News

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP): Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to congratulate Nanaimo's Tillicum Le'lum Aboriginal Friendship Centre on its new indigenous response to sexual abuse program. Building on existing programs, this one of a kind initiative will support sexual health and self-esteem workshops, intervention for men at risk of offending and activities to celebrate aboriginal youth. The use of traditional teachings to foster healthy families is a hallmark of the centre.

By: Darrell Bellaart, Daily News

International relief agency's funding pulled after 35 years amid 'anti-Semitism' charges

Nanaimo-Alberni MP James Lunney is facing criticism after refusing to meet with local members of an international aide group that lost government funding.

The federal minister responsible for the Canadian International Development Agency pulled $7 million from Kairos, a church-based group half funded by CIDA for 35 years.

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP): Mr. Speaker, in his speech the member for Windsor—Tecumseh referenced indigenous rights. I want to refer to the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal, the report of which, when referring to the extraordinary case of indigenous peoples, cited widespread acts of genocide, “imminent danger of physical and cultural extinction faced by 28 indigenous groups” and the fact that 18 of the communities have less than 100 members and “are suspended between life and death”. The report went on to set “a horrifying list of human and labour rights abuses that are shocking [to] the world”.

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP): Madam Speaker, I know the member for St. John's East raised this issue when he spoke in the House. He talked about Conrad Black. We know that Conrad Black is actually serving time in the United States, whereas many of the crimes were actually committed in Canada.

I would ask the member, are there any plans to put additional resources into the investigation of white collar crime? We know that many of these crimes simply do not get the attention that they need in terms of the investigation resources and the prosecution resources as well.

By Jean Crowder

Credit card rates unfair to consumers.

According to a recent poll by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, eighty percent of people with credit cards in British Columbia want tighter controls on credit card companies.

The NDP agrees. During this Parliament, we’ve been pointing out the many ways the average consumer is overcharged by financial institutions.

The Conservative government continues to allow credit card companies to enforce unfair rates, even at a time when families are worried about just making ends meet.

Facebook group could build bridge of understanding
Those making fun of aboriginal pedestrians crossing a Duncan bridge need to be educated, says the NDP aboriginal affairs critic.
Nanaimo-Cowichan MP Jean Crowder's comments came after a Facebook group targeting natives on the Silver Bridge was exposed last week.
The forum, with almost 2,500 members, challenges drivers to predict the number of aboriginals they would spot walking along the overpass.
It briefly went offline last week, following media investigations, but reemerged last weekend.

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP):  
    Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the member for Vancouver East.

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP): Madam Speaker, I want to start by acknowledging the good work the committee has done on this very important piece of legislation. In particular, I want to acknowledge the dedication and commitment that my colleague from Winnipeg Centre has shown in regard to the bill over a number of months.

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in favour of Bill C-277. Its summary states that the enactment amends the Auditor General Act in order to allow the Auditor General of Canada to act as auditor or joint auditor of crown corporations, certain other bodies established by acts of Parliament and certain corporate entities without share capital.