“This isn’t about big brother invading the bedrooms of the nation, as the Conservatives would have you believe. It’s about Conservatives dumbing down the integrity of Canadian statistics and threatening the basic services that Canadians rely on, like hospitals, public transit and schools.”

Liberals are asking the government to proactively release all advice given to them by Statistics Canada so Canadians can see their rationale for this decision. In the event the Conservatives refuse to comply, the Liberal Party also filed an Access to Information request today for all correspondence, emails, briefing notes, backgrounders, presentations, fact sheets, memoranda and records of meetings where the issue was discussed.  When the Industry Committee reconvenes this summer – as requested by Liberal MPs – Liberal members will request this documentation.
 
“Why would the Conservatives want all Canadians to make less-informed decisions?” asked Mr. Goodale. “What advice did they receive and ignore before moving ahead on this, without an iota of public consultation?  Provinces, municipalities, health care providers, social services, and business organizations all oppose this decision.”
 
Liberals also made public a list of witnesses that they are planning to call to committee, including Munir Sheikh, who resigned in principle as Canada’s Chief Statistician after his scheduled town hall with StatsCan employees to discuss the census issue was cancelled.  This comes after StatsCan sources denied Minister Tony Clement’s claim that they recommended axing the long-form census.

“Let’s be clear: this is a thinly veiled attack on the most vulnerable Canadians and on the ability to help them with progressive programs and services,” said Mr. Goodale.  “This decision harms the provision of emergency services, health care, jobless benefits, schools, services for seniors and new Canadians, transportation, job training centers, and so much more.

“Once again, we all lose when Stephen Harper puts his narrow partisan interests above those of all Canadians,” Mr. Goodale concluded.

“Scrapping the long census is a thinly veiled attack on the most vulnerable Canadians, and the federal government’s ability to deliver progressive programs that help them,” said Liberal Industry, Science and Technology Critic Marc Garneau. “We need to hear from Minister Clement and concerned organizations on an urgent basis so we can take steps to keep the census intact.”

The Liberal Party has already called for an amendment to the Statistics Act to ensure the comprehensive, mandatory long census stays.

Jobless Canadians, women, Aboriginals, visible minorities, the disabled, and francophone minority communities will be among those harmed by the government’s snap decision.  

“The Conservatives want to undermine the government’s ability to enforce legislation and deliver social programs aimed at our most vulnerable,” said Mr. Garneau, citing pay equity, labour market development, and immigration settlement programs as examples.

The government’s snap decision to scrap the long census has been widely condemned by dozens of media outlets and organizations, including business groups, economists, Aboriginal leaders, francophone groups and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Canada’s Official Languages Commissioner launched an investigation into the decision, citing the government’s legal obligations and the reliance of francophone minority communities across Canada on census information.

“Liberals object to the fact that this decision was made without consultation, just after the House of Commons rose for the summer,” said Mr. Garneau. “This secretive, manipulative move was made to avoid all scrutiny, and shows no respect to the institution of Parliament.  Well, Stephen Harper is not going to get away with it.”

The Conservatives will have to spend an additional $30 million to send out voluntary forms than if they had kept the long form, spending more money for less useful information.   

“Filling out the census is a civic duty, and our privacy is fully protected,” concluded Mr. Garneau.  “The information collected supports programs that help our fellow citizens.”

“The Federal Court has been categorically clear – the Harper government has not done enough to protect Mr. Khadr’s constitutional rights,” said Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic Bob Rae.

“The Court gave the government seven days to come up with a list of remedies to rectify the situation, and, with its announcement of an appeal today, it’s clear this government is continuing to thumb its nose at the basic rights of Canadians and at our legal system.”

Last week, Federal Court Justice Russel Zinn gave the Harper government one more week to bring forward a solution – or have one imposed on it by the courts – that lives up to January’s Supreme Court ruling that found the Harper government has repeatedly failed to protect Mr. Khadr’s constitutional rights.  

“This arrogant government has launched appeal after appeal with regards to this case, even though the rest of the democratized world has long recognized the rights violations involved,” said Mr. Rae.

“For years, the Liberal Party and rights advocates have called for this government to respect basic human rights and seek Mr. Khadr’s repatriation. And Stephen Harper has ignored the calls. He seems to think Canada’s system of legal checks and balances doesn’t apply to him and his government.

“Mr. Harper, you are not above the law – you must stop shirking your responsibility in defending the basic rights of all Canadians, and immediately engage with the Obama administration to repatriate Mr. Khadr.”

“I’m thrilled to kick off the Liberal Express tour at the Calgary Stampede, one of Canada’s greatest summer events,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “This is day one of a tour that will take us to every province and territory – and at every stop, we’ll be talking about the choice we’re offering to Canadians.

“We can’t afford Stephen Harper’s plan for Canada,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “He’s wasted $1 billion on the G20’s poor planning, fake lakes and gazebos, and now wants to add even more to their record $54-billion deficit with $6 billion in tax cuts to profitable corporations.

“We have a positive message to share, built on our belief that every Canadian, in every part of Canada, deserves a fair chance to succeed. We’re heading across Canada on the Liberal Express to show Canadians why we’re the only progressive, compassionate, and responsible alternative to the Conservatives.”

After flipping pancakes with a crowd of Liberal supporters, Mr. Ignatieff took part in the Stampede’s White Hat Ceremony, a tradition at the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” since 1948. The Liberal Leader was presented with the white Stetson cowboy hat – an internationally recognized symbol of the City of Calgary and Western hospitality.

All summer long, Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Team will compare Stephen Harper’s record to the clear Liberal alternative of addressing Canada’s core challenges:

• Learning and Innovation – Creating the highest quality jobs through investments in skills training and innovation;

• Care – Pension reform to help with retirement savings and new support for health and homecare; and

• Canada’s global leadership – Investments in clean energy, the environment and global network agreements with China and India.

“Unlike Stephen Harper, we will freeze corporate tax rates – which are already amongst the most competitive in the world – and invest in reducing the deficit, caring for our families and creating new jobs,” concluded Mr. Ignatieff.

“Last week, we sent a letter to the Minister with a specific list of questions that many Canadians have in the aftermath of the disastrous G20 summit in downtown Toronto,” said Liberal Government Ethics and Democratic Reform Critic Marlene Jennings.

“Mr. Toews has still not answered, so the Liberal Party will be pushing to hear from him first as the Committee convenes for special meetings. He may have to disrupt his summer vacation plans, but Canadians need answers.”

In a letter last week, Liberal Public Safety Critic Mark Holland demanded to know:

• What security advice the government considered before moving the summit to Toronto?

• Why they ignored advice to hold it at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds?

• Who designed and approved the G20 security plan and its astronomical price tag?

• Who was ultimately giving security commands?

• Whether anyone on the political side got involved – directly or through PCO – in operational decisions during the summit?
“Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the decision to hold the G20 in downtown Toronto – a decision that led to exorbitant costs and a nearly impossible security situation for police,” said Ms. Jennings. “And it was Minister Toews who oversaw the $1 billion in spending for security. This makes them ultimately accountable for the disaster that ensued.”

The Prime Minister’s decision to hold the G20 in Toronto put the police in an impossible situation, resulted in massive property damage for which business owners have yet to be compensated, led to the largest mass arrest in Canadian history, and has civil rights groups are calling for an independent inquiry.

“Ontario’s premier said yesterday that Torontonians are ‘psychologically scarred’ by the summit protests, and vowed that another G20 summit will never be held there again,” said Ms. Jennings. “Canadians, who are left shaking their heads at this mess, deserve accountability for why Minister Toews and Prime Minister Harper mismanaged the G20 so badly.”

“I want to congratulate David Johnston for his appointment as Canada’s 28th Governor General.

“David Johnston’s dedication to learning and innovation – which are essential to Canada’s success – combined with his legal expertise and constitutional knowledge makes him an ideal choice for Governor General.

“As a renowned academic and university leader, Dr. Johnston has inspired many Canadians in the classroom and has brought international recognition to Canada’s capacity for science, research and development. As president of the University of Waterloo, principal and vice-chancellor of McGill University, and as a professor at the University of Toronto and University of Western Ontario, he has shown his tremendous dedication to post-secondary education and its role in building an innovative, highly-skilled future for Canada.

“As the Queen’s representative in Canada, the Governor General’s primary task is to perform the Queen’s constitutional duties on her behalf, acting within the principles of Canada’s parliamentary democracy by ensuring continuous and stable governance in a nonpartisan manner. I have full confidence in Mr. Johnston’s ability to perform these duties when he takes over from Governor General Michaëlle Jean in September.

“I would like to offer my gratitude to Governor General Michaëlle Jean for passionately carrying out her duties with grace and dignity. Her heartfelt warmth and kindness touched so many in Canada and abroad. During her five years as the Queen’s representative, she showed her dedication to the arts, Aboriginal Canadians, the Armed Forces, and particularly her native home, Haiti, following this year’s devastating earthquake. She will continue to bring hope and assistance to the people of Haiti in her new role as UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti.

“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I would like to sincerely congratulate David Johnston as he prepares for his new role as Governor General.”

“On Canada Day, Canadians will be firing up their barbecues, taking the family to the beach or the park, and meeting friends in backyards. There is a spirit of good neighbourliness on Canada Day that shows us at our best.

“Canada Day is also when many new Canadians swear allegiance to their new country and become citizens.

“From the pride and excitement that I’ve seen on their faces, they know they have joined a great country:  free, equal, democratic and compassionate. Let’s work together to make this great country even better.

“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, let me wish everyone a joyous Canada Day.”

Click here to view Mr. Ignatieff’s Canada Day video message

For Immediate Release
June 28, 2010

MISSISSAUGA – Mississauga-Erindale former MP and Liberal candidate Omar Alghabra is spreading the Canadian spirit just in time for Canada Day.

Alghabra and dozens of volunteers delivered newsletters to thousands of homes this past weekend. The Liberal candidate encouraged residents to display the Canadian flag, which was printed on the back of the newsletter, in the windows of their homes.

“It’s important that we share our pride in being Canadians and celebrate our great country together as neighbours,” said Alghabra. “While we may cheer for different teams during the World Cup, the Canadian pride brings us together and reminds us of how fortunate we are.”

This newsletter highlights some of the activities Omar and his team have been initiating in the community over the recent months.

Earlier this year, the team collected more than half-a-tonne of food and delivered it to the Mississauga Food Bank. Omar also hosted several town hall meetings so local residents could have their voices heard by political leaders such as Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff, Justin Trudeau, John McCallum, Gerard Kennedy, Chris Bentley, Hazel McCallion and others.

“I believe working in politics is about offering Canadians meaningful ideas to improve their lives and ensuring that each citizen reaches their potential,” said Alghabra. “Involving more citizens in our political conversation will elevate the level of debate in our country.”

For more information, visit www.omaralghabra.ca

-30-

Media Contact:

Craig MacBride
416-705-7093

“As Canada prepares to welcome the world at the G20, only the Liberal Party is presenting Canadians with a strategy to secure our economic prosperity and to make the world a safer place,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “Under Stephen Harper, we are missing an opportunity for global leadership.”

“Canada is networked with the world,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “Restoring Canadian global leadership requires a ‘whole of Canada’ approach that will harness our unique advantages as a country: our global diasporas, our linguistic and ethnic diversity, our geography, our resources, our technology.

“The Global Networks approach requires a new kind of federal leadership to set Canada’s overall priorities. Acting in partnership with business and government, colleges and universities, civil society organizations and private citizens – and especially our youth – we will leverage our relationships with the world.

“This is an ambitious, 21st century plan for Canada in the world – and we’re going to put our money where our mouth is to deliver on it,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “To fund a Global Networks Strategy, after the end of the combat mission in Afghanistan, a Liberal government will reallocate the $1.7 billion annual cost of the Afghanistan mission to deliver the right balance between defense, development and diplomacy.”

Mr. Ignatieff announced that under a Global Networks Strategy, a future Liberal government will:

• Seek Global Network Agreements – a next-generation agreement that goes beyond trade and investment – with China and India to collaborate in research and education, energy and sustainability, transportation, food security, health, immigration, culture and tourism;

• Proactively engage the United States in on our shared multilateral goals such as nuclear disarmament and building a clean energy future;

• Help to secure the peace in Afghanistan post-2011 by working to build solid institutions;

• Return to a leadership role in United Nations peace operations and work to prevent conflict and mass-scale human rights abuses before they start by advancing the U.N. adopted doctrine of ‘Responsibility to Protect’;

• Empower women in the developing world with a focus on health, education and economic development;

• Put Africa back at the top of Canada’s international aid priorities by investing in governance and private sector growth; and

• Build multilateral institutions involving all Arctic nations and northern Aboriginal peoples focussed on social, economic, environmental and security issues.

Restoring Canadian global leadership is one of three Liberal priorities – along with learning and care – that were announced at the Canada at 150: Rising to the Challenge conference.

“A Liberal government will restore the pride Canadians once felt about our place in the world,” Mr. Ignatieff concluded. “With new vision and renewed ambition, we can change our world for the better.”

“Canada in the World: A Global Networks Strategy” can be downloaded at http://lpc.ca/canworld.

BACKGROUND
Summary of Commitments

Global Network Agreements

• Immediately enter into negotiations with China and India to sign Global Network Agreements that will deepen our economic, knowledge and cultural ties, and build relationships at all levels;

• Modernize and renew Team Canada missions with more focused programs, more sustained interactions and reciprocal visits than the previous, successful model;

Renewing Partnerships in North America

• Build additional capacity in the federal government to raise the profile of the Canada-U.S. relationship within America;

• Work with the United States to explore improved administrative arrangements for the management of our shared border;

• Engage the White House and Congress proactively on carbon pricing, clean energy, research and development, electricity transmission grid development and standards, and regulation for new clean technologies in the North American market;

• Work with Mexico towards the objective of phasing out the visa requirement for Mexican citizens visiting Canada, while addressing Canada’s concerns on refugee claims;

Canada’s North and the International Arctic Region

• Pursue a new, multilateral agreement on the Arctic to advance cooperation on social, economic, environmental and security issues;

• Establish a permanent secretariat for the Arctic Council, and appoint a new Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs;
Building a New Partnership with Africa

• Re-engage with Africa, by restoring it to the top of our international aid priorities, invest in governance capacity and private sector growth;
Marshalling Canada’s Strengths in Human Development

• Make Canadian support for Peace Order and Good Government abroad a central priority by creating a capacity to broker, coordinate and fund deployments of Canadian governance support and expertise, from both within federal agencies, and beyond – including other governments, retired professionals, the private sector and NGOs;

• Advance international efforts to operationalize the doctrine of ‘Responsibility to Protect’, a rigorous framework for preventing conflict and mass-scale abuse of human rights;

• Establish an academic centre of excellence in conflict prevention and resolution that brings together experts on ethnic and other conflicts;

• Undertake a new leadership role for Canada in United Nations peace operations. Renewing our commitment to multilateral training, commanding and other military missions that are consistent with Canadian interests, values and capabilities;

• Pursue a post-combat role in Afghanistan that is focused on the training of police and military personnel in a staff college setting in Kabul, and civilian governance capacity-building;

• Appoint a special envoy to represent Canada in diplomatic efforts in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the surrounding region;

• Renew partnerships with the many Canadian civil society organizations working to improve the lives of those most in need;

• Adopt an overarching emphasis on empowering women in the developing world as a principal focus of Canadian development, including in health, education and economic development;

• Include food security, disaster relief and reconstruction, climate change adaptation and water management as additional priorities;

• Implement a Canada Youth Service program that financially supports youth volunteerism, including international volunteer experience;

Renewing Canadian Multilateralism

• Strengthen Canada’s participation in multilateral organizations;

• Pursue reforms at the United Nations that create firmer membership obligations, modernize key bodies, bring greater accountability for results, and enhance transparency;

• Support the creation of a permanent G-20 secretariat in Canada, to conduct policy research, engage civil society and the private sector, facilitate transition from the G-8, and support G-20 members in sharing of best practices for the affordable organization of summit meetings;

• Work with provincial governments in the preparation for relevant multilateral meetings, and implementation of agreements;

Branding Canada for Success in a Networked World

• Launch an aggressive Branding Canada initiative to boost trade and investment, leveraging the use of our embassies and consulates abroad;

• Create Canada Global Scholarships to provide full scholarships for outstanding students from lower and middle income countries to study at Canadian universities;

• Restore and expand funding for international cultural promotion programming; and

Renewing Federal Government Capacity

• Reallocate incremental spending after the end of the combat mission in Afghanistan, toward a more balanced investment across the range of defence, development, diplomatic functions and overseas posts, including renewal of Canada’s foreign service.

MISSISSAUGA – Omar Alghabra and Liberal Party Finance Critic John McCallum stood up for the middle class and decried the Conservative Party’s wasteful spending Thursday at a Mississauga-Erindale town hall meeting.

“Here in Mississauga, we’ve seen unemployment above the national average – more than 9.5 per cent at the end of last year,” said Alghabra. “In addition to high unemployment, the average Canadian family now owes almost $1.50 for every single dollar of disposable income. This is unacceptable, yet the Conservative Party continues to make life harder for the middle class.”

McCallum visited Mississauga specifically to speak at the event and answer questions from approximately one hundred attendees.

He expressed opposition to the Harper government’s unprecedented levels of annual deficits accompanied by corporate tax cuts that will add another $6 billion dollars to the deficit. By 2015, the Harper government is adding more than $150 billion to the national debt.

“We are at a crossroads,” said McCallum. “The Conservatives want more corporate taxes and a fend-for-yourself Canada, and we want to support people to relieve the anxiety of middle-class Canadians.”
McCallum said the Liberal Party of Canada wants to freeze corporate taxes and direct the savings to supports for the struggling middle-class.

He also reiterated Michael Ignatieff’s commitment to post-secondary education. “If you get the grades, you get to go.”

Investing in post-secondary education will help to produce a more innovative and skilled workforce, and improving financial support for families and the elderly will allow the middle-class to retire their debt sooner.
McCallum also used the event to express his support for Alghabra’s candidacy in the next election. “Omar is badly missed in Ottawa, and we need him back.”

Most of the time was spent exchanging ideas with the audience. Questions covered a wide range of items, including G20 summit security costs, bank reforms and the next election platform.

For more information on Mississauga-Erindale Liberal candidate Omar Alghabra, or to learn of future events, visit www.omaralghabra.ca.

“This tour provides an opportunity to affirm the core values of mutual respect and inclusiveness that are at the heart of the Liberal vision of multiculturalism – that together we are in fact, ‘one Canada,’” Mr. Ignatieff said. “We are all Canadians, and my number one rule in politics is to address everyone as a Canadian first, last and always. The common identity we share is so much stronger than all the old enmities that divided us in other lands.”

Mr. Ignatieff will meet with business leaders and members of the media from a broad range of ethno-cultural backgrounds and address economic development, education and specific settlement and integration challenges that are affecting communities. His tour will take him to the following cities and communities:

• Sunday, May 16 – Canadian Coptic Christian Centre, Toronto and Pakistani community event, Mississauga

• Monday, May 17 – Chinese community seniors’ meeting and Chinese media roundtable, Markham

• Tuesday, May 18 – Multicultural business roundtable, Markham and Korean community leaders meeting, Toronto

• Wednesday, May 19 – African Canadian leaders roundtable, Calgary

• Thursday, May 20 – Chinese Benevolent Association of Edmonton

“Canada, especially for our newcomers, represents a chance to start anew. And that capacity—to make a fresh start—is why so many people come to this country year after year after year,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “I am concerned, however, any time old resentments arise, especially when our Conservative government exploits divisions and picks issues that polarize Canadians and turn people against each other.

“My approach is to find common ground, which is why I’m looking forward to hearing from community leaders who are working to address the challenge of inclusiveness, as we work together to build upon our common values, and to affirm, above all, we are one Canada first.”

“This deal is a victory for Parliament and for Canadians who have a right to an open, transparent government,” said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff. “It’s an important agreement that affirms the supremacy of Parliament and ensures that the authority to hold the government accountable remains in the hands of Canadians’ elected representatives.”

“I am especially proud of the contribution of the Liberal Members of Parliament who took part in these negotiations, particularly Ralph Goodale, Rodger Cuzner and Dominic LeBlanc, whose expertise and judgment were invaluable in proposing solutions that brought all parties together towards a deal,” added Mr. Ignatieff.

The agreement itself entrusts representatives from each party to review all documents and determine the relevance of the information to the public interest. It also outlines a process whereby a Panel of Arbiters made up of eminent jurists can determine how the relevant and necessary information can be made publicly available – maximizing disclosure and transparency while upholding national security.

“We’re pleased that we’ve been able to reach an agreement that upholds the Speaker’s ruling,” said Liberal House Leader Ralph Goodale. “Today, we reached a sensible agreement that Liberals have been calling for since last December, that recognizes the supremacy of Parliament, its right to review these documents, and that trusts MPs to uphold our national security.”

In his April 27th ruling, the Speaker reaffirmed the role of parliamentarians to hold government to account as an indisputable privilege and obligation, which entails a broad, absolute power to order documents, without restriction or limit by the Executive. The Speaker expressed his hope that accommodations could be made that allow MPs to be entrusted with the information while protecting national security, in keeping with the inherent trust that Canadians have placed in their elected officials.

“For six months, we’ve been asking to see these documents, but were blocked at every turn, even though in a democracy, it is the opposition’s job to hold the government to account,” said Liberal Justice Critic Dominic LeBlanc. “The Conservative government has a history of secretive behaviour and covering up damaging information, but today’s agreement is a lesson on how all political parties can respectfully cooperate on issues of great importance. It is my hope the government continues this level of civility in the future,” he concluded.