Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Young New Democrats
The New Democratic Party is a broad-based political party of the Left. Ours is not a solitary voice in the woods, but rather the combined voices of all those who are interested in building a movement based upon social justice, human dignity, and environmental sustainability. Women’s groups, anti-racist groups, the LGBT movement, workers, and all popular forces are invited to join with us in building a progressive alternative.
With the apparent coronation of Paul Martin as Prime Minister, Canada’s shift towards the right can only be expected to continue. We have no reason to believe that as Prime Minister, Paul Martin will shy away from the strategy he adopted as one of Canada’s most draconian finance ministers. However, the time may be just right for the Left. Quebeckers are tired of the Bloc Quebecois/Liberal party impasse. Equally, Quebeckers see no need for the Reform/Tory/Alliance option as the Liberals offer the same solutions in more palpable doses. Only the NDP can unite progressive voices from Quebec and from the rest of Canada. Only the New Democratic Party can offer Canadians a genuine choice.
The New Democratic Youth of Quebec is the youth section of the NDP (Quebec). Following the election of Jack Layton, a Quebecker, as federal NDP leader, several activists decided that an NDP renewal in Quebec must begin with young activists. The NDYQ has several purposes: First of all, we work hard within the larger party to raise issues of concern for young Canadians and Quebeckers. Secondly, we work to familiarize young members with the inner workings of the party and of the political process in general. Thirdly, we work tirelessly to bring new young voices into the NDP and to bring the NDP to young Quebeckers. If you are 25 years old or younger, and if you want to help build a more just and equitable Canada, add your voice to our movement!
Email : jeunes@npd.qc.ca
Monday, October 01, 2007
NDP to put climate change law back on agenda
Cullen to re-table amended Clean Air Act as private Member’s bill
SMITHERS – NDP Environment critic Nathan Cullen (Skeena-Bulkley Valley) served notice today that he will re-table the Clean Air and Climate Change Act – a bill that will die when Parliament is prorogued – as a private Member’s bill upon Parliament’s return in mid-October.
“After thirteen years of Liberal inaction and 18 months of delays by the Conservatives, working families have waited long enough for action on the environment. By proroguing Parliament, Harper’s Conservatives have tried to kill a comprehensive blueprint to get Canada on the right track in fighting climate change – we’ll make sure he’s unsuccessful.”
Cullen said he will submit his re-drafted legislation once the prime minister officially prorogues the House of Commons. He also called on the other opposition parties to support moving the former “Bill C-30” (Clean Air and Climate Change Act) to a priority position in the private Members’ order.
“This bill was the work of all parties in the House. Even Conservative MPs had a say,” said Cullen.
Key aspects of the bill that Cullen says must be made law immediately are:
Short-, medium- and long-term greenhouse gas targets.
An earlier deadline for regulating the industrial sector.
A hard cap on greenhouse gas emissions from big polluters.
Leading and mandatory standards for smog-producing “air contaminants”.
Leading vehicle fuel efficiency standards.
A cap and trade carbon market.
Government authority to regulate air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
Effective provincial equivalency rules.
Authority to designate “significant areas” for environmental protection.
Programs reviewed annually.
Building retrofit fund.
