Libby Davies - MP for Vancouver East

Nothing solved by eviction - Libby on BC forfeiture laws

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:33:40 +0000

Media Link:

Bad luck and a bad crowd, but she's 'not a criminal'

Media Source:

The Vancouver Province

Short Summary:

On a clear, crisp March morning, Marianne Christine Sullivan sits on a dock at Trout Lake in east Vancouver and talks about being homeless and broke after the B.C. government took her $562,000 home under civil forfeiture legislation....Vancouver East MP Libby Davies says the sad situation Sullivan faces as a homeless person likely means it will cost society far more in the long run than what was taken with the forfeiture. "It is unbelievable this could happen to her," she says. "The fact is, she is now living on the street and suffering from an addiction. What has been solved by making her homeless?

Cover Date:

March 10, 2010

Story Author:

John Colebourn

Air Canada outsourcing - a joint letter from the federal NDP BC Caucus

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:37:33 +0000

Cover Date:

March 3, 2010

Libby and her BC colleagues sent the following letter to Transport Minister John Baird
March 3, 2010

The Hon. John Baird, P.C. M.P.
Minister for Transport
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Dear Minister Baird,

In your January 12, 2010 letter in response to our colleague Bill Siksay and co-signatories regarding the future of Air Canada and its employees, you recognized the strategic importance of Canada’s air transportation system, of which Air Canada constitutes a critical component.

In addition to referring to the federal government’s role in helping ensure the financial viability of Air Canada, you highlighted Air Canada`s role in connecting Canadians from coast to coast to coast and beyond.

A key component of maintaining the integrity of Canada’s transportation system is ensuring that a critical mass of technical and maintenance aviation servicing expertise remains in Canada. This is, of course, in addition to safety and security concerns.

Regrettably, in spite of Air Canada receiving federal funding support, Air Canada’s management has been relentlessly outsourcing the servicing and maintenance of its aircraft in low-cost developing countries. This is an issue that we have raised many times in the House, and at committee as well as in previous correspondence with your department.

Once again technical and heavy maintenance personnel at Air Canada are facing large numbers of layoffs scheduled to begin in April 2010. There will be 435 permanent layoffs system-wide, with an additional approximate 400 temporary layoffs over the summer months of 2010. In total about 1000 highly-skilled jobs are at stake.

These layoffs will have huge impacts on Air Canada stations in Vancouver as well as Winnipeg and Montreal. To date, Air Canada has remained unwilling to cooperate with its employees in the lower mainland of British Columbia.

We once again urge you to work in the best interest of Canada and our workers by taking swift action to stop the hemorrhaging of good, family-supporting Canadian jobs. The outsourcing of highly-skilled and well-paying Canadian jobs to lower-cost maintenance facilities must be stopped, and your government has the leverage to do just that.

The federal government has already invested significantly to protect this strategic asset. Most recently your government has provided support for a $600-million-collateral-backed loan which was key in helping Air Canada improve its financial position.

Therefore, not only is there a moral and policy obligation to make sure that these efforts protect Canadian jobs, but it is also imperative that your government play a key role in facilitating the discussion between Air Canada’s management and its workforce to reach a workable solution.
We strongly urge you to work with Air Canada to ensure that jobs stay in our country. Please rest assured that you have our full cooperation in this regard.

Bill Siksay (MP Burnaby Douglas) Alex Atamenenko (MP BC Southern Interior) Jean Crowder (MP Nanaimo Cowichan)
Nathan Cullen (MP Skeena-Bulkley Vally) Don Davies (MP Vancouver Kingsway) Libby Davies (MP Vancouver East)
Peter Julian (MP Burnaby-New Westminster) Denise Savoie (MP Victoria)

On International Women's Day 2010

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:06:24 +0000

Cover Date:

March 8, 2010

Statement by New Democrat Leader Jack Layton on International Women’s Day

Women and men around the world recognize International Women's Day as a time to reflect upon and celebrate women’s social, political and economic achievements, both globally and locally. In this country, much progress has been made since Canadians first marked International Women’s Day in 1977.

Sadly, there is still much work to be done. Women across the world continue to suffer extreme poverty, violence and violations of their basic human rights.

Last month, the Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action and the Canadian Labour Congress sent the United Nations a detailed report on the statistical decline in Canadian women’s equality and rights. The groups cited “systemic erosion” in the status of Canadian women since 2004.

The Conservative government, led by Stephen Harper, has undermined the important advancements essential for the security of women by:
• Eliminating the phrase "gender equality" from the mandate of Canada’s primary institution responsible for gender equality in Canada: Status of Women; and while the word equality was re-introduced to the mandate, the spirit of equality has not been re-established;
• Failing to meet the commitment to the implementation of gender-based analysis throughout its departments and agencies;
• Closing twelve of sixteen Status of Women offices;
• Ignoring recommendations made by the 2004 Pay Equity Task Force Report, and placing pay equity negotiations back on the bargaining table;
• Eliminating funding for the court challenges program – a program established to provide assistance to court cases related to equality rights guaranteed under Canada’s Constitution;
• Failing to create and implement a national childcare strategy. $100-a-month in universal child benefits does not alleviate financial strain for impoverished mothers, especially single ones, who must work to support their families;
• Decreasing levels of financial and human resources allocated to gender-equality projects within the Canadian International Development Agency and the Department of Foreign Affairs;
• Failing to address violence against women;
• Failing to effectively improve the lives of aboriginal women, establishing a comprehensive national response to meet the specific needs of aboriginal women;
• Lacking strategies to address the specific challenges faced by women of colour, women from the LGBTT communities, and women with mental and physical difficulties;
• Failing to improve women’s pension rights.

New Democrats believe that Canadian women deserve fairness, affordability, opportunity, equal pay for work of equal value, a decent standard of living, and the freedom to live without fear. We will continue to fight for equality.

I invite all Canadians to join with New Democrats in celebrating International Women’s Day and to speak out on the issues that matter to all women. We will never stop in our efforts to ensure the full and equal rights of all women.

Federal actions for missing and murdered women must be substantive

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:19:51 +0000

Media Link:

$10 million 'a start' to investigate women's deaths, disappearances

Media Source:

The Vancouver Sun

Short Summary:

There was cautious optimism Thursday in response to the federal government's promise of $10 million over two years to address the issue of hundreds of missing and murdered native women in Canada. "It's a start, because five and 10 years ago, the issue of missing and murdered aboriginal women in Canada never passed the lips of a single cabinet minister, that I'm aware of, over all those years," said Ernie Crey, whose sister Dawn disappeared from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside in 2000....Vancouver East NDP MP Libby Davies, whose riding includes the Downtown Eastside where 64 women disappeared from 1978 to 2001, said the solution to this epidemic cannot come solely through "a criminal justice lens."

Cover Date:

March 5, 2010

Story Author:

Lori Culbert

CONSERVATIVE BUDGET A MISSED OPPORTUNITY

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:16:15 +0000

Cover Date:

March 4, 2010

CONSERVATIVE BUDGET A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Focus on corporate tax cuts ignores economic reality for many British Columbians

OTTAWA – Critical needs of British Columbians have been ignored by the federal budget say Vancouver MPs Libby Davies (Vancouver East) and Don Davies (Vancouver-Kingsway). The NDP MPs expressed their dismay over today’s budget which shows that the Conservatives have no comprehensive strategy for jobs, pensions, housing or the environment.

“While there is no new spending for housing, improving and protecting pensions, or child care in the budget, the Conservatives will give away billions of dollars in corporate tax cuts,” said Libby Davies.

“This budget was an opportunity to promote innovative sustainable approaches to economic development and for Canada to take a leadership role in the future of green jobs,” said Don Davies. “Instead, the government is pushing the same failed policies that got us into the recession in the first place.”

“Vancouver is in the midst of a housing crisis, unemployment is skyrocketing, people – especially seniors - are wondering how to make ends meet, and the Conservative’s answer is to cut corporate taxes and increase foreign takeovers of Canadian companies, “said Libby Davies. “It shows how out of touch they are with the needs of Canadians.”

“Although the Harper government promised it would not raise taxes, the increase in the E.I. payroll tax will mean every wage earner and employer in the country has just been hit with $19 billion in new taxes,” added Don Davies.

-30-

An Intense Parliamentary Session Ahead

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:57:29 +0000

Media Link:

Debate to centre on PM's power as Parliament returns

Media Source:

The Vancouver Sun

Short Summary:

The speech from the throne and the federal budget will be the top two items on Parliament's agenda when it reconvenes Wednesday after a lengthy and controversial prorogation. But the biggest political flashpoints in the coming session are likely to come over two other items that have a common denominator: attempts by the House of Commons to put some restrictions on the traditional powers and privileges of the prime minister. "I think it's going to be a fairly intense session," said NDP House Leader Libby Davies. "It's going to be a difficult working environment."

Cover Date:

February 28, 2010

Story Author:

Canwest News Service

Sisters in Spirit funding at risk

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:06:48 +0000

Cover Date:

February 18, 2010

Helena Guergis
Minister of State Status of Women
733 Confederation Building
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Dear Minister Guergis,

I write to urge you to commit to renewed funding for the Sisters in Spirit initiative of the Native Women's Association of Canada, without delay.

As the Minister of State for the Status of Women you have repeatedly praised the Sister in Spirit initiative in the House of Commons as being a “great research project...extremely successful in raising awareness to the issue of violence against aboriginal women and girls.” As recently as December 2009, the Secretary of State for the Status of Women described the initiative as the “groundwork,” from which to “attack the root causes of violence against aboriginal women and girls.”

It is confusing then, why there has been hesitation from the Status of Women to move forward and implement the important programs identified and developed under this successful project.

The Sisters group is in a position to begin implementing child welfare, justice and anti-poverty programs to help some of the most vulnerable women and children in Canada, but cannot as they await word from your office as to their future.

Again, I ask that you act swiftly to approve funding for Sisters in Spirit to support the implementation of these important initiatives.

Sincerely,

Libby Davies, MP
Vancouver East

Libby speaking out for a 'Made in Canada' Olympic pavillion

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:07:31 +0000

Media Link:

Germans built our tent

Media Source:

The Province

Short Summary:

Canada's showcase home pavilion at the 2010 Winter Olympics is a fine example of German engineering. The Canada Pavilion tent was not made in Canada, but rather manufactured in Germany by the Losberger Group and hastily assembled for the Games. NDP MP Libby Davies said it is disappointing that "something as symbolic" as the country's Olympic pavilion couldn't be Canadianmade. "What strikes me is people everywhere are so proud wearing Canadian jackets. It feels embarrassing that the Canadian government couldn't take the time to buy Canadian," said the Vancouver East MP.

Cover Date:

February 24, 2010

Story Author:

Kent Spencer

Community Links Bulletin - March to April 2010

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:46:35 +0000

COMMUNITY LINKS BULLETIN
March to April 2010

Dear friends,

Welcome to the latest edition of my Community Links Bulletin!

In this bulletin, I’d like to make you aware of the new Vancouver Homeless Storefront Initiative by Veterans Affairs Canada, in partnership with Wounded Warriors.ca. The initiative was established to identify and help veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. If you need more information about this initiative, please call 1-866-522-2122 (English) or 1-866-522-2022 (French). More details on page 5.

On March 8, International Women’s Day, I will be remembering and celebrating women’s progress and profound contributions to family, community and society as a whole. Our scientific, economic, political and social achievements are becoming more recognized around the world, and we continue to work hard, make a difference and to get the recognition we deserve. Let’s keep up the ongoing struggle for women’s equality!

I wish you and your family and friends all the very best of Spring!

Sincerely,

Libby

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The next deadline for submission to the Community Links Bulletin is Tuesday, April 6 for the May / June 2010 edition. Listings must be under 40 words and include event, date and time, location, sponsoring agency and contact name and number. Information can be emailed to daviel1@parl.gc.ca, faxed to 604-775-5811 or mailed postage-free to 2412 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2. Information in the Community Links Bulletin is subject to change without notice. Please check with the contacts provided to ensure accuracy.
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 EVENTS & WORKSHOPS 

 March 1, 2010 - Grandview-Woodland Area Council (GWAC) AGM
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm; Location: Britannia Community Centre, (Learning Resources Centre - under the Library), 1661 Napier Street. Grandview-Woodland Area Council (GWAC) is the main community association of Grandview Woodland. There are two items on the agenda - the election of up to twelve directors who live or work in Grandview Woodland; and an opportunity for discussion of community issues in Grandview Woodland with Vancouver - Hastings MLA Shane Simpson. For more information, see www.vcn.bc.ca/gwac.

 March to April 24, 2010 -– Winter Farmers Market
Dates: Alternate Saturdays - March 13, 27, April 10 & 24
Time: 10 am – 2 pm; Location: WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac Street at Victoria Drive
Vancouver Farmers Markets (otherwise known as Your Local Farmers Market Society) is about people who love fresh food at festive gatherings. When you shop at Vancouver Farmers Markets, you help keep BC farmers farming. Visit http://www.eatlocal.org/about.html to check out the 2010 schedule for your local market.

 March to June 2010 - Anchor Toastmasters
Time: Mondays, 7 pm – 8:45 pm; Location: Room 108 (poster at entrance), Broadway Church, 2700 East Broadway @ Slocan (free parking or short walk from Renfrew Skytrain Station)
Anchor Toastmasters gives its members the opportunity to develop and improve their public speaking abilities through club meetings, training seminars and speech contests. Experienced professionals and beginning speakers alike can benefit from our practical, face-to-face learning program. Open to everyone!

 March to July 23, 2010 - Welcome to Our World Exhibition @ ArtStarts Gallery
Time: 10 am; Location: ArtStarts Gallery - 808 Richards Street, at Robson
This vibrant and thought-provoking exhibition invites visitors to experience the world through the eyes of young artists from Port Moody to Greenland, as it brings together a series of projects that investigate communities both local and global. Highlights include vibrant portraits of contemporary Aboriginal role models, a community-inspired comic project that celebrates local cultural diversity, and a photo-based exploration of Vancouver’s downtown eastside as seen by the children who live there. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.artstarts.com.

 March 3 to 7, 2010 - 2010 ATCs in Vancouver
Time: 11 am to 5 pm; Locations: Galleries and Shops along 600 Block of East 15th Avenue
Vancouver is an artist trading card exhibition that encourages artists of all styles and abilities from all over the world to exchange miniature works of art. The goal of this project is to collect 2010 cards that encourage art that incorporates Olympic and Paralympic themes, such as peace, solidarity, and friendship. For information, contact Entertainment and Media Arts Society at 604-293-1634.

 March 7, 2010 - The Power of Movement
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm; Location: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, at East 16th Avenue
Visit www.powerofmovement.ca and be a part of the largest yoga fundraiser in support of Arthritis IN THE WORLD! For more information, visit www.powerofmovement.ca, phone 604-714-5569, or email eshandruk@bc.arthritis.ca.

 March 11 to 14, 17 to 20 - HIVE3
Time: From 7 pm; Location: Great Northern Way Campus, 577 Great Northern Way
A series of eight community celebrations held at Great Northern Way Campus, organized by Boca Del Lupo and co-presented by the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. For more information, visit www.buzzbuzzbuzz.ca.

 March 21, 2010 - Nighthawk Aboriginal Arts and Music Festival
Time: 2 pm – 9 pm; Location: Portside Park (aka Crab Park, Waterfront Road)
A fun, free festival celebrating Vancouver’s Aboriginal arts and culture during the 2010 Paralympic Games. For more information, contact the Downtown Eastside Vancouver Centre for the Arts
Society at 604-689-2787 or email dalannah@decentreforthearts.com.

 March 27, 2010 - Earth Hour
Help make skylines around Metro Vancouver go dark from 8:30 - 9:30 pm on March 27 and show the world our collective commitment to action on climate change. Make sure you and your family register at wwf.ca/earthhour to have your participation counted.

 April 28, 2010 - National Day of Mourning for Persons Injured or Killed in the
Workplace (Workers Memorial Day)
Making workplaces safer is, and should be, a daily effort. But April 28 has been singled out to offer employees and employers the opportunity to remember the dead, injured and ill as well as publicly renew their commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace. Businesses are asked to participate by declaring April 28 a Day of Mourning and to strive to prevent workplace deaths, illnesses and injuries. It is as much a day to remember the dead as it is a call to protect the living. SOURCE: www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning.

 COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT SERVICES 

 ARA Mental Health Action Research and Advocacy Association
ARA Mental Health offers advocacy services for mental health consumers living in the Greater Vancouver area. Advocacy or intervention includes: locating resources, accessing food, health and safety issues, medical/dental, substance abuse, child apprehension, appeals and tribunals, safe and affordable housing, legal referrals, counselling and one-on-one support. Hours are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and a drop-in safe space with accessible computers is offered to mental health consumers. Address: 163 West Pender Street, Vancouver. Phone 604-689-7938.

 Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland
Big Sisters of BC helps vulnerable girls in our community by providing them with female mentors and friends who understand the unique challenges they face growing up female. Big Sisters strives to provide these girls (ages 7 – 17) with a “champion” – a mentor who is there to listen to them, cheer them on, and tell them they can do it through the Big & Little Sister program and the Study Buddy program. For more information, please visit www.bigsisters.bc.ca or contact 604-873-4525.

 Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC - Vancouver
- Distress Line and Suicide Prevention Services - Need someone to talk to? Call the Crisis Centre in Vancouver for immediate, free, confidential, non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day, everyday. Call 604-872-3311.
- Volunteering - The Crisis Centre in Vancouver is looking for volunteers to answer calls from people in stressful situations and to assist with high school suicide prevention workshops. Four hours a week after excellent training. Call 604-872-1811.

 Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada launched a new website for students with learning disabilities. Developed by young people themselves coping with learning disabilities, the site is geared toward youth and focuses on completing high school, getting to and succeeding in a post secondary environment, and successfully transitioning into a career path after completing their degree. For more information, visit www.youth2youth.ca.

 Recycle My Cell - website helps people get rid of old phones
Recycle My Cell is a free program organized by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) in conjunction with cell phone service providers, handset manufacturers and recycling companies. A donation to participating charities is made for each device returned through the program. To locate a drop-off centre, visit www.recyclemycell.ca or call 1-888-797-1740.

 Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA)
Metro Vancouver's only Native youth program-providing organization to empower youth through programs, including education & training, personal support, residential programs and sports and recreation. UNYA’s work also includes community development, research, advocacy, and cultural learning opportunities. For more information, visit http://www.unya.bc.ca/home. Contact information: 1618 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V5L 1S6. Phone: 604-254-7732.

 Vancouver Homeless Storefront Office
Veterans Affairs Canada, in partnership with Wounded Warriors.ca, established the Vancouver Homeless Storefront Office to identify and help veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The storefront office will make it easier for vulnerable veterans to access the services and benefits they have earned and deserved. Wounded Warriors.ca is supporting the storefront office initiative by providing funding to offer immediate help to any homeless veterans such as vouchers for emergency provision of food, clothing, shelter and transportation. Contact information: Veterans Affairs Canada, Vancouver Storefront Initiative, 310 Alexander Avenue (in the Veterans Memorial Manor), Vancouver, BC V6A 1C3. Phone: 604-666-0244. Website: www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

 VEEES Community Service
newSTART Bridging Employment Program
newSTART Bridging Employment Program for Women offers an individualized 6-month program for any woman dealing with violence and abuse issues, whether she is currently on income assistance or not. Program components include counselling, employment-related skills workshops, a work experience placement, educational assistance and certification for First Aid and SuperHost. newSTART now provides continuous intake.
newSTART 1691 East Pender Street, Vancouver, 604-215-4344

newCHAPTER and newCHAPTER2 Community Employment Resource Centres
The centres offer free services to all job seekers, providing internet access, fax, phone, photocopying, one-on-one resume and job search assistance, and Service Canada Case Management services, including: development of Return to Work Action Plans and assistance with and submission of SDEB (skills training financial assistance) applications.
newCHAPTER 2106 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, 604-254-3353
newCHAPTER2 835 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, 604-215-2295

 Western Economic Diversification - Women's Enterprise Centre (WEC)
The Women's Enterprise Centre (WEC) was established to assist women in starting and growing businesses in BC. It provides: practical skills development, empowerment lending, professional guidance, networking connections, resource library, and events and workshops. Contact Information: Vancouver Office: Suite 82 - 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G1. Phone: 1-800-643-7014. Fax: 250-868-2709. Web: www.womensenterprise.ca / Email: inquiry@womensenterprise.ca

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 LIBBY 'S TRAVELLING COMMUNITY OFFICE is coming to a location near you ...

Date: Saturday, March 27th
10 am to 12 noon Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier, at Commercial
1 pm to 3 pm Hastings Community Centre, 3096 East Hastings, at Lillooet

Date: Saturday, April 24th
10 am to 12 noon Strathcona Community Centre, 601 Keefer Street, at Princess
1 pm to 3 pm Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, at Main
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 FUNDING $OURCE$ / AWARD$ 

 Alan Thomas Fellowship Deadline: March 26, 2010
The Carold Institute Alan Thomas Fellowship to Promote Civil Society and Voluntary Action was established to provide a sabbatical to a leader in the NGO/non-profit sector who would not normally have access to one. It is hoped that the award will free the recipient, at a transitional moment in his or her professional development, to make a significant contribution to the NGO/non-profit sector through research and possible publication or dissemination in the medium of the applicant’s choice (e.g. film, exhibit, performance piece). Applications are invited for projects that fit within the broad scope of promoting civil society and voluntary action. For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.carold.ca.

 Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG)
The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year, to a maximum of $2,000 per person. The grant is available to registered apprentices once they have successfully completed their first or second year/level (or equivalent) of an apprenticeship program in a Red Seal trade. For more information on the AIG or other Apprenticeship Grants, visit http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/trades_apprenticeship/aig/pro....

 BC Hydro Employees' Community Services (HYDRECS)
BC Hydro Employees' Community Services (HYDRECS) facilitates the charitable contributions of BC Hydro employees and retirees to registered Canadian charities based in BC that belong to the health or social service sectors. Eligible agencies can apply for Special Projects and/or Community Growth funding through an annual application process. For information, contact 604-623-3534 or visit www.bchydro.com/community/community_investment/hydrecs.html.
Application Deadlines: Special Project - March 31, 2010; Community Growth - May 15, 2010

 Brainerd Foundation
Brainerd Foundation’s mission is to protect the environment of the Northwest and to build broad citizen support for conservation. It provides grant funding through the following programs: conservation policy, place based conservation, conservation capacity, catalyst fund, grassroots fund, and opportunity fund to non-profit organizations in the Northwest, including BC. For more information, visit http://www.brainerd.org/funding/default.php.

 BMO Employee Charitable Foundation - General Grants
General Grants are dedicated to helping charities to offer programs and services, and to purchase equipment, thereby directly serving the people in their communities who rely on them the most.
For more information, visit http://www4.bmo.com/vgn/charity/en/grants.html. Contact info:
BC and Yukon Division, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, BMO Bank of Montreal, 595 Burrard Street, 22nd Floor, Vancouver, BC V7X 1L7. Phone: 604-665-7596, Fax: 604-665-2610.

 Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage supports activities that celebrate local historical heritage, artists, and artisans and that are intended for and open to the general public. The program's objective is to involve citizens in their communities through festivals, events, and activities that promote the local performing and visual arts, as well as through the expression, celebration, and preservation of local historical heritage. Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage funding can be accessed through two components: Local Arts and Heritage Festivals, which supports local community events and activities that feature the public presentation of local artists and/or local heritage; and Historical Anniversaries Programming, which supports local community events and activities that commemorate the 100 anniversary or greater (in increments of 25 years) of a local historically significant event or person. For more details about this program, including application forms and guidelines, visit http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/dcap-bcah/index-eng.cfm.

 Canada Small Business Financing Program
The Canada Small Business Financing Program seeks to increase the availability of loans for establishing, expanding, modernizing and improving small businesses. It does this by encouraging financial institutions to make their financing available to small businesses. Under the Program, a small business must apply for a loan at a financial institution of its choice. For more information, visit http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/csbfp-pfpec.nsf/eng/Home. Email: info@ic.gc.ca.

 Canada Council for the Arts - Production Project Grants Deadline: March 15, 2010
The Production Project Grants program aims to respond to the creative cycles of dance professionals and to bring high-quality dance works to audiences. The program has two components: Short-Term Production Grants provide support for one project that will be fully developed and presented to a paying audience within one year; and Long-Term Production Grants provide support for one major project, which is defined as a full program of work or works that requires between two and four years to be fully developed and presented to a paying audience. For more information, visit http://www.canadacouncil.ca/grants/dance/ld127217818915468750.htm.

 Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
Canadian Tire Jumpstart® is a community-based charitable program that helps kids in financial need participate in organized sport and recreation such as hockey, soccer and swimming. The program works with community organizations to form local Chapters that identify and approve the children who receive support. For more information on funding eligibility and deadline, visit www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstart/index.html.

 Carthy Foundation
The Carthy Foundation funds environmental initiatives that focus on market-based mechanisms, or urban ecology and ecological design, initiatives that investigate, develop, and promote innovative tools, strategies and policies with potential to harness market forces in achieving environmental goals, as well as initiatives that support optimal ecological function within urban settings. For more information, visit www.carthyfoundation.org.

 Coast Capital - Community Investment Grants
Community Investment Grants supports non-profit organizations in their efforts to help families achieve economic success. The grant will focus on projects that help low-income individuals and families, new Canadians and youth, and that clearly support one or more of the focus areas: Youth leadership; Economic revitalization; and Access and inclusion. Grants can be used for projects that support or provide services for individuals, families, and communities; and organizational development. For more information, visit https://www.coastcapitalsavings.com or email to communityinvestment.fund@coastcapitalsavings.com.

 Community Historical Recognition Program Deadline: April 1, 2010
This component makes available $5 million in funding for projects related to the Second World War internment of Italian–Canadians and $5 million for projects related to immigration restrictions experienced by the Chinese–Canadian community. For more information, please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/multiculturalism/programs/community.asp#a2

 Co-operators Foundation - Grants and Financial Assistance
The Co-operators Foundation’s financial assistance is provided to social economy enterprises, emergent co-operatives, community economic development initiatives and other worthy causes in Canada. The grant will concentrate on initiatives for the development of emerging co-operative sectors and co-operative enterprises. For more information on the grant and eligibility, visit www.cooperators.ca/en/aboutus/sustainability/2_8_5.html. Contact Info: Director, Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship, The Co-operators, 130 Macdonell Street, Guelph ON N1H 6P8 or email to the_cooperators_foundation@cooperators.ca.

 Enterprising Non-Profits (Enp)
The Enp funding program provides matching grants to non-profit organizations in BC that are interested in starting or expanding a business. Enp program funding enables organizations to conduct planning activities related to the development or growth of a business venture. Enp funds planning and/or research activities along the entire development path from opportunity identification and organizational readiness activities ($2500 - $5000) to feasibility studies, marketing plans or business plans (up to $10,000). For more information on funding process and eligibility, please visit www.enterprisingnonprofits.ca/ENP_Grants/?sterm=grants.

 Global Fund for Women (GFW)
The Global Fund for Women (GFW) supports women's groups that advance the human rights of women and girls. GFW supports the following types of organizations that are eligible for funding: groups of women working together, organizations that demonstrate a clear commitment to women’s equality and women’s human rights, organizations that are governed and directed by women, and organizations based outside of the United States. Contact Information: The Global Fund for Women, 222 Sutter Street, Suite 500 San Francisco, CA, 94108, USA / Tel: 415-248-4800 / Fax: 415-248-4801 / Website: www.globalfundforwomen.org / Email: americas@globalfundforwomen.org.

 Hamber Foundation Next deadline: March 15, 2010
The Hamber Foundation makes grants for cultural, educational and charitable purposes within the Province of British Columbia. Applications are judged and given precedence on their merits. Grants are normally restricted to projects arising and undertaken in the Province of British Columbia. For more information, visit www.hamberfoundation.ca/. Contact Information: The Hamber Foundation,18th Floor, 700 West Georgia St., Toronto Dominion Tower, PO Box 10083, Pacific Centre, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1B6 / Tel: 604-659-7448 / Fax: 604-659-7469.

 Keg Spirit Foundation
The Keg Spirit Foundation will consider funding for both new and established projects based on the following criteria: organization must hold, in good standing, a current charity registration number; project must relate to children or youth in some way; and program should contain a mentoring component. Grants are typically in the range of $2,000 to $5,000. All applications are to be sent to The Keg Spirit Foundation at the address below: The Keg Spirit Foundation - Review Committee, Keg Restaurants Ltd., 10100 Shellbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 2W7. For more information, visit http://kegsteakhouse.com/en/foundation/apply-for-a-grant/.

 The Kinder Morgan Foundation
The Kinder Morgan Foundation, which is the company's only source of philanthropy, makes direct grants to non-profit youth programs in communities where they have a significant presence or business interest. They focus their grant-making on these specific areas: Education; Arts and Culture. Their range of giving is between $1,000 and $5,000. They will not provide support more than once per calendar year to the same organization, and they prefer to provide support on a year-to-year basis rather than make multi-year commitments. Please read the guidelines section on their website for eligibility criteria. Deadlines are the 10th of every other month beginning in January. Contact Information: Kinder Morgan Foundation, 370 Van Gordon Street, Lakewood, CO, 80228 USA / Tel: 303-763-3471 / Website: www.kindermorgan.com/community/ / Email: km_foundation@kindermorgan.com.

 KPMG Foundation - Non-Education Giving
The KPMG Foundation's Non-Education Grant focuses its support on activities relating to healthcare, children and youth needs, communities, and the environment, although grants to organizations in other fields are made. The following are some of the criteria of the grant: the need is compelling and does not duplicate existing services or facilities of the organization; the project being funded aligns with KPMG's values and principles; the services or activities of the organization are provided without regard for race, religion, creed, sex or sexual orientation; the organization is financially viable and efficiently and ethically managed; and the principal benefit is for Canadians. For more information, visit http://www.kpmg.ca/en/ms/foundation/process.html.

 Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women
The Margaret Mitchell Fund supports programs and initiatives that promote economic and social justice for women in Vancouver East. Priority will be given to projects that alleviate poverty, promote equality and help women to gain confidence and power. For more information about the Margaret Mitchell Fund, please contact the VanCity Community Foundation at 604-877-7241.

 McLean Foundation
The McLean Foundation makes grants in a wide range of areas, including arts, conservation, education, health and welfare. For more information, visit www.mcleanfoundation.ca. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. The McLean Foundation will only accept applications from organizations that have first submitted a letter of inquiry and then have been asked to submit a full proposal. Contact information: Attn.: Ms. Ev McTaggart, The McLean Foundation, 2 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 1008, Toronto, Ontario M4V 1L5 / Tel: 416-964-6802 / Fax: 416-964-2804 / Email: info@mcleanfoundation.ca.

 Metropolis at Metrotown
Metropolis at Metrotown is committed to enhancing the lives of the people in our community. Registered non-profit organizations can apply for cash donations made possible by the Metropolis Express, a trackless train that runs through the corridors of Metropolis. The Metropolis Express is entirely funded by Metropolis at Metrotown and rides are offered by donation to charity. To be eligible, you must be: Burnaby, New Westminster or East Vancouver-based and demonstrate a significant and unique contribution to community life. For more information, visit
http://www.metropolisatmetrotown.com/community-investment.

 Staples - Community@Work
Community@Work will focus charitable efforts in areas we know will positively impact our key stakeholders and support the communities we all work and live in. In order to be eligible to receive a corporate support, sponsorship or a community@work donation, we ask that your organization fall under one of the three areas: Entrepreneurship; Education; and Environment. For more information or to apply, visit http://www.staplesinthecommunity.ca/donation/Default.aspx. All eligible requests are evaluated and will be responded to in 30 days.

 Status of Women - Women's Partnership Fund
The Women's Partnership Fund provides contribution funding to projects that build partnerships between Status of Women Canada, eligible non-governmental recipients and public institutions to advance equality for women across Canada through improvement of their economic and social conditions and their participation in democratic life. The following issues have been identified as priorities: ending violence against women and girls; improving women's and girls' economic security and prosperity; and encouraging women and girls in leadership and decision-making roles. For more information on eligibility, visit http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/fun-fin/wpf-fpf/guide-eng.html.

 Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market stores hold community giving days (otherwise known as "5% Days") where five percent of that day's net sales are donated to a local non-profit or educational organization. The groups that benefit from these 5% Days are as varied as the communities themselves. If you have questions about donation policy or want support, please contact the Marketing Director at your local store. (List of stores: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/canada/index.php).

 GOVERNMENT & OTHER REPORTS … RECEIVED RECENTLY and only ONE copy for some publications. Availability is on a first come first served basis. To obtain it, please contact my office at 604-775-5800

1. Annual Report - Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner – June 2009
2. Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – Annual Report, 2008 - 2009
3. Clean Switch: The Case for Prison Needle and Syringe Programs in Canada – Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network – 2009
4. Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP – Annual Report, 2008 - 2009
5. Maa-Nulth First Nations Final Agreement – 2009 – one hard copy and one DVD copy
6. National Association of Friendship Centres – Annual Report, 2008 - 2009
7. Public Prosecution Service of Canada – Annual Report, 2008 - 2009
8. Research with Impact - Canadian Institutes of Health Research Annual Report, 2008 - 09
9. Special Report to Parliament: Freedom of Expression and Freedom from Hate in the Internet Age – Canadian Human Rights Commission, June 2009
10. Sponsorship Breakdown – Useful information for people who need help when their sponsorship to Canada breaks down (English & Chinese) – Legal Services Society, 2003
11. The Canadian Privacy and Data Security Toolkit – Claudiu Popa
12. The Power From Within: Sustainable Electricity: Inaugural Report – Canadian Electricity Association, 2008
13. The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship – Citizenship and Immigration Canada
14. The Status of Migrant Farm Workers in Canada – UFCW, 2008 - 2009
15. Transit Vision 2040 – Canadian Urban Transit Association – 2009 (Print and CD-ROM)
16. Voices of Our Sisters in Spirit: A Report to Families and Communities – Native Women’s Association of Canada – 2nd edition, March 2009
17. Your Emergency Preparedness Guide – Public Safety Canada

Libby's support for activists' spotlight on homelessness

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:04:08 +0000

Media Link:

Activists pitch tent city on Downtown Eastside lot

Media Source:

The Vancouver Sun

Short Summary:

Hundreds of homeless and poverty protesters -- using the Olympic spotlight to their advantage -- flooded into a vacant lot in the 100-block of West Hastings Street on Monday and erected a tent city. Libby Davies, NDP MP for Vancouver East, said she supported the tent city as a way to raise awareness for greater government support, especially by a federal government in need of a national housing strategy to help the poor and homeless.... "This is a prime site for social housing," she said. "I'm so happy so many people are here today to draw attention to this issue. It's a vacant lot and it's very visible, a symbol of what's going on in this neighbourhood."

Cover Date:

February 16, 2010

Story Author:

Larry Pynn