Legislation Communique #2

Submitted by: Gloria Gausboel

Our new National Theme “Love One Another” calls us to take action for the poor and homeless people in our cities, province and country. We can show our love by taking action on Resolution 2003.1 Affordable Housing for Low-Income Canadians and Resolution 2004.02 Children Living in Poverty.

Write letters to provincial/territorial/federal governments urging assistance to families in abject poverty. Let our MLAs and MPs know that we expect them, our elected representatives, to do more to help homeless people and those living in poverty. There are many issues to address: the environment, welfare rates, minimum wage rates and health care.

National Legislation Chair Mary N., in her second communique, states that there are 44 government bills before the House, bills C-2 through C-45. All bills, their text, supporting speeches, and status may be reviewed on the government website.

Mary also states: “There are also 194 private members bills before the House, bills C-201 through C-395.” Once again check out the website for information. Some bills of interest because of past resolutions or closely related concerns of the League are:

• C-206 An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (extension of benefit period for parental leave): concerns child and family welfare
• C-209 An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (expenses incurred by caregivers)
• C-229 An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act ( no GST on books or pamphlets): related to Resolution 2003.10 Tax Deduction for Post-Secondary School Textbooks
• C-276 An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (literacy materials): related to Resolution 1990.09 Literacy
• C-394 An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (sponsorship of relative): Note: this bill refers to non-family class relatives, which is important in cultures where extended family is significant. The League has a long history of concern for immigrants and refugees.
• C-382 An Act to provide for secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians: related to Resolution 2003.01 Affordable Housing for Low-Income Canadians
• C-377 An Act to ensure Canada assumes its responsibilities in preventing dangerous climate change: Once again, the League has a longstanding concern with environmental issues.
• C-355 An Act to establish National Ovarian Cancer Month: related to Resolution 2004.09 Ovarian Cancer”

The prime minister has made changes to his cabinet and a current list of cabinet ministers can be found by an internet search of Canadian Ministry (Cabinet) or via http://www.parl.gc.ca/.

The Liberal Party elected The Hon. Stephane Dion as leader of the party and the official opposition leader for the federal government.

The definition of marriage vote was held in December and defeated. Mary N. suggests that you check out the response by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on its website http://www.cccb.ca/.

Provincially
Health care delivery is a concern from the issue of private clinics charging for services to long waits for emergency room treatment and surgery.

Welfare rates for an individual in the province are approximately $5l0.00 per month. This amount is to provide for all living expenses, a pretty impossible task with the high cost of housing and food.

As we Walk Humbly With Our God, I believe we are called to help the helpless. Please let your elected representatives know that more needs to be done to eliminate poverty.

In closing I hope to have more time to read material relating to this committee and prepare a short and long range goal, become more familiar with using the government web site and appoint a sub-committee chair and to prepare a more meaningful communique. Please be patient with me.

Your sister in the League,
Gloria G., Provincial Chairperson of Legislation