News

Tories want to rein in sex offenders
By Kathleen Harris, Toronto Sun, 18 March 2010

OTTAWA — The federal government wants to tighten the noose on convicted sex offenders by reintroducing legislation to toughen up the registry and DNA databank that are used to track them.

Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said he is confident the new measures meet the standards for constitutional rights, noting Canada has not gone the U.S. route of a publicly accessible registry. Some American registries list names and photographs of pedophiles by neighbourhood and crime.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2010

3 BC WOMEN TESTIFY ON WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH
Parliamentary committee hears from experts in health and corrections

OTTAWA – New Democrat Public Safety Critic Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway) has brought three experts from British Columbia to testify at the House of Commons Public Safety Committee.

Brenda Tole, Dr. Ruth Martin and Amber Christie will be appearing today as witnesses for the Committee’s study on mental health and addictions services in the federal corrections system.

On February 10th, 2010, I sent a letter to Finance Minister Flaherty accompanied by a Community Pre-Budget Submission outlining the priorities of my constituents in Vancouver Kingsway. Here is a copy of that letter as well as the Pre-Budget Submission:

Dear Minister Flaherty:

Re: Community Budget Submissions

As per your previous correspondence, I am pleased to enclose a pre-budget submission on behalf of my constituents in Vancouver Kingsway.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2010

DAVIES JOINS WITH FIRE FIGHTERS TO ADVOCATE FOR NATIONAL OFFICE ON FIRE STATISTICS
Tracking fire and emergency response statistics will help protect fire fighters and the public

OTTAWA – New Democrat Public Safety Critic Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway) has introduced a Bill aimed at protecting fire fighters and emergency responders by ensuring they have access to accurate and up-to-date fire statistics.

Socialism for the rich is Tory way
By Frances Russell, Winnipeg Free Press, 10 March 2010

Socialism for the rich and free enterprise for the poor is the driving force behind last week's federal budget. Don't be fooled by all the progressive talk about stimulus, putting Canadians back to work and maintaining the social safety net -- all with "no new taxes." This budget is stamped all over with the reckless, "business-friendly" low-tax hallmark of neo-conservative economics.

BACKGROUNDER
NDP Caucus Services
5 March 2010

Budget 2010: Further background

On March 4, 2010, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty introduced Budget 2010. This document is an analysis of some of the budget’s main points. Further analysis will be coming in the days and weeks to come.

Jobs

“Canada’s Action Plan...is a plan to protect Canadians and create jobs....That plan is working.” (The Budget Speech 2010)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 5, 2010

BUDGET BAD NEWS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY: NEW DEMOCRATS
43% increase in prison construction is wrong approach to keep communities safe

OTTAWA – The Harper government’s priorities for public safety are misguided, wasteful and ineffective says New Democrat Public Safety Critic Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway).

“The Conservative plan is to spend 43% more on building prisons,” said Davies. “They are pushing a US-style approach that is expensive and totally ineffective at bringing down the crime rate.”

RCMP needs broader overhaul, Senate group says
By Tonda MacCharles, Toronto Star, 22 February 2010

OTTAWA – The federal government should boost RCMP ranks by 5,000-7,000, hire more women and visible minority officers, and impose stronger civilian oversight on the Mounties, says a report by a group of Liberal senators.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 22, 2010

SENATORS’ REPORT ECHOES NDP PROPOSALS FOR REFORMS TO THE RCMP
Davies renews call for key improvements within national police force

OTTAWA – New Democrat Public Safety Critic Don Davies (Vancouver-Kingsway) is welcoming a report by Liberal Senators that outlines ways to improve leadership, accountability and morale at the RCMP.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 16, 2010

DAVIES CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF INTELLIGENCE FILES ON TOMMY DOUGLAS

No justification for keeping decades-old information classified

OTTAWA – New Democrat Public Safety Critic Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway) is calling on CSIS to release its intelligence file on former Saskatchewan Premier and NDP leader Tommy Douglas.