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March 9, 2010

MP: Palin should listen to her mother

By ELIZABETH THOMPSON, Parliamentary Bureau

OTTAWA — Sarah Palin should listen to her mother...

March 9, 2010

Oh, no, Canada . . . what a mess

Please click here to read Margaret Wente's column from today's Globe and Mail...

March 8, 2010

Statement in the House of Commons in recognition of International Women's Day

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 99th anniversary of international women's day, which commemorates the social, political and economic accomlishments of women past and present.

March 8, 2010

Emergency Post-Budget E-Newsletter

Here is the e-newsletter we will be sending to stakeholders and concerns citizens to get their feedback on the budget.

March 5, 2010

Conservative's New Programme Review...Worrying...

The new programme review is using 3 criteria: Accountability; Cost-effectiveness; and ALIGNMENT. We find this last criterion particuarly worrying ...

March 4, 2010

A Better idea ??? A Bilingual National Anthem that is inclusive in gender and religion.

O Canada! Our home and native land! Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!

March 4, 2010

Marshall Plan petition tabled by Liberal MP Paul Szabo

On March 4, 2010 Liberal MP Paul Szabo rose in the House of Commons and tabled the following petition (signed by 3,421 Canadians) and did so with the following motion:

March 4, 2010

Question Period Today...

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the government's behaviour makes a mockery of its claims to support research and innovation...

March 3, 2010

Health and Health Care ..... Nowhere... in the Speech from the Throne

Health...Nothing !!

Reintroduce C6 ... We'd have had it if they hadn't prorogued...

March 2, 2010

Make Committees Matter

Please click here to read an article I submitted to "The Mark"

March 1, 2010

UNAIDS chief calls on Canada to ensure G8 delivers on universal access pledges

Please click here to read this excellent article. It is crucial that Canada delivers on its commitment to universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support and the u

February 26, 2010

Our letter to Minister Oda on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

Thrilled to see the pickup and support for our letter to Minister Oda

February 24, 2010

Bonjour Je suis ici à Québec !!!!

Je félicite Manon Corneller la meilleure analyse écrite.

February 23, 2010

Liberals call for investigation into scrapping of HIV vaccine plant

Amidst allegations of political interference, an independent third party must investigate the Harper government’s decision to cancel the construction of an HIV vaccine manufacturing facility, Liberal MPs said today.

February 23, 2010

Health Critic Virtual Advisory E-Newsletter - Winter Edition

As many of you know, Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s undemocratic decision to shut down Parliament until March didn’t stop Liberal MPs and Senators from returning to work on Parliament Hill....

February 21, 2010

Terrific day for democracy !!!

Great Town Hall with Francis Scarpallegia MP for Lac St Louis on a National Water Strategy... and then an Emergency Scrupling Session with Ursula Franklin on the Erosion of our Democracy...

February 20, 2010

Organic Food Growers Conference today .....

Honoured to introduce the inspiring German MP Barbel Hohn as Minister of Agriculture and Environment for the State of North Rhine Westphalia ...she made amazing changes..... farmers able to earn a living as 'Energy Sheiks' of solar, wind and biomass....

February 18, 2010

Terrific Roundtables in Owen Sound

Please click here to view the slides from the roundtable on farming issues.

February 16, 2010

Canada was waiting.... The Emperor Recalibrated ... Part 4

Heather Brooks Hill has written an amazing blow for civic literacy...

February 16, 2010

Good question from James Travers in The Star today

Is this mission of mercy or political diversion

February 15, 2010

Family Day..... terrific way to expand the definition.... Blood donor Clinic at Wychwood Barns...

Terrific initiative of Joe Mihevc... Blood Donor Clinic at the Barns to honour those fighting cancer.... The Trillium Gift of Life Network also had a display table with persuasive volunteers who have been organ recipients...

February 14, 2010

GOLD..... we love Alex Bilodeau.... and are inspired by his brother Frederic...

Our house is ecstatic..... I'll be in Vancouver for the Opening Night of the Paralympics..... tonight pretty memorial here chez nous.... will have to stay up for O Canada and the medal ceremony !!

February 13, 2010

Skating Party at Wychwood Barns after the Market today

Perfect day for a skate.....terrific turnout ... great hot chocolate, sweets and conversations..... Thanks to Anne and Esther...

February 13, 2010

James Travers..... again.... important observations

Winter political games

February 12, 2010

Let the Games begin !!!!!

It was so much fun listening and learning from from my Twitter friends this evening ......Overall a consensus that we were made proud..... from Joni to KD... to the collective with the flame..and then Wayne ... The Great One...... tonight was FANTASTIC !!

February 11, 2010

Letter sent by Chief Opposition Whip Rodger Cuzner to Chief Government Whip Gordon O’Connor

Please click here to read a copy.

February 10, 2010

Conservatives continue long fight against Insite with application to Supreme Court

Here's an interview I gave to the Georgia Strait about the government's ridiculous decision to send its lawsuit against Insite to the Supreme Court...

February 9, 2010

Liberals are working on a solution to Canada’s medical isotope crisis

Please click here to read a copy of the open letter we sent to Minister Paradis and Minister Aglukkaq

February 8, 2010

Liberals are working to sustain the future of Canada’s health care system

Liberals are continuing their work on Parliament Hill today by hosting a roundtable on how to make Canada’s health care system sustainable for generations to come.

February 8, 2010

The Future of Health and Health Care: Sustaining Our Cherished System

Please click here for a copy of today's agenda.

February 6, 2010

Liberal Party of Canada Ontario AGM in Windsor

Thrilled to present the workshop on Citizen Engagement this am..terrific response....at lunch Michael Ignatieff gave an amazing speech ...inspiring us all...we will EARN back the respect of Canadians...not only by WHAT we do but HOW

February 5, 2010

Rural Caucus meeting in Guelph

Terrific...... National Food Policy .... Rural Health.... Broad band.... huge issues..... will post the notes asap

February 4, 2010

Bernard Prigent - Pfizer's Inside Man

Now that this has come to light will the Minister do the right thing and rescind the appt and appt someone else? Click here to read the article

February 4, 2010

As It Happens Interview

Please click here to listen to my CBC Radio interview on maternal and child health. The interview is at the beginning of "part 2" of As It Happens...

February 2, 2010

Liberals ask Harper to keep ideology out of maternal health initiative

Liberal MPs are calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to assure Canadians that he won’t change Canada’s long-standing tradition of recognizing women’s reproductive rights and access to contraception as part of his maternal health initiative...

February 2, 2010

Maternal and Child Health - Background Documents

Here are all the background documents from the roundtable we held this afternoon on maternal and child health...

January 30, 2010

James Travers .... PM fills political vacuum with rhetorical hokum.

The Star today...perfect

January 30, 2010

Puttin' on the Ritz - Spadina House

Congrats to all the staff and volunteers at Spadina House for this terrific 20's party to celebrate the beginning of the spectacular restoration of the magnificent Austin home to its authentic 1920's self.

January 29, 2010

The Health of Canadians: 2017 Virtual Summit

Please click here to watch. (You will need to install Java Web Start and Elluminate Live! first.) It will be worth the time and effort, Participants said the Virtual Health Summit was great!

January 29, 2010

Pelvic exams without consent...... unbelievable practice in 2010

Have a look at the petition and get on board and speak out....

January 29, 2010

Liberals are working to keep Canadians healthy

Liberals are at work today participating in a unique web conference that examines ways of closing the gap in health status to ensure all Canadians are as healthy as they can be by 2017 when Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary.

January 28, 2010

Harper government delays endangering food safety

The Harper government’s failing grade from federal meat inspectors on improving food safety is proof that the Conservatives have learned nothing from the 2008 deadly listeriosis outbreak, Liberal MPs said today.

January 28, 2010

James Travers ..... BRILLIANT ,,, PM awakes a slumbering electorate

James Travers

January 27, 2010

Liberals press Harper on foreign aid for women

In the wake of Stephen Harper’s sudden interest in maternal and child health in the developing world, Liberal MPs are urging the Prime Minister to reverse his past decisions to cut funding for gender equality and gender-based violence as foreign aid prior

January 27, 2010

Liberals are working to ensure women’s equality

Liberals are working today on Parliament Hill by hosting a forum on women’s issues to steer gender equality back on course, and to discuss concrete solutions for some of the most challenging issues facing Canadian women.

January 27, 2010

Liberals Present Job Creation Proposal

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff presented three proposals today that would help to create new, high-paying jobs in many sectors of the economy and alleviate the worst level of youth unemployment in a generation.

January 27, 2010

Statement by Michael Ignatieff on International Day of Commemoration for Victims of the Holocaust

Today, we stand with the international community to observe the 5th Annual International Day of Commemoration for Victims of the Holocaust, which claimed the lives of six million Jews and other victims of state-sponsored genocide.

January 25, 2010

Shafting democracy in Canada

Here's a pertinent article by Heather Mallick published in The Guardian today

January 25, 2010

Liberals pledge to prevent abuse of prorogation

Please click here to read about what rules we will seek to prevent the Prime Minister from using the power of prorogation illegitimately

January 24, 2010

CBC Test the Nation...... We got Silver !!!! the Politicians came 2nd to the Nerds !

It was a humbling format .... for those of us who prefer to get ALL the answers right.... it's tough with such short timelines !!!!

January 23, 2010

Lifting the cap.... Good Thing..... should never have been there in the first place....

Clearly incenting Canadians to give to Haiti relief is hugely important... I couldn't understand why the govt decided to put a cap on the match at $50M... am happy that they have seen the light and lifted it today ...

January 23, 2010

CAPP Rally today on Parliament Hill ... exhilarating !!

Proud to be there as one of the 1000's of Canadians demonstrating our disgust for Harper's contempt of a Parliamentary Democracy.... with this unconscionable prorogation....

January 23, 2010

Breakfast for Haiti...

Today's breakfast for Haiti at the Green Barn farmers market served over 350 breakfasts—the volunteers were amazing—they got up at six on Saturday and gave up their time to lend a hand.

January 22, 2010

The Pillar of Salt Can Be Knocked Down

Excellent editorial in today's Globe and Mail. The Minister needs to act on these concrete proposals...

January 21, 2010

If Air Travel Worked Like Health Care

I think this article gets at the concept and puts it in perspective!! Not to mention a fun read...

January 21, 2010

Health and Health Care: Re-Orienting Our Health Care System...

Honoured to present my powerpoint at the UBC Sauder School of Business' orientation for EMBA's in Health Care

January 20, 2010

Liberals are working while Conservatives take extended vacation

Over the coming weeks, Liberals will be working on Parliament Hill by focussing on the issues that matter to Canadians, while the Conservatives stay home to avoid being held accountable.

January 18, 2010

Health and Medical Research: A Top Priority for Canadians

Please find attached a letter and copy of the National Public Opinion Poll on health and medical research conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion....

January 18, 2010

Canadians have no partner in Ottawa for health and health care

Please click here to read the article I submitted for The Hill Times' health policy briefing.

January 18, 2010

Information about Canadians in Haiti

If you are trying to find relatives in Haiti please call the Department of Foreign Affairs' Emergency Operations Centre. The centre can be reached at 1-800-387-3124.

January 17, 2010

My AGM tonight..... Honoured to have Constable Philip Romain challenge us to help Haiti

Thrilled to have the Rt Honourable John Turner, MPP Dr. Eric Hoskins and School Trustee Josh Matlow.... and so many other Canadians committed to a better community, a better country....

January 16, 2010

Immigration rules changed to deal with Haitian disaster...

This is a beginning... Haiti will become a priority for family reunification and international adoptions and Haitians here in Canada will be allowed to stay beyond their current visas.

January 16, 2010

Girl Greatness starts here.... Happy 100th Birthday to the Girl Guides of Canada

Thrilled that their birthday celebration was at Casa Loma.... Lady Pellatt was the first GG Commissioner and held many events there....Andrea Chase from CTV did a great job hosting...Lieutenant Governor Onley was wonderful as always...

January 16, 2010

Haiti relief ... at the Barns

Next weekend the wonderful Anne Sorrenti who does the 'Try it then Buy it' sampling table...will prepare a $5 breakfast with proceeds going to Oxfam.... there will also be a concert 4-8 at night to raise $$$

January 15, 2010

Honoured to meet this afternoon with Constable Romain on what we can do for the people of Haiti

Excellent suggestions that we will put forward....stop deportations, allow temporary sponsorships for the time of the reconstruction, Canadian companies could help with training on using better materials during the rebuilding...

January 15, 2010

Rave reviews of Michael Ignatieff's Forum at University of Victoria

See for yourself...

January 15, 2010

Food for Thought from Fair Vote Canada re: Prorogation

Here's a letter I was e-mailed today from Fair Vote Canada.

January 14, 2010

A Comprehensive Letter from One of my Haitian Constituents .... We have to do more.....

I'm pleased the govt has decided to match donations.... but as Phillip Romain has so poignantly articulated in his email to me .... We have to do more...............

January 14, 2010

Fight Flu .... even 6 months late ... the Ads are important

FightFlu We need Canadians to get their shots !!!! we need 60-70% Canadians immunized....

January 13, 2010

My Tweet from this am.... We all must contribute...

Just sent my donation to MSF for Haiti relief. MSF. The govt needs to do more & match all the donations as MI just said.

January 13, 2010

Tea with Ursula and Fred Franklin --- 'This is not democracy'

The Erosion of Democracy - quaker concern.....as always a throughly thought-provoking and inspiring conversation..... and a grave warning all Canadians should be worrying about the state of our democracy in Canada....

January 13, 2010

Parliamentary Report from Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP

Please click here to read a copy of my Winter 2010 householder.

January 13, 2010

Look Who Went to Camp!!

Please click here to read my submission to the Globe and Mail's summer camp guide.

January 13, 2010

Tory attacks on Cotler must stop

I couldn't agree more with this excellent article published by Gil Troy in this week's Canadian Jewish News...

January 12, 2010

Canadians Against the Prorogation.....

175,636 Canadians Against the Prorogation.....only 31,553,634 to go !!!

January 11, 2010

New Canada Post Location Confirmed

The new location will open on February 8, 2010 and be at Spadina and Dupont. This will be replacing the old Wychwood outlet at St. Clair and Bathurst.

January 11, 2010

141,161 Canadians strong... Canadians Against the Prorogation of Parliament

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=260348091419

We need more... Please join... as Susan Delacourt has pointed out... we have crossed the threshold... now WAAAAAAY more Canadians against the Prorogation... than against the coalition last year !!!!

January 8, 2010

Polyclinic, Family doctors' office and Maternity Home.... 10 years later

Since I was here 10 years ago ... there has been a real integration of medical education and research with the community based care..... an real example...

January 7, 2010

Ole .... from Havana... honoured to present at their Department of Public Health

Terrific meetings this am.... the amazing Dr. Gonzalez... Chair of the Parliamentary Committee in Health and Sport and Head of the University Medical School...

January 7, 2010

International embarrassment... but great feedback to our response...

Am thrilled to be receiving such terrific letters... we need all Canadians to understand what is at stake... I hope the damning international attention in the 'Economist'... will engage all Canadians...

January 6, 2010

Shutting Down Parliament: the Arrogance of Power

Michael Ignatieff has beautifully captured the reason for our anger... Stephen Harper has no respect for our democratic institutions... He should be prorogued...

January 5, 2010

Working hard for all Canadians !!!! Rick Mercer right again...

We`ll be in Ottawa on the 25th... and working hard every day before and after !!!!! I remember being told that the government sees parliament as a `minor process obstacle`... now it`s an irritation for the PM to just shut down...

January 4, 2010

Canadians Against Prorogation... WOW... almost 20,000 strong...

Lawrence Martin has it right today... chutzpah... beyond the pale...

January 3, 2010

Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament

I joined the facebook group today... and you should too!!

January 1, 2010

Rick Mercer on 'How we are governed'... YEAH...101 on Civic Literacy

Click here for the tutorial !!!!!

January 1, 2010

Happy New Year....... 2010 means a fight to get our democracy back....

I had written an article for the front page of the winter riding newsletter lamenting the neutering of Parliament - BEFORE this infuriating prorogation - and the audacity of the PMO spokesperson to call it 'normal'

December 31, 2009

James Travers... Toronto Star... perfect again... MUST READ AGAIN

We need Jim Travers to do a cross Canada civic literacy tour... click here for the article.

December 30, 2009

Prorogation X2... appalling... what a way to end up in the NY Times

Click here to read the article.

December 27, 2009

CBC's The Sunday Edition... Social Determinants of Health - Wilkinson and Pickett

How exciting to hear such a brilliant interview on such an important topic... the importance of inequality as a determinant of health... Ed Broadbent was fabulous as were the authors of The Sprit Level.

December 24, 2009

PEACE, JOY, LOVE, HOPE... the words of the holiday season

Please click here to watch my holiday message.

December 23, 2009

The Holiday Season... we cannot drink and drive... the rules in 1935 were tougher...

We`ve just arrived at the cottage... our first Christmas without my father... it feels really awful... but I just found my Dad`s `Police Constable`s Manual` 1935... my dad was so wonderful I can only read it thru his lens...

December 21, 2009

Haroon Siddiqui in the Star...

more evidence about the neutering of our democracy...

December 21, 2009

'Cherry has selective amnesia in brain injury debate'

Bruce Dowbiggin's article in the Globe and Mail - science vs. unhealthy blinkered bombast...

December 19, 2009

The Year of Governing Secretly...

Just got home and realized that I have recommended today's article by James Travers in The Star at least 10x today already... a must read...

December 18, 2009

My Letter to the Minister of Health

Please click here to read the letter I sent to the Minister of Health earlier this week about the regulation of toxins in adult toys.

December 17, 2009

The Olympic Torch.... passed straight by my riding office

Pretty proud... I have to admit that I have to think that PMO missed this detail... I've not been included... not invited to participate in the Nathan Phillips Square festivities tonight...

December 15, 2009

Our Ben is 27 ...

We are so proud... he has such great friends... we are thrilled to provide dinner from Vanipha Lanna and birthday cake from Phipps.

December 11, 2009

Statement from Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on the celebration of Chanukah

Please click here for his video statement.

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made the following statement at the start of Chanukah:

December 11, 2009

Parliament rises... Holiday Message

Please click here to watch my holiday message.

December 10, 2009

The Olympic Torch in the Chamber...

Truly wonderful to see Barbara Ann Scott bringing in the Olympic Torch to the floor of the House of Commons...

December 8, 2009

Cotler's great work at Durban

I would encourage you to read this letter by Rabbi Michael Melchior published in today's National Post...the Prime Minister MUST apologize.

December 7, 2009

Review of Dr. Bernard Prigent's Appointment to Governing Council of CIHR

Though we lost the vote 7-4, we were able to ask some tough questions at Health Committee today about how the governing council of the CIHR will address conflicts of interest... looking forward to hearing Dr. Beaudet's testimony when the House resumes..

December 6, 2009

Blog by Glen Pearson on Angelo Persichilli Article

How awful... Angelo's column in the Star today... hurtful and wrong...

I couldn't say it better myself...here's Glen Pearson's blog on the topic

December 6, 2009

Letter to the Toronto Star sent this evening

I hope this ends this stupid story...

December 6, 2009

December 6... Beautiful event in Thornhill this afternoon for Karen Mock

It was bittersweet... 14 roses dedicated to the memory of the 14 women slain because of hatred and misogyny... at a celebration of a woman who has dedicated her life to human rights, equity and understanding...

December 4, 2009

Liberals denounce funding cuts to KAIROS

Truly shameful... we've received a tsunami of e-mails about this... the Conservatives need to reverse their decision.

December 2, 2009

Conservatives Should Apologize

Here's an article in today's Winnipeg Free Press by Frances Russell about the blatantly offensive Conservative 10%er sent to my riding and the ridings represented by some of my colleagues...

December 2, 2009

New stats show asbestos epidemic in Canada

Here's a press release from the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment about the letter they wrote to the Minister of Health asking her to deal with Canada's growing epidemic of asbestos-related disease...

December 1, 2009

Order Paper Response - Health Human Resources

Here is the response to the question we put on the order paper in October with respect to the Advisory Committee on Health Delivery and Human Resources. Let us know what follow up questions you want us to ask!!

November 30, 2009

Health Critic Virtual Advisory E-Newsletter - Fall Edition

We sent out our e-newsletter today. Have a look and let us know what you think!!

November 30, 2009

Letter to the Editor of the CMAJ

Here's a letter to the editor I wrote to the CMAJ today regarding the appointment of Dr. Bernard Prigent to the Governing Council of the Canadian Institute of Health Research.

November 26, 2009

Michael Ignatieff presents Liberal environment, climate change and clean energy jobs plan

Please click here to read his fantastic speech, the press release and the plan's highlights

November 25, 2009

Blog by Glen Pearson...

Here's a blog post by Glen Pearson with his thoughts about the lack of action on child poverty in Canada...it's a must read!!

November 24, 2009

The Isotopes Shortage: Still affecting Canadian Patients and their health care providers

We learned at the health committee yesterday that enrolment of students in nuclear medicine sciences is down. Layoffs of technologists have been witnessed. Nuclear scientists are contemplating moving out of the country....

November 23, 2009

Open Letter to Prime Minister Harper on Israel

Please click here to read an open letter to the Prime Minister regarding the disgusting 10%ers they targeted to our riding and others....

November 23, 2009

Order Paper Response: NRU

At the beginning of the fall session, we placed a question on the order paper asking about contingency measures to run the NRU at Chalk River past its license expirations in 2011 and 2016. We got our response today...it is certainly lacking

November 23, 2009

Just the facts: Chalk River reactor closure chronology

During testimony today by medical experts on the health implications of the medical isotopes shortage at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Liberals released the following timeline of Conservative nuclear mismanagement:

November 21, 2009

Don't make Israel's defence a partisan issue

Here is an important and pertinent op-ed written by Ariela Cotler and published in today's National Post

November 19, 2009

New low in Conservative tax paid propaganda... fighting anti-Semitism must not become a partisan is

Click here to read the Globe and Mail article... my constituents are expressing their outrage...

November 18, 2009

What health care workers, patients and experts are saying about the medical isotope shortage

Please click here to watch the video. We will find out more when we have the nuclear medicine physicians before the Health Committee next Monday...

November 16, 2009

Liberals call for Conservatives to fix their H1N1 response

OTTAWA - Liberals stepped up their call for a stronger H1N1 response as the Conservative government keeps falling short of public expectations by revising timelines again and making Canadians wait into 2010 to be vaccinated...

November 15, 2009

MSN Messenger... not letting me in tonight...

Will try again... getting very tired of the little bursting bubbles around the 'Signing In ...'

November 14, 2009

What a treat - literally... The Youth Food Council at the Royal Winter Fair

Was thrilled to get to go and see them at the Journey to Good Health Stage at the The Royal !!!!!

November 14, 2009

Elaine Ling... classmate 7T4 meds... and photographer extraordinaire...

Mongolia: Land of the Deer Stone ... a truly beautiful book and book launch at the AGO this afternoon... it was such a wonderful experience - so many knowledgeable people together at the Bookstore at the AGO... celebrating Elaine.

November 14, 2009

Hellenic Home Gala tonight

Terrific event... as always... the Hellenic Home on Winona remains a model of the continuity of care that inspires us all... from independent living to assisted living to nursing home care... it is a jewel !!!!

November 13, 2009

Rose of Sharon... Huge success story for the Korean Community

We are almost there... the dream realized... a mixed use building at Maplewood... 60 Nursing Home beds, Life Lease units and retail space on the street...

November 12, 2009

Schulich School tonight on leadership

An honour to be asked to Bryan Hayday's MBA class to talk about leadership....

November 11, 2009

Remembrance Day Message

Please click here to watch my Remembrance Day message...

November 11, 2009

Toronto Food Business Incubator - what a success

Impressive concept... fantastic track record... honoured to be hosted at the hugely successful Pita Break factory... to learn more about the Toronto Food Business Incubator

November 11, 2009

University of Toronto's International Relations Society tonight at Trinity College U of T

What a treat - except for having to watch the video of my testimony at the Special Senate Committee on Aging !!! Terrific discussion about Canada's ro

November 10, 2009

Conservatives miss H1N1 peak by ignoring evidence

OTTAWA - As Canadians grow increasingly concerned that they won’t be vaccinated until well after the peak of the H1N1 flu, Liberal MPs said poor pandemic planning by the Conservatives has put public health at risk.

November 9, 2009

TPS links launch at 13 Division... Community Automated Notification System

Truly important launch tonight of TPSlinks click on the TPS icon... and get all the updates you need...

November 9, 2009

Kristallnacht Commemoration Beth Tzedec...

29th Annual Holocaust Education Week... Keynote address by Emory Professor David R. Blumenthal... author of "The Banality of Good and Evil: Moral Lessons from the Shoah"

November 7, 2009

London... H1N1... it`s not about blame... it`s about doing the right thing...

All the Medical Officers of Health across Canada are our heroes... we want to get them the $$$$ to do their job...

November 6, 2009

H1N1 delivery delays show Conservative pandemic plan breakdown

OTTAWA – Despite months of Liberal calls for better federal pandemic support to the provinces, persistent line-ups and closed clinics show how little planning took place, Liberal MPs said today...

November 5, 2009

Dinner for the spectacular Teachers across Canada who teach about our Parliamentary Democracy

was thrilled to be seated next to the wonderful Christine Pignault, a resident of St. Paul`s and teacher at the Toronto French School... who met with me yesterday... en francais !!!!

November 5, 2009

2001 Shire contract of interest re: domestic supply for vaccine production in Canada

I understand that the contract was to ensure a domestic supply for all Canadians but in an emergency situation, the government could purchase some elsewhere as they have done with the 200,000 doses of Australian non-adjuvanted vaccine.

November 5, 2009

My Reply to Andrew Coyne of Macleans

Notes on a non-crisis

Andrew Coyne's blog, November 4th, 2009

November 4, 2009

Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan - February 2004

The Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan maps out how Canada will prepare for and respond to a pandemic influenza outbreak...

November 4, 2009

Opposition Motion on Health - H1N1 pandemic

The role of the federal government is to prepare Canadians, to lead Canadians and to inform Canadians... the government has failed in its duties and thereby failed Canadians. Our motion is an attempt to rectify this situation.

November 3, 2009

What was said at the emergency debate...

Here is the hansard of my remarks at the Emergency Debate which I requested about the H1N1 pandemic response...

November 3, 2009

H1N1 preparedness: Liberal doctors present timeline of Conservative H1N1 incompetence

OTTAWA - Liberal MPs today recounted the Conservative government’s timeline of failure for preparing for H1N1 when compared to other countries...

November 2, 2009

My letter requesting an Emergency Debate on H1N1

You will find here a copy of a letter for an Emergency Debate request regarding the need of an urgent consideration of the supply of H1N1 vaccines and today's Question Period Transcript of Carolyn intervention in the House...

November 2, 2009

Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy... a national treasure

What a treat today... on the panel on democratic reform... a joy to be with Ed Broadbent... challenging but important to hear the comments of BQ depute Laframbroise... embarrassing to hear Stephen Fletcher...the MINISTER for DEMOCRATIC REFORM

November 1, 2009

Politics and Public Health ,,,, thoughts

on the flight home this afternoon.... I tried to explain the differnce between political and partisan in the fight for doing the right thing on H1N1...

November 1, 2009

tonight the MSN chat is at 8 !!!!!

JOIN US at carolynbennettmp@hotmail.com ....

October 31, 2009

Trainspotting: Promoting economic stimulus over H1N1 information

The Conservative Government derailing the health of Canadians on the Canada Line trains in Vancouver, B.C. Tories spend 5 times more on ads than H1N1 prevention

October 30, 2009

Cold or H1N1 - Know the Difference!!

The front-line workers have been doing a terrific job with such limited resources... the lineups are so long also because when people get to the front of the line they have so many questions ...

October 29, 2009

The Hon. Dr. Carolyn Bennett - Recipient of the 2009 W. Victor Johnston Award

With an invitation to present the W. Victor Johnston Oration at the CFPC’s Convocation Ceremony.

October 28, 2009

Liberal doctors prescribe measures for H1N1 pandemic

Please click here to view the exchange in question period between myself and the Minister of Health...

October 28, 2009

H1N1 Is Not Funny

Click here to watch a clip from yesterday's QP. I tried to ask the Minister a very serious question to clarify concerns that many pregnant women have been asking us....

October 27, 2009

Liberal Leader encourages Canadians to get the H1N1 flu shot when available

OTTAWA – Liberals Leader Michael Ignatieff urged Canadians to take the H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available, as Liberal MPs called on the federal government to take decisive action to treat and contain the H1N1 flu pandemic.

October 26, 2009

Statement in the House of Commons

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, October 15 marked Global Handwashing Day. The WHO and other health organizations worldwide are encouraging people to wash their hands to avoid and prevent the spread of H1N1 disease.

October 26, 2009

Fantastic Website...Check It Out!!

Click here!!! When Stephen Harper was caught on video referring to women dismissively as a "left-wing fringe group," it sparked outrage among Canadian women of all political persuasions...

October 22, 2009

Ongoing Theme...Politics Trumps People

Click here to see the editorial cartoon from today's Toronto Star

October 22, 2009

C2D2 Conference.... one of my favourite organizations comes to St. Paul's and Toronto

Toronto Housing in co-hosting the bienniel meeting on citizens and dialogue and deliberation....Clickhere for the podcast of my comments.

October 21, 2009

H1N1 confusion remains even as vaccine is only days away

OTTAWA - With the rollout of the H1N1 vaccine possibly days away, Canadians are still seeking answers about what they should do when they should have been fully informed months ago, Liberal MPs said today...

October 21, 2009

John Russell Telford Bennett ("Jack")

Printed with photo in the Toronto Star today.

October 21, 2009

Obituary for John Russell Telford Bennett ("Jack")

Printed in the Globe and Mail today.

October 19, 2009

Sad day for our family... my Dad died suddenly this am

He broke his hip on Saturday afternoon... was admitted to Sunnybrook awaiting his surgery... when his heart stopped... we will miss him terribly... born John Russell Telford Bennett January 10th, 1918

October 16, 2009

H1N1 update: Liberals back Atlantic mayors, condemn delay in vaccine for vulnerable Canadians

OTTAWA – With the news of a delay in the delivery of vaccines for vulnerable Canadians and public criticism from Atlantic mayors, it’s clearer than ever that the Harper government’s incompetent handling of the H1N1 pandemic is putting lives at risk.

October 15, 2009

Stephen Harper confuses Canadians in scramble to prepare for H1N1

OTTAWA - The Prime Minister’s comments that he will personally take the H1N1 vaccine “if it’s generally recommended” is only adding to the general confusion and demonstrates his lack of leadership on pandemic preparedness,...

October 14, 2009

Glen Cedar Park... terrific opening... honoured to be there...

Huge congratulations to Fundraising Committee Co-Chairs Lee Grunberg and Jodi Mandel and Councillor Joe Mihevc... you have transformed a little corner of St. Paul's into a jewel...

October 13, 2009

H1N1 Preparedness Guide - FINALLY !!!!

Still much to do... was disappointed with so much still to do that the Conservatives refused to send anyone to the 5pm CBC panel on H1N1... so that the panel had to be cancelled...

October 13, 2009

Meeting with the Ethiopian Community tonight. Huge concerns... family unification not happening.

Tigist Zemene... inspirational... and as always the truly wonderful Albert Wiggan !!!

October 12, 2009

"BlackBerry Capital"

Here's a follow up article from the Ottawa Citizen about Blackberry use....or addiction!!

October 12, 2009

Mission accomplished... Turkey dinner AND the Christmas card photo taken !!!!

PHEW... the rain, sleet and snow stopped long enough for us to take our Christmas card photo... the wonderful Dr. Moreau came across the road to take it for us... Peter and my Dad, Jack and Ben and of course, Marley...

October 9, 2009

Statement in the House of Commons for Mental Health Awareness Week

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to Canadian Mental Illness Awareness Week. Canadians living with mental illness have been cast aside for too long, and too few sufferers dare ask for the help they need.

October 8, 2009

Harper Conservatives are failing the public on H1N1 flu

The Prime Minister was totally wrong in QP today...he said the immediate priority is seasonal flu vaccinations...does he not know that the priority is the H1N1 vaccine? Canadians are five times more likely to get H1N1 than regular flu...

October 6, 2009

'Invisible' sodium think tank under fire

Canada's sodium-reduction task force has failed to fulfill its mandate on an urgent public-health issue and has such a low profile it's "invisible" to the public and policy-makers...

October 6, 2009

Minister of Health just lied...appalling

Minister of Health just lied saying no pandemic plan was developed until 2006 BUT on page 7 of the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan it states: "Canada has had a pandemic influenza plan since 1988"...

October 6, 2009

Wonderful Letter of Support

Received a wonderful e-mail from Dr. Harold Kalant, Professor Emeritus of Pharmacology at U of T. His letter to the New York Review of Books was outstanding ... And a terrific resource for the future ...

October 4, 2009

The buzz on Parliament Hill is often atwitter these days - Ottawa Citizen

Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett stands in the foyer of the House of Commons waiting for the next message via Twitter to appear on her BlackBerry.

October 2, 2009

Breakfast with the Chiefs on H1N1... Ontario Agency for Health Promotion and Protection

Terrifc presentations...hoping to clear up the 'epidemic of confusion'... Yesterday JAMA published Mark Loeb's study from McMaster proving that surgical masks offer equivalent protection to N95 masks for H1N1... I hope we can all agree on guidelines.

October 1, 2009

CTV this afternoon... interview about Senator Corker's comments - Canada parasitic !!!

Click here

October 1, 2009

Does Prime Minister Harper think Canada is “parasitic”?

OTTAWA – Stephen Harper and his government would not defend Canada against attacks from US Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) in Question Period today.

October 1, 2009

Dr. Carolyn Bennett sets the record straight for the U.S. Senate - Canada's World

I was fortunate enough to hear Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett speak on health care and social infrastructure at a town hall forum here in Milton last week.

October 1, 2009

Senator Corker (R Tennessee) called Canada and France's relationship with US 'parasitic'

Oh my... Not very neighbourly... "Achieving Health Reform's Ultimate Goal: How Successful Health Systems Keep Costs Low and Quality High" webcast at 71:40

September 30, 2009

Live from Washington... the US Special Senate Committee on Aging

It is truly thrilling to be here defending our Canadian system... I have been asked to focus on the issues of cost and quality.

September 29, 2009

Dr. Bennett goes to Washington !!!!!

I am honoured to have been asked to go to Washington to testify at the Senate Committee on Aging to talk about our Canadian Health Care System. The Committee hearing will be streamed live from 11-1 pm tomorrow here.

September 26, 2009

Native Women's Association of Canada Annual General Assembly Gala

Wonderful evening as Bev Jacobs steps down as President of NWAC... Native Women in Canada could not have had a better representative in these difficult times...

September 26, 2009

Federation of Medical Women of Canada AGM - AND the amazing Janice Stein

Always exciting to be with this amazing group of women leaders... my heroes like May Cohen... mentors younger than I am... like recently retired Col. Dr. Karen Breeck.. and the award winners today...

September 25, 2009

Pandemic Planning Meeting at the Ontario College of Family Physicians...

Terrific meeting with all those who will need to be on the same page for H1N1 this Fall... worrying that Family doctors still seem to be burdened with flu shot clinics... and Tamiflu not covered... Ontario recomending N95 masks... others not... oh dear...

September 24, 2009

Preparing for Senate Appearance....

Came across this very funny - poignant video...hope you enjoy it!!!

September 24, 2009

An Evening with Ralph Nader... in support of the Health Studies Program University College

Great to see Shirley Douglas too... totally inspiring... great to chat about my appearance before the Senate Committee on Aging next week with both of them !!! and Linda McQuaig too !!!

September 24, 2009

Ontario's Flu Shot Rollout for Seasonal and H1N1 Vaccines

The recent studies have meant a significant shift in the plan... most of us are going to have to get our H1N1 shot BEFORE we can get our seasonal flu shot... even though their availability is seasonal then H1N1...

September 23, 2009

Conservatives’ H1N1 vaccine order delay risks Canadian lives

Amid reports that Vancouver schools are closing with as many as one third of the school children coming down with what could be the H1N1 flu, Liberal MPs expressed concern...

September 23, 2009

Statement from Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on Ahmadinejad's speeech at the UN

I 100% agree with his remarks condemning Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech at the United Nations today.

September 22, 2009

The Globe and Mail Editorial is Right!! The ads aren't good enough...

Today's Globe and Mail had an excellent editorial comparing Canada's H1N1 advertisements to our international partners....

September 22, 2009

St. Paul's Corn Roast tonight to celebrate the first day of Autumn

A extra celebration this year replacing our Annual Canada Day Picnic we had to cancel because of the garbage strike. Great to have Dr. Eric Hoskins there to celebrate his first official event as our M.P.P., Joe Mihevc was there - wonderful as always.

September 22, 2009

Common European Framework for French in St. Paul's

Discussion with Sindy Preger representative for 'St Paul's West Parents for French' association regarding access to French Immersion education in St. Paul's

September 22, 2009

Linda McQuaig... tremendous... exactly what we need to contribute to the debate...

Phew....Linda McQuaig has just helped write my 5 minutes live at the Senate Committee on Aging next Wednesday. Click here for her op-ed.

September 21, 2009

Canada Wins When Canada Leads

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff today shared his and the Liberal Party's economic vision today. Click here to read the full speech.

September 20, 2009

69th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain

Our family celebrates Peter's father... Peter St. George O'Brian... a decorated Spitfire pilot commemorated on Battle of Britain London Monument on the river Thames.

September 20, 2009

Tory ads... self interest instead of Public Interest.... Canadian Press

CONS spend 5x promoting themselves than communicating to Canadians how to prepare for H1N1.

September 19, 2009

Preparing for Washington hearing on Sept 30th... Anthony Weiner on Morning Joe....very interesting

Congressman Weiner asks Joe Scarborough... what is the 'value' of insurance companies in health care... 30% of costs... what is the value for it when Medicare is run at 4% ???

September 18, 2009

Happy New Year to our Jewish friends

Click here for the Jewish New Year message from Michael Ignatieff.

September 18, 2009

Minister Aglukkaq still refuses to apologize to aboriginal communities

It is just not good enough... Health Canada has apologized for the shipment of body bags, but the Minister herself needs to accept the responsibility and apologize herself. Ministerial accountability means that the Minister is responsible.

September 18, 2009

Top 10 reasons why the Liberals no longer have confidence in this government

Click here for the top 10 reasons the Liberals no longer have confidence in this government...

September 17, 2009

Fantastic win for Dr. Eric Hoskins MPP St. Paul's

What an exciting prospect... A wonderful partner for 'bottom-up' democracy between elections for St. Paul's. If you haven't met him yet please drop by our corn roast at Well's Hill Park on Tuesday 5-7...

September 17, 2009

First autumn H1N1 outbreak hits – and Harper government is not prepared

OTTAWA - The first pandemic outbreak in Canada’s H1N1 fall flu season has struck Vancouver Island – and the Harper government is still not ready to confront it, Liberal Health Critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett and Vancouver South MP Ujjal Dosanjh said today.

September 16, 2009

Harper’s H1N1 preparedness plan? Buy body bags

OTTAWA – After months of ignoring pleas from Canadians to help them deal with the H1N1 flu virus, the Harper Conservatives have finally responded – by sending body bags to the First Nations communities on the front lines of the illness...

September 16, 2009

Chiefs furious after Ottawa sends dozens of body bags to flu-stricken reserves

WINNIPEG — Aboriginal leaders in Manitoba say they are horrified and want an explanation as to why some of the reserves hardest hit by swine flu in the spring have just received dozens of body bags from Health Canada.

September 14, 2009

Order Paper Response: Natural Health Products Directorate

Earlier this year we worked with the Canadian Health Food Association to place a question on the order paper about the Natural Health Products Directorate....we got our response today

September 14, 2009

Great Meeting today with Dr. Eldon Smith

Dr. Smith is the Chair of the Steering Committee for the Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan. The strategy is so impressive....brought together 29 thought leaders and and experts in heart and vascular health and disease

September 13, 2009

AIDS Walk for Life... still such a need...

Troubling statistics... most high school students think that there is a cure for AIDS.... we need to redouble our efforts for awarenesss, prevention, Rx and research... Great to be there today with Bob Rae, George Smitherman, Margaret Best and Kyle Rae.

September 12, 2009

Renee Hetherington has won the Liberal nomination in Saanich-Gulf Islands

Check out her website. She is a respected award winning climate change scientist... I do believe that Elizabeth May should choose a different riding --- doing the right thing for the PLANET !!!

September 11, 2009

Feds to follow listeriosis advice - CBC

This is very good news... I am very relieved that the government has taken Ms. Weatherhill's recommendations seriously. Her report was very hard-hitting...

September 11, 2009

Harper fails to protect Canadians’ health

Stephen Harper’s Reform-Conservative government has left Canadians vulnerable to the H1N1 pandemic this fall, said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff today.

September 11, 2009

Minister Aglukkaq's Response to our Letters

Her letter raises more questions than were answered...

September 10, 2009

Terrific Article by Michael Pollan

I was sent this article after my presentation in St. Gallen....originally published in the New York Times....so important to see the connection between agricultural policy and HEALTH....it's all about breaking down silos!!

September 10, 2009

Good briefing yesterday by the Minister and PHAC

Would have been nice to have this information six months ago, but better late than never!! You can also learn more by visiting www.fightflu.ca or calling the Public Health Agency of Canada’s hotline at 1-800-454-8302.

September 9, 2009

Obama impressive tonight.....

Click here for the full speech I am honoured to have been asked to testify at the U.S. Special Senate Commitee on Aging.... to defend our cherished Canadian system...look forward to your advice...

September 7, 2009

Labour Day.....always worth remembering the gains that have been made

.....almost 100 years ago a fire in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory killed 146 women garment workers because the door was bolted shut..... the fight for proper working conditions and fairness goes on.... today we celebrate some of the progress....

September 7, 2009

Amazon.ca... recommending that you read Michael Ignatieff !!!

Was thrilled to get this recommendation from Amazon today !!!!!! I have read most of them !!!!! Hopefully the ads will help Canadians get to know him better too !!!!!!

September 5, 2009

Fantastic closing to the Conference...

Ilona Kickbusch gave her usual tour de force summary of the conference.... Ageing, Poverty and Justice... emerged as the key issues...

September 4, 2009

Pregnant women will now have a choice .... vaccine without adjuvant

excellent article today by Helen Branswell on the decision of the government to buy some vaccine from GSK without the adjuvant.... expressly for pregnant women ... to help encourage them to get vaccinated.....

September 4, 2009

Honoured to be asked to present at the World Ageing & Demographic Congress

This morning the panel on Spotlights on Rights... this evening was the speaker at the Speakers' Dinner... on Political Will as a Determinant of Health... and how we can harness the Grey Power to increase Political Will...

September 3, 2009

Conservative fear-mongering about home renovation tax credit

ISSUE: The Harper government is playing politics with the home renovation tax credit by falsely telling Canadians that a fall election would kill the budgetary measure.

September 3, 2009

Combating Misinformation on H1N1

Over the past few days I have become concerned about the amount of misinformation surrounding H1N1, especially in light of the CBC documentary last night.

September 3, 2009

Reality Check: Separating Conservative spin from economic fact

Today in Niagara Falls, Stephen Harper claimed that "Canada's economy has been significantly better than elsewhere."

September 2, 2009

Conservative mishandling of H1N1 response risks Canadians' health

The Canadian Medical Association Journal has confirmed what Liberals have been saying from the start of the H1N1 outbreak - the Harper government is failing to properly protect the health and safety of Canadians, Liberal MPs said today.

September 1, 2009

Parliamentary Report from Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP

Please click here to read a copy of my Fall 2009 householder.

September 1, 2009

The Liberal Party of Canada cannot support this government any further

Michael Ignatieff gave a great speech in Sudbury today!! Click here to read it!!

August 28, 2009

Harper Government's 'Stay-the-Course' Approach to H1N1 Not Good Enough

OTTAWA - Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq's strategy of "staying the course" on H1N1 preparedness flies in the face of serious concerns that exist about the rapid spread of the flu virus as children head back to school, Liberal MPs said today.

August 26, 2009

Secretive Conservatives Attempt Listeriosis Outbreak Cover-up

OTTAWA - The Harper Conservatives are playing divisive political games by voting to silence listeriosis outbreak investigator Dr. Sheila Weatherill in an attempt to maintain the veil of secrecy...

August 26, 2009

Equal Voice: Experiences Program - Advancing Young Women in Democratic Life

Check out who’s making a difference in these inspirational videos!

August 24, 2009

Tonight at 8 --- Live TOWN HALL on H1N1

Kirsty Duncan and I are doing a LIVE TOWN HALL tonight on En Famille... to hear the concerns from Liberal Party members on how prepared they are feeling for the autumn... we will do another one for everyone using Elluminate...Thursday at 11 AM.

August 24, 2009

I Wish I Had More Time to Read Blogs...

This blog made me laugh... the rebuttal is so important...

August 23, 2009

Eric Hoskins' Launch Today... Then the Bus to the Cottage...

George Smitherman and Eric were truly inspirational... we are so lucky to have these amazing people in public life... terrific turnout at the launch...click here to find out more...

August 22, 2009

Bob Ramsay's 60th Birthday... We All Sang at Roy Thompson Hall !!!!!! Happy Birthday to You !!

I first met Bob Ramsay in 1960 at the Juniors Florists party at the FTD Convention in Detroit... his parents were Ramsay Florist in Edmonton... my sister Jill and I ... Eunice Denby Flowers in Toronto....

August 22, 2009

The Barns This Morning With Eric Hoskins... Tomorrow the Campaign Launch... noon... 556 St.Clair

What a treat... to be at the Barns this a.m. and being able to introduce this amazing Canadian to the extraordinary Canadians that make St. Paul's the best riding in the country !!!

August 21, 2009

Harper Government Playing Political Games With Cancer Patient Care

OTTAWA - In the face of growing criticism over the Harper government's mishandling of the medical isotope shortage and cancer testing crisis, the Harper Conservatives are preventing leading nuclear and medical experts from testifying at today's committee

August 21, 2009

CON GAMES - Part 2

We have all come to Ottawa to discuss the isotope crisis... we thought it was about patients... but today Committee Chair Leon Benoit tried to block any questions related to HEALTH... including my questions to David Caplan the Ont. HEALTH minister. Grrrr.

August 20, 2009

CON GAMES... Formerly Known as Parliamentary Committees

Here we go again, the Conservatives have used their book of tricks to block the nuclear doctors from testifying at Natural Resources Committee tomorrow.

August 19, 2009

CMA Council passes strong resolutions on Isotopes and H1N1 preparedness

Here are the resolutions as tabled ... There were some friendly amendments that we will post when we get them !!

August 18, 2009

Canada's Doctors Echo H1N1 Concerns

OTTAWA - Given the Conservative government's poor track record in managing health crises, Liberal MPs continue to express their concerns that Canada isn't prepared for a second wave of H1N1 flu.

August 17, 2009

CMA Survey Shows How Tough Economic Times Are Linked to Health

Click here for the full story...

August 16, 2009

CMA Meeting Opens Tonight in Saskatoon

Unfortunately with the time change will have to postpone the MSN chat til next Sunday at 9...

August 15, 2009

Health Critic Virtual Advisory Group E-Newsletter - It Was Sent Out 2 Weeks Ago... Forgot to Post !

My update on Chalk River/Isotopes, H1N1, BILL C-6: An Act respecting the safety of consumer products (Canada Consumer Product Safety Act), BILL C-32: An Act to amend the Tobacco Act, Food Safety, Towards a Comprehensive Food Policy for Canada and more!

August 15, 2009

A Rorschach Test on Women's Lib - The Star

The facts about Justice Douglas Cunningham's decision regarding the testimony of MPP Lisa MacLeod are still being debated even amongst feminists ...

August 13, 2009

Harper Government Must Compensate Provinces For Isotope Shortages

OTTAWA - Instead of blaming Atomic Energy Canada for his own government's inability to resolve the isotope shortage, Prime Minister Harper must compensate provincial governments for the increased costs they will continue to face to provide cancer tests.

August 13, 2009

H1N1: Aglukkaq Exits Before Taking Main Questions

MPs furious after Tory leaves early...

August 12, 2009

Liberals Still Looking For H1N1 Answers

OTTAWA - Liberal MPs today continued to press the federal government for a coordinated, comprehensive national response to the threat of a H1N1 flu pandemic.

August 12, 2009

Pandemic Preparations: CTV News Channel: Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Liberal Health Critic

The Liberals are looking to find out what lessons were learned from the first round of swine flu in the spring based on what was done and what wasn't done.

August 11, 2009

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN AND CHALLENGES TO FOOD AND PRODUCT SAFETY>>>>

Honoured to be added to the panel today on this important topic... with knowledgeable people from both sides of the border chaired by The Honorable William J. Hughes - former Congressman and former Amabassador of Panama.

August 10, 2009

Cedarvale Community School rated among Ontario`s best...

Great to get this new from Trustee Josh Matlow...... Congrats to all involved !!! Principal Martin Hunt, the teachers, the parents and the students .... Terrific job !!! `Community` is well placed in the name of your school !!!

August 9, 2009

Preparing for the TransAmerica Conference Panel on Health Care This Week in Ottawa

Honoured to have been asked to be on a panel with Roy Romanow and CMA President as well as 2 congressmen... was looking for an article in the New York Times Magazine that people have mentioned - think I found it !!!! let me know of any more ammunition !!!

August 7, 2009

Time to Recall the Health Committee on H1N1

Today the Clerk of the Committee received letters from the 3 Liberal members of the Health Commitee and the NDP asking that the Committee be recalled next week to ascertain the state of preparedness and the quality of the response to date.

August 6, 2009

Once Again, an Eloquent Analysis From André Picard...

We could learn a few things from the U.S. The debate about health-care reform is really heating up south of the border...

August 6, 2009

Very Moving Ceremony for Brian Innes... He Died Far Too Young

What a terrible loss... this wonderful man... proud farmer, rural health expert, professor.... his sister Christine Innes gave a wonderful eulogy... and Rx'd that we all go home and have a wee dram of whiskey in his memory... Slainthe !!!

August 4, 2009

The Globe and Mail Editorials on Vaccines and Isotopes

Two important issues the Government has been slow to respond to.

August 4, 2009

Twittering... Tweets... I love it !!!!!

Nikisha Reyes-Grange has been a great coach !!! In July she taught me to SEARCH on Twitter for the issues I care about... so I searched 'H1N1' and found out that a unit of the Children`s Hospital in Edmonton had been closed...

August 4, 2009

Bob Rae: Thinking About Health Care

Terrific piece by Bob Rae on Health Care and the U.S. fight against Canadian-style health care...

August 3, 2009

Simcoe Day in Simcoe County... Again... a Fantastic Tradition !!!

We are thrilled to be here at our beloved Georgian Bay... once again reminded of the history of Ontario... Tiny Township was named after one of Lady Simcoe`s dogs - Tiny... the other townships Flos and Tay were the names of her other 2 dogs !

August 2, 2009

MSN Chat This Weekend Monday at 9 !!!!!!

Look forward to it !!!!

August 1, 2009

H1N1... Relieved to See That the Public Education Campaign has Started...

The ads in the Community newspapers are a good start... Fight Flu... the test must be... does every Canadian feel confident that they will know what to do this Fall when Phase 2 of the pandemic hits...

July 31, 2009

Community Health Centres... We Do Love Them !!!

Was great to join Michael Ignatieff and Minister Aileen Carroll today at the Barrie Community Health Centre.

July 30, 2009

The Source - Isotopes... Letter to Editor

Published in the August / September 2009 The Source - Health & Wellness Journal.

July 28, 2009

2 More Interesting Commentaries as the U.S. Health Debate Heats Up...

From The Globe and Mail and Washington Post...

July 28, 2009

Every Canadian Should Know How to Swim...

Some say the 3S`s... swimming, skiing and skating should be as important as the 3R`s... reading, writing and arithmetic...... for me SWIMMING for sure......

July 27, 2009

Diana Krall on The Hour... Inspiring......

Brilliant natural talent... treasure...

July 26, 2009

Our Home and Native Land......

A couple of years ago, I was reminded that Vaughan Road is an ancient portage route used by the First Nations . So today I Googled `Vaughan Road portage` and ended up at the TTC Map of the Wychwood area.

July 24, 2009

CHML AM 905 Morning News: Bob Bratina show... on the U.S. Attack on the Canadian Health Care System

What a great opportunity to talk to the people of Hamilton who are really upset about the attack ads... Bob felt that this may well be a good thing as Americans begin to understand the need for health insurance as step # 1......

July 23, 2009

Dr. Lynn McIntyre... a Canadian Hero...

What a treat to have breakfast with this public health champion... previously a star at Dalhousie... now the University of Calgary has recruited this fearless academic... from hungry children to Aborginal people's health to Africa.

July 22, 2009

Stolen Sisters... Missing Aboriginal Women in Canada... Bev Jacobs and the Native Women's Assoc.

A horror story - hundreds, probably thousands of Aboriginal women missing... This morning MP's Anita Neville and Todd Russell convened a breakfast with Kirsty Duncan and Tina Keeper and I... to hear first hand from those working on the front lines.

July 21, 2009

H1N1 in Aboriginal Communities...

Today we hosted a roundtable on H1N1 preparedness... Elder Courchene's words were truly moving... he knows how it feels to 'lose a litte one'... he stated that there is no place for jurisdictional wrangling when people's lives are at stake.

July 21, 2009

Incompetence and Political Interference by Harper Government Mar Listeriosis Report

OTTAWA - Today's listeriosis report from investigator Sheila Weatherill confirms the Harper government's incompetence and partisanship makes them incapable of properly protecting Canadians' health and safety, Liberal MPs said today...

July 20, 2009

It Seems That This Government Can`t Even Release a Press Release From an Independent Investigator`

The report on the Listeriosis Investigation was delivered to the Minister of Agriculture today (we still don`t know why this isn`t a HEALTH issue) and we understand that it confirms our suspicions that there was indeed political interference last summer.

July 20, 2009

Garden River Community Prepares for Pandemic - Without Help From Harper Government

OTTAWA - The Garden River First Nations community is a model for pandemic preparedness - even in the absence of assistance or leadership from the Harper Conservative government, Liberal MPs said today...

July 20, 2009

Dinner With my Sister and Brother-in-Law and Niece... in Calgary...

Peter and I were thrilled to hear about Jill`s work at the National Park interpretation centre at Rocky Mountain House, Jeff`s exciting new challenge with addicted youth... and the programme to take them onto the land...

July 20, 2009

Liberals Call for Immediate Release of Full Weatherill Report into Listeriosis Crisis

OTTAWA - Liberals called on the Harper government to immediately release to the public the full, unedited report on the listeriosis crisis that author Sheila Weatherill is due to deliver to Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz today...

July 19, 2009

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Meeting Today... Honoured to be Asked to Speak

What a treat to hear Flora McDonald speak about her work with women and girls in Afghanistan, and then Tracey-Lee Eddy speak about the EqualVoice Experiences program. ,

July 18, 2009

Garden River... a Model... for Pandemic Preparedness...

I was so impressed yesterday...Garden River.

July 17, 2009

Harper's Decision to Leave Isotope Business Hurting Canada

OTTAWA - The month-long shutdown of Holland's medical isotope reactor that begins Saturday will worsen the Conservative healthcare crisis and makes clear that Stephen Harper's decision to pull Canada out of the nuclear medicine business...

July 17, 2009

Garden River... They Said I'd be Impressed... I was ... Chief Lyle Sayers Should be Very Proud.

Click here to read the article from the Sault Star about my visit... Garden River is a model for pandemic preparedness... I was so impressed.

July 16, 2009

Open Letter to Minister Aglukkaq Re: H1N1

Dear Minister Aglukkaq:

I am writing on behalf of the Liberal caucus to express my growing concern over your silence on the federal government’s preparedness for the spread of the H1N1...

July 14, 2009

International Circumpolar Congress on Health Research in Yellowknife

Truly wonderful... I was such a fan of IPY: International Polar Year... and the IPY initiative for Health Research... thrilled to be here today in Yellowknife... to make sure the momentum continues...

July 13, 2009

Harper Impatient to Resume His Assault on Government

Here's an article by my friend Armine Yalnizyan, a senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

July 9, 2009

Robert LePage encore une fois... Fantastique

Ce soir je suis alléé regarder Moulin a Images... projeté sur les silos de BUNGEE... L`histoire de Québec en 45 minutes !! des millions d`images et des sons. Absolument merveilleux...

July 8, 2009

Prolonged Cancer Testing Crisis Puts the Lives of More Canadians at Risk

OTTAWA - The Harper government's admission that their cancer testing crisis will last until at least the end of 2009 has Liberal MPs demanding actions that put the health of Canadians first...

July 8, 2009

Liberals Urge Harper Government to End Discriminatory Tourism Policy

OTTAWA - In the wake of Conservative MP Brad Trost's revelation that the Prime Minister's Office has reprimanded Minister Diane Ablonczy for awarding tourism funding to the Toronto Pride Festival, Liberal MPs are calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper..

July 8, 2009

`J`ai tuer ma mere` - le film presenté a Cannes - a gagné 3 prix

Between conference calls on isotopes and H1N1 and responding to the media calls be the PRIDE funding... mon cours d`immersion m`a amenéé au film Québecois celebré......

July 7, 2009

Securing the Public Health Realm: Re-envisioning Canada's Role in the New Century

Here's an article by Kumanan Wilson from this month's issue of 'Policy Options'...

July 7, 2009

Stephen Harper Demotes Minister for Helping Toronto PRIDE

And a colleague is triumphant... looks like the Conservatives are desperate to appeal to their anti-gay base... but the Prime Minister won`t explain his decision... rumours are that her Chief of Staff`s head will roll too...even though PMO had approved.

July 7, 2009

Health Committee Needs to be Recalled...

We cannot wait until September...

July 6, 2009

Isotopes... Problems HUGE This Week...

Today`s media release from the Minister of Health is somewhat misleading... Iodine 131 is used in a very small percentage of cases requiring isotopes... the alternative supply was supposed to be secure....

July 5, 2009

HAYS Stampede Breakfast This am in Calgary at the Fabulous Heritage Park.

Was delighted that Jason Kenney approved of my 'western' duds !!! I think it would be great if every Canadian to come to Calgary during Stampede week... It so great... the only people who look out of place are those NOT in Western dress !!!!

July 4, 2009

Saturday in Calgary During Stampede...

Stampede breakfast - terrific speech by Michael Ignatieff... inspiring policy session with courageous Alberta Liberals, visit to the Indian Village on the Stampede Grounds and then a great meeting with Friends of Medicare.

July 4, 2009

Alberta Bound - Wrong Direction in HEALTH and HEALTH CARE

What an amazing experience... from the Liberals in Medicine Hat to the intervention by the Friends of Medicare in Calgary, it is quite clear that Alberta in going in the wrong direction...

July 2, 2009

Response to Globe and Mail editorial today.... on Parliamentary Budget Officer

the PBO has 2 very different jobs.... one to the public and parliament, the other as a research resource for Parliamentarians and Parlimanetary committees... eg costing a Private Member' Bill before the member decides to table it.

July 2, 2009

Alcohol, Then Tobacco. Now Fast Food?

Here's a great article written by Douglas McMillan from the magazine BusinessWeek... sent by my friend Penny Murray.

July 1, 2009

Great day.... Christie Gardens ... World Class Bakery... Fringe Festival

Even without our picnic... great Canada Day....Started with 'O Canada' at Christie Gardens, then got to give our Canada pins and the World Class Bakery fabulous Canada cookies on St. Clair West... then tonight 'I will not Hatch' at the Fringe....

July 1, 2009

Happy 142nd Birthday Canada...so sorry we won't be able to celebrate in our usual fashion

A very special 'Happy Canada Day' for those for whom this is their first July 1st as a Canadian citizen...... but

June 30, 2009

Canada Day... Our Celebration Postponed......

because of the strike, our permit has been withdrawn for Wells Hill Park... instead come and pick up your Canada pin and a cookie outside the World Class Bakery on St. Clair at Christie... between 1 and 3.

June 29, 2009

Gathering Voices... Very Impressive Remarks by Shawn Atleo This Evening

Click here to see the campaign website for Shawn Atleo one of the candidates for the National Chief of the AFN.

June 29, 2009

LOOT tonight at Soulpepper ..... Joe Orton at his finest !!!!

Was so great to be there tonight with Peter and Ben and Ben's friend Adam. We thoroughly enjoyed the play ...but especially the beers afterwards with the truly wonderful Jonathan Watton...who played Dennis.

June 28, 2009

Happy PRIDE !

I think that PRIDE is my new favourite word..... Rev. Brent Hawkes this morning at the PRIDE service talked about sickness, addictions, desparation..... What was once SHAME is now PRIDE.... not only for our GBLT community....

June 27, 2009

The House on CBC radio this am - H1N1 ---- aboriginal communities

The situation in aboriginal communities is germ warfare.... it is IMPOSSIBLE to have infection control in communities when 80% of the houses have no running water or sewers... or 5 people living in one house...

June 26, 2009

yup .... the hand sanitizer controversy did drive me nuts....

Carol Goar has captured it brilliantly in today's Star...click here for the article.

June 24, 2009

Native Communities hit by H1N1 flu feel abandoned by the Harper Conservatives

Liberal MPs visiting the native reserves hard-hit by the H1N1 flu epidemic condemned the Harper government’s lack of action in helping the community prevent and cope with the outbreak....

June 22, 2009

Allan King tribute today... truly moving for Peter and I ..... we will miss him

'I used to have a fantasy everyone would see my films and be changed for the better. That's why you want to make films.'

June 21, 2009

Salt: Hard to Shake..... excellent articles in Globe and Mail

Click here to read the article....Here's what I sent as a Letter to the Editor...which they published on Monday!!

June 20, 2009

Heavens opened .... boooooo ... silver lining as always...

one my favourite day in St. Paul's.... the Strawberries and Asparagus Festival...ended up at Phil White Arena ...but still a terrific rainy day programme..... congrats to Chris Chopik and the whole team..... then the POW WOW at Wells Hill Park

June 19, 2009

Raising the World's IQ

Had a great meeting this afternoon with Elliot Hughes and Evelyne Guindon from the Micronutrient Initiative...they pointed me to this article by Nicholas Kristof from the New York Times...all Canadians should read about this wonderful initiative!!!

June 19, 2009

Harper Conservatives ignore expert testimony on MAPLE reactors

OTTAWA - The Harper Conservatives' decision to scrap the MAPLE reactors and get out of the isotope business has put the health of Canadians at risk, Liberal MPs said today....

June 18, 2009

Food Safety committee report calls for full public inquiry into listeriosis outbreak

OTTAWA - Liberal Agriculture Critic Wayne Easter and Health Critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett today called for a full public inquiry into last summer's listeriosis crisis, echoing a key recommendation of the Parliamentary Food Safety committee...

June 17, 2009

Question Period today....

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has finally admitted that there is an isotope crisis....

June 15, 2009

Question Period Today...

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, unlike what the Minister of Health stated last week, there are no alternatives for children with cancer. Her own guidelines state that. Children get technetium 99 or nothing....

June 12, 2009

Isotopes.... This is a medical crisis - like SARS or H1N1 .... it needs to be treat as such...

I have recently been asked ....What would you do ... here are my thoughts.....Glad to see MacLeans picked it up!!

June 11, 2009

Question Period Today...

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, today and every week day in Canada three families will sit in their doctors' offices and be told that their child has cancer....

June 9, 2009

Question Period today...

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we heard today from the Canadian Breast Cancer Network that it is appalled by the frivolous attitude and the lack of respect...

June 9, 2009

Cancer victims outraged over Raitt 'sexy' comment

Here's an article by Murray Brewster of the Canadian Press...OTTAWA — Cancer survivors and their supporters say they're astounded Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt would describe the shortage of isotopes used in cancer tests as a "sexy" issue....

June 9, 2009

Just the facts: Lisa Raitt's isotope incompetence and the health crisis

"It's sexy. Radioactive leaks. Cancer."

"When we win on this, we get all the credit... I'm ready to roll this dice on this one. This is an easy one." - Conservative Minister Lisa Raitt, January 30 2009

June 8, 2009

Question Period Today...

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, three weeks later and still the message from the Minister of Health to the provinces and territories is the same: they are on their own and will have to figure out how to get along without isotopes....

June 8, 2009

Health crisis mounts for heart and cancer tests

OTTAWA - With lawyers in court seeking to suppress media reports of alleged cabinet infighting over their incompetent handling of the Chalk River health crisis...

June 6, 2009

D-Day ceremony very moving..... still unbelievable to understand the magnitude of those numbers

so many lives lost and so many injured for life.... but in the cause of freedom .... Canada had never been attacked personally and yet we sent our young men and women to protect the world..... My Dad was in Conn Smythe's 30th Battery..

June 5, 2009

Question Period Today...

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, sadly the Minister of Health has failed Canadians. Her message to the provinces, “You're on your own, figure out how to get along without isotopes”....

June 4, 2009

Question Period Today....

MacLeans thought I did a great job!! You can read the blog post about it here ...

June 4, 2009

John Turner 80th Birthday Tribute Dinner

Was honoured to be included in the 80th birthday party for my Right Honourable constituent John Napier Turner. Lloyd Robertson's introduction was masterful...

June 4, 2009

Obama made me late !!!

I arrived a little late for the Reform Caucus meeting this am...... I started watching Obama's speech to the Muslim world.... and lost all track of time..... It was truly masterful....inspiring...as always...we are running out of words

June 3, 2009

Walk Softly

Here's something sent by my colleague and the MP for the Yukon Larry Bagnell...it was written by Heidi Marion who farmed for 6 years in the Southern Lakes district with her husband, Garret Gillespie...

June 3, 2009

Late Show on Harm Reduction

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Madam Speaker, on March 12, during the meeting of the 52nd session of the committee on narcotics and drugs, I rose in the House and asked the government to deal with the recent World Drug Report, which stated...

June 3, 2009

Question Period today....The PM has a double standard...

Here's the exchange I had today with Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt..... the Minister did the right thing by offering her resignation... she had no choice based upon the Prime Minister's guideline and decision last year dealing with Maxime Bernier.

June 2, 2009

A truly wonderful day.. the twelfth anniversary of my election to Parliament

and would have been my parents 61st wedding anniversary..but we are truly celebrating the wonderful Playblack Award my son Jack won this evening at the Canadian Film Centre for his volunteer work there with their productions....

June 2, 2009

Speech in the House of Commons on Bill C-32, An Act to Amend the Tobacco Act

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to stand today to speak to Bill C-32, An Act to amend the Tobacco Act....

June 2, 2009

Statement in the House of Commons on Mothers and Midwives Campaign

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, this morning, I was honoured to attend Senator Keon's breakfast to address the appalling lack of progress on the fifth millennium development goal: improving maternal health....

May 31, 2009

World No Tobacco Day...... Time for Canada to lead again...

today the WHO has decided to promote the evidence-based Canadian approach started 8 years ago by Minister of Health Allan Rock... putting graphic pictures on the packages really does persuade people to stop smoking.....

May 28, 2009

Conservative mismanagement of Chalk River puts lives at risk...

...5000 Canadians can't get the cancer tests they need each day

May 27, 2009

Speech for Late Show on Food Safety

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, it is in sorrow that I address the House this evening in terms of the lost 22 lives in the listeriosis outbreak of last year and the need for a straightforward public health inquiry into the response.

May 27, 2009

Understanding our democracy

Here is an article written by Adrienne Clarkson regarding our system, and of the functioning of every part of our democracy....Published in the National Post...

May 25, 2009

Make EI work

By Michael Ignatieff :

We're in a recession that is rewriting the rules of our economy....

May 22, 2009

My Conversation with Ilona Kickbusch...

Had a fantastic e-mail exchange today with my friend Ilona Kickbusch in Geneva about the need for a Comprehensive Food Policy for Canada...

May 21, 2009

All a Twitter.....

Please join me @Carolyn_Bennett

May 21, 2009

Another Isotope Crisis.....the conservative government should be truly ashamed...

Here's an editorial from today's Toronto Star...the gov't needed a plan.... Maple 1 and Maple 2 had serious design flaws and the gov't decided that they would not be operationalized.... but they had NO PLAN B ..

May 20, 2009

Goodale at the Economic Club..... fantastic as always....

Here's the speech given by the Hon. Ralph Goodale at the Economic Club of Canada today....

May 20, 2009

Tory Attacks ... Not working ...

The first reaction I had was an email from someone so annoyed with the ads that he wanted to know how to send a cheque to my re-election campaign ...

May 19, 2009

Latest Chalk River shutdown and delayed public notification poses health and safety risk to Canadian

Our press release...you can also read my speech on Chalk River here...

May 17, 2009

MSN CHAT...

this week Monday night !!!!

May 17, 2009

It`s Hard not to Think of The Bay !!!! 30th Years On

Peter and I were thrilled to host our friends on the Georgian Queen today on a true BAY DAY ..... a serious South West wind.... but our 30th Wedding Anniversary as a wonderul excuse to get out onto our beloved Georgian Bay.....

May 16, 2009

Killarney Bound...... our hearts to fail

Peter and his friend James Caverhill have captured our love of the Georgian Bay in their song.......Can`t wait til we can put this up online !!!!

May 15, 2009

Flight path concerns over St. Paul`s....

I met this am with Greg Russell who has been very concerned with the aircraft noise over Davisville and Yonge......it is clear that there are problems.... please let me know about your experiences....

May 14, 2009

Holding the Government to Account...... The Main Estimates are worrying

Noble intentions are not enough..... I was concerned to see that the estimates for the Public Health Agency of Canada show LESS money booked for public health infrastructure and Emergency Response.... ditto $$ for CFIA

May 14, 2009

Harper misleads Canadians on Employment Insurance

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made several misleading statements about EI in the House of Commons yesterday.....

May 12, 2009

Statement in the House of Commons in Recognition of World Hepatitis Day

L'hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Monsieur le Président, dans une semaine à compter de ce jour, le Canada rejoindra des groupes et des nations partout dans le monde pour améliorer la sensibilisation du public sur les hépatites B et C...

May 12, 2009

Online global grocery site helps shoppers understand where food comes from

TORONTO — A new online tool by Washington-based consumer advocacy group Food & Water Watch could capture the interest of Canadians concerned about the safety of imported foods....

May 12, 2009

Health Critic Virtual Advisory E-Newsletter - May Edition

From the moment that the World Health Organization announced that the flu outbreak was of international concern, we have called on the Conservative government to prepare coordinated response....

May 11, 2009

Harper government continues to fail test of independence with regards to listeriosis probe

OTTAWA - Confirmation that listeriosis investigator Sheila Weatherill has hired employees from the very government departments that are at the centre of the probe shows that the Harper government has never been serious...

May 10, 2009

Happy Mother`s Day !!!

I was so pleased to receive a pair of red Wellies ...Hunter .... Appointment to the Queen !!! ....and a wonderful card .... `These boots are made for walking ME` signed Marley !! our wonderful chocolate Lab.....named BEFORE the book and the movie !!

May 9, 2009

Foodie, Barns, Oriole Park School Fair and M&M for Colitis

Today would be a tremendous example of the inspiration that is the life of an MP !!!!

May 8, 2009

Women Build..... Habitat for Humanity..... totally inspirational

I was honoured to be asked to speak this am at the Women Build project for Habitat for Humanity.....great to see Peggy Nash there too and her sisters from the CAW...and honoured to be able to man the caulking gun to glue down the 2nd floor...

May 8, 2009

TRUE PATRIOT LOVE...... wonderful event tonight with Michael Ignatieff for World Literacy

it was exceptional..... sold-out audience for the book launch of True Patriot Love.... I tried to buy one of the 60$ tickets but they were all gone !!!

May 8, 2009

ENGINEERING Better Public Policy

I was honoured to be asked to speak to the Professional Engineers of Ontario on the need for them to become more involved in public policy.... We need the best brains possible to get the best possible public policy.

May 7, 2009

No Access !!! with the coaching of the Canadian Paraplegic Association I spent my day on wheels.

How humbling.... empathy soared..... I joined many of my fellow Parliamentarians in the challenge from the Canadian Paraplegic Association to spend the day in a wheelchair..... and a wheelchair basketball wheelchair to boot....

May 6, 2009

Hooray for Canada !!

Congratulations to Dr. Frank Plummer and his team at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg ...one of the 2 pillars of the Public Health Agency of Canada..... they have sequenced the genes for the H1N1 virus that has caused the pandemic....

May 6, 2009

Statement in the House of Commons in recognition of Women for African Grandmothers Campaign

L'hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, today, the Women for African Grandmothers generously gave each member of Parliament a symbolic friendship pin...

May 6, 2009

Liberals pass resolution to end gay organ donor ban .... we need science NOT discrimination....

EXTRA article written by Dale Smith.....Gay Toronto MP Rob Oliphant wants to see new party policy put into legislation.... Canada has a pathetic record on organ donation.... we can't exclude 10% of the population

May 4, 2009

We need more women in Parliament

Here is an article from Staci Ahonen, Officer of government affairs, Canada Post - Crystal Gillis, Assistant to Liberal MP Rodger Cuzner, - and Ellen Shustik, Atlantic Liberal caucus researcher...

May 4, 2009

Swine flu on rise, MPs washing hands more frequently

The Hill Times : But federal legislators say they're doing little else differently to change their highly-social daily routines, gruelling schedules...

May 2, 2009

James Travers is sooooo right.....I've had enough......but am not prepared to give up.....Down with

For my reflections on the state of our democracy in Canadaclick here

May 1, 2009

H1N1 Flu Virus Information the from Public Health Agency of Canada

Please continue to check my website for updated information... You can visit PHAC's H1N1 Flu Virus website here or call their hotline at 1-800-454-8302

April 30, 2009

As always André Picard invaluable at a time like this ..

His columns in the Globe and Mail answer some of the most important questions ...

April 29, 2009

Speech in the House of Commons on Bill C-6, An Act respecting the safety of consumer products

L'hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Monsieur le Président, je suis heureuse de parler cet après-midi du projet de loi C-6, Loi concernant la sécurité des produits de consommation...

April 29, 2009

Question Period Today

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, today I received a call from a concerned constituent...

April 28, 2009

My meeting with the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada

Had a great meeting today with Dr. Marcia Anderson, the fantastic new President of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada and Kandice Leonard, IPAC's wonderful executive director!!

April 27, 2009

Liberal Food Caucus Tour - Montreal

Unfortunately I was called back to Ottawa to receive and give briefings about the H1N1 Flu Virus, but here's what my colleagues Joyce Murray and Lise Zarac heard at the food caucus stop in Montreal...

April 27, 2009

Order Paper Questions

Here's 4 questions I submitted to the order paper today...I'll share the answers with you when we get a response from the government....this is another way we're holding them to account!!

April 27, 2009

Question period today

Here is my Question to the Minister of Health in the House of Commons today...

April 27, 2009

Liberals call for all-party cooperation in response to potential swine flu outbreak

OTTAWA - Liberal MPs today called for all-party cooperation to coordinate the government's response to the swine flu outbreak...

April 25, 2009

Liberals call on Conservative government to exercise precaution as WHO raises international concern

TORONTO – In response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) announcement that the swine flu outbreak is a “public health emergency of international concern,” Liberal Health Critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett, and Dr. Kirsty Duncan, MP Etobicoke North...

April 25, 2009

CAN CARES..... Terrific opportunity for persons with arthritis to hear directly from the researchers

I was honoured to present today at the Canadian Arthritis Netwrok.... to an organization that has always been in the forefront of patient empowerment...My congratualtions to all the organizers .. was great to see some former patients too !!! They were the

April 25, 2009

Down with the King – H.R.H. Steve.

James Travers observed in last Sunday's column that it has taken 500 years to wrestle power from the King and only 50 years to get the power back in one man's office. I’m not ready to concede defeat....

April 24, 2009

Liberals call on Harper government to end delays in regulating assisted human reproduction

Liberals today called upon the Harper government to stop delaying regulations for protecting Canadians who need medical assistance to form a family...

April 23, 2009

McMurrich Business Day .... Health Committee got in the way !!!

was so sorry to miss it this year..... but happy that Anne Sorrenti from my office was able to go in my place....

April 22, 2009

Statement from Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on International Earth Day

On Earth Day, we renew our commitment to make our water fresher and our air cleaner, and to protect our natural resources and our country's surpassing beauty for our children and grandchildren...

April 22, 2009

Statement in the House of Commons in Recognition of World Malaria Day

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, April 25 is World Malaria Day, a day of unified commemoration of the global effort to provide effective malaria control around the world...

April 17, 2009

Harper government incompetence put lives and health of Canadians at risk

Today's damning report on the response to last year's listeriosis outbreak lays the blame for the slow reaction at the feet of the Harper government...

April 15, 2009

Experts Discuss Food Policy

Here's an article by Rob O'Flanagan from the Guelph Mercury about the Liberal Food Caucus' trip to Guelph...

April 14, 2009

Federal Liberal food caucus hears call for domestic fair trade policy

Here's an article about what we heard on the food caucus tour to PEI last week....

April 12, 2009

Happy Easter....MSN chat tomorrow night !!!!!!

Great to be here at the Georgian Bay.... Bone-In Ham, Scalloped potatoes, creamed corn with peas !!!! Chocolate Mousse ....our boys loved the wonderful chocolate bunnies from the The Elegant Gourmet Chocolate & Coffee Co. in Midland

April 9, 2009

Food Caucus Tour - Eastern Canada

Here are some notes about what we heard on the road in St. John's, Halifax, Cap Pele, Dieppe, Moncton and Charlottetown ...thanks to all the participants for their time, effort, and ideas—and we hope that we have done a good job of reflecting your thought

April 8, 2009

Liberal food caucus in Moncton today

The Liberal Food Caucus is currently touring Canada gathering information and recommendations about food sources and related issues. It will be in Moncton today to hear what New Brunswickers have to say....

April 8, 2009

The Growing Threat of Food Safety

Here's an article about some of the food safety initiatives being undertaken by President Obama's administration...we should follow suit!!!

April 8, 2009

Kathleen Merrigan: Towards a Better U.S. Food Policy

Another article about the emphasis President Obama is placing on food safety and food policy...

April 7, 2009

World Health Day: focus on making hospitals safe in emergencies

WHO is today celebrating World Health Day by focusing attention on the large numbers of lives that can be saved during earthquakes, floods, conflicts and other emergencies...

April 6, 2009

Statement from Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Official Opposition, on the Earthquake in Italy

Today, I join Canadians across the country in expressing my sadness at the news of the earthquake that hit the Abruzzo region of Italy.

April 6, 2009

Health Critic Virtual Advisory E-Newsletter - April Edition

Our experiment in e-democracy is working out extremely well!! Your comments and suggestions have been crucial to our success in holding the government to account in Question Period, at Health Committee and at the newly formed Subcommittee on Food Safety.

April 6, 2009

Liberals tour country to hear Canadians' opinions on food

The Liberal Food Caucus is continuing its tour of Canada this week to gather input and recommendations for a comprehensive food policy that will ensure our food sources are accessible, affordable and safe....

April 6, 2009

Sticking behind the gun registry

Here's an article from today's Toronto Star about how Prime Minister Harper is putting politics ahead of public safety with his government's recent bills which seek to repeal mandatory registration of rifles and shotguns...

April 4, 2009

Timeline set for ag committee's food safety probe

Here's an article from "Farm Business Communications" about how we pressured the government into agreeing to a comprehensive study on last summer's listeriosis outbreak and food safety...

April 2, 2009

Statement in the House of Commons for Cancer Awareness Month

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, cancer is a tragedy that affects too many Canadian families. On average, 3,200 Canadians are diagnosed every week with this terrible disease...

April 1, 2009

Responses to my order paper questions...

In February we submitted our questions to the order paper...the order paper is another method we are using to keep this government on probation and hold them accountable....here are the answers!!!

March 27, 2009

Neighbourhood check-ups tomorrow - please come in the afternoon

I will be attending the funeral of former Parliamentarian the Honourable Douglas Frith at 11 am tomorrow..... I will go to St.Matthew's Bracondale House at 10.30 to say hello....but hope that those that had been planning on going there .....

March 26, 2009

Listeriosis probe will be extended

Here's an article by Sarah Schmidt of CanWest News Service about how the Conservatives allowed the Parliametnary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture to filibuster his way through the food safety subcommittee...

March 26, 2009

Liberals call for mandate and transparency on food safety

The Conservatives must stop stalling the listeriosis investigation and provide Canadians with a clear and transparent study of food safety, said Liberal Health Critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett and Agriculture Critic Wayne Easter.

March 26, 2009

Question Period today...

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the minister does not seem to understand timeliness. Yesterday the government allowed, or more likely coached...

March 25, 2009

Speech in the House of Commons on Chalk River

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Madam Speaker, on March 2, I asked the Minister of Natural Resources whether the government had a plan to ensure a secure supply of medical radioisotopes...

March 25, 2009

CBC-Radio-Canada: Liberals denounce Conservative inaction

Click here to read today's press release!!

March 24, 2009

Question Period today...

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, fetal alcohol syndrome is a totally preventable birth defect. It affects over 300,000 Canadians and their families...

March 20, 2009

Circle of Harper Critics Wider This Week

Here's an article by Chantal Hebert which appeared in today's Toronto Star...

March 19, 2009

Food Caucus Tour - Saskatchewan

This is what we heard on the road in Saskatoon...thanks to all who participated for their time, effort, and ideas—and we hope that we have done a good job of reflecting your thoughts!!

March 18, 2009

Food Caucus Tour - Alberta

Here are some notes about what we heard on the road in Turner Valley and Calgary...thanks to all the participants for their time, effort, and ideas—and we hope that we have done a good job of reflecting your thoughts!!

March 17, 2009

Science Minister Won't Confirm Belief in Evolution

Hard to believe this is happening in Canada... couldn't even get into Darwin's 200th birthday exhibition in London...it was lined up around the block...

March 17, 2009

Is this the real Harper?

Great article from today's Toronto Star...

March 17, 2009

Food Caucus Tour - Vancouver and Abbotsford, British Columbia

This is what we heard while on the road with the food caucus BC...Click here for an article about our visit!!!

March 16, 2009

Food Caucus Tour - Roundtable Discussion in Victoria, British Columbia

About 60 people from producers to restauranteurs to consumers attended the townhall at Spinnakers. We are grateful for participants` time, effort, and ideas—and we hope that we have done a good job of reflecting their thoughts....

March 16, 2009

Food Caucus Tour - Farm Visit in Saanich, British Columbia

Click here for a video of our visit!!

March 13, 2009

Michelle Obama’s Agenda Includes Healthy Eating

In her first weeks in the White House, Michelle Obama has emerged as a champion of healthy food and living....

March 12, 2009

Question Period today...

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, this week the 52nd session of the committee on narcotic drugs convenes in Vienna...

March 9, 2009

Speech in the House of Commons on Health Research

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, when I was first elected in 1997, it was a worrying time in the health research community in Canada...

March 6, 2009

Statement in the House of Commons for International Women's Day

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, this weekend Canadians will celebrate the 98th annual International Women's Day...

March 6, 2009

Question Period today...

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, last week President Obama's budget signaled support to open up the cross-border medicine trade....

March 5, 2009

Worrying study in Globe and Mail today on Bisphenol A

The Conservatives can't be trusted on these files. Still we have no implementation of the proposed ban on baby bottles .... Nor action on the task force report to ban transfats.

March 5, 2009

Michael Ignatieff's op-ed

Today we can read in the National Post Michael's wonderful op-ed. Please take the time to read this...

March 4, 2009

Question Period today...

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, contrary to an earlier report, public health officials in four provinces had been informed last July that strains of listeria had entered the food chain....

March 2, 2009

CUPE Ontario resolution on Israeli universities crosses the line

Below is an article regarding the CUPE wing calling for a boycott of Israeli universities.

February 28, 2009

Dalhousie Medical Students... truly inspiring

Was great to see my friend Dr. David Zitner again with this truly impressive group of medical students at Dalhousie University.

February 27, 2009

Friends of Medicare - Edmonton

Totally inspiring to be with this passionate group of Albertans fighting every day for our public health care system. Click here to know more about their work.

February 27, 2009

Are we going to become America's Discount Drug Store?

I'm concerned about a line in President Obama's budget that signals the cross-border medicine trade will be opened up...

February 24, 2009

Question Period Today...

Mr. Speaker, just weeks ago, the Minister of Natural Resources stated categorically in the House that the supply of medical isotopes was secure...

February 23, 2009

Bill C-11: An Act to promote safety and security with respect to human toxins

L'hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Monsieur le Président, j'ai le plaisir de faire un discours au sujet du projet de loi C-11...

February 23, 2009

Statement in the House of Commons for Heart Health Month

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, February is Heart Month and I stand to honour the hard work of all the researchers, health care providers and volunteers who work every day to improve the lives of Canadians with heart disease....

February 23, 2009

Ensuring the Future of Food

This is a great little Japanese video clip talking about the future of global foods. Click here

February 22, 2009

The Politician and Doctor: The Interface

Had the opportunity to give the keynote address at the Canadian Federation of Medical Students dinner...

February 20, 2009

Canadian Council for Learning...... hugely important work at risk ....

the Board of CCL included policy makers and community leaders in the lunch today with their Board members who meeting in Toronto today.... the Board Chair, Robert Giroux.... and CEO Dr Paul Cappon made a strong case for the essential work of the Council

February 19, 2009

Breakfast with the Chiefs with CIHI - data, indicators and rankings ....

Fanatastic presentation from Graham Scott Chair of CIHI and Glenda Yeates the CEO..... It is such an important thing they do.... sort the raw data into reports that Canadians can understand..... choose the indicators that matter and shy away from rankings

February 19, 2009

Obama-mania

It was indeed a love-in..... lots has been written ... but as a Parliamentarian I was a tad disappointed that the visit was organized for a week Parliament wasn't sitting and that yet again the Executive trumped the Parliament....even in a break week ...

February 18, 2009

Darwin rules !!!!

On the way to the airport today we tried to see the fabulous exhibit to honour the 200th Anniversary of Darwin .... we arrived at the Museum of Natural History to find a line up around the block.... on Wednesday at noon ?? We were impressed !!!!

February 17, 2009

London Conference on Combating Antisemitism..... strong final statement....

What an amazing day at Lancaster Palace....and then the agreement on such a strong final statement.... click here for the website for the antisemitism conference

February 16, 2009

Irwin Cotler makes Canada proud

Irwin conceived the idea of the Inter-Parliamentary Coalition Combating Antisemitism and now is co-chairing the Conference here in London.

February 15, 2009

No MSN chat tonight.....I'll be in the air...

en route to London for the Anti-Semitism Conference that starts tomorrow am. Look forward to sharing with you all the details of the Conference.

February 15, 2009

Roundtable on Healthy Kids today .... CANCELLED

because of a family emergency Minister Best is unable to join us this afternoon....in consulting with the groups that had suggested the roundtable ...they have agreed that we should postpone until the Minister is available....

February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine`s Day..... Say it with Flowers !!!

As the daughter of florists this day was always a nightmare....but it and Mother`s Day and Christmas and the other holiday put me through university !!!

February 13, 2009

Liberal MPs attend global conference to combat anti-Semitism...

I will be one of the 100 Parliamentarians from 35 different countries going!!!

February 13, 2009

Question Period today...

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday at committee, the health minister claimed that her government remained dedicated to reducing the youth smoking rate....

February 12, 2009

Skating outside in Febrary seems to be a problem ..

Tomorrow we were supposed to be skating on the canal for Winterlude here !!! BUT...... The mild weather has meant that canal is rapidly melting and the canal unsafe for skating ...

February 12, 2009

Community Health Centres .... Obama gets it !!

In preparing for our meeting this AM with Michael Ignatieff and the Community Health Centres, I was asked to read the Obama/Biden plan to lower health care costs and and ensure affordable, accessible health coverage for all ..

February 11, 2009

Questions on the Notice Paper

Here are the questions I submitted to the notice paper yesterday...we will get these answers and hold the Conservatives accountable!!!

February 11, 2009

Proud to be Canadian

Australian Definition of a Canadian - Fabulous compliment, I love it!

February 10, 2009

Statement to the House of Commons on Mental Health

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib): Mr. Speaker: as the Mental Health Commission of Canada holds its regional round-table in Ottawa today, providing local stakeholders with an opportunity to respond to its draft document...

February 9, 2009

Parliamentary budget officer should be reined in, say Liberal and Tory MPs

Click here. She left out that I thought he was doing good work, and that there is a difference between automatic reporting...

February 9, 2009

Health Canada data hard to understand: report

We have to do better....Canadians deserve to know... And be able to compare their health status and care amongst the provinces and territories ...

February 8, 2009

Change Commission Presentations

Please find the English and French powerpoint presentations that I made to the LPCO AGM in Barrie today...

February 6, 2009

Health Critic Virtual Advisory Group E-Newsletter

Here's the text of February's e-newsletter to our virtual advisory committee....email bennec@parl.gc.ca if you like to become a member !!! there's homework for this weekend !!!

February 4, 2009

Meat inspection process to face first legal challenge

This will not be the first challenge the inspection system faces...we are planning on having a joint Agriculture and Health subcommittee to study food protection....

February 3, 2009

Question Period Today....

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, last year Conservative incompetence caused a critical shortage in medical isotopes that risked and disrupted the lives of thousands of Canadians and patients around the world....

February 3, 2009

The Harm Reduction Controvery & Injection Sites

Here's a summary of what I presented to on presenting at the 1st Annual Interprofessional Health Law Conference on January 17...

February 3, 2009

Recognition from my friends at STAND Canada... they are my heroes !!!

Click here for STAND's blog....

February 3, 2009

Why Canada Needs a Food Policy

Great article here by Wayne Roberts who briefed us at our January 23 mini-summit about the need for a national food policy...

February 2, 2009

Healthy people, healthy performance, healthy profits

Healthy People, Healthy Performance, Healthy Profits: The Case for Business Action on the Socio-Economic Determinants of Health, is available for download here...

February 2, 2009

New Food Policy Supports Tradition and Transition

Here's a great article from today's Guelph Mercury about our food e-summit on January 23.....

February 1, 2009

East of Berlin.... at the Tarragon....

I was inspired by Anne Goodman who came to see me on Friday about her concerns about issues in the Middle East...she suggested that I make sure that I saw East of Berlin at the Tarragon....I was delighted that my son Ben came this afternoon too...

January 31, 2009

UN International Holocaust Remembrance Week ends today....

Irwin Cotler writes today in the Montreal Gazette.....`If every moral outrage is deemed to be the Holocaust, then nothing is - and the Holocaust becomes nothing as well`

January 30, 2009

The Audacity of Educated Hope

Here is a great article by Henry A. Giroux about how President Obama is emphasizing hope though education....our Prime Minister could learn some lessons!

January 28, 2009

Liberals Put the Conservative Government

Click Here to view the Liberal press release...

January 28, 2009

Canadians Want School Meals Programs!!!

Of the 32 budget proposals presented to the Globe, the school meals program was a clear winner!...With 127 yays (and 1 nay) by 5 pm yesterday...

January 28, 2009

Budget Summary By Sector

Here's what the budget delivers for the both the health sector and for social programs in general. The Liberal response will follow....

January 27, 2009

Budget 2009..... ???????

thanks for all the emails and great comments and advice..... good caucus discusssion tonight..... A very tough call.... budget is devoid of vision or real transformative changes...... stay tuned.....

January 25, 2009

MSN chat tonight postponed til Tuesday night...

Would love your advice AFTER we`ve seen the budget on Tuesday.....

January 20, 2009

Mandate for Listeriosis Investigation: Insufficient

The mandate given to former Edmonton Health Authority President Sheila Weatherill as investigator of last year's listeriosis outbreak is insufficient to provide transparency to Canadians...

January 20, 2009

A day to remember : Hope and inspiration from south of the border

Like the night of the US election, each of us will remember forever where we saw the President's inaugural address today.... Canadians are enthralled with this new way of doing politics and the true leadership demonstrated by this new US President.

January 19, 2009

Stimulus package should boost economy, create jobs, and improve social safety net

Click here to read

January 19, 2009

Liberal Caucus meets in Ottawa to plan the next Parliamentary session; announce Change Commission

I was honoured to be asked to co-chair the Change Commission of the Party whose responsibility is to listen to grassroots in order to make the changes necessary in order to make the Liberal Party more relevant and responsive to the needs of Canadians.

January 17, 2009

U of T Health Law Conference...Honoured to Present on Harm Reduction

Health Law Conference Terrific day. Wonderful speakers ... But more importantly terrific interprofessional students - law, medicine, health. Congrats to the wonderful organizers.

January 12, 2009

RELEASE: Harper must act on listeriosis probe

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s delay in appointing a lead investigator to look into last summer’s listeriosis crisis is further evidence that his Conservative government does not take this issue seriously, Liberal Agriculture Critic Wayne Easter

January 1, 2009

Happy New Year... off this evening en route to Sudan with CASS and STAND

will be back on the 11th ... and will 'backblog' my experience.... like last year's trip ... I am joining Glen Pearson and Jane Roy and their volunteers from CASS

December 30, 2008

it`s hard not to think of The Bay.....

Last evening a friend suggested that I have a look at the `big ideas` that have made Canada great... it`s the basis of Professor Martin`s book coming out in the new year...

December 26, 2008

Reading out loud...one of the joys of the holidays....

Monique Begin gave me a beautiful red silk boa for my birthday ..... but also a wonderful little red book....Alan Bennett`s `The Uncommon Reader`.... It is truly spendid.... her heartfelt words ring my ears - `J`adore la beauté` !!!!

December 25, 2008

PEACE, HOPE, LOVE, JOY

whether one celebrates Christmas or not ....this season provides us all with time for reflection and these words of the season seem even more important aspirations...

December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve..... our family together at our beloved Georgian Bay...

2 weeks ago my father was in hospital so tonight it is particularly wonderful for all five of us to be here at the Bay eating the delicious tortieres made locally by Mme. Maurice in LaFontaine with Wendy B`s tasty Homemade Chili sauce.

December 23, 2008

HEALTH ..... essential part of the Economic Stimulus Package.

I was pleased to participate on Friday with the health stakeholders who were so helpful in developing 3 health priorities as advice for an economic stimulus package.....

December 22, 2008

the cynicism thermometer.....thru the top... Senate appointments the height of hypocrisy

I believe that the PM has absolutely no moral authority to make these Senate appointments today... he had almost 3 years to make the Senate work...he prorogued Parliament rather than face a confidence motion in the House...

December 21, 2008

Menorah lighting at the Zareinu Educational Centre with Michael Ignatieff

'Making Miracles Happen' describes the work of the Zareinu Educational Centre's work with autistic children....Hanukkah is the celebration of the miracle of one day of oil lasting 8 days....this afternoon was truly inspirational....

December 20, 2008

yup .. it is indeed my birthday.... I am 58 years old....

What an a fantastic start to my birthday .....my new favourite thing in my whole life 'The Barns'..... and the Kurtis Coffee...Wychwood Blend !!!! .....and today 'Holiday Blend'..... our spectacular Anne Sorrenti was doing the cooking demonstration again

December 19, 2008

WOW...... it is such a horrible testimony to the fact that women are still not listened to....

Bev Wybrow CEO of the Canadian Women's Foundation mentioned this article to me this a.m.... it is truly upsetting....

December 18, 2008

Michael and Zsuzsanna's Holiday Party .... an amazing turnout at C-Lounge tonight

What an amazing energy and spirit .... Liberals together again...I was honoured to have been asked to introduce/thank Michael tonight....

December 18, 2008

Terrific meeting with Mary Ferguson Pare today ... BONUS: a tutorial in bullying

Today I had been booked at a Bullying conference in Listowell Ontario...a number of things interfered ... and so I was able to meet with a number of wonderful constituents who had ideas on possible suggestion om essentail ingreients in an economic stimulu

December 17, 2008

The Thinking Woman's Brain Spa .... April 17-19 ....Niagara-on-the-Lake ..PEACE, ORDER & GOOD GOVER

Terrific day .... great meetings today.. I am sooooo looking forward to this event....an opportunity for women to get together and discuss the things that really matter.... Making a Difference, Doing Things Differently, Getting the Credit.....

December 16, 2008

TIG .... one of my favourite things.... mike and jen ...2 of my heroes....

I was honoured to be invited to the launch of V6 of the site of Taking IT Global..... tigweb at amazing The Store Front at Bloor and Ossington....

December 15, 2008

Laurier Club tonight.... Michael and Bob and Dom ....together again !!!

what tremendous energy .... Bob and Dom elegant and forward looking..... what a terrific team !!! Michael very focussed on the work we have to do together..... we have a huge responsibility to better explain to Canadians how government in Canada works....

December 15, 2008

Not possible....my 'baby' is 26 today.....

As my mother used to say at every one of my and my sister's birthdays ...'I feel a lot better today than I did 26 years ago' .... I was pretty bad at having babies....toxemia, a month in hospital each time, caesarian sections....

December 13, 2008

truly wonderful .... greeted at the Barns by our truly wonderful Anne Sorrenti

anne not only is the spectacular constituency assistant who fights for constituents..... but as a chef... today treated everyone at the Barns with her truly delicious interpretation of the offerings of the vendors at the Barns today....

December 11, 2008

'Towards a Comprehensive Food Policy for Canada' - announcement today

The Liberal opposition announced today the beginning of a nation-wide consultative process to establish a comprehensive national food policy designed to protect the health of Canadians...

December 11, 2008

Social Determinants of Health....the launch of the 2nd edition... of Dennis Raphael's sentinel book

i was honoured to be there this afternoon at the South Riverdale Community Health Centre for the launch.... and even more honoured to have been asked by Dennis to write the forward......

December 10, 2008

What an emotional day.... a new leader a strong beginning

Bob Rae nominated his life-long friend Michael Ignatieff as the interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Dominique LeBlanc seconded the nominated and the caucus unaminously agreed...

December 10, 2008

Reflections on Human Rights Day....

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the UN Declaration on Human Rights...Here are some important reflections ...

December 9, 2008

Bob Rae withdraws from the Liberal leadership race....

what a class act..... everyone truly impressed with his statesmanlike decision and elegant announcement that he will withdraw from the leadership putting Canada and the party ahead of all else.....and throwing 100% support behind Michael Ignatieff...

December 9, 2008

A great charity to support this holiday season...

Click Here!...This link was given by one of our constituents...a group of friends in Toronto and Vietnam has joined forces to help roughly 200 orphans in two orphanages in Vietnam

December 8, 2008

Dominic LeBlanc withdraws from Liberal Leadership race...

As I said last night on Newsnet.....we will miss him... he was fantastic at the debate last month.... he is so smart, funny and has an amzing breadth and depth in public policy....

December 8, 2008

Stéphane Dion has indicated today that he will step down as soon as we have named a new leader....

We are all grateful for his integrity and the dignity with which he has made this difficult decision. There is much consensus that before Parliament resumes, we must have a permanent leader in place. How we do that is a hot debate today !!!!

December 7, 2008

Fanstastic conversation with David Docherty today...off to CTV Newsnet to fight for democracy

We are very fortunate to have such a inspiring expert watching over our Canadian Democracy.... the technology had a few hiccups with my office firewalls.... but I loved the experiment and hope we can do it again soon !!!!

December 6, 2008

Great day of support !!! at the Barns and at the Rally

100% support this am at the Green Barns for replacing Stephen Harper..... and then 1000`s this afternoon at the rally for the 62% Majority.....

December 5, 2008

What the world is saying about us

Here are some headlines from around the world....they are consistent with my idea that what happened yesterday was like pulling the fire alarm before an exam you were going to fail....

December 5, 2008

Rally for Change on Saturday!

Please join us this Saturday December 6 at 1pm at Nathan Phillips Square to speak out in support of our democratic rights!

December 5, 2008

Join us for a conversation on Parliamentary Demococracy with Professor David Docherty !!

on Sunday December 7 at www.tigurl.org/thguest at 4pm to express your opinions....

December 5, 2008

Prorogation...... so sad ...... irresponsible of the PM to refuse to face the will of Parliament

The Prime Minister promised Canadians that there would be a vote on December 8.... now Parliament won't sit until the end of January..... The Supplementary Estimates won't be voted on Tuesday night... and the government will not be able to spend $

December 5, 2008

A moving ceremony today at Women’s College Hospital

Today I was in attendance at an emotional ceremony at the Women's College Hospital in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women...Every year, this ceremony commemorates the lives of the 14 women who were murdered

December 4, 2008

Where's the Action? Good Question Indeed....

Great article by Andre Picard. Stephen Harper and the Conservatives may want to lock the doors on Parliament, but we're going to continue to work and lead! Here are some of the public health goals I have, and will continue to endorse....

December 4, 2008

Fight poverty to improve economic and social health

Here's a great article about how poverty reduction strategies can provide a necessary economic stimulus. You can also click here for more on this crucial issue

December 3, 2008

We need stability.... The Prime Minister said nothing new tonight....

A prorogation would mean total instability and uncertainty for crucial weeks in these tough economic times.... Parliament has lost confidence in this government and should be allowed to form an alternative government.

December 3, 2008

Are you part of the 62% majority?

Are you ready for to be part of the coalition for change? Click here!

December 3, 2008

Constitution and precedent are on coalition's side

Here is an article written by Constitutional Expert Peter H. Russell which appears in today's Toronto Star where he makes the legal case for a coalition government...

December 2, 2008

President Harper just doesn`t get it ..... hypocrisy at its finest....

He thinks he`s the President....but he is the Prime Minister in a Parliamentary Democracy.... he has lost the support of the House ... and now is doing everything in his power to avoid the vote of non-confidence...

December 1, 2008

Statement to the House of Commons on World AIDS Day

Mr. Speaker:

As we recognize World AIDS Day, I would highlight that this year’s theme is leadership. However, support for Canadian AIDS programs is set to expire IN 2010 and not one of Canada’s AIDS Service Organizations was notified that their

December 1, 2008

Open Letter to Canadian Citizens

Stephane Dion, Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe's open letter to all Canadians indicating their loss of confidence in the Conservatives

December 1, 2008

Opposition parties sign agreement to form alternative government

Liberal Leader Stephane Dion, New Democrat Leader Jack Layton and Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe today announced...To read the full article please click here

November 30, 2008

THANK YOU, thank you thank you... I do love my job !!!!

What a truly wonderful event this evening as we thanked all our supporters and volunteers...including those courageous folks who were the vicitims of the horrifying vandalism.....

November 30, 2008

Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada..... AGM this morning in Montreal

One of my favourite organizations in Canada.....doing such important work.... recruting and retaining more indigenous med students.... working on the curriculum ... I am proud to be a member and thrilled to see the strategic planning ....

November 29, 2008

Concessions, concessions, concessions..... the Government is desparate,,,,

The twelve days of Christmas won't work.This government has lost the confidence of parliament. The latest rumour of prorogation is shocking..... it'd be like pulling the fire bell before you have to write an exam you know you're going to fail....

November 29, 2008

The Barns !!!!! Farmer's Market this am !!!!

What a treat ... tastes, smells and especially the conversations !!!! Huge support for a coalition government....

November 28, 2008

Home again..... the College of Family Physicians of Canada !!!

What a great day.... the inspirational Installation Lunch of the new President for Ontario.... and then tonight the Awards Banquet for the Sections of Teachers....

November 28, 2008

Harper doesn't get democracy.... HE did NOT get a mandate for his way or the highway ......

Steve, 2/3 of Canadians did NOT vote for you.... that means you have to obtain the consensus of Parliament to do what the majority of members think is in the best interests of Canadians...

November 27, 2008

Harper has not understood his role as PM of a minoirty government

He was supposed to consult and try to find a way to govern with the approval of Parliament.... instead he has yet again descended to partisan antics instead of governing in these tough times.....

November 27, 2008

Health Canada tests find melamine in baby food

This is an article from The Globe and Mail. We learn that Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has detected traces of melamine in infant formula....

November 27, 2008

Mumbai terrorism ..... so awful

This am I received a voice mail from my friend and constituent Vanessa Webb who is working in Mumbai..... but thankfully was in Prague at the time of the attack....

November 26, 2008

Event for Daily Bread Food Bank

Benefit exhibit for Daily Bread Food Bank....

November 25, 2008

Conservatives put Canadians in danger by failing to advise of TB risk on planes

Extracted from the Liberal Website.

OTTAWA – The Conservative government must immediately explain why the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) failed to advise the public about possible tuberculosis (TB) exposure on international airline flights, L

November 25, 2008

I'm protected !!!! Flu shot today !!! Have you had yours ?????

It didn't hurt a bit !!! I am too busy to get sick !!! So many colleagues setting a splendid example.....

November 24, 2008

Public not told of TB exposure

November 24, The Globe and Mail : Manifests not given for a quarter of flights probed for possible TB exposure, report says....

November 20, 2008

Artscape Wychwoood Barns !!!!

YEAH !!!!!! A dream is born....today it`s official click here for the website for the Barns

November 20, 2008

Churchill Society this evening honouring Rt. Honourable Kim Campbell

Truly wonderful evening..... celebrating women in politics.... and plarimanetary democcracy....started with the Honourable Celia Sandys rembrances of the role women played in the life of her grandfather Sir Winston Churchill.

November 19, 2008

The Speech From the Throne..... YAWN !!!! Embarrasssing.....

in these turbulent economic times it was actually quite shocking to hear a history lesson instead of real commitments that would reassure Canadians that the government understands the gravity of the situtation and will take real action.....

November 18, 2008

Triage: Dr. James Orbinski`s Humanitarian Dilemma

Peter Raymont, White Pine Pictures, CIDA and the NFB .... should be be huegely proud to tell this story of this amazing Canadian....... It was also wonderful to see Senator Dallaire receive his duplicate Emmy for `Shake Hands with the Devil`...

November 18, 2008

Job# 1 .... elect the speaker....

many ballots later .... Peter Milliken is elected the Speaker of the 40th Parliament.....

November 17, 2008

John Hartman and David Milne drypoints......truly wonderful exhibition at Carleton...

Invention and Revival ... what a fabulous way to go 'back to school' today..... off the train at the Ottawa station and straight to the Carleton University Art Gallery....

November 16, 2008

Liberal Executive Council.... such energy about the need for grassroots renewal.....

Spectacular weekend....but soured by the debate about the nature of the debate.......

November 15, 2008

Green Arts Barns Gala...... spectacular....

what a tremendous success ,,,, and tribute to Joe Mihevc`s tenacity..... I was thrilled to be there tonight to present the volunteer awards to Peter (Lord of the Rink !) McKendrick and Roscoe Handford.....local SAINTS....

November 14, 2008

Perceptions must change

Click here to read an article extracted from Leader-Post, on Friday, November 14, in which I spoke Thursday about

November 14, 2008

Human Rights Watch Awards Dinner....

totally inspiring ....these people risk their lives every day in the pursuit of human rights Evan Soloman did a fabulous job....

November 14, 2008

Hellenic Home Gala .... worth the drive to Markham !!!!

What an impressive event..... Congratulations to Patty Agrapidis and all the organizers..... We are so lucky to have the vibrant Greek community showing the way in a real continuity of care for older persons.... I love BEST PRACTICES !!!

November 13, 2008

The Politics of Population Health..... in Regina !!

You can find Here 'The politics of population health' I presented in Regina last this morning

November 12, 2008

Toronto Seniors Council....

Terrific event this a.m. - Decisions, decisions, decisions.... I was pleased to present a version of my Grey Tsunami talk !!!

November 11, 2008

Remembrance Day at Northern Secondary School

Huge congratulation to the student and Tamara Ivens and her committee.... the MC`s, the readings, the powerpoint, the dance, the orchestra, the choir....the principal`s remarks.... all were perfect....

November 11, 2008

`Raisin in the Sun` at Soulpepper

As good as they said !!!! we loved it ....hard to believe that it was written so long ago and set in Chicago....it was current and relevant ...... The fight against racism must be ongoing..... What a truly brave narrative.....

November 10, 2008

Nickle-a-Drink Foundation

Wonderful event this evening in support of the Nickle-a-Drink Foundation to raise funds for Mental Health and Addictions. Andre Picard was fantastic as the speaker.....

November 7, 2008

Chris Plummer as Caesar.... I'll never forget it.....

Ben had a day off today.... so I was thrilled that we could both take in the matinee of Caesar and Cleopatra at Stratford...Ben and I think you should all go asap !!!

November 4, 2008

Goose bumps is chicken flesh in French !!!

Tonight I was thrilled to be in Quebec City watching the American election chez Senator Dennis Dawson... with all his wonderful friends .... As Obama was declared President...I had to ask for the French word for goose bumps en Francais....

November 3, 2008

Digital boom is about to hit the workplace .... important in politics too !!!

From Monday's Globe and Mail November 3, 2008 at 7:21 AM EST The children of the baby boomers are coming of age. They're the Net Generation, as author Don Tapscott calls them, because they're the first generation to grow up with the Internet...

November 1, 2008

SUN MEDIA: Big job ahead for new health minister ..... 'I love her' CB

OTTAWA -- Canada's new health minister, a rookie MP from Nunavut, is about to confront a mountain of problems ranging from doctor shortages to food-safety fears to the abysmal state of aboriginal health...

October 31, 2008

HANDBOOK FOR PROGRESSIVES

This is an extract of the As it happens CBC radio show.. As It Happens link : October 31st, 2008

October 31, 2008

The meaning of work generates stress or well-being

Great article...... back to the future.... I remember Hans Selye's 'Stress without Distress'..... sure know that my job creates energy !!! Very happy to have it back !!!!

October 31, 2008

Humbling.... sworn in today.... as the Member of Parliament for St. Paul's

thank you all again..... I am so proud to represent the youngest, most educated riding in the country....

October 30, 2008

New Minister of Health ..... great choice.... hope the PM will let her do her job ....

Leona Aglukkak is an excellent choice ...

October 29, 2008

Thinking woman's Brain Spa --- postponed.... keep the date... April 16-20, 2009

It was supposed to be October 16-19.... seeing Mrs. Warren's Profession and having a debate on prostitution were to be the highlights !!! Well today some of us saw the fabulous play and met with the fabulous Jackie Maxwell...to plan next year.....

October 28, 2008

Can we trip Harper? ..... with a few thoughts from CB !!

Source: Xtra By: Marcus McCann Tuesday, October 28, 2008

October 28, 2008

Hadassah Bazaar ...media launch today.... for the last ever..... so sad..

I was please to have been invited by Barbi Benjamin Levitt, the Chair of the last ever Hadassah Bazaar....to 'Bling a bag'.... with Jennifer Valentine from CITY TV.

October 28, 2008

Fantastic discussion this evening with the impressive young people at CJPAC

CJPAC has done an amazing job of including young people and the community in advocacy for Israel and the issues affecting the Jewish Community here in Canada and around the world.

October 27, 2008

The truly amazing Reitman family identify a gap .... support for the families coping with Alzheimer'

I was honoured to be included today in the opening of the The Cyril and Dorothy, Joel and Jill Reitman Centre for Alzheimer Support and Training at Mount Sinai Hospital. This disease touches so many families ...

October 27, 2008

AGO ... Rebirth.... Ramsay lunch today honouring the 3 'local boys'

Matthew Teitelebaum was inspiring as he walked us through the vision of the new Art Gallery of Ontario ... soon to reopen ....

October 26, 2008

MSN chat tonight a little late... should be on by 930

carolynbennettmp@hotmail.com

October 25, 2008

Neighbourhood Checkup for today....cancelled...

as we were unable to send out reminders.... We haven`t received any RSVP`s....so we will reschedule the Eglinton/Mount Pleasant/Bayview neighbourhood checkup for today at the Mt. Pleasant Library...

October 23, 2008

Caucus today..... bittersweet...without bitterness...

It was so sad ....the insight and wisdom in the remarks of each of our departing Mp`s was so poignant.... if only every Canadian could have heard them.... the cynicism about politicians is so sad....

October 23, 2008

Towards a Comprehensive Food Policy for Canada

Was honoured to present the keynote this am for Day 2 of the Championing Public Health Nutrition Conference put on by the Centre for Science in the Public Interest.

October 22, 2008

Walter Willett ... Our hero ... Nutrition Policy based upon evidence

Great to hear Dr. Willett Chair, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health who authored 'Eat, Drink and be Healthy' ...

October 21, 2008

On the rails again to the Nation's Capital

Was proud to be boarding VIA this am headed back to Ottawa. Tonight was the dinner for the speakers for the Championing Public Health Nutrition Conference which starts tomorrow...

October 20, 2008

Sadness and Celebration

This afternoon Stéphane Dion announced that he will step down as leader as soon as our Party has chosen a new leader

October 19, 2008

MSN chat tonight at 9 ..... Post election observations !!!!

carolynbennettmp@hotmail.com

October 18, 2008

Campaign Debrief today ..

Good meeting .... Great team ... But lots to learn as always ...

October 17, 2008

Learning Democracy by Doing Conference at OISE today

Great to be able to be there this am for the Learning Democracy by Doing Conference Miriam Wyman did a fantastic job moderating the first session “Citizenship Learning and Partici

October 17, 2008

Third An

Terrific Celebration today .. Jackie Richardson and the Regent Park choir were fantastic !

October 17, 2008

Terrific to be at The Bay

Was wonderful to get up to the Bay

October 17, 2008

Third Annual Mayor's Arts Awards Lunch

Terrific Celebration today .. Jackie Richardson and the Regent Park choir were fantastic !

October 16, 2008

Canadian Association of Food Banks launch of new logo

Was honoured to be there this am at this great launch of their fabulous new logo

October 15, 2008

Presentation at the Municipal Association of Victoria Australia

Honoured to present tonight (tomorrow morning) to the Municipal Association of Victoria Australia on the Role of Elected Representatives in Citizen Engagement.

October 15, 2008

Thank you all so much ...

I am honoured that the people of St. Paul's have renewed my contract as their MP ! I look forward to working hard on behalf of all the people of St. Paul's .... and all Canadians.... Lots of work ahead !!!

October 13, 2008

Strategic Voting..... it's about the arithmetic to STOP STEVE... and making good things happen

Just watched the truly wonderful Briony Penn on CTV ... as an environmental activist and journalist she'd been asked to run by the Greens and theNDP .. and chose to run for us .... voting for Briony is about the planet !!!!

October 13, 2008

The Better Way..... 5 subway stops tomorrow am

Am thrilled that a photojournalism student from Loyolist College will be accompanying me tomorrow starting at 630am !!!!! Eglinton, Davisville, St.Clair, St.Clair West, Eglinton West..... got my tokens !!!! looking forward to seeing you all on the rails !

October 13, 2008

VOTE tomorrow.... I hope for me !!! Bring ID !!!

We will not be able to change this website after midnight.... so I want to remind you all to get out and vote tomorrow.....9.30am-9.30pm .... St. Paul's has one of the highest voter turnouts in Canada.... Make us proud !!!

October 13, 2008

Turkey burgers....cranberry salsa....pumpkin maple tarts....Election Day EVE ... Thanksgiving Day..

Although Stephen Harper kinda ruined our Thanksgiving weekend..... we sure made the best of it here in St. Paul's !!!

October 12, 2008

MSN chat tonight,,,, starting early at 830

carolynbennettmp@hotmail.com

October 12, 2008

Great day on the streets of St. Paul's.......

from Roehampton in the North East of the riding to Rogers Road and Dufferin in the South West of the riding it was a great day knocking on doors !! none-the-less it was still so upsetting meeting with the vicitms of the vandalism on Banff Avenue...

October 11, 2008

He didn't call !!!!!.... I'm still waiting for Tony Clement to call me to apologize....

This morning I drove to Bracebridge to meet with the Liberals there and our wonderful candidate Jamie McGarvey.... it's no secret that Tony Clement has taken the opposite side of almost every issue I and Liberals care about.....

October 10, 2008

St. Paul's Riding Profiled on CFRB ------ have a listen !!! and then vote !!!!!

St. Paul's Riding Profiled on CFRB

October 10, 2008

What terrible journalistic ethics... and terrible journalism......

We all do retakes for taped interviews.... and the interviewer's question was truly bizarre....how many tenses can you put in one question ? they should have replayed the question over and over .... and then asked why that person is on air ?

October 9, 2008

Michael Coren Live tonight...... lotsa fun !!!

Stephen Harper is talking about an arc that Paul Martin built...... he was either asleep or steered into onto the shoals based upon his Republican ideology....which clearly didn't work for Geroge Bush ... and now has caused a world wide crisis....

October 8, 2008

Stephane Dion spectacular at the Canadian Club today....

flanked by Ralph Goodale and Paul Martin ..... Stephane Dion gave an amazing speech .... I hope every Canadian takes the time to watch it ..... this is true leadership in these turbulent economic times.......

October 8, 2008

Health AND Health Care - a Dialogue....but still Conservative NO SHOW....

Was honoured to represent the Liberal Party this afternoon at York University at the Dialogue on Health and Health Care....co-hosted by the RNAO..... Stephen Fletcher was supposed to be flown in to represent the Conversatives..... he didn't show up.... ne

October 7, 2008

Green Neighbors 21 Conversation.....Putting a Price on Carbon..... thank you !!!!

Terrific format.... excellent presentation....terrific discussion.....Robert Fugere did a fantastic job as moderator...... I was proud to be able to present our Liberal plan....Heather and Anita presented theirs.... and Frank de Jonge presented for the G

October 7, 2008

Where's Heather ???? We missed her on Goldhawk live....

Many questions this am at the Heath Subway stop ...... Conservatives wondering why their candidate wasn't on the show.....

October 7, 2008

Interview with The Torontoist..... online magazine

Keep Calm and Carry On...... my team has done an amazing job.... St. Paul's has risen to the challenge .....The Toronto Police have established a task force....please let us know if you see or hear any clues..... Detective Nevin is doing an amazing job...

October 6, 2008

Media feeding frenzy today..... huge concerns re the incidents in St. Paul's and Parkdale High Park

everyone still shocked..... a few more reports today.... people who had been away or hadn't noticed ......

October 5, 2008

It's the economy, stupid.... Clinton's famous line

wonderful townhall this afternoon at Christ Church Deer Park.....quality turnout !!! good discussion...I was please to hear the fears and the solutions......

October 5, 2008

Cleaning up the mess..... we're all still pretty numb ...

the numbers of victims are still climbing ,,,, in St. Paul's they all it seem to be from Friday night.....but now they are also reports of similar incidents in Parkdale Highpark...... and 2 in Don Valley West bordering on St. Paul's ....

October 4, 2008

How awful... We have moved from pranksters to life threatening acts

I was sickened to hear today about several acts of vandalism involving cutting the brake lines on the cars of Liberal supporters in my riding.

October 3, 2008

Canadians rightfully upset that they are supposed to go to the Advance Polls without seeing the Con

Today I was proud to represent our leader and the Liberal Party at the board meeting of the Canadian Nurses' Association...... Doris Grinspun head of the RNAO who is originally from Chile was incensed that this government expects to be re-elected without

October 2, 2008

Instant poll finds Dion clear debate winner

French-speaking Canadians surveyed by Ipsos Reid immediately after Wednesday's debate said the Liberal Leader won the night, and one in five viewers say they changed their mind

October 1, 2008

Celebrating the International Day of Older Persons

Was happy to be able to join the residents of St Hilda's and Meighan Residences today on the International Day of Older Persons.

October 1, 2008

Can't Believe Steve: Why Harper Foreign Policy Fails the Test

Great blogs posted by Bob Rae...

September 30, 2008

Harper caught .... lock step to the point of plagiarism with the Coalition of the Willing....

Canadians received a very important reality check today.... Stephen Harper wanted us to go into IRAQ.... and in trying to convince us ...he read verbatim from a speech from John Howard then PM of Australia... one of Bush`s Coalition of the Willing....

September 29, 2008

Shana Tova

Happy New Year to our Jewish community....

September 28, 2008

What a fantastic birthday present for Stephane Dion.....36.6% women candidates !!!

Fantastic rally this am .. we've exceeded the goal of 1/2 women candiates.....49 more than the Conservatives !!!!! I was honoured to be asked to speak....

September 28, 2008

Signs

Please! Let the childish sign pranks STOP! Would the pranksters who are stealing our signs and putting them on public property and other people's lawns just stop it?

September 26, 2008

CBC taping this am on the Liberal platform on Health and Health Care

Was honoured to be able to present my 90 seconds LIVE this am at Simcoe Park !! but taped for Friday am... the text follows !!!

September 26, 2008

Love and Live Life Gala.......Bob Rae, Mario Silva....proud to be included....

honoured to be asked to speak tonight at this sold out fundraiser for this amazing new organization to support Portuguese patients with breast cancer...

September 25, 2008

Subway Stops!

I'm pleased to report that we have visited all the subway stops in the riding, and lots of the bus stops! Please let me know if you think there is somewhere in the riding I need to be!

September 24, 2008

Co-op Radio CFRO 102.7FM

If you're up later tonight after the all-candidates debate I'll be on Co-op Radio CFRO 102.7FM to discuss health issues. Listen in at 10:35pm !! Click through for the link...

September 24, 2008

Almost half way to election day !!!!

We are very proud to have been able toreach our half way target of communicating with every household in St. Paul's by now - literature, call or door knocking..... Please let us know if for some reason you have been missed ....

September 23, 2008

Its a good sign...

We're getting our sense of humour back: http://www.liberal.ca/story_14866_e.aspx

September 22, 2008

EDO .... fantastic event .... and $$$$ to pay for the campaign !!!!.....

What an amazing evening.... hugely honoured to have John Turner, Michael Ignatieff, Michael Bryant, George Smitherman, Kathleen Wynne, Arlene Perly Rae.... truly humbling....

September 22, 2008

Brain spa...... Health policy at U of T

Honoured to be asked by the amazing Tony Culyer to speak to his Health Policy class on 'Putting the Public back into Public Health'.....

September 21, 2008

Whoppers! on Crime

Whoppers !!! The ongoing mythology that Liberals blocked the Crime Bills is just untrue .. The liberal supported the vast majority of the Bills (10/13) and offered to fast track 8 of them (the offer was rejected) Three Bills were problematic ....

September 19, 2008

Gerry Ritz NOT the first tasteless wisecracker on food safety

Laura Young wrote.....Conservatives have a pattern of cracking jokes about increasing Canadians risk of sickness & dying when it comes to food.

September 18, 2008

Letter to my constituents from my friends in the Jewish Community

How terrific!!! My friends in the Jewish community have come through again for me!! Proud to share it with you: Letter.pdf

September 17, 2008

Herbert Hoover in a blue sweater !!! Bob Rae on Stephen Harper:

Just for those who need a little history brush up. Herbert Hoover was the President of the US who presided over the Great Depression .. With brutal coldness ... He thought the churches and communties should just deal with the real challenges facing all th

September 16, 2008

Harper speaks with forked tongue

Dion says he may not speak English perfectly, but he speaks THE TRUTH better than Stephen Harper in English and French !!!

September 15, 2008

Noble Choice for the Liberals

Chris Fell The Meaford Express

September 14, 2008

One Week down ! Harper loses most ground !

The headline in the Edmonton Journal this morning reflected the drop in approval for Harper based on this bizarre CON first week strategy.

September 13, 2008

'Looking into it'

Today i was stopped on the street by a retired gentleman with an engineering ring. He wanted me to know that 'this climate change thing is real'

September 12, 2008

Honoured to be asked to present today at Queen's on Global Public Health Governance

I was asked to present on Public Health and Public Secuirty: What are the gaps? how do we fill them?

September 11, 2008

9/11 .... this date will forever be a poignant reminder of the horror of hatred

Our neighbour across the street Rob Tyrie was in the World Trade Tower and was able to escape with his co-worker - a Muslim.... I'll never forget the conversation with him in which he hoped that people like his friend would never be discriminated against

September 10, 2008

Elizabeth May in the debate ... truly the right thing... Great morning with DIon and the women candi

I am proud that Stephane Dion supported her inclusion from the beginning.... I was interested to see the commentary from Tony Burman that we need to remove these decisions from those that have the sole motivation of 'good TV' and give it to a independant

September 9, 2008

Puffin Poop ? surely not....

Can't believe that a sitting government can stoop to the level that even Stephen Harper knew he had to apologize for..... and expect that we would believe that this micromanager never saw the internet embarrassment......explicitly designed for the websavv

September 8, 2008

seems like just yesterday !!! Great to see so many friends this am at the Davisville Subway !

Truly warm and wonderful...... Terrific feeling .... so many people offering to come and help .... lots of advice.... Hope to see you all tomorrow night at the Campaign HQ at Bathurst and Eglinton at 530. Very passionate Dion today.... infuriated by the

September 7, 2008

We're off !!! Very strong start for Stephane Dion !!

I was thrilled to be able to take my volunteers to my Dad's new condo IN the riding.... for the first time in his 90 years...he'll be able to vote for ME !!! and have a BENNETT sign on his balcony !!!!

September 4, 2008

Agriculture Minister Ritz must be fired

Le Français suit l'anglais

September 2, 2008

Long-Term Ills Tied to Bad Food: Symptoms May Arise Years After Poisoning

By Annys Shin Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, September 2, 2008; HE01

September 2, 2008

Hmmmmmm .... the misinfomation campaign starts ...... I AM REAPPLYING FOR MY JOB .

One of my friends was visited today by the Conservative candidate and her team in Deer Park..... she was told that I might not be running again .... What a ridiculously bizarre strategy..... I`ve been the nominated candidate for a very long time....

September 1, 2008

Gustav...... applied learnings of Katrina..

I remember Labour Day weekend 3 years ... I remember watching those cars leaving New Orleans..... I remember asking out loud to the TV.... 'Where are the buses ?' This year there were buses AND a plan....

September 1, 2008

In case you missed the CBC Radio interview with Elizabeth May

You can listen to the interview here

September 1, 2008

Let me offer Flaherty a bit of free advice

The Toronto Star Martin Knelman

September 1, 2008

Building an Inclusive and Accessible Canada: A National Action Plan on Disability

To view the presenation from the 21st World Congress of Rehabilitation International in Quebec City click here!

August 31, 2008

Annie's Story in today's Star

Barbara Farlow has taughts us all so much.... a poignant story that will hopefully change the lives of families with children with disabilities forever.....

August 31, 2008

'God decided before he was born that I am his mother'

This article appeared in today's Ottawa Ctizen about my friedn Peggy Taillon and her amazing story adopting a Kenyan child.

August 31, 2008

MSN Monday night this week because of the holiday...

carolynbennettmp@hotmail.com .... Talk then !

August 30, 2008

How Annie's short life inspired her mother's mission

I believe this article today can help change the way people think and feel

August 29, 2008

Honoured to have been asked to present at the World Demographic Congress

The guru of Age Friendly Cities Alex Kalache chaired our session.The impressive Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford from the New York Academy of Medicine presented the initiative in New York City, renowned gerontologist Laura Machado present the intitiative in CopaCaban

August 29, 2008

Fasten your seatbelts....looks like the PM wants an election !!!

Stoking the fires of cynicism.... the Pm seems to be prepared to break his own law ....in order to go to the GG to dissolve Parliament..... he seems to want to avoid losing the 4 by-elections...the ìn and out` investigation... scrutiny on Listeriosis

August 29, 2008

Harper delivers worst economic performance since Mulroney

Press Release Le Français suit l'anglais

August 28, 2008

Quick, turn on your radio!

I'll be speaking on the Shauna Rae Show (Newstalk 1290 - London, ON) this morning at 11:05am about Minister Clement's mishandling of the Listeriosis outbreak. To listen live follow this link!

August 28, 2008

Best excuse for a party !!!

Was honoured to have been included.

August 27, 2008

Conservative secrecy putting Canadians at risk

Press Release Le Français suit l'anglais

August 27, 2008

I Agree with CBC

Where's Tony?

August 26, 2008

Health Minister Clement chooses American politics over the health of Canadians

Press Release

Le Français suit l'anglais

August 26, 2008

Pomerleau acted responsibly... The Hill Times

To read the Hill Times article click here

August 25, 2008

Conservatives cannot be trusted to protect Canadians’ health and safety

Press Release Le Français suit l'anglais

August 25, 2008

Ensuring a Society for ALL ... International meeting on disability and human rights

Marie White, President of Canadian Council of People With Disabilities blasts the current government ... 'social policy is homeless'.

August 23, 2008

One night at the cottage....with a few of our friends....

Karen Redman, our Whip, once sent me an email asking me what was my absolute favourite meal.... her's was turkey dinner !! Mine is this meal we have every August at the cottage !!

August 22, 2008

Brison meets with local seniors

A bit of media coverage from my trip to Scott Brison's riding!

August 22, 2008

Age-Friendly Toronto !

Preparing for St. Gallen!

August 22, 2008

Minister Clement's Speech at the AIDS Conference in Mexico

August 22, 2008

Grand Manan N.B.... Truly wonderful....

Katie Wilson the Director of Nursing at the Nursing Home here invited me to speak with the Directors of Nursing from N.B.... I learned a great deal this am....particularly on the realities of Pandemic Preparedness....

August 21, 2008

Outbreak highlights misguided Conservative food safety cuts

Le Français suit l'anglais

August 20, 2008

Kings Hants.... and Seniors....and Primary Care

Great to be invited by Scott Brison to meet with the Seniors and Health Care experts in his riding..... I learned a great deal....The challenges of rural Canada are daunting....

August 19, 2008

Conservatives hide food safety cuts, risk health and safety

le Français suit l'anglais

August 19, 2008

Clement's attack on medical professionals is shameful - Bennett

le français suit l'anglais

August 19, 2008

Ottawa 580 Newtalk

Be up early tomorrow!

August 18, 2008

Emergency meeting of the Agriculture Committee today

Ottawa, Ontario

August 18, 2008

Tony Clement questions ethics of doctors who back safe injection sites

Source: The Canadian Press Aug 18, 2008

August 17, 2008

More great media coverage from the Aug. 7th Seniors Roundtable in Ottawa!!

The following article appeared in today's The New EMC publication in Ottawa

August 16, 2008

La Presse today : Recommendation d'un Coroner Un cours de natation obligatoire au primaire.

Je suis d'accord.

August 16, 2008

Full moon on the Georgian Bay

Peter and Marley and I went for a walk tonight on Thunder Beach..... it always makes us feel so Canadian....... the sunset, the beach, the water.....

August 15, 2008

Great letter from a constituent re: the Tory spam flooding the riding !!!

I received this letter from a constituent in regards to the Tory taxpayer funded spam some of you may have received in the past few days.

August 14, 2008

Conservative Government Quietly Cuts Programs in Support of the Film and Video Sector

Important advisory from the CFTPA CANADIAN PRODUCERS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT NEW CUTS TO CULTURE FUNDS

August 13, 2008

Conservatives must act now on air quality – Bennett

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) released their report yesterday, to access the report follow

August 13, 2008

Home again.... It's hard not to think of The Bay !!!!

4 days on the Georgian Bay ... batteries recharged..... last year Peter bought an old RCMP Limestone..... it meant that we were able to leave Killarney this a.m. .... and arrive this afternoon at Thunder Beach.....

August 12, 2008

The Benjamins..... lunch in Paradise.......

It is indeed as advertised !!!!!! Truly beatuiful !!! Granite rocks.... Pine trees.... Northern Channel waters......A goal for Peter and I for years..... realized....... travelling through Little Current was a bonus..... impressive changes.....

August 11, 2008

Killarney Mountain Lodge ..... a jewel

What a treat to arrive here tonight by boat...... We fondly remember being here 20 years ago..... our Ben learned to swim here in the pool !!!!

August 10, 2008

MSN chat tonight.... postponed til next week.....

Unplugged on the Georgian Bay !!!!

August 9, 2008

Women in politics.... a priority for young Liberals !!!!

Thrilled to be there today in Guelph at the OYL Summer Fling...... with Karen Redman and Kathleen Wynne ...... Inspiring presentations..... and inspiring questions and answers.......

August 8, 2008

Seniors Roundtable a Success!!

I participated in a Seniors Roundtable yesterday with Penny Collenette, Liberal Candidate for Ottawa Centre and Senator Sharon Carstairs. We had a great turn out; more than 35 people from the Ottawa Centre community joined us!!

August 8, 2008

Library of Parliament...24th Annual IFLA Pre-Conference of Library and Research Services

Recent Innovations in Parliamentary Libraries.....Cameroon, Canada, Pakistan, UK.......I was honoured to moderate the session this afternoon......

August 7, 2008

Food Policy.... great meeting today with Bill Jeffery

Terrific meeting with Bill Jeffery, National Coordinator of the Centre for Science in the Public Interest...... I am so impressed with cspinet's ability to focus and advocate on the issues that truly save lives.....

August 6, 2008

Politicians need not be web savvy.......hmmmmmmm

St. Paul's in the news !!! Canadian Study of Parliament - report likes us !!!!

August 6, 2008

Conservatives' contradiction of WHO harm prevention shows disregard for Canadians' health

Tony Clement is embarrassing Canada in Mexico.... The AIDS Community knows better..... yet again he chooses ideology instead of science ... this was our press release today in response to his inane remarks at the International AIDS Conference

August 6, 2008

Library of Parliament...24th Annual IFLA Pre-Conference of Library and Research Services

Honoured to be here in Ottawa tonight as Vice Chair of the Library of Parliament Committee.....

August 5, 2008

Great meetings today..... topped off with Soul Pepper !!!

A day filled with inspiration, passionate Canadians doing great things.... tonight I was thrilled to be able to take our Ben to Soul Pepper to see 'Under Millwood' .... a Kenneth Welsh ... tour de force ....

August 4, 2008

Simcoe Day in Simcoe County --- a perfect day on the Georgian Bay

I agree with the Star ... we need to stop calling this holiday the Civic Holiday and embrace the history of John Graves Simcoe....the first governor of Upper Canada ..... here in Simcoe County in Tiny Township we are reminded daily !!

August 3, 2008

Evening with Lord Corbett .... fighting for democracy in Iran

The evening of dialogue and dinner with Lord Corbett .... was so sorry not to be able to be there...

August 2, 2008

Young Liberals Launch Youth Green Shift Campaign / Les Jeunes libéraux lancent la campagne jeunesse

Go Green .. Vote Red !!!

August 1, 2008

Press release ... Climate Change and its effects on Health

Health Canada report a wake up call for Conservatives

August 1, 2008

Open line in St John's ... UNIQUE !!!

Randy Simms was the host until 4 today..... from the MLA in storm stricken Gambo...Loyola Hearn to Jack Layton to Yvonne Jones the leader of the Liberal Party in Newfoundland and Labrador..... it was wild....

August 1, 2008

Turnings... a miracle saving lives...

Turnings - Creating a Secure Community.....Ron Fitzpatrick met with Lori Ann and Siobhan and I this a.m. to brief us on the successes of his organization and the real challenges facing too many people in St. John's....

July 31, 2008

Green Shifting in Newfoundland...

Was great to be able to present the Green Shift to a diverse group of representatives of community groups this afternoon....I was particularly pleased to be able to explain the SHIFT part.... to some of the groups that will be the recipients !

July 31, 2008

A beautiful day in St. John's

Terrific conversation this morning at the Women's Centre... first hand testimony of the damage caused by closing the Status of Women's office....without someone on the ground knowing how to navigate the various pockets of money....

July 30, 2008

Culinarium.... A Local Ontario Food Experience

Thrilled to go and see Kathleen Mackintosh at her new emporium at 705 Mount Pleasant... truly delicious and inspiring....

July 30, 2008

Finally..... Great meeting this a.m. with the Canadian Coaltion against Terror

What an impressive group.... Maureen Basnicki lost her husband in the World Trade Tower during 9/11 and is working to make sure that we are doing everything possible to prevent another tragedy such as that...

July 30, 2008

St Stephen's House.... 2 of my favourite people and a great cause !!

Was great to see Liane Regendanz and Anne Evans from St. Stephen's House this a.m. to hear about their exciting capital campaign...

July 29, 2008

Food for Talk... Public dialogue at the Great Hall Hart House U of T

Canada's World, Evergreen, Engineers without Borders and the Canada's Merit Scholarship Foundation hosted this terrifc event today... farmers, students, experts all came together to discuss the global implications of current public policy on food....

July 29, 2008

STAND.... Students and Darfur

Great update this afternoon from Yoni Levitan, law student AND executive director of STAND. Yoni and I were in Sudan together in January

July 29, 2008

Great meeting with Chris Chopik today

Terrific initiative that will enable homes and building to be rated for their energy efficiency.... which of course will not only be good for the planet but also for the resale value.

July 25, 2008

CARE Canada.... and the widows of Kabul

Terrific event this morning at VERITY .... the wonderful womens’ club in downtown Toronto.... Bob Ramsay and Jean Marmoreo hosted a fabulous breakfast to highlight the CARE program empowering women... and especially the widows of Kabul.

July 24, 2008

Our Ben comes home....

What a thrill to meet our Ben at Terminal 3 this afternoon.. Ben and I left together a month ago to go to the Iranian Democracy Rally in Paris... Ben and his friend Michael Bedford then went on to Holland, England, Scotland and Ireland.

July 22, 2008

Liberals demand emergency review of dangerous Conservative plan to abandon food safety

Press Release le Français suit l'anglais

July 21, 2008

Terrific Day at the Bay today with my fantastic team ...

Always terrific to bring together our `tale of 2 cities`... the Ottawa team of Rebecca and Carla together with Esther and Anne and Lynne from the Toronto office...and this year the wonderful Clancy our summer intern.

July 18, 2008

Manadatory Retirement .... at the Supreme Court ... I disagree

I was pretty clear that regardless of what the Supreme Court decided on this particular case....mandatory retirement is an affront to human rights.....

July 18, 2008

Au revoir.....

I can`t tell you how much I adore being in Quebec City... I feel so fortunate to be an MP that is encouraged to come to Quebec and learn the language and the culture and the history…..

July 17, 2008

Closing Ceremony and then the Symbolic March

The Closing Ceremonies were as always moving...but today I was so proud to also be there to walk with the First Nations in their Symbolic March from the Congress Centre to the City Hall.

July 17, 2008

Conference of the Federation..... Kelowna LIVES !!!

The Conservative Government has tried to say that the Kelowna Accord didn`t exist.... today the Premiers have said it does exist and must be honoured……18 months of a process… Health, Education, Housing, Economic Development and Accountability

July 16, 2008

Wendake..... huronne-wendat...... a truly memorable evening....

When I was a little girl this was the tourist attraction--`The Huron Village`... now it's an amazing example of indigenous entrepreneurial prowess and economic development with its own tourism commission !!!

July 16, 2008

Conservatives must release 'dangerous' plan to abandon food safety

Press Release le Français suit l'anglais

July 16, 2008

Une visite merveilleuse ce matin `a La Maison de la Santé

Une bonne conversation avec Marcel Grondin, Le Directeur Génèral.... Je trouve les questions sur l`écart entre les auchtones et la population du Canada trés inquiètante.....

July 15, 2008

Starmania..... spectaculaire !!! merci Luc Plamondon !

C`était un grand plaisir pour moi de voir ce spectacle ce soir avec ma famille de Québec extraordinaire ....Claire Picard et René Courschene.....

July 15, 2008

Opening Ceremonies of the AFN Meeting in Québec City... Chief Fontaine spoke eloquently.

Truly moving ceremony this a.m. ... the smudge by the elders... and then the opening remarks.... Premier Charest, Mayor Labeaume, Grand Chief Max Gros-Louis of the Wendake First Nation and AFN Regional Chief Ghislain Picard.

July 14, 2008

Je suis partie à Québec ce matin

2 raisons ..... pour améliorer mon Francais...et aussi à cause de la reunion de L`Assemblée des Premières Nations.

July 13, 2008

Support for Insite.....and Harm Reduction...

Tonight on the MSN chat I learned about the meeting this week, sorry I can't be there... Thursday, July 17, 7:00PM

Toronto City Hall

July 13, 2008

Salsa on St. Clair !!! Felicidades. Gracias

Once again... bigger and better.... what a terrific initiative....thanks so much to Telelatino and Joe Mihevc and Frank Pronesti of the Rushton Restaurant, President of the BIA....

July 13, 2008

Garden Green Garden Tour this a.m. - PERFECT DAY !

Terrific initiative by Susan Poizner and Garden Green the voluntary gardening education and networking group in St. Paul's

July 10, 2008

Editorial in today's Globe and Mail and my response

Great editorial today on a National Birthing Strategy for Canada

July 9, 2008

Dede's Funeral today - truly perfect

A real celebration of her life. Rev. Milton Barry was wonderful and Peter and his brother John and John's wife Helen spoke wonderfully.... our niece Amy read from AA MIlne's..Springtime...

July 8, 2008

Southern Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment Public Meeting

Honoured to have been asked to speak tonight and hear about the terrific efforts the region is doing in recruiting physicians to come to this area. Drs Merily McTavish and Norm Grieve have recently retired and are doing a great job finding replacements.

July 5, 2008

Howdy from the Stampede !!

Terrific day.... Stephane Dion gave a fantastic courageous speech here in the province that has chosen to remain dependant on fossil fuels.... Everyone we talked to was excited about the real challenge for Alberta..

May 1, 2008

Debate in the House of Commons on Food and Drugs Act

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak this afternoon about Bill C-51. As always, the Liberal Party aims to improve the safety and health of Canadians (read more...)

Search previous postings





Liberals are Working Roundtables


Democratic Reform/Prorogation


Maternal and Child Health


The Health of Canadians: 2017


Towards a Comprehensive Food Policy for Canada


H1N1 Flu Virus


Seniors


Listeriosis/Food Safety


Chalk River


Poverty


Africa


The Canadian Manufacturing Sector


The Social Economy


Women in Politics


Persons with Disabilities




   © Carolyn Bennett 2004. All rights reserved.