here
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
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 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 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
Recognition from my friends at STAND Canada... they are my heroes !!!
Click here for STAND's blog....
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
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
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 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 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 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
Liberals Put the Conservative Government
Click Here to view the Liberal press release...
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 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
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 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 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
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 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 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
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 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 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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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 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 26, 2008
Event for Daily Bread Food Bank
Benefit exhibit for Daily Bread Food Bank....
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 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 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
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 20, 2008
Artscape Wychwoood Barns !!!!
YEAH !!!!!! A dream is born....today it`s official
click here for the website for the Barns
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
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
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
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
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 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 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 !!!
