Gord Johns

Faster fossil phase-down

The other end of this axis: Slower phase-down, production first

Excerpts repeatedly call for immediate bold action on emissions cuts, clean energy incentives, and ending fossil fuel subsidies.

Why doesn't the Government of Canada take advantage of this tremendous talent that sits in waiting to supply a market demand [that] is so clear and present? Why doesn't the Government of Canada appreciate that Canadians see climate change as a serious threat and that they are willing to put their money where their mouth is? He underlines this: Homeowners.

Restrict new oil and gas

The other end of this axis: Expand production and export

Excerpts criticize oil and gas subsidies, Trans Mountain expansion, and exporting raw resources while pushing clean energy transition.

The Liberal government made a clear promise that it was going to cut subsidies to oil and gas, which is over $2 billion. It made a promise that it was going to take real action on climate change.

Ottawa leads

The other end of this axis: Provinces lead

Excerpts call for federal leadership on emergency preparedness and federal funding for BC Ferries.

That is why we need federal leadership on emergency preparedness across jurisdictions. Sadly, all we've seen from the federal government is the cancelling of the joint emergency preparedness program; continued downloading onto provincial and local authorities; and, the recent closure of the Coast Guard MCTS Centre in Comox, which was the only communications centre not in a tsunami subduction zone.

Higher taxes and public spending

The other end of this axis: Lower taxes and tighter spending

Excerpts criticize corporate tax cuts and call for corporations to pay fair share.

Madam Speaker, the first line of the Conservative motion today cites, “excessive government spending has increased the deficit, the national debt, and fuelled inflation to its highest level in 31 years,” but does not mention that corporate tax cuts have gone from 28% to 15%. It is like the Conservatives have become the no-revenue party. The big banks, big oil and grocery stores have had record profits that have paid out record dividends.

Expand public coverage

The other end of this axis: More private delivery

Excerpts repeatedly advocate for universal public pharmacare and dental care.

I am fighting for affordable housing and food, climate action, universal public pharmacare, dental care, fairness for seniors, families, veterans and for meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. NDP Critic for Health (including Mental Health and Addictions) Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] concerning your ideas, concerns and issues.

Public supply and demand controls

The other end of this axis: Market supply and deregulation

Excerpts call for urgent federal resources and investments to address affordable housing and homelessness.

These organizations need urgent resources from Ottawa to help lift people out of homelessness and restore the dignity and compassion they deserve.

Higher permanent intake

The other end of this axis: Lower intake

Excerpts support accepting more refugees and pathways to permanency for workers.

Would she be willing to, in the meantime, increase humanitarian aid to deal with this crisis? Would she also be willing to support accepting more Rohingya refugees, in light of the situation they are in and the immediate threats the people are facing in those refugee camps?

Stronger unions and standards

The other end of this axis: More flexibility for employers

Excerpts emphasize fair trade that respects workers' rights and extended EI support during industry crises.

We want trade that respects workers' rights, the environment, and aboriginal rights, and does so in consultation with business, ensuring that the business community is protected. After all, Canada is a trading nation.

Prevention and restraint

The other end of this axis: Enforcement and sentencing

Excerpts call for immediate decriminalization of simple marijuana possession to free justice resources.

Speaker, it is a great honour to rise today to speak on behalf of the NDP motion, which reads: That the House recognize (a) the contradiction of continuing to give Canadian criminal records for simple possession of marijuana after the government has stated that it should not be a crime; (b) recognize that this situation is unacceptable to Canadians, municipalities and law enforcement agencies; (c) recognize that a growing number of voices, including that of a former Liberal prime minister, are calling for decriminalization to address this gap; and (d) call upon the government to immediately decriminalize the simple possession of marijuana for personal use. This discussion has been going on for a long time.

Diversify away from one partner

The other end of this axis: Deeper continental integration

Excerpts criticize CETA investor-state provisions and support diversifying via CPTPP with UK.

This trade agreement is flawed, and trade with Europe is far too important to get it wrong. I am going to illustrate three ways in which this deal is flawed, including the investor-state provisions, cabotage, and the cost of pharmaceutical drugs.