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01/09/10
130 MILLION FOR THE COMPANY,
NOTHING FOR THE WORKERS AND RETIREES
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, is frustrated to hear that Harper’s government has given AbitibiBowater 130 million dollars when he refused to help workers and retirees of the forest sector from across the country.
In reaction to the closing of a Newfoundland mill, the Newfoundland and Labrador government passed a new legislation which allowed him to take possession of the company’s assets in case of a closure. The company could therefore close its mill but the government would be the new owner of all buildings and equipment. Since AbitibiBowater had filed a complaint under the North American Free Trade Agreement, the government of Canada decided to give the company 130 million dollars to compensate for its loss if they accepted to immediately drop their complaint.
“For a long time now, Liberals have been fighting to put in place new measures to help retirees and future retirees who faced important losses regarding their pension funds”, said Jean-Claude D’Amours. “Whatever it is we were trying to do, the Conservatives were always keeping us from succeeding”.
What happened in Newfoundland and Labrador is a new proof that the Conservatives couldn’t care less about the problems that retirees and workers are now facing. “Stephen Harper won’t permit new legislations to pass that would allow the federal government to reimbursed , temporarily or not, pension funds that have lost money due to crisis in different industries”, said the MP for Madawaska – Restigouche.
“However, when AbitibiBowater panicked because its assets were taking away by the provincial government, the Conservatives did not hesitate to give them a nice sum of 130 million dollars to compensate for their loss.
“This behavior is totally unacceptable”, said Jean-Claude D’Amours. “The Conservatives refuse to defend the retirees but they won’t hesitate to give several millions of dollars to a company that had already chosen to shut down its operation. What kind of reasoning is that? 130 million dollars is a lot of money! How many pension funds could have been reimbursed? How many jobs could have been saved? I strongly believe that Stephen Harper needs to revise his list of priorities to make sure that, unlike now, the well being of citizens is higher than the financial prosperity of whichever company”, he concluded.
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18/08/10
CONSERVATIVES STANDING IN THE WAY OF NEW JOBS IN RESTIGOUCHE
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, charges that the Conservative government is preventing the creation of new jobs in the Dalhousie area.
Natural Resources Canada’s ecoENERGY for Biofuels Program is an ecoACTION Initiative. Parties interested in receiving funding through this program were to submit their applications before March 31, 2010. In Dalhousie, a group of investors wanted to set up a biofuel plant, which would create around 100 jobs.
“The people behind the Dalhousie project met the deadlines for the ecoENERGY for Biofuel Program,” said D’Amours. “They provided the requested information. And yet, Natural Resources Canada claims that the application was incomplete and thus could not be processed.”
D’Amours is furious to see that, yet again, the Conservatives are successfully standing in the way of those trying to stimulate the economy in our regions. “The Restigouche region was hit hard by the economic crisis,” he said. “The forest industry crisis caused a major factory in the area to be shut down, leaving many workers unemployed. The Conservatives have done nothing to help create more jobs to compensate for that loss. If the Dalhousie biofuel initiative were to go through, we could not only produce green energy, but also create jobs.”
Once again, thanks to the Harper government, northern New Brunswick is being overlooked. “They submitted a clear, environmentally friendly initiative that would help the residents of Dalhousie and the surrounding area,” said D’Amours. “The Conservatives must recognize that the Dalhousie project meets the eligibility criteria for the ecoENERGY for Biofuels Program and provide the project with the funding it needs.”
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11/08/10
CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT DELAYING CONSTRUCTION OF NEW REGIONAL EMERGENCY COMPLEX
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, Member of Parliament for Madawaska – Restigouche, is disappointed that once again the Conservatives are not providing funding for a project that is important to the well-being of residents of our region.
Mr. D’Amours has learned that Harper’s federal government has refused to provide funding for the construction of a new regional emergency complex in Saint-Léonard, which could only enhance the safety of the residents of Saint-Léonard and region.
“The building where the fire trucks are currently stored is in very poor condition,” stated the MP. “A committee created to examine the various potential solutions recommended that a new complex be built to accommodate both ambulance and fire services.”
The municipal and provincial governments have already agreed to fund the project. Ambulance New Brunswick, which is run by New Brunswick’s emergency medical services, also gave the project a green light, provided that the work is carried out within certain deadlines. The federal government still hasn’t approved the project.
“If federal funding is not forthcoming soon, the project could lose important partners and would then no longer be viable,” stated Mr. D’Amours. “The new Regional Emergency Complex is not the only project to wait on funding from the federal government. It looks like more than 500 million dollars available for infrastructure projects will not be used due to the lack of efficiency in the way the Conservative government manages the project proposals. There is some money available. The Conservatives must stop making excuses and give the developers the necessary funding to complete the project.”
Mr. D’Amours pointed out that if the Conservatives can waste millions of dollars hosting a political event such as the G20, they must recognize the need for emergency services in our regions and make the funding available. “We Liberals recognize this need. We have established policies for volunteer firefighters. Now the Conservatives have to do their part. This is why I am urging them to quit stalling and finally grant the funding needed to build the new regional emergency complex,” concluded Mr. D’Amours.
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06/08/10
THE LIBERAL EXPRESS STOPS IN NEW BRUNSWICK
Grand Falls (New Brunswick)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, and Chuck Chiasson, Liberal candidate for Tobique – Mactaquac, were pleased to welcome in our region, during the Liberal Express Tour, Mr. Michael Ignatieff, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
The Liberal leader hit the road in July. Michael Ignatieff, accompanied by a group of MPs and candidates, students and members of the media, has traveled the country on the Liberal Express so he could learn more about people’s needs.
On August 1st, Michael Ignatieff participates in a coffee stop in Grand Falls. He was then able to interact with the public. He heard with his own ears what people from our country had to say.
“It is not every political leader that takes the time to go in the field and hear what people have to say”, said Chuck Chiasson. “I am proud to be part of a Party where this is the way things work. Michael Ignatieff really wants to know the needs of everyone in this country”.
Michael Ignatieff took the opportunity of the Liberal Express tour to promote his policy called "Rural Canada Matters!". “There is two types of communities in our country, urban and rural”, said Jean-Claude D’Amours. “Michael Ignatieff understands this reality. He knows that people from rural regions don’t have the same need as people from urban regions. This is why, with the help of the MPs from rural regions, he put together a policy that would improve the life of Canadians living in remote communities. The Liberal Express tour gave a chance to our leader to discuss this policy with Canadians and get their feedback on this matter”.
The Liberal Express tour will end at the end of August. After two months on the road, Michael Ignatieff will return to Ottawa for the fall session. “The Liberal team is now working on updating its national policy”, said Jean-Claude D’Amours and Chuck Chiasson. “To have traveled the entire country can do nothing but help Michael Ignatieff to better organize our policies so that our intentions reflect the real needs of Canadians”.
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21/07/10
NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON SAINT-JOSEPH POST OFFICE’S FUTURE
Saint-Joseph-de-Madawaska (New Brunswick)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, gained new information this week about the future of the Saint-Joseph post office.
On July 14, D’Amours held a press conference to urge Canada Post to issue a call for proposals to give residents an opportunity to show their interest in a new post office in Saint-Joseph. A call for proposals would ensure that the post office stays open. Only a few days after the press conference, Canada Post announced that it would launch a call for proposals internally over the next two weeks.
“I am happy to see that our actions got results,” said D’Amours. “Canada Post has finally decided to pursue this issue so that the residents of Saint-Joseph can have the best postal service possible.”
However, D’Amours said he was disappointed that it took so much effort to get Canada Post’s attention. “Canada Post should have recognized the need of the Saint-Joseph community and immediately issued a call for proposals,” he said. “It is disappointing to see that it acted only in reaction to our demand. If we hadn’t acted, the residents of Saint-Joseph still wouldn’t know what was happening with their post office.”
D’Amours is also concerned that the Canada Post spokespeople have been very closemouthed. “I was happy to hear that the call for proposals will be launched soon, but it hasn’t happened yet,” he said. “I hope that the timelines will actually be honoured so that the residents of Saint-Joseph may continue to have access to an effective postal service. Rest assured that I will continue to follow this issue very closely.”
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14/07/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS CALLS FOR SAINT-JOSEPH POST OFFICE TO REMAIN OPEN
Saint-Joseph-de-Madawaska (New Brunswick)
The Member of Parliament for Madawaska – Restigouche, Jean-Claude D’Amours, urges the Conservative government to promise to keep the Saint-Joseph post office open.
The Saint-Joseph post office, like many other rural post offices, is located in a private residence. In April 2010, the person who runs the post office announced that she would be quitting in six months, on September 23, 2010. It is now July and we still do not know what will happen to the St. Joseph post office.
Many residents have expressed a desire to have the post office in their home. However, the Harper government has done nothing to resolve the issue. “The Conservatives want to end the moratorium put on post offices in 1994 by Jean Chrétien’s Liberal government,” said Jean-Claude D’Amours. “The moratorium protects roughly 3,800 post offices like the one in Saint-Joseph. If the moratorium is lifted, nothing will stop post offices in rural areas from closing. The situation that is currently happening at the post office in Saint-Joseph is another proof that the Conservatives wish to eliminate rural post offices”.
“I call on the Conservative government to promise to keep the Saint-Joseph post office open. A post office is a critical asset for people in remote areas. In 2010 this service should be a given. Canadians should not have to fight to keep it. The Conservatives need to understand that post offices are crucial to the functioning of rural areas. They need to give those interested the right to have the post office located in their home as of next September,” concluded Jean-Claude D’Amours.
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05/07/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS OBTAINS OVER $590,000 FOR 2010 SUMMER STUDENT PROJECTS
Ottawa (Ontario)
The Member of Parliament for Madawaska – Restigouche, Jean-Claude D’Amours, is very happy to have stood up for students in the region. Thanks to his efforts, the riding was given $594,668 under the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2010 program, which will fund 281 student projects in over 204 regional businesses and organizations.
The CSJ program, based on a government-employer partnership, aims to help students prepare to enter the job market through career-based summer jobs. It creates additional jobs and provides students with income to pursue their studies.
“Many young people were able to find a summer job to help them pay their school fees. Moreover, they will have an opportunity to gain rewarding work experience,” said Jean-Claude D’Amours.
“It is important for our future economic development to encourage our young people to stay in the region,” said the MP. “By giving them job opportunities, fewer of them will leave for urban centres. Our students will stay here, knowing that the work experience they gain here is just as useful as what they might gain elsewhere.”
The MP believes that the CSJ program benefits not only students but also businesses and organizations. “Many of them rely on students to get specific tasks done in the summer,” added Jean-Claude D’Amours.
“I am delighted once again to have helped create roughly 300 summer jobs in our region. In 2010, I firmly believe that education is the key to success. I am proud to be able to encourage our young people to continue their post-secondary studies,” concluded the MP.
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29/06/10
LIBERAL MPs FIGHTING FOR HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSES THAT THE HARPER GOVERNMENT WANTS TO SELL OFF
Ottawa (Ontario)
Atlantic Liberal MPs called on the Harper government to stop its garage sale of historic lighthouses and pony up the cash to restore and preserve these monuments to Canada’s proud seafaring heritage.
“Atlantic Canadians are disgusted that this Conservative government is throwing away $1 billion on a 72-hour meeting, while at the same time telling them that if they want to keep these heritage sites they must pay for it out of their own pocket,” said Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche.
“It is truly unacceptable that this incompetent and wasteful government believes it can justify spending $186,000 on a fake wooden lighthouse carved from a tree stump as part of its G8/G20 billion-dollar boondoggle, while washing its hands of the real things”.
“People from Dalhousie will not let the Conservatives take away their lighthouse without putting up a fight”, said the MP for Madawaska – Restigouche. “This lighthouse is the only one in our riding. It brings a unique touch to our cultural heritage. I refuse to let the Conservatives take that away from us”.
The Conservatives clearly under-estimated how passionate Atlantic Canadians are about their historic lighthouses. Liberals stand firmly behind the people of Atlantic Canada in their quest to save these historic monuments. “We are not going to sit quietly and idly by while the government tries to make a few bucks off the backs of our maritime history”, concluded Jean-Claude D’Amours.
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19/06/10
OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE "FESTI-PIN" FESTIVAL
Dalhousie (New Brunswick)
The Member of Parliament for Madawaska – Restigouche, Jean-Claude D’Amours, was pleased to attend the Offcial Opening of the "Festi-Pin" festival on June 19th 2010 in Dalhousie.
The Festival welcomed visitors from everywhere in New-Brunswick and Quebecc.
To see a picture of the MP and some of the event organizors, please click here.
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17/06/10
KEITH ASHFIELD ACCUSED OF WITHHOLDING FUNDS TO PROMOTE PARTISAN POLITICS
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, Liberal MP from New Brunswick and Official Opposition critic for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is asking the Conservatives to clarify the situation surrounding allegations against Conservative MP Keith Ashfield.
MP Greg Thompson is accusing Keith Ashfield, ACOA Minister, of withholding funds to score political points for the Conservatives. Apparently, funds allocated to ridings that have no Conservative candidate are being held back.
"It is completely unacceptable that partisan politics should come first before the needs of people," said Jean-Claude D’Amours, ACOA critic. "These funds were provided to serve the needs of our communities, not to promote a political party of any stripe."
Jean-Claude D’Amours is asking the Harper government to halt its underhanded dealings and release the project money. "The Conservatives have to stop playing around with money intended for the public simply to gain a political advantage. This behaviour cannot be accepted or even tolerated."
"Clarifications are in order," said the ACOA critic. "If the Minister asserts that these allegations are false, let him move forward by giving the green light to projects that are still awaiting funding. With projects on hold in my riding, I will not stand by while people back home are deprived of financial assistance simply because of a political ideology. I'm asking for explanations. I want to see results," the MP concluded.
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14/06/10
NEW INFORMATION SUGGESTS EI PROCESSING POSITIONS WILL BE CENTRALIZED
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, is disappointed that there have been no developments to put a stop to the centralization of Employment Insurance processing positions.
In March 2010, D’Amours called on the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, to reverse a decision by Service Canada to centralize all Employment Insurance processing positions in Moncton.
“Not only have I not heard an encouraging response from the minister, I also have new proof that Human Resources Canada still intends to move local positions to an urban centre,” said D’Amours.
D’Amours has learned that Service Canada renewed its lease for the Dalhousie office on a short-term basis only. Such offices generally have long-term leases. Furthermore, the Edmundston office plans to reduce its office space by 3,300 square feet, which shows the government’s intent to reduce the number of employees at that location.
“I sincerely believe that centralizing EI processing positions will have a negative effect on our rural communities,” said D’Amours. “That is why I will continue to pressure the Conservative government to reverse its decision and keep these positions in our local offices.”
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11/06/10
STATEMENT FROM THE MP IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS – DR. JACQUES CORBIN
Ottawa (Ontario)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the work of Dr. Jacques Corbin who, on May 28, was awarded the Dr. Garfield Moffatt Medal. This medal recognizes excellence of health care provided by a New Brunswick doctor. It is awarded to an individual who demonstrates an interest in professional development in medicine, education of patients and health care team members, and leadership and service to his community, in addition to focusing on quality of family life.
We are proud that this medal has been awarded to one of our doctors. A native of Edmundston, Dr. Corbin has accomplished a great deal in the health field. He was awarded this medal — and has had a successful career — because of his belief that the patient always comes first.
Dr. Corbin, on behalf of the citizens of Madawaska – Restigouche, I congratulate you on this medal and, most of all, I thank you for everything you have done for our community. Once again, Dr. Corbin, congratulations!
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10/06/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS OUTRAGED BY COST OF G8 AND G20 SUMMITS
Ottawa (Ontario)
The Liberal Member for Madawaska – Restigouche is outraged that the G8 and G20 summits to be held from June 25 to 27 in Toronto will cost Canadians more than $1 billion.
The Hon. Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, announced that Canada will spend more than 1, 1 billion to host 20 political leaders from around the world. “While Canadians are experiencing all kinds of financial difficulties, the Conservatives are putting money into an event that, in my opinion, isn’t worth $1 billion,” said Mr. D’Amours.
“The Conservatives have allocated far more money to organizing the G8 and G20 than is necessary”, he explained. A report by Radio-Canada detailed the costs of previous G8 and G20 summits. The London summit in April 2009 cost about $30 million, while the meeting in Pittsburgh in September 2009 totalled $20 million.
“Can someone explain how we went from 20 or 30 million in 2009 to more than 100 million in 2010?” asked Mr. D’Amours. “If it costs so much to host a political summit in Toronto, then the G8 and G20 should have been held elsewhere! A meeting involving some 20 people shouldn’t have negative repercussions for the citizens of the host country, no matter where that is.”
The MP for Madawaska – Restigouche believes there are hundreds of better choices for spending this money. “How many jobs do you think could be created? How many pension funds reimbursed? How many student loans forgiven? A billion dollars is a lot of money! It could be invested in health care and education, which I think are far more important than hosting 20 politicians.”
While the Conservatives spend millions of dollars to build a fake lake or an arena for the medias, hundreds of municipalities are still waiting to get money from the federal government to start working on projects that would improve the life of hundreds of citizens. For example, in Saint-François, we are still waiting for $250 000 from the federal to start renovating the arena. This amount of money represent just about 58 seconds at the G20. In Saint-Arthur, 150 000$ are still missing to build a new recreational center, which represent about 38 seconds at the G20.
Mr. D’Amours can’t understand the reasoning behind the Conservative government’s decision. “I think it simply shows a huge lack of judgment,” he said. “As a federal MP, I can’t understand what the government expected to get in return for this enormous investment. And as a Canadian citizen and taxpayer, I find it hard to accept that my money is being put to such poor use. Other Canadians agree with me. When I see situations like this, I sincerely doubt Mr. Harper’s ability to manage our country properly.”
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03/06/10
CONSERVATIVES VOTE AGAINST HELP TO OUR PENSIONERS
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, was disappointed that the majority of Conservatives voted against Bill C501.
Bill C-501 aims to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. The amendments would ensure pensioners were not the last to be reimbursed, should their employer go bankrupt.
“The opposition parties have long understood that the pension file is a very important issue,” said D’Amours. “The second reading vote on Bill C501 shows what is happening in Parliament right now: the opposition parties, who all voted in favour of the bill, are ready to put aside their differences to give Canadian pensioners concrete solutions, while the Conservatives are digging in their heels and refusing to co-operate.”
D’Amours understands that Bill C501 does not solve every pension problem. However, he believes it is a step in the right direction.
“Unlike my Conservatives colleagues from New-Brunswick, I want to see some changes”, said the MP. “I was disappointed to see that not one Conservative MP from New-Brunswick voted in favour of C-501”.
“Stephen Harper’s Conservatives are proud to tell pensioners they are supporting them”, said Jean-Claude D’Amours. “But when time comes to show that support, their actions goes against their words. The Conservatives say they are studying pensions for all of Canada to try and find solutions. If they really are, I don’t see what could stop them from voting, in the House of Commons, in favour of a bill that would help our pensioners. I can only think of one word: hypocrisy”.
The Liberals have already put forward a number of solutions to help Canadian pensioners. Each time, the Conservatives have tried to thwart our efforts. “If the Conservatives aren’t happy with our solutions, why don’t they come up with their own?” said D’Amours. “We’re still waiting."
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31/05/10
RURAL CANADA MATTERS FOR HEALTHY, HOME-GROWN FOOD
Canada’s First National Food Policy
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, announced that a future Liberal government would protect and promote Canada’s local products.
Canada’s farmers can play a critical role in addressing Canada’s looming health care challenge. As Canada’s population ages, tackling our rising health costs requires a greater emphasis on healthy eating and food safety to fight obesity and disease.
“Canada’s food producers are also cornerstone of Canada’s economy”, said the MP for Madawaska – Restigouche. “Even though Canada’s farmers and agri-food sector provides one out of every eight jobs and generates $42 billion in economic activity each year, they are struggling to recover from the recent recession. Making Canada’s struggling agricultural sector more sustainable would benefit all Canadians – by narrowing the rural-urban divide and getting more high-quality home-grown foods on our tables”.
Because food links rural and urban Canadians through our health and our economy, the Liberal party recently announced plans to implement Canada’s first comprehensive National Food Policy, revolving around five core areas – healthy, living, safe food, sustainable incomes, environmental farmland stewardship and global leadership.
Buying local is not just good for our farmers – who grow the world’s highest-quality foods – it’s also good for our families, and for our environment. “The Liberal Party of Canada believes in a nation where economic opportunity and high quality of life can be achieved in all regions. A National Food Policy will help to achieve this, like every other policy in our “Rural Canada Matters” initiative. The Liberal Party of Canada has proposed concrete solutions to reduce the rural and urban gap in Canada. This policy is now within our reach”, concluded the MP.
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26/05/10
NEW BRUNSWICK NOT TO RECEIVE FUNDING
TO EXTEND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESSE
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, is disappointed that New Brunswick will not be among the provinces and territories to receive funding from the Conservative government to extend broadband Internet access.
On May 9, 2010, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, announced Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians, a program funded with much of the $225M provided to Industry Canada to extend broadband Internet access. The purposes of the Broadband Canada program are to promote economic development, to stimulate innovation, and to improve the quality of life in hundreds of communities in all parts of Canada. “Not one of all the projects announced benefits our constituency,” stated JeanClaude D’Amours. “In fact, not a single project in the entire province of New Brunswick was approved.”
The MP for Madawaska – Restigouche considers this situation not just regrettable but entirely unfair. “In New Brunswick, there are a number of rural regions without highspeed Internet access. A number of municipalities in our constituency still do not have broadband Internet access. I find it unacceptable that regions in our province are disadvantaged in comparison with regions elsewhere in Canada.”
Jean-Claude D’Amours has asked Minister Clement to review his decision in order to ensure that Canada’s provinces and territories each receive a fair share of funding under the Broadband Canada program. “It’s 2010. In my view there is no valid reason that some regions still do not have highspeed Internet access. That is why I am asking the Conservative government to restructure and redirect the funding available, so that every region in Canada that is still without broadband Internet access can have a fair share of the assistance provided under this program,” concluded the MP.
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13/05/10
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: CONSERVATIVES MAKING MORE CUTS
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche and official critic for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is outraged to see that, once again, economic development agencies will bear the brunt of the Harper government’s fiscal mismanagement.
The Hon. Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board of Canada, announced on May 3, 2010, that the Conservative government is reviewing spending, with a view to cutting more than $1.7 billion. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is one of the 13 government agencies threatened by the cuts.
“I can’t say it enough: to stimulate the economy, we need to invest money in economic development agencies, not cut their funding!” charged D’Amours. “Economic development happens first and foremost through these agencies. They diversify the economy by distributing the available funds in the various spheres of activity in our society.”
On May 5, D’Amours rose in the House of Commons to ask Minister Ashfield to explain these future cuts. “Mr. Ashfield would have us believe that ACOA’s budget won’t be cut. But after an announcement like the one on Monday, I don’t see how he can continue to deny that cuts will be made.”
“I have said it before: the Conservatives must come to understand the importance of economic development agencies. They need to stop punishing Atlantic Canadians by slashing their funding. Canadians have already paid too high a price for the Harper government’s mistakes.”
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06/05/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS SUPPORTS ST. LEONARD’S EFFORTS TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEW RCMP DISTRICT OFFICE
St. Leonard (New Brunswick)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, supports the city of St. Leonard in its bid to have the new Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) District Office located in our region.
Since 2009, the Mayor of St. Leonard, Mr. Carmel St-Amand, has been working with various stakeholders to evaluate the possibility of relocating the RCMP District 10 office to St. Leonard. “Like Mr. St-Amand, I am convinced that building a new RCMP office in St. Leonard will have a very positive influence in the area,” said D’Amours. “Furthermore, I believe that St. Leonard is an ideal location because it at the centre of District 10, which stretches from Connors to Perth-Andover.”
D’Amours believes so strongly in the benefits of the project and supports it so wholeheartedly because building the RCMP office would also contribute directly to the economic and sustainable development of St. Leonard.
The final decision of where to build the new District Office has not yet been made. The municipalities of Saint-André and Grand Falls are still in the running, which is why D’Amours hopes that Conservative Senator Percy Mockler will support St. Leonard’s bid.
“We know that all three cities are eager to have the new RCMP office,” said D’Amours. “I hope that Senator Percy Mockler, who is from St. Leonard, will support the bid to have the new office in St. Leonard.”
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04/05/10
LIBERALS PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
Volunteer Emergency Services for Rural Canada Matters
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, announced that a future Liberal government would introduce a $3,000 refundable tax credit in recognition of the costs Canada’s volunteer firefighters incur for their emergency public service.
“Thousands of Canadians put their lives at risk to keep us safe when they don the volunteer firefighter’s uniform,” said Jean-Claude D’Amours. “Without the emergency public service provided by volunteer firefighters, residents of Madawaska – Restigouche would have access to fewer services – which is why we need to support their efforts.”
Recently, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff pledged to provide a $3,000 refundable tax credit to all volunteer firefighters with a minimum of 200 hours of volunteer service during the tax year. This annual volunteer service would include time devoted to achieving and maintaining firefighter training in accordance with recognized standards. The tax credit would be made available to everyone who qualifies, regardless of income.
“The residents of Madawaska – Restigouche don’t have access to the fire services other Canadian cities have – which is why the brave men and women of Madawaska-Restigouche serve their community by volunteering their time,” said Jean-Claude D’Amours. “We need to recognize the, risk and sacrifice made by volunteer firefighters, who are ready to answer the call at all hours to help their neighbors in need.”
Over 90 percent of Canada’s 3,492 fire departments are volunteer fire departments. There are approximately 84,000 volunteer firefighters in Canada. In Madawaska – Restigouche, there are approximately 700 volunteer fire fighters.
Support for volunteer firefighters is the third part of the Liberal Party’s “Rural Canada Matters” initiative. Mr. Ignatieff recently announced the Liberal plan for Canada’s first National Food Policy and measures to help attract doctors and nurses to underserved rural communities.
“Michael Ignatieff is presenting Canadians with a clear choice,” said Jean-Claude D’Amours. “The Liberal choice is to pay down the deficit and invest in priorities like rural emergency services, while Stephen Harper has chosen more tax cuts for corporations that our country and our families can’t afford.”
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30/04/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS SPEAKS OUT ABOUT THE ALLOCATION OF STIMULUS MONEY TO THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY
Ottawa (Ontario)
The Member for Madawaska – Restigouche charges that the government has shown poor judgment in the allocation of financial assistance under the Community Adjustment Fund. Jean-Claude D’Amours stood up before the House of Commons today to ask the Conservatives for clarifications about the way money was managed and why Northern New Brunswick was, once again, left behind.
The Community Adjustment Fund was created to help communities deal with the crisis in the forestry industry. Excluding provincial assistance, Northern New Brunswick, which has been hard hit by the crisis, received just 12% of the assistance provided under the Fund.
“Northern New Brunswick received just $3 million of the $26 million in funding available under the Community Adjustment Fund,” stated Jean-Claude D’Amours. “This represents roughly 12% of the total funding available. This is completely unacceptable since this region probably needed the help the most.”
The purpose of the Community Adjustment Fund is to stimulate the economy in Canada. Mr. D’Amours questions what economic stimulus truly means to the Conservatives. “While companies are struggling to avoid bankruptcy and are eligible for federal financial assistance, the Conservatives are investing close to $2 million to renovate an art gallery,” he charged. “I think the allocation of funding under the Community Adjustment Fund shows a serious lack of judgment on the part of those in charge of it.”
Jean-Claude D’Amours maintains that the federal government must get its priorities straight in order to be effective in providing economic stimulus funding. “Northern New Brunswick needs over $3 million in stimulus funding. Funding programs are created for specific purposes and the government must allocate funding to meet those objectives. In order to address the crisis in the forestry industry, the assistance available under the Community Adjustment Fund must above all be allocated to help those grappling with the crisis,” concluded Mr. D’Amours.
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28/04/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS FILES COMPLAINT WITH THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF OFFICIAL LANGUAGES9
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, filed an official complaint with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages on Thursday, April 22, 2010.
In March 2010, several owners of nursing homes in Canada received a letter from Statistics Canada concerning a survey that they were to complete. This letter was the subject of Mr. D’Amours’s complaint.
“A person in my riding contacted me to say that the letter he had received was poorly written,” said Mr. D’Amours. “When I read the letter, I saw how bad it was.” The letter not only contained many spelling mistakes, but was also completely incomprehensible because of the many syntax, grammar and vocabulary errors.
“Clearly, this letter was not very professional,” he said. “It is completely unacceptable for the Government of Canada to allow such a poorly written document to be sent out.”
Mr. D’Amours is a proud supporter of bilingualism. “I refuse to stand idly by and let something like this happen without taking action. It is essential that we fight to preserve, maintain and, above all, promote pride in our languages.”
As a national institution, the Government of Canada is a key player in defending and ensuring respect for the country’s two official languages and it must take this role seriously. It is primarily responsible for ensuring that Canadians receive services in both official languages and that these services meet standards of quality.
“I hope the situation will be corrected as soon as possible. If the federal government doesn’t respect the two official languages of its own country, who will?” asked Mr. D’Amours.
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26/04/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS SUPPORTS BILL C-429
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, spoke in support of Bill C-429 in the House of Commons on Wednesday, April 14, 2010.
Bill C-429 is a private member’s bill introduced by M. Gérard Asselin, MP for Manicouagan. It encourages the use of wood as a construction material for the construction or renovation of federal buildings.
The MP supports the efforts of his colleague from Quebec. “New options must be found to revive the forestry industry and I think Mr. Asselin’s idea is a step in the right direction,” he stated. “By establishing clear, specific regulations, this initiative could help the lumber industry.”
Wood could of course only be used where possible, and in accordance with existing regulations. Cost and greenhouse gas emissions would also be taken into consideration.
“Using wood as a construction material in federal buildings would boost our local lumber companies,” stated the MP. “Of course the idea is not to shut out all other industries but rather to ensure that lumber is considered among the list of possible construction materials for federal government buildings.”
“We recognize that lumber cannot replace all other construction materials,” stated Mr. D’Amours. “But why not use wood where possible as a way to bolster lumber companies and since it is not harmful to the environment?
Mr. D’Amours hopes Bill C-429 is passed by the House of Commons so that the federal government can support the Canadian lumber industry in a practical way.
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22/04/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS FIGHTING FOR MORE DOCTORS AND NURSES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
Ottawa (Ontario)
A future Liberal government would help to attract and retain more doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners to underserved rural communities by forgiving up to $20,000 of their student debt, Jean-Claude D’Amours, Liberal Member of Parliament for Madawaska – Restigouche, has announced.
“Too many families in our region just don’t have a doctor, and in some cases they have to drive for hours to receive medical attention,” said Jean-Claude D’Amours. “The issue is that rural communities have 20 percent of our country’s population, but only 10 percent of our doctors. The residents of rural communities should have access to the same level of medical service as the rest of Canadians across the country.”
Under this proposal, a future Liberal government would work with the provinces and territories to forgive $5,000 per year in federal student loans, up to $20,000 over four years, for doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners who choose to practice in a designated underserved rural community. The full cost of this initiative is estimated at $30 million annually, and would help more than 1,500 new health professionals each year.
The Liberal commitment to rural doctors and nurses is the first in a series of policy proposals that will be announced to improve the quality of life in thousands of small towns and communities. Liberals have also committed to working in partnership with provinces and territories to explore other ways to strengthen rural health services, including:
• Support for rural-focused medical and nursing education;
• Encourage young Canadians in rural communities to go to medical school or study nursing;
• Introduce programs to find employment for the spouses of new doctors and nurses;
• Strengthen rural medicine extension programs; and
• Improve internet access for rural health practitioners.
“Michael Ignatieff is listening to his rural caucus,” the MP said. “The residents of Madawaska – Restigouche are looking for a government to bridge the inequality of services between rural and urban Canada.”
Listen to Mr. Ignatieff speak on this subject by clicking here.
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20/04/10
EI MEASURES: ELEVENTH HOUR RENEWAL
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, is outraged to see the Conservatives wait yet again until the last minute to renew a program that benefits Canadians.
The transitional measures for the Madawaska-Charlotte EI economic region were scheduled to end on April 10, 2010. The Conservatives waited until April 9 to announce that these measures would be extended for 11 more months, until March 12, 2011. Furthermore, even though this is a regional issue, the Conservatives chose to make the announcement from Fredericton.
“It is absolutely unacceptable for the government to renew this program less than 24 hours before it was set to expire,” said D’Amours. “Canadians want to know that they can count on their government to provide them with the assistance they need. We will not succeed in making our country a better place when citizens are on tenterhooks.”
D’Amours is also sorry to see that these measures have been extended for the mid-term only. “The Conservatives need to understand how important it is to make these measures permanent,” he said. “The EI pilot projects benefit Canadians. The government needs to stop playing games with their future and make the programs permanent for once and for all.”
He disapproves of the fact that the measures were renewed only because of the current economic situation. “These measures were in place long before the first ripples of the economic crisis were felt,” he said. “Madawaska-Charlotte has needed these measures for a long time, and will continue to need these measures in the future. The Harper government must understand the long-term need for this pilot project in our region.”
Therefore, D’Amours is calling on the Conservatives to go one step further to meet the needs of the workforce. “Now is the time to make these pilot projects permanent.”
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14/04/10
STUDENTS VISITING IN OTTAWA
Ottawa (Ontario)
The Member of Parliament for Madawaska – Restigouche, Jean-Claude D’Amours, was pleased to welcome in Ottawa a group of six people from the riding on Wednesday, April 14th. The group consisted in four students taking the Document Management Program at the Campbellton CCNB, their teacher and their head of department.
On the photo, you can see : Annabelle Bérubé, student;
Lise Bérubé, student
Cathy Bernatchez, student;
Tanya Doucet, teacher;
Steve Godin, head of department;
Isabelle Therrien, student.
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14/04/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS CALLS ON CCM TO RECONSIDER CLOSURE OF EDMUNDSTON PLANT
Edmundston (New Brunswick)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, is calling on CCM to reconsider the decision to close its Edmundston plant.
In the past few weeks, the MP has been in touch with Mr Richard Desroches, Director of manufacturing operations for Reebok Canada Inc. in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and with Reebok North America located in Canton, USA. He sent them a letter to urge the company to reconsider its decision to outsource production to Asia.
“At this time of economic recovery, every job counts,” stated Mr. D’Amours. “By relocating its production to Asia, CCM is not only hurting Canada’s economic recovery, it is also forcing over fifty Canadians to draw employment insurance benefits.”
Mr. D’Amours pointed out that jobs with companies such as CCM are essential to strong rural communities. This is why he urged the company’s executives to continue working to find solutions to the problems that have arisen.
“I am prepared to meet with company executives to see how the federal government could help the company find ways to keep the Edmundston plan open,” stated the MP for Madawaska-Restigouche. “I hope the company is willing to meet with me so we can find a solution together that is satisfactory to everyone,” he concluded.
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09/04/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS WELCOMES TWO STUDENTS FOR “BRING A STUDENT TO WORK” DAY
Edmundston (New Brunswick)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska–Restigouche, is happy to have had the chance to welcome two high school students from Cité-des-Jeunes A.-M.-Sormany on Wednesday, April 7, as part of Bring a Student to Work Day.
Kristine Michaud and Luc Bard shadowed D’Amours all day on Wednesday as he went about his business. They started the day off by attending a Development and Peace meeting. They then spent a few hours in his riding office to better understand the administrative duties of an MP. Next, the students attended a Service Canada presentation and met with the Coopérative forestière du Nord-Ouest. They finished off the day with the Village of Clair’s AGM in the evening.
According to D’Amours, Bring a Student to Work Day is a great educational opportunity for students. “It gives them a chance to experience a profession for an entire day,” he said. “Even though a single day can give only a snapshot of the tasks and duties involved, the students still get a glimpse of what a profession can be like. This activity definitely helps students when it comes time for them to make a career choice.”
D’Amours believes that Bring a Student to Work Day gives students insight into the lesser-known aspects of a profession. “I believe it’s important for the students to see the many roles that a political representative plays,” he said. “By structuring the day this way, we gave Luc and Kristine a chance to see both the administrative and the political sides of my work.”
D’Amours was pleased with how the day played out. “I was very happy to have been able to offer Luc and Kristine the opportunity to better understand an MP’s duties. I hope that I was able to show them my passion for this job as well as give them an overview of the work I do,” he concluded.
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06/04/10
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE: MP FOR MADAWASKA-RESTIGOUCHE CALLS FOR RESTRUCTURING OF ECONOMIC REGIONS
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, believes that New Brunswick’s economic regions need to be restructured.
In 2000, new economic regions were drawn up, placing the northwestern part of the province in the Madawaska-Charlotte region. This region stretches from the Madawaska to Woodstock. Following the demand of workers, the Madawaska region was granted a pilot project.
“The economic regions that were established in 2000 do not represent provincial realities,” said D’Amours. “The Woodstock area has a lower unemployment rate than the Madawaska area. That means that the overall unemployment rate for the Madawaska-Charlotte region is lower than the reality, at least in the northwest.
When the government introduces pilot projects, a certain unemployment threshold must be met for a region to qualify. Being grouped together with a region that has a lower unemployment rate than we do hurts our chances of qualifying for these additional benefits.
“The adjustment period for the EI regional boundaries ends on April 10th, 2010,” he said. “Chances are high that our region will have difficulty qualifying for future EI pilot projects.”
The MP for Madawaska – Restigouche believes that the risk of not renewing the pilot project is even greater now since the Conservative MP for Bas Saint-Laurent said out loud what many Conservatives seem to think. “The MP for Bas Saint-Laurent said that if citizens have monetary problems, they simply have to find more than one job. In my regards, this negative comment is far from being an effective solution for a problem that faces many Canadians”.
Therefore, D’Amours calls for a readjustment of economic boundaries so as to not penalize areas with an unemployment rate higher than the rest of their economic region. “I am asking the government to act before it is too late. The Madawaska-Charlotte economic region needs to be reworked to meet society’s real needs,” he concluded.
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31/03/10
STATEMENT FROM THE MP IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
Ottawa (Ontario)
Mr. Speaker, on Friday, March 26, the city of Campbellton in my riding welcomed the Canadian Age Class Short Track Speed Skating Championship 2010.
The Canadian Short Track Speed Skating Championship welcomed over 150 young athletes from across the country. This competition enabled each of these athletes to do their very best and to achieve a feeling of pride and self-fulfilment. I wish to congratulate all athletes who have worked very hard to get to this level of competition.
I would also like to sincerely thank the organizing committee for its dedication and tireless efforts. In particular, I would like to thank Yves Gagnon, Roger Ouellette, Nadine Ross, Jamie Leblanc, Carol Savoie, Rick Hutchinson and John Leblanc.
I want to thank and congratulate everybody who took part in this important event. Thank you everyone, and congratulations!
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24/03/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS PRESENTS PETITION TO MAINTAIN MORATORIUM ON CLOSING RURAL POST OFFICES
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, presented a petition to the House of Commons that aims to maintain the moratorium on closing rural post offices.
The moratorium on closing rural post offices was implemented in 1994 by Jean Chrétien’s Liberal government. It protects approximately 3,800 public post offices in rural areas that have only one post office.
“The Conservative government is considering putting an end to this moratorium, which has protected our rural post offices since 1994,” said D’Amours. “If the Conservatives get their way, regulations will no longer safeguard post offices in remote areas.”
Since 2006, over 42 post offices have been closed throughout Canada. It is now time to take necessary actions to prevent the closing of more offices.
D’Amours believes that post offices play a key role in our communities, which is why he agreed to present the petition to the House to keep the St. Anne post office open, which is signed by over 500 people.
“This petition is the ideal way to show the Conservative government that Canadians need this program, which was implemented by the Liberals in 1994,” he said. “By presenting this petition to the House, I hope to save not only the St. Anne post office but all the post offices in rural communities that would be in danger if the moratorium were lifted.”
D’Amours is ready to defend the needs of the Canadians. “I am a firm believer in the development potential of our rural regions,” he said. “That is why I will continue to fight to keep the measures that support rural services in place.”
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22/03/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS URGES SERVICE CANADA NOT TO CENTRALIZE EI PROCESSING JOBS
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, called on the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, to reverse a decision by Service Canada to centralize Employment Insurance processing positions in Moncton.
The Conservative government is moving good jobs from the regions to major centres at a time when rural areas need new employment opportunities.
“Job creation is an important means of stimulating the economy, especially in rural areas,” said Mr. D’Amours. “By centralizing Employment Insurance processing positions in Moncton, Service Canada is not only making it hard for the economy to recover, but it is putting an urban centre ahead of the province’s rural areas.”
Michael Ignatieff discussed this and other issues in Edmundston last November with the mayors of Edmundston, Campbellton and Bathurst. All agreed it was critical for these positions to remain in the regional offices.
While all signs indicate that job creation is the key to keeping workers of all ages in their home regions, the Conservatives are doing everything they can to limit the job opportunities available there.
If the Service Canada centralization project proceeds, nine positions in the Edmundston office could be relocated, in addition to the five other positions that were not renewed following the employees’ departure or retirement. Campbellton will see ten positions relocated in addition of the four that we not renewed. That makes a total of 28 positions in our riding only.
“These numbers are completely unacceptable,” said Mr. D’Amours. “If they want to meet the federal government’s responsibility of helping citizens, the Conservatives must create new jobs, not cut existing ones. All regions need to benefit equally. Mr. Harper and his team have to understand that economic stimulus doesn’t mean putting up posters across the country, but offering people opportunities. Cutting jobs is not the way to do it.”
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18/03/10
HARPER GOVERNMENT CUTS RURAL BROADBAND WITH INTERNET FLIP-FLOP
Ottawa (Ontario)
Industry Minister Tony Clement must assure rural and remote Canadians that they will still get promised funding for broadband internet after deciding to pay for the Community Access Program (CAP) out of the Rural Broadband fund, Liberal MPs said today.
“In our digital age, CAP and Rural Broadband must be ramped up in a parallel fashion so that all of Canada is able to compete globally,” said Liberal Industry Critic Marc Garneau. “These programs allow rural and remote Canadians to access the online employment, education, training, markets, economic development and government services that they need to succeed.”
CAP sites – established by the Liberal government in 1995 to bring Internet connections to rural and remote schools, libraries and community centres – received letters from Industry Canada advising them that the majority of their funding is coming to an end as of April 1st.
When the news hit the media and outrage ensued, Minister Clement yesterday claimed it was all a mistake – that it was never his intention to cut CAP, and that funding will continue through the Rural Broadband Strategy fund.
“After sending out letters informing schools, libraries and community centres that they wouldn’t get internet funding, Minister Clement has now cut rural broadband in his desperate attempt at political damage control,” said Mr. Garneau. “He has yet to explain why organizations received the letters in the first place, and what will become of the Rural Broadband Strategy if it is robbed of its funds to cover CAP.”
Zero funding from the Rural Broadband Strategy from Budget 2009 has been spent. The fund is scheduled to run out in two years, raising the question of whether or not CAP will be cut off in two years time.
“Minister Clement must now clear up the confusion he has created and reassure rural Canadians that he is not robbing Peter to pay Paul,” said New Brunswick MP Jean-Claude D'Amours, speaking on behalf of constituents who have been upset by this fiasco. “Taking money from the Rural Broadband Strategy to pay for CAP amounts to punishing my residents for the government’s fiscal incompetence.”
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16/03/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS DISAPPROVES HARPER’S GOVERNMENT DECISION TO CUT FUNDING FOR THE CAP PROGRAM
Ottawa (Ontario)
ean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, believes the Harper’s government decision to cut funding for the Community Access Program (CAP) unacceptable.
Industry Canada sent a letter to thousands of community access program sites advising that funding is coming to an end for most sites, effective April 1st, 2010.
Since its creation in 1995, CAP allowed numbers of rural regions throughout the country to have access to high speed Internet. Canadians then had access to all the information at their fingertips, whether it was on governmental sites or others.
“The Conservative government plans to cut funding to Community Access centers that are located within 25 kilometres of a public funded library”, explained Jean-Claude D’Amours. “We’re talking about four centers in the Restigouche area (Campbellton, Dundee, Kedgwick and Saint-Quentin) and four centers in the Madawaska area (Clair, Edmundston, Sainte-Anne and Saint-Hilaire). That makes a total of eight centers, in our riding only”.
The Member of Parliament for Madawaska – Restigouche believes the community access centers are very important for citizens as in many cases, it’s the only way for them to have access to high speed Internet. “Unfortunately, there are still regions in our riding who don’t have access to this service. For this reason, the government should maintain the services it is offering to ensure all Canadians have equally access to the information provided to them”.
Jean-Claude D’Amours said that community access centers offer more than just Internet access. “By cutting funding, the government prevents employment opportunities, community development, the development and use of an effective technology, training and education of citizens living in rural regions, technology assistance to elderly and people with special needs and many more”.
At Question period on March 15th, the Minister of Industry Canada justified the cuts by saying 80% of the population now has access to high speed Internet from home. He didn’t mention that the 20% who don’t have access are located in rural regions, like Madawaska – Restigouche.
The MP is asking the government to change its mind and to keep funding for CAP in place. “I’m asking the Prime minister to rethink his decision so the funding would still be available after April 1st 2010. The citizens cannot lose another source of financing. The Conservatives need to understand the importance of this program and must reinstate the financing that they plan to cut in the next few weeks”.
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15/03/10
STATEMENT FROM THE MP IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
Ottawa (Ontario)
Mr. Speaker, after excluding seasonal workers from additional weeks of EI benefits, the Conservatives are about to eliminate a pilot project on economic zones introduced by the Liberal government.
In 2000, changes to the economic zones would have penalized the Madawaska and Lower St. Lawrence regions. In order to ensure that the workers of those areas would not suffer, the Liberals introduced two pilot projects.
The Conservatives plan to eliminate those pilot projects in the next few days. The solution proposed by the new Conservative member for the Lower St. Lawrence area is that those workers find more than one job. Clearly, that member understands nothing about what workers need.
Why are the Conservatives forcing workers and their families into the unacceptable position of not knowing what their future holds?
At this time, the only thing the Conservatives should be doing is reversing their decision and renewing those pilot projects. They must stop taking the families of Madawaska and the Lower St. Lawrence hostage.
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10/03/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIVATE WOODLOT OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, believes that private woodlot owners play an essential role in the economic growth and sustainable development of our communities.
The federal Member of Parliament began meeting with several woodlot owners in the constituency a few months ago and has scheduled meetings with various committees that have been established. “I want to work with the owners to help them make the federal government aware of their needs,” said D’Amours.
In February, the MP also met with representatives from the New Brunswick Federation of Woodlot Owners. “By discussing with Mr Ken Hardie, Manager, and Mr Andrew Clark, President, we were able to establish a list of issues that merit special attention”, he said. “I will be able to combine the demands for both local and provincial level when the time will come to defend the woodlot owners before the federal government”.
Private woodlot owners are a major economic force in our rural communities and nationally. “We must encourage woodlot owners to upgrade their properties on an ongoing basis,” said D’Amours. “In that way, we support economic development and enhance the environment by protecting biodiversity, and air and water quality.”
Private woodlot owners are a major economic force in our rural communities and nationally. “We must encourage woodlot owners to upgrade their properties on an ongoing basis,” said D’Amours. “In that way, we support economic development and enhance the environment by protecting biodiversity, and air and water quality.”
Woodlots also offer tremendous potential in terms of both natural resources and job creation. “The Madawaska area has more than 2,200 owners. The Restigouche area has about 2,500. In our riding only, this means over 4700 woodlot owners, which is a lot. For this and many other reasons, it is important for the owners in our region to be well informed on the options, resources and tools available to them.”
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04/03/10
MINISTER FLAHERTY PRESENTS A BUDGET THAT DOES NOT MEET LIBERAL REQUIREMENTS
Ottawa (Ontario)
After leading Canada into a 56 billons dollars deficit, Conservatives have nothing but an uncertain future to offer them.
The Member of Parliament for Madawaska – Restigouche, Jean-Claude D’Amours, thinks that today’s budget does not meet the needs that Canadians have on a number of levels.
First of all, the Conservatives continue to believe that seasonal workers should not have the right to the same privileges as long term workers. “It is absolutely unacceptable that seasonal workers in this country are once again put aside”, declared Jean-Claude D’Amours. “They must also be part of the group of long term workers and finally have access to the additional weeks of Employment Insurance. The Conservatives need to stop treating them as a separate case and give them access to multiple benefits that other workers are entitled to”.
Second of all, at no point during his budget presentation the minister felt the need to address the important of High Speed Internet. “High Speed Internet should have been accessible throughout the country a long time ago”, indicated the Member of Parliament. “Unfortunately, the Conservatives do not realize the importance of this issue since they simply reallocated the funds made available on the 2009 budget, where the spending never occurred as projects were delayed”.
Also, the pension file seems to have been forgotten. “Other than a few comments on future discussions, Minister Flaherty did not propose any solutions or any concrete help to the different pension plans of Canadians”, added the Liberal representative. “Whether they are dealing with government pension plans or plans from the private sector, Canadians still do not know if the federal government will take steps in protecting their pension plans”.
D’Amours is also disappointed with the fact that the minister did not mention at any time the reorganization of the economic zones for Employment Insurance. “Our riding is presently in the economic zone Madawaska – Charlotte”, pointed out the MP. “Unfortunately, belonging to this zone is negative for us as it lowers our chances to be admissible for different Employment Insurance pilot projects. Minister Flaherty must understand that the reality of different regions of a province differ and consequently, the economic zones must be restructured before April 2010, the deadline for the pilot project”.
If these local issues seem to have been left aside in the budget presented before the House of Commons, the financial assistance allocated to the ACOA also seems to have been forgotten. “The Conservatives do not understand the importance of having a strong agency at all times”, declared Jean-Claude D’Amours.
“In my regards, a closer look at the budget presented today is without a doubt necessary, too many important issues have once again been set aside by the Conservatives”, concluded the Member of Parliament.
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24/02/10
CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT NOT TAKING ECONOMIC STIMULUS SERIOUSLY
Ottawa (Ontario)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche and Critic for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), accuses the Harper government of not taking a serious approach to economic stimulus.
In early October 2009, the ACOA announced funding for all of New Brunswick through the Seed Capital Program. Yet entrepreneurs were disheartened that this funding was reaching them with the new fiscal year less than six months away.
“It is unacceptable that the funds earmarked to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses are being handed out more than six months into the fiscal year,” said D’Amours. “These funds should have been available to businesses on April 1, 2009.”
The Seed Capital Program provides loans to businesses for training and business counselling. It is made available to New Brunswick businesses through the 10 Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) and Enterprise Fredericton, Enterprise Greater Moncton and Enterprise Saint John.
Once again, the Harper government is missing in action when Canadians need solutions quickly. In these troubled economic times, the federal government needs to take the lead in granting financial aid. “By dragging their feet and waiting months before granting funding, the Conservatives are not living up to their role,” said D’Amours.
“We have lost six valuable months during which our Atlantic businesses could have been creating new jobs — jobs that all residents could benefit from, given the current economic situation,” he said.
The Conservatives’ decision to prorogue the House of Commons, shutting down Parliament for an extra month, will in no way help businesses facing economic difficulties. “Stephen Harper said that he saw prorogation as an effective way to stimulate the economy,” added D’Amours. “Giving funding to available programs on time would have done that.”.
D’Amours believes that Harper and his caucus never really took the economic crisis seriously. “Where has the government been for the last six months? What was the ACOA Minister doing when businesses needed help?” he asked. “Once again, there are too many unanswered questions.”
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22/02/10
ATLANTIC CAUCUS MEMBERS MEET IN MONCTON
Moncton (New Brunswick)
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, and his fellow Atlantic Liberal colleagues gathered together in Moncton today to meet with representatives from sectors that are important to Atlantic Canada.
Atlantic MPs and Senators thought that it was necessary to come together to hear about the needs and realities of the various organizations and associations from the region. The location made it easy for many representatives from various sectors to speak about the challenges they are facing.
The day was divided into four parts. The first part focused on Atlantic Canada’s future economy, the second addressed the schooling and job skills needed for the future economy, the third focused on emerging industries in Atlantic Canada, and the fourth was devoted to the future opportunities and challenges for rural Atlantic regions.
“By dividing the day into these sections, we were able to touch on all the topics that are vitally important to Atlantic Canada,” said D’Amours. “Listening to representatives one after another made it easier to understand the needs of all four Atlantic provinces. Experts shared their concerns about post-secondary education, the forestry, mining, fishing and farming industries and the economy in general. We are now better able to defend these interests before the House of Commons.”
The members of the Atlantic Caucus held this meeting in an effort to mitigate the negative effects of prorogation. “Harper’s decision to shut down the House of Commons is preventing MPs from defending the needs and interests of their constituents,” said D’Amours. “We wanted to give Atlantic Canadians a voice through these meetings. The Liberal Party wants to represent Canadians. We won’t let the Conservatives’ actions keep us from hearing what people have to say,” he concluded.
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16/02/10
LIBERALS CALL FOR EMERGENCY PENSION DEBATE
Ottawa (Ontario)
The Liberals are calling on the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Hon. Peter Milliken, to authorize an emergency debate on pensions as quickly as possible.
When Stephen Harper prorogued Parliament, he not only killed a number of important bills, he also stalled progress on issues such as the pension file.
“Pensions are very important for a vast majority of Canadians,” said D’Amours. “While the Conservatives are keeping MPs from doing their jobs and defending the interests of Canadians in the House of Commons, this issue is getting worse — and we don’t have the political might to change anything.”
In fact, by delaying Parliament’s return to March 3, 2010, more than 36 bills already underway were cancelled. Dozens of motions were dropped. Some issues, like the pension file, regional development and the economy, to name only a few, lie dormant.
“Over the last few months, my colleagues and I have been working very hard to find solutions to the pension problem,” said D’Amours. “It’s frustrating to see the Harper government wash its hands of the matter by going so far as to prorogue the parliamentary session, cutting off any further discussion.”
Liberal Critic for Seniors and Pensions Judy Sgro hopes the emergency debate can take place as soon as possible. “We understand that calling for an emergency debate while the House isn’t sitting is a bit unusual,” she said. “However, given that all our efforts to date have been thwarted by the Conservatives, we sincerely hope that Mr. Milliken will rule in our favour so that we can reach our goal—helping out the thousands of Canadian workers and pensioners.”
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15/02/10
PROVINCIAL HERITAGE WEEK
Edmundston (New Brunswick)
The Member of Parliament for Madawaska – Restigouche, Jean-Claude D’Amours, was pleased to attend the antiques gallery that was held at “Le Carrefour de la Jeunesse” elementary school in Edmundston. This event was organised in relation to the Provincial Heritage week.
On the pictures you can see Jean-Claude D’Amours accompanied by Marie-Claude Guimond and Maria Dufour.
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09/02/10
LIBERALS SPEAK OUT AGAINST CONSERVATIVES’ INACTION ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Ottawa (Ontario)
The Member of Parliament for Madawaska–Restigouche and Liberal Critic for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Jean-Claude D’Amours, spoke out against the government’s inaction on regional development.
Over the past few months, the official critics for regional development for Canada’s various regions have joined forces to improve regional development. A number of meetings have been held focusing on the main challenges facing the various agencies and programs.
“We want to work together to give Canadians the best possible regional development services,” said the ACOA critic. “By working with the critics for other regions in Canada, we have identified major challenges in different rural regions of the country. We can now work together to make sure that these problems are not widespread.” One of the challenges that was brought up is the relocation of the mail boxes in areas that are further away than previously for citizen living in rural areas.
Following the initiative of the Conservative government, the ACOA critic stood up in the House of Commons on December 7th to ask the Conservative government why over 55,000 Canadians now have to travel long distances to get their mail when before their post office box was nearby.
“All Canadians should have access to the same services, no matter where they live,” said D’Amours. “The Liberal Party does not want a Canada where rural regions are penalized while urban centres continue to have access to services.” D’Amours is backed by his colleague Mark Eyking, who also voiced his concerns. “Together, Liberals are ready to make a difference,” concluded the MP.
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03/02/10
CONSERVATIVES WANT TO CUT PENSION BENEFITS FOR CANADIANS
Ottawa (Ontario)
JeanClaude D’Amours, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, is disappointed that the Conservatives are trying to reduce Canada Pension Plan benefits.
The Conservatives recently introduced Bill C51, which would reduce benefits by 2% to 9% for people who retire before the age of 65.
“Today, a person who retires at 60 can receive a maximum of $7634 in benefits,” stated D’Amours. “If the Conservatives have their way, this amount will drop to $6979 per year.”
This cut, combined with all the other cuts the Conservative government is making, will have a noticeable impact on the economic prosperity of our regions. “In these troubled economic times, every dollar counts: $650 is $650,” said D’Amours. “Canadians cannot do without that amount.”
D’Amours also expressed his frustration at the government’s lack of understanding. “Both the Conservatives and the NDP voted in favour of Bill C51. These parties must understand that pension funds have a significant economic impact. The Conservatives need to stop taking money away from our retirees and start concentrating on protecting the various pension plans Canadians have,” he concluded.
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01/02/10
LIBERALS ARE WORKING TO ENSURE WOMEN’S EQUALITY
Ottawa (Ontario)
On January 27th, Liberals hosted 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.
“40 years after the Royal Commission on the Status of Women tabled its ground-breaking report, too many women are still being left behind in Canadian society”, said Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff. “In fact, under the Harper government, the gender gap is growing – a fact that is simply unacceptable”.
“By taking part in the round table, I was able to better understand the issues related to women”, said the MP for Madawaska – Restigouche. “There were discussions about pay equity, child care, equality for Aboriginal women and so it goes”.
Jean-Claude D’Amours can assure that the Liberal team will continue to defend women’s rights. “Interesting ideas came out of the round table and we are going to make sure those ideas are heard”.
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29/01/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS PARTICIPATES TO A ROUND TABLE TO HELP CANADIANS VETERANS
Ottawa (Ontario)
On Thursday, January 28th, Liberals were hosting a round table that was focusing on how government can better aid and support Canadian veterans and their families.
“Veterans are the heroes of our nation”, said Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff. “They put their body and heart on the line for the freedom and democracy we enjoy today. We owe it to them to listen to their concerns and come up with strategies to get them the aid and support they and their families deserve when they return from active duty”.
The roundtable heard from experts representing veterans associations, mental health research an occupational therapy, to focus on the New Veterans Charter, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Afghanistan war vets. Liberal Senator Romeo Dallaire also gave the keynote address to discuss challenges facing modern-day veterans and their families.
“I myself attended the roundtable on Canadians Veterans”, said the MP for Madawaska – Restigouche. “This event is a first step to a better comprehension of Veterans needs. It is our role to support them and in order to do that, we have to understand they issues they are encountering”.
Liberals think the Veterans Charter needs some modifications to ensure veterans receive better services. “We will continue to work so Canadians veterans receive help and resources they need”, concluded Jean-Claude D’Amours.
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22/01/10
LIBERALS GO BACK TO WORK DESPITE PROROGATION
Ottawa (Ontario)
The MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, along with his Liberal colleagues, will be back in Ottawa on Monday, January 25, despite the Prime Minister’s decision to prorogue the House of Commons until March 3rd, 2010.
In fact, the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Michael Ignatieff, has asked his members to show up for work in Ottawa on January 25, the date originally set for the House of Commons to resume its activities.
“Like all workers, political representatives are paid to carry out certain duties”, says the member for Madawaska-Restigouche. “The Conservatives may not understand the importance of meeting their job obligations, but we Liberals realize that there is work to be done. Clearly, the Conservatives are not helping Canadians by delaying the work of the House of Commons. It is not by proroguing the House of Commons that we will be able to create jobs”.
During a prorogation, all regular activities of the House of Commons are in fact cancelled. That means there is no way for the opposition parties to obtain answers regarding new and ongoing issues, this includes the cancellation of committees.
On their return on January 25th, Liberals are planning a lot of activities. On the Monday, they’re going to have a round table on jobs and economy. Discussions on Natural Resources and forestry are going to take place, as well as manufacturing and Youth jobs. Part of the day will be devoted to the “new economy”. Other activities are going to take place on the two following weeks.
“Canadians elected us because they believe in our abilities to properly represent them; they trust us,” adds Jean-Claude D’Amours. “I intend to continue earning the trust of my constituents. They depend on me to represent them, and that is what I plan on doing. I will be back in Ottawa on January 25 to show Mr Harper that my Liberal colleagues and I want to get back to work.”
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11/01/10
MPs JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS AND CLAUDE GUIMOND ARE PROUD TO WELCOME THE 2014 WORLD ACADIAN CONGRESS
Ottawa (Ontario)
MPs Jean-Claude D’Amours and Claude Guimond are very happy to welcome the 2014 World Acadian Congress to their federal ridings of Madawaska – Restigouche and Rimouski – Neigette – Témiscouata – Les Basques.
The fifth World Acadian Congress will take place in the “Acadie des terres et forêts” region, which includes northwestern New Brunswick, Quebec’s Témiscouata region and part of the US State of Maine.
“This event is a great opportunity for everyone to discover the richness that our heritage and cultural diversity add to our regions,” said the MPs.
“Our role is first and foremost to support the Organizing Committee,” said Jean-Claude D’Amours. “We want to ensure that its needs are heard by the federal government and that these needs are met.”
“We will also work with other levels of government to ensure that we are all moving in the same direction,” added the MP for Madawaska-Restigouche. “Meetings will be held to discuss the importance of cooperation between the various stakeholders organizing the event.”
“Our goal is not to tell the Organizing Committee what to do, but to identify the resources available that will make its job easier,” they concluded.
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06/01/10
JEAN-CLAUDE D’AMOURS CALLS FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Ottawa (Ontario)
The MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, Jean-Claude D’Amours, introduced a motion before the Standing Committee on Official Languages in December 2009 regarding the renewal of the Publications Assistance Program.
The motion has two components: D’Amours recommends that the government maintain the funding provided by the Canada Post Corporation for the Publication Assistance Program for publications serving official language communities living in minority areas and replace the Program, which ends on March 31, 2010, with the new Canada Periodical Fund on April 1, 2010. This is the kind of process that is undertaken when House of Commons standing committees meet, when the House is sitting.
The Publications Assistance Program makes it easier to deliver publications across Canada through postal subsidies, and this helps to stimulate Canadians’ cultural and intellectual development.
“I recommended that the government renew the Program immediately,” said D’Amours. “Unfortunately, the Conservatives abstained from the vote when my motion was put before the Committee. Their inaction stems from their lack of commitment to a program that aims to increase access to information for members of the media, libraries, educational institutions and all Canadians. A number of organizations have approached us with their concerns that the Program wouldn’t be renewed.”
Despite the fact that the Conservative members of the Official Languages Committee abstained from the vote, D’Amours’ motion was adopted. “I will follow the situation closely to ensure that the Program is renewed as quickly as possible,” he said. “I am in favour of education in our communities, and access to information is a necessary part of community development.”
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