It has been an eventful and productive year both in Ottawa and in the North Island-Powell River riding. I am proud to be your MP working hard to make a difference in people’s lives, not a year from now, but today.
As we approach another cold Canadian winter, affordable housing continues to dominate political discussions. I have been working with colleagues on a National Seniors Strategy and encouraging government to spend more of the money allotted for housing, as 90 per cent of monies budgeted won’t flow until 2020. We know we can’t wait, the crisis is now.
This holiday season layoffs, mill cutbacks and precarious work have left many Canadians on shaky ground. Postal workers have been trying to negotiate an end to wage discrimination and dangerous working conditions. The NDP is in constant communication with workers to better understand their positions.
The Indigenous communities across this vast land are a vital part of Canada’s past, present and future. I was appointed vice-chair of the Indigenous Northern Affairs Committee and worked with colleague, MP Romeo Saganash in his successful efforts to enshrine the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into Canadian law. Romeo’s historic bill successfully passed into the House of Commons this year, marking a fundamental change in legislative framework for Canada’s engagement with Indigenous communities.
Awareness and understanding of marine plastic pollution has grown exponentially in the past year, culminating in motion M-151, A National Strategy to Combat Plastic Pollution, being presented in the House of Commons last month. This motion calls for a permanent, dedicated and annual funding for community led cleanup projects, the reduction of single-use plastics and a plan to clean up derelict fishing gear.
When I think about plastics and the devastating effect they are causing in all the world’s waterways, I worry about our grandchildren and what they will have to face in the future if we don’t act in a meaningful way on their behalf.
As I look forward to 2019, I want peace, stability and fulfillment for each of you. I will continue to bring a strong voice to Ottawa on your behalf and anticipate an eventful, exciting year up ahead.
