The FPTP system is a hindrance to democracy. For example, a non-Conservative living in a very Conservative-leaning riding essentially has two options: don't vote (thus contributing to voter apathy, which weakens democracy) or move to a place where there are more like-minded people (thus encouraging a more divided society, as we see in the U.S.). With a Preferential Ballot system, as Trudeau proposed in his campaign, voters rank the candidates (ie: 1, 2, 3, 4) on their ballots, thus accurately reflecting their views. Strategic Voting is never necessary, and candidates are forced to appeal to ALL voters, not just their traditional support base (because it's not enough to just have many #1 votes, you also want to make sure you don't have too many #4s). The alienating 'wedge-tactics' used by Harper would be entirely ineffective in such a system.

It will give more rights to corporations than Canadians.

Now, after years of funding cuts by the Conservative government, the CBC has announced that it is selling off all of its property and real estate across Canada. From Halifax to Vancouver, not a single office space will remain under the ownership of the CBC. The Canadian Media Guild, CBC’s main union, is arguing that Canada’s public broadcaster is in danger of making “irreversible” cuts, threatening CBC’s role as a leading producer of original Canadian programming. [1] The bad news started in 2011, when the Conservatives announced that the CBC budget would be cut by $115 million. Since 2008, 2,800 jobs have been lost, and another 1,600 will be cut by 2016.[2] But there is still hope. The NDP, the Liberals, and the Green Party have all promised to restore funding to the CBC if elected. We’re calling on CBC management to cancel the sell-off, while we work to elect a new government that will affirm and respect CBC’s mandate. If we get 10,000 signatures, we will deliver this message to Marc Y. Lapierre, the CBC’s executive director of real estate services. Sources: [1] Media union raises alarm over CBC real estate sell off plans http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/media-union-raises-alarm-over-cbc-real-estate-sell-off-plans/article26506165/ [2] CBC Budget cut by 115 million over three years http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cbc-budget-cut-by-115m-over-3-years-1.1147096

Would it be right, if we put a price on the heads of the people that profit from and participate in this so called "sport."?

Joignez votre voix à l’Appel pour une stratégie nationale en matière de logement Le Canada est aux prises avec une crise du logement majeure. Même les Nations Unies considèrent la situation du logement et de l’itinérance au Canada comme une « crise nationale » [1]. De la population étudiante, aux personnes retraitées et aux familles à faible revenu, des millions de personnes souffrent parce qu’elles n’ont pas les moyens de se procurer un logement convenable. En tant qu’infirmières, nous sommes témoins du lien entre le logement inadéquat et les problèmes de santé. Nous avons vu le logement insalubre et l’itinérance mener au stress, à la malnutrition, à la perturbation du développement de la petite enfance, aux maladies chroniques et au décès prématuré. En tant qu’infirmières, nous savons que la crise du logement est une crise de la santé. Nos gouvernements ont créé cette crise. En 1993, le gouvernement fédéral a démantelé notre programme national en matière de logement. En conséquence, au cours des 20 dernières années plus de 100 000 logements abordables n’ont pas été construits [1]. Les provinces et les municipalités, désormais responsables du logement social, n’ont jamais comblé les lacunes. Depuis 1990, la population canadienne a augmenté de 30 %, mais l’investissement annuel national destiné au logement a connu une diminution de plus de 46 % [2]. La crise ne fait qu’empirer. Aujourd’hui, la crise est généralisée. Chaque année, plus de 235 000 personnes au Canada vivent un épisode d’itinérance. Cependant, l’itinérance ne représente que la pointe de l’iceberg. À présent, un ménage sur cinq a de la difficulté à composer avec le coût du logement et n’a pas les moyens de payer le loyer et les nécessités comme les aliments, les médicaments, le transport et l’énergie [2]. En même temps, le manque de logements abordables laisse des centaines de milliers de personnes mal logées attendre sur des listes d’attente provinciales. Mais il n’y a pas que la question du coût du logement. Des centaines de milliers de personnes au Canada vivent dans des conditions de logement non sécuritaires et insalubres. La réalité quotidienne pour beaucoup de personnes vivant dans des logements locatifs inclut le surpeuplement, les moisissures, les infestations et une plomberie défectueuse. La crise du logement vécue par de nombreuses collectivités des Premières Nations est aggravée par les crises tout aussi affligeantes du manque d’eau potable et du coût élevé des aliments. Nous pouvons et nous devons faire mieux. Nous pouvons agir. En 1998, des municipalités et des groupes communautaires à travers le Canada ont déclaré que l’itinérance est un désastre national et ont demandé au gouvernement fédéral d’agir. Certains refuges pour sans-abri et des services additionnels ont été acquis, mais nous n’avons toujours pas de stratégie nationale en matière de logement. Nous devons continuer d’exercer des pressions sur nos gouvernements. Le logement sûr et abordable est un droit humain. En tant qu’infirmières, nous revendiquons une stratégie nationale en matière de logement. Pouvons-nous compter sur votre appui? Nous vous invitons à signer et à diffuser notre pétition nationale et notre Appel pour une stratégie nationale en matière de logement. Cordialement, Cathy Crowe, inf. aut., BAAN, M. Éd. Infirmière de la rue et intervenante en matière d’itinérance et de logement. Cofondatrice du Toronto Disaster Relief Committee. Auteure de « Dying for a Home. Homeless Activists Speak Out ». Jessica Hales, M.Sc.Inf., IP-Soins primaires Infirmière qui fournit des soins de santé primaires aux personnes en situation d’itinérance ou dont le logement est précaire. Intervenante en matière d’itinérance et de logement. Avec le soutien de : COUNCIL OF CANADIANS, UNIFOR, CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, CANADIAN FEDERATION OF NURSES UNIONS, CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES, KAIROS CANADA, ABORIGINAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF CANADA, EDMONTON COALITION ON HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS, ONTARIO NURSES ASSOCIATION, CUPE ONTARIO, ONTARIO COALITION AGAINST POVERTY, AIDS ACTION NOW, REGISTERED PRACTICAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO, SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL OF WINNIPEG, RIGHT TO HOUSING WINNIPEG, ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS OTTAWA, CANADIAN UNITARIANS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION- OTTAWA BRANCH, ADVOCACY CENTRE FOR TENANTS ONTARIO, NIAGARA POVERTY REDUCTION NETWORK, NURSE PRACTITIONER ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA, REGISTERED NURSES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO, BLACK LIVES MATTER- TORONTO, DR. ALEX ABRAMOVICH, PROFESSOR DAVID ALPER, JOHN ANDRAS, MAUDE BARLOW, PROFESSOR AKUA BENJAMIN, PROFESSOR WESLEY CRICHLOW, DR. RITIKA GOEL, PROFESSOR DAVID HULCHANSKI, MICHELE LANDSBERG, TIM MCCASKELL, EMILY PARADIS, ALAN REDWAY, JUDY REBICK, DR. JOHN ROOK, SHELLEY SAYWELL, LINDA HASLAM-STROUD

Join the Call for a National Housing Strategy Canada is in the midst of a major housing crisis. Even the United Nations has called the state of housing and homelessness in Canada a ‘national emergency’ [1]. From students to retirees to middle and low-income families, millions of people suffer because they cannot afford suitable housing. As nurses, we witness the link between inadequate housing and ill health. We have seen poor housing and homelessness cause stress, malnourishment, impaired early childhood development, chronic illness and premature death. As nurses, we know that a housing crisis is a health crisis. Our governments have created this crisis In 1993, the federal government dismantled our national housing program. As a result, over 100,000 affordable housing units were not built during the last 20 years [1]. The provinces and municipalities, now saddled with responsibility for social housing, have never filled the gap. Since 1990, Canada’s population has increased by 30%, yet the annual national investment in housing has declined by over 46% [2]. The crisis has only worsened. Today the crisis is widespread Every year over 235,000 people in Canada experience an episode of homelessness. Homelessness though is the tip of the iceberg. Currently, one in five households struggles with the cost of housing and cannot afford both a home and necessities like groceries, medication, transportation and energy [2]. Meanwhile, the deficit in affordable housing has left hundreds of thousands of inadequately housed people stuck on provincial wait lists. Cost of housing is not the only issue. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians live in unsafe and unhealthy housing conditions. The daily reality for many people living in rental housing includes overcrowding, mold, infestations and faulty plumbing. The housing crisis many First Nations communities experience is exacerbated by the equally dire emergencies of unsafe drinking water and high food costs. We can and must do better. We can take action In 1998, municipalities and community groups across Canada declared homelessness a national disaster and asked the federal government to take action. Some homeless shelters and additional services were gained, but we still don't have a national housing strategy. We must continue to pressure our governments. Safe, affordable housing is a human right As nurses, we call for a national housing strategy. Will you join us? Please sign and share our national petition and Call for a National Housing Strategy. Sincerely, Cathy Crowe, RN, BAAN, MEd- Street Nurse and advocate on homelessness and housing. Co-founder of the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee. Author of ‘Dying for a Home. Homeless Activists Speak Out’. Jessica Hales, MN, NP-PHC- Nurse who provides primary healthcare to people who are homeless or precariously housed. Advocate on homelessness and housing. Early Supporters: ORGANIZATIONS: COUNCIL OF CANADIANS, UNIFOR, CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, CANADIAN FEDERATION OF NURSES UNIONS, CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES, KAIROS CANADA, ABORIGINAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF CANADA, EDMONTON COALITION ON HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS, ONTARIO NURSES ASSOCIATION, CUPE ONTARIO, ONTARIO COALITION AGAINST POVERTY, AIDS ACTION NOW, REGISTERED PRACTICAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO, SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL OF WINNIPEG, RIGHT TO HOUSING WINNIPEG, ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS OTTAWA, CANADIAN UNITARIANS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION- OTTAWA BRANCH, ADVOCACY CENTRE FOR TENANTS ONTARIO, NIAGARA POVERTY REDUCTION NETWORK, NURSE PRACTITIONER ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA, REGISTERED NURSES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO, BLACK LIVES MATTER- TORONTO INDIVIDUALS: DR. ALEX ABRAMOVICH, PROFESSOR DAVID ALPER, JOHN ANDRAS, MAUDE BARLOW, PROFESSOR AKUA BENJAMIN, PROFESSOR WESLEY CRICHLOW, DR. RITIKA GOEL, PROFESSOR DAVID HULCHANSKI, MICHELE LANDSBERG, TIM MCCASKELL, EMILY PARADIS, ALAN REDWAY, JUDY REBICK, DR. JOHN ROOK, SHELLEY SAYWELL, LINDA HASLAM-STROUD Footnotes 1.OHCHR. (2007, November, 1). United Nations expert on adequate housing calls for immediate attention to tackle national housing crisis in Canada. United Nations Human Rights. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=4822&LangID=E 2. Stephen Gaetz, Tanya Gulliver, & Tim Richter (2014). The State of Homelessness in Canada: 2014. Toronto: The Homeless Hub Press. http://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/SOHC2014.pdf

Aboriginal women are 3 times more likely to experience violence than white women. Current data on violence against Aboriginal women only includes cases under the jurisdiction of the RCMP (eg. missing and murdered women) and ignores women who experience violence but live. This data also doesn't distinguish between Inuit, First Nations, and Metis women. A fully transparent public inquiry is necessary to define the scope of this violence, and is the first step in implementing policy to make the world safer for these women. This inquiry will be the first step in making Canada a safer place for all women.

Dear Premier and Ministers, In your efforts to do the right thing you may be tempted to follow Quebec and Ontario in adopting a Carbon Cap and Trade system. Please do not. Day traders and stock market speculators may want this, but scientists and economists say it is a huge mistake. Businesses that use carbon fuels need price stability to safely plan for the future, and the volatility of a Cap and Trade market hurts any chance of that. The European cap and trade system doesn't reduce GHG's. It encourages big polluters to buy their way out of excessive pollution by investing in dubious carbon credit schemes. It is just another way to get rich on market volatility and that seems quite dangerous; to put the fate of our children in the hands of day traders. By implementing a broad base fixed price on carbon such as a $50/tonne "Carbon Damage Fee", we could replace fossil fuels with sustainable energy on the Alberta power grid by 2025 and employ as many people as our oil sands. All this for an additional direct cost of only 66 cents per person per day. There is a preponderance of evidence to prove that a $50/tonne(2015) carbon price is the minimal fair price for Albertans to pay. Even the think tank for the U.S. coal lobby "The Heritage Institute" admits that the real cost of carbon damage is US$52.35/tonne, the U.S. EPA charts show that US$61/tonne is fair and U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UN - IPCC) concluded that, " a lower benchmark of US$50/tC is reasonable". A Carbon Damage Fee of $50 /tonne works out to an "additional direct cost" of only 66 cents per person per day. Dear Premier and Ministers we ask you, "At what price is our survival?" Right now we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to actually achieve our dream of a survivable world, not just an opportunity to fight for it. Time is running out and we in Alberta may never have a chance like this again. I ask you to please do not let this slip through our fingers.

Right now in BC, around 13,000 people living with HIV are vulnerable to prosecution based on the current charge guidelines surrounding HIV exposure. The science says there is almost no risk of transmitting HIV if you use a condom properly or have undetectable viral load (this is when meds you take fully suppress the virus in your blood). But people living with HIV are being prosecuted for a very serious crime—aggravated sexual assault—even if there’s no chance of their transmitting the virus. This is unjust. Our 14 Recommendations include: - Presumption against prosecution when transmission does not occur - The involvement of the Provincial Medical Officer in all HIV non-disclosure cases - The inclusion of relevant and up to date medical research surrounding transmission - Meaningful consultation of persons living with HIV in forming the guidelines We can’t change the federal law, but we can put guidelines in place that will ensure such unjust prosecutions don’t happen in BC. Help us achieve that. For more info, please see our executive summary or the full position paper on the need for new HIV non-disclosure charge assessment guidelines Executive Summary: http://ow.ly/LswKh Position Paper: http://ow.ly/NCaMS

We know that the only reason Adam Vaughan voted to support C-51 is because Justin Trudeau forced his M.P.’s to support it for tactical and political reasons. He made that decision before people learned about what was in Bill C-51, the Anti-Terrorism Bill. The tide quickly turned and a vast majority of the public now opposes this scary legislation, despite the passage of the bill in the House of Commons. Now, with a majority of Liberal Senators rejecting their party leader’s position on this vague and dangerous law, there is no more political or tactical reason forcing Adam Vaughan to support infringing on our basic civil liberties. With an election looming, we will consider this a performance review for our Member of Parliament, and it comes with one very explicit condition for renewal of his term as our representative in the new riding of Spadina-Fort York: We need to hear a commitment from him to fully repeal Bill C-51.

An independent panel has been appointed by the Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to conduct a public review and advise the Minister on the socio-economic and environmental implications of the hydraulic fracturing process. However, the Minister of Natural Resources and his department focuses clearly on natural resource development and supporting regulations and not health, safety and the environment. Three of the Hydraulic Fracturing Review Panel members prior to their appointment have stated publically that they supported approval of hydraulic fracturing with appropriate regulations. These three members constitute a majority and are clearly not independent. They believe fracking can be done safely. The drillers' dreams of fracking New York succumbed to the growing mountain of proof that this dangerous process causes birth defects and respiratory illness, while polluting the air and drinking water with carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde. Why did Minister Dalley appoint a biased panel to conduct an "independent review" when jurisdictions like New York, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have already studied the issue and determined Hydraulic Fracturing to be unsafe? Newfoundland and Labrador has placed a moratorium on all hydraulic fracturing applications pending this review. The review panel is flawed. Here is a link to a list of jurisdictions worldwide that have banned hydraulic fracturing. http://keeptapwatersafe.org/global-bans-on-fracking/ The citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador deserve the same respect and leadership from their elected representatives as do the citizens residing in the communities on the fracking ban list. This issue is a moral issue. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33182065 These companies poison water without remorse - Please Share http://youtu.be/j5kn8qL5G-w #fracking #environment #ClimateChange

The Harper government allowed this relatively small spill to become a serious tragedy by closing the Kitsilano Coast Guard station, and they’re inviting even worse tragedies if they allow expanded tanker traffic on the B.C. coast. Kinder Morgan is proposing a pipeline and tanker that would bring hundreds of huge tarsands oil tankers through Vancouver’s harbour each year -- putting us at risk of a catastrophic oil spill when we weren’t even prepared for a spill that would be considered small by industry standards. In the wake of the Vancouver oil spill, thousands of people are looking for answers. If we raise our voices together now, we can expose how the Harper Government’s negligence turned this spill into a tragedy. With an election coming up, Conservative MPs in the Lower Mainland will be under tremendous pressure to give us a real plan to protect the B.C. coast. Sources: [1] Fuel oil spill from freighter in Vancouver harbour triggers cleanup. http://www.surreyleader.com/news/299210961.html [2] Now-closed Kisilano Coast Guard Base would have responded to oil spill instantly (Vancity Buzz). http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/04/now-closed-kitsilano-coast-guard-base-responded-oil-spill-instantly/