Friends,
The year has just begun and already my office has been very active on a number of files. My team keeps saying we’re in the thick of things already! Here are a few updates I’d like to share with you.
FIGHT AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL
This week, lawyers for the government were fighting Cindy Blackstock at the Human Rights Tribunal over their refusal to live up to the obligations to provide full medical care to all First Nation children.
This latest legal battle is the latest in a long line of delays and obstructions by this Liberal government. It is not acceptable. Click here to read the letter I wrote to the Prime Minister on the issue.
CALLING OUT EXTREMISM
I am growing increasingly concerned by the rising tide of extremist rhetoric in online discussions about politics. This is language being seeded by the extreme right-wing in a pattern that has been repeated across Europe, Brazil and the United States. Canada is not immune to having our civil discourse undermined by extremism.
I have been calling out those who are threatening violence against the Prime Minister. Regardless of our political stripes, we need to come together to protect the principle of debate and respect. Click here to read more on the issue.
A BASIC ETHICAL STANDARD
This past week I challenged the Prime Minister over the decision to use parliamentary offices to do a fundraising ad for the Liberal party. As politicians, we have clear and common sense rules that must be followed. One of those rules is that we cannot use the offices of Parliament as a backdrop for partisan fundraising. The Prime Minister needs to set a better example for Canadians. Click here to read more.
THE STAND-OFF IN BC
All attention has been focused on the showdown over the LNG pipeline route in British Columbia. My colleague Nathan Cullen has been on the ground attempting to negotiate between the police and the protesters. Romeo Saganash has been speaking for the party. I have spoken up over my concern about denying access to media to cover the protests.
ST. ANNE’S FIGHT CONTINUES
St. Anne’s Survivors were back in court this week and I was working with them. This has been a long and traumatizing struggle for the survivors but we continue to demand accountability over the government’s decision to suppress evidence of horrific abuse at that terrible institution. Click here to watch the speech I gave in the House of Commons laying out some of the key outstanding issues.
I have a number of other files, regional and national in scope, that I will be updating you on in the coming weeks. Thank you for your ongoing support.
We’re in this together, Charlie