Report on the Throne Speech

This past week the Governor General delivered the Throne Speech.  Some priority NDP issues like the creation of child care spaces, protection of public health care, electoral reform and the environment were included in the government's agenda.

Other items that the NDP has worked on for decades such as an official apology to those Chinese Canadians whose families were subjected to the Chinese Head Tax, were also included. The government even talked about “working families” as a priority, but stopped short of mentioning much needed employment insurance reform.

We’ve had a 13 year run of Liberal Throne Speeches that made all kinds of promises on child care, decreasing pollution and protecting public health care – promises that were broken year after year. For that reason we will all be watching to see what Mr. Harper includes in the budget.

As you know, I'm committed to fighting for a program that provides real choice in child care. The NDP is proposing a Child Care Act that provides consistent, multi-year funding so that quality child care spaces will be available for working parents who need them. 

Canadians sent us to parliament to work. The NDP has demonstrated that we're good at that, and I’m looking forward to working with the NDP caucus and with other parties to get results for you.

Some of the other priorities that you can count on me to speak up for are: post-secondary education and training that is more accessible, the urban agenda including, infrastructure funding and support for the TTC, affordable housing, recognition for newcomer credentials and support for arts and culture sector.

I'm planning three Community Meetings and I invite you to attend to talk more about the parliamentary agenda we are facing.The first will take place at Warren Park Junior Public School at 135 Varsity Road on Wednesday April 12 from 7 to 9 p.m., the second will be at Runnymede United Church at 432 Runnymede on Wednesday, April 19 from 7 to 9 p.m., and the third will be at Fern Ave. Public School at 128 Fern Ave. on Thursday, April 20 from 7 to 9 p.m.

You are also invited to the Official Opening of my constituency office on Sunday, April 23 from 12 to 3 p.m. at 2849 Dundas St. West, just east of Keele St.  Please call Mike or Cecily at 416-769-5072 to let me know if you can attend.

Sincerely,

Peggy Nash, MP
Parkdale-High Park