Posts Tagged ‘NDP’

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City of Burlington Lowers Flags To Honour NDP Leader Jack Layton

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

The flags outside of Burlington City Hall were lowered to half mast after the news that Jack Layton, the leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) had passed away in the morning hours of Monday, August 22 at the age of 61.

“On behalf of the City of Burlington, I wish to express sincere condolences to the Layton family,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “Mr. Layton has been an inspiring figure for many across this country and he has contributed much of his lifetime to the causes he felt were just.”

Jack Layton announced he was fighting prostate cancer earlier this year and underwent an operation to fix a fractured hip that he disclosed was not caused by his cancer. He went on to carry out a rigorous campaign during the last federal election, using his cane as a symbol of his tenacity. The election brought Layton his party’s best showing ever in federal politics, making him the Leader of the Official Opposition.

In late July, an obviously ill Layton held a press conference in Toronto, announcing that he was battling a new form of cancer and that he was stepping aside to focus on his health. At the press conference, Layton emphasized that he would return to politics in time for the fall session. In the interim, rookie Member of Parliament Nycole Termel was named interim NDP leader.

In a letter written two days before his passing, Layton encouraged Canadians to continue working to make Canada a great nation. He closed his letter by saying:

“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.” – Jack Layton

To read Layton’s letter to Canadians in its entirety, go to NDP.ca. Funeral details are still being finalized but its believed that a State Funeral will be held in Toronto on Saturday, August 27.

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Election statement from David Laird

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Throughout the election campaign, Burlington.net interviewed the candidates, covered the issues and provided updates in an effort to provide fair and balanced reporting on the candidates and the issues.

We asked each of the candidates for their closing remarks on the campaign and election results. The following is a statement from Burlington NDP candidate David Laird.

Last night’s election was an historic event. The face of Canadian politics has had a dramatic makeover. For the first time in history New Democrats are the official opposition. Canadians across the country have voted for a new kind of Canada; a Canada that puts the needs of Canadians first. New Democrats can be proud that we have earned the trust of many new supporters and we will continue to work hard to push the policies that we campaigned on over the last five weeks. New Democrats in Burlington have shown their support in record numbers. I want to thank all in Burlington who took the time to go to the polls and clearly say that they want a Canada where there is a choice. Where we can build a new economy while taking care of our most vulnerable citizens, where we can make life easier for working families and lend real support to small businesses, a Canada where we can lead with progressive values on the international stage with integrity and dignity.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Mr. Wallace who as always ran a first rate campaign. I would also like to congratulate Ms. Brierley who represented her constituents enthusiastically and professionally. To Graham Mayberry I would like to say that you did an admirable job in a very challenging electorate. Finally I want to thank all of my dedicated volunteers and supporters who have tirelessly championed the cause of social, economic, environmental and political justice. I shall continue to work with like minded people in our community and across the country to effect real change for the future of our Country. To all else thank you for taking part in this historic election.

Until next time….

Sincerely,

David Laird.

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Election Q&A with Burlington riding candidate David Laird

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

David Laird is the NDP candidate in the Burlington riding in the Federal Election being held on May 2, 2011.

Burlington.net: What are the platform issues that you are addressing?

David Laird: The platform issues that I am addressing most are the NDP’s Economic Plan. We have seen the migration of high paying manufacturing jobs to overseas locations.  The NPD is addressing issue with a comprehensive economic plan.  The plan includes two major initiatives.  The first initiative also addresses our environmental and energy security issues through a National Green Energy Program:

- Ensuring Canada Becomes a World Leader in Renewable Energy
- Establishing Green Bonds to Fund Research and Development
- Strengthening Public Transit for Liveable Cities

The second area that I am focusing on is our small business incentive strategy:

- Reducing the Small Business Tax Rate
- Establishing a Job Creation Tax Credit
- Extending Tax Credits for Job-Supporting Investment

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Federal Election Updates: April 19 – April 23

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Over the course of the Federal Election Campaign, Burlington.net will bring our readers an overview of the policies and announcements from each of the major political parties as they are announced on the campaign trail. Here’s our update for April 19 – April 23, 2011.

For detailed information about each announcement, readers are encouraged to visit the party websites and read each party’s platform.

[Feedback: Got a question for candidates or opinion to share? Please comment!]

The Conservative Party of Canada

Expedited Deportation of Dangerous Foreign Criminals

In an April 18 announcement from Conservative candidate Jason Kenney, a re-elected Conservative government would work to hasten the process of deporting dangerous foreign criminals and terrorists from the country. This new deportation process would:

- Streamline the many levels of appeal after an order of deportation is given for criminality or ties to terrorist organization and organized crime

- The introduction of measures that would remove foreign offenders serving time in Canadian jails so that they complete their sentences in their home country

- Make a condition of parole eligibility include the acceptance of expedited removal from Canada

- Putting a high priority on executing all deportation orders for individuals with criminal records or connections

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Federal Election Campaign Trail: April 11 – April 17

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Over the course of the Federal Election Campaign, Burlington.net will bring our readers an overview of the policies and announcements from each of the major political parties as they are announced on the campaign trail. Here’s our update for April 11 – April 17, 2011.

For detailed information about each announcement, readers are encouraged to visit the party websites and read each party’s platform.

[Feedback: Got a question for candidates or opinion to share? Please comment!]

The Conservative Party of Canada

Extension of Home Retrofit Program

As a part of the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, a Conservative government would extend the Home Retrofit Program for an additional year. This announcement, made April 11th by Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, means a $400 million dollar investment into the program, which translates to about $5000 going back to Canadians after they complete energy efficient retrofits in their homes. Other emission reducing programs in the next phase of Canada’s Economic Plan include:

(more…)

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