
August 13, 2008
Home again.... It's hard not to think of The Bay !!!!
4 days on the Georgian Bay ... batteries recharged..... last year Peter bought an old RCMP Limestone..... it meant that we were able to leave Killarney this a.m. .... and arrive this afternoon at Thunder Beach.....
August 12, 2008
The Benjamins..... lunch in Paradise.......
It is indeed as advertised !!!!!! Truly beatuiful !!! Granite rocks.... Pine trees.... Northern Channel waters......A goal for Peter and I for years..... realized....... travelling through Little Current was a bonus..... impressive changes.....
August 11, 2008
Killarney Mountain Lodge ..... a jewel
What a treat to arrive here tonight by boat...... We fondly remember being here 20 years ago..... our Ben learned to swim here in the pool !!!!
August 10, 2008
MSN chat tonight.... postponed til next week.....
Unplugged on the Georgian Bay !!!!
August 9, 2008
Women in politics.... a priority for young Liberals !!!!
Thrilled to be there today in Guelph at the OYL Summer Fling...... with Karen Redman and Kathleen Wynne ...... Inspiring presentations..... and inspiring questions and answers.......
August 8, 2008
Seniors Roundtable a Success!!
I participated in a Seniors Roundtable yesterday with Penny Collenette, Liberal Candidate for Ottawa Centre and Senator Sharon Carstairs. We had a great turn out; more than 35 people from the Ottawa Centre community joined us!!
August 8, 2008
Library of Parliament...24th Annual IFLA Pre-Conference of Library and Research Services
Recent Innovations in Parliamentary Libraries.....Cameroon, Canada, Pakistan, UK.......I was honoured to moderate the session this afternoon......
August 7, 2008
Food Policy.... great meeting today with Bill Jeffery
Terrific meeting with Bill Jeffery, National Coordinator of the Centre for Science in the Public Interest...... I am so impressed with cspinet's ability to focus and advocate on the issues that truly save lives.....
August 6, 2008
Politicians need not be web savvy.......hmmmmmmm
St. Paul's in the news !!! Canadian Study of Parliament - report likes us !!!!
August 6, 2008
Library of Parliament...24th Annual IFLA Pre-Conference of Library and Research Services
Honoured to be here in Ottawa tonight as Vice Chair of the Library of Parliament Committee.....
August 6, 2008
Conservatives' contradiction of WHO harm prevention shows disregard for Canadians' health
Tony Clement is embarrassing Canada in Mexico.... The AIDS Community knows better..... yet again he chooses ideology instead of science ... this was our press release today in response to his inane remarks at the International AIDS Conference
August 5, 2008
Great meetings today..... topped off with Soul Pepper !!!
A day filled with inspiration, passionate Canadians doing great things.... tonight I was thrilled to be able to take our Ben to Soul Pepper to see 'Under Millwood' .... a Kenneth Welsh ... tour de force ....
August 4, 2008
Simcoe Day in Simcoe County --- a perfect day on the Georgian Bay
I agree with the Star ... we need to stop calling this holiday the Civic Holiday and embrace the history of John Graves Simcoe....the first governor of Upper Canada ..... here in Simcoe County in Tiny Township we are reminded daily !!
August 3, 2008
Evening with Lord Corbett .... fighting for democracy in Iran
The evening of dialogue and dinner with Lord Corbett .... was so sorry not to be able to be there...
August 2, 2008
Young Liberals Launch Youth Green Shift Campaign / Les Jeunes libéraux lancent la campagne jeunesse
Go Green .. Vote Red !!!
August 1, 2008
Press release ... Climate Change and its effects on Health
Health Canada report a wake up call for Conservatives
August 1, 2008
Open line in St John's ... UNIQUE !!!
Randy Simms was the host until 4 today..... from the MLA in storm stricken Gambo...Loyola Hearn to Jack Layton to Yvonne Jones the leader of the Liberal Party in Newfoundland and Labrador..... it was wild....
August 1, 2008
Turnings... a miracle saving lives...
Turnings - Creating a Secure Community.....Ron Fitzpatrick met with Lori Ann and Siobhan and I this a.m. to brief us on the successes of his organization and the real challenges facing too many people in St. John's....
July 31, 2008
Green Shifting in Newfoundland...
Was great to be able to present the Green Shift to a diverse group of representatives of community groups this afternoon....I was particularly pleased to be able to explain the SHIFT part.... to some of the groups that will be the recipients !
July 31, 2008
A beautiful day in St. John's
Terrific conversation this morning at the Women's Centre... first hand testimony of the damage caused by closing the Status of Women's office....without someone on the ground knowing how to navigate the various pockets of money....
July 30, 2008
Finally..... Great meeting this a.m. with the Canadian Coaltion against Terror
What an impressive group.... Maureen Basnicki lost her husband in the World Trade Tower during 9/11 and is working to make sure that we are doing everything possible to prevent another tragedy such as that...
July 30, 2008
Culinarium.... A Local Ontario Food Experience
Thrilled to go and see Kathleen Mackintosh at her new emporium at 705 Mount Pleasant... truly delicious and inspiring....
July 30, 2008
St Stephen's House.... 2 of my favourite people and a great cause !!
Was great to see Liane Regendanz and Anne Evans from St. Stephen's House this a.m. to hear about their exciting capital campaign...
July 29, 2008
Great meeting with Chris Chopik today
Terrific initiative that will enable homes and building to be rated for their energy efficiency.... which of course will not only be good for the planet but also for the resale value.
July 29, 2008
STAND.... Students and Darfur
Great update this afternoon from Yoni Levitan, law student AND executive director of STAND. Yoni and I were in Sudan together in January
July 29, 2008
Food for Talk... Public dialogue at the Great Hall Hart House U of T
Canada's World, Evergreen, Engineers without Borders and the Canada's Merit Scholarship Foundation hosted this terrifc event today... farmers, students, experts all came together to discuss the global implications of current public policy on food....
July 25, 2008
CARE Canada.... and the widows of Kabul
Terrific event this morning at VERITY .... the wonderful womens’ club in downtown Toronto.... Bob Ramsay and Jean Marmoreo hosted a fabulous breakfast to highlight the CARE program empowering women... and especially the widows of Kabul.
July 24, 2008
Our Ben comes home....
What a thrill to meet our Ben at Terminal 3 this afternoon.. Ben and I left together a month ago to go to the Iranian Democracy Rally in Paris... Ben and his friend Michael Bedford then went on to Holland, England, Scotland and Ireland.
July 22, 2008
Liberals demand emergency review of dangerous Conservative plan to abandon food safety
Press Release
le Français suit l'anglais
July 21, 2008
Terrific Day at the Bay today with my fantastic team ...
Always terrific to bring together our `tale of 2 cities`... the Ottawa team of Rebecca and Carla together with Esther and Anne and Lynne from the Toronto office...and this year the wonderful Clancy our summer intern.
July 18, 2008
Manadatory Retirement .... at the Supreme Court ... I disagree
I was pretty clear that regardless of what the Supreme Court decided on this particular case....mandatory retirement is an affront to human rights.....
July 18, 2008
Au revoir.....
I can`t tell you how much I adore being in Quebec City... I feel so fortunate to be an MP that is encouraged to come to Quebec and learn the language and the culture and the history…..
July 17, 2008
Conference of the Federation..... Kelowna LIVES !!!
The Conservative Government has tried to say that the Kelowna Accord didn`t exist.... today the Premiers have said it does exist and must be honoured……18 months of a process… Health, Education, Housing, Economic Development and Accountability
July 17, 2008
Closing Ceremony and then the Symbolic March
The Closing Ceremonies were as always moving...but today I was so proud to also be there to walk with the First Nations in their Symbolic March from the Congress Centre to the City Hall.
July 16, 2008
Wendake..... huronne-wendat...... a truly memorable evening....
When I was a little girl this was the tourist attraction--`The Huron Village`... now it's an amazing example of indigenous entrepreneurial prowess and economic development with its own tourism commission !!!
July 16, 2008
Conservatives must release 'dangerous' plan to abandon food safety
Press Release
le Français suit l'anglais
July 16, 2008
Une visite merveilleuse ce matin `a La Maison de la Santé
Une bonne conversation avec Marcel Grondin, Le Directeur Génèral.... Je trouve les questions sur l`écart entre les auchtones et la population du Canada trés inquiètante.....
July 15, 2008
Opening Ceremonies of the AFN Meeting in Québec City... Chief Fontaine spoke eloquently.
Truly moving ceremony this a.m. ... the smudge by the elders... and then the opening remarks.... Premier Charest, Mayor Labeaume, Grand Chief Max Gros-Louis of the Wendake First Nation and AFN Regional Chief Ghislain Picard.
July 15, 2008
Starmania..... spectaculaire !!! merci Luc Plamondon !
C`était un grand plaisir pour moi de voir ce spectacle ce soir avec ma famille de Québec extraordinaire ....Claire Picard et René Courschene.....
July 14, 2008
Je suis partie à Québec ce matin
2 raisons ..... pour améliorer mon Francais...et aussi à cause de la reunion de L`Assemblée des Premières Nations.
July 13, 2008
Garden Green Garden Tour this a.m. - PERFECT DAY !
Terrific initiative by Susan Poizner and Garden Green the voluntary gardening education and networking group in St. Paul's
July 13, 2008
Salsa on St. Clair !!! Felicidades. Gracias
Once again... bigger and better.... what a terrific initiative....thanks so much to Telelatino and Joe Mihevc and Frank Pronesti of the Rushton Restaurant, President of the BIA....
July 13, 2008
Support for Insite.....and Harm Reduction...
Tonight on the MSN chat I learned about the meeting this week, sorry I can't be there...
Thursday, July 17, 7:00PM
Toronto City Hall
July 10, 2008
Editorial in today's Globe and Mail and my response
Great editorial today on a National Birthing Strategy for Canada
July 9, 2008
Dede's Funeral today - truly perfect
A real celebration of her life. Rev. Milton Barry was wonderful and Peter and his brother John and John's wife Helen spoke wonderfully.... our niece Amy read from AA MIlne's..Springtime...
July 8, 2008
Southern Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment Public Meeting
Honoured to have been asked to speak tonight and hear about the terrific efforts the region is doing in recruiting physicians to come to this area. Drs Merily McTavish and Norm Grieve have recently retired and are doing a great job finding replacements.
July 5, 2008
Howdy from the Stampede !!
Terrific day.... Stephane Dion gave a fantastic courageous speech here in the province that has chosen to remain dependant on fossil fuels.... Everyone we talked to was excited about the real challenge for Alberta..
May 1, 2008
Debate in the House of Commons on Food and Drugs Act
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak this afternoon about Bill C-51. As always, the Liberal Party aims to improve the safety and health of Canadians (read more...)
