Judy Sgro

Defend supply management

The other end of this axis: Liberalize supply management

explicitly states success in defending supply management system

On the farm, we have successfully defended our supply management system for dairy, poultry and eggs, despite attempts to completely dismantle it. We have gained new market access for refined sugar and margarine and protected billions of dollars in agricultural and agri-food trade.

Faster fossil phase-down

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

supports Kyoto, criticizes cuts to renewables, pushes for stronger ethanol rules to cut emissions

The assessments by experts in climate change issues and related fields point to a worrisome future unless we take serious action, the kind of action that would be needed to meet our Kyoto targets. Scientists have developed clear projections of increasing changes to our climate.

Restrict new oil and gas

The other end of this axis: Expand production and export

Excerpts emphasize energy efficiency, green buildings and meeting Kyoto commitments rather than expanding production.

Because of unique building materials utilized in the construction as well as special methods for harnessing solar power, natural heat from the earth and lots of natural light and fresh air, the facility will use two-thirds less energy for heating and cooling. The building is an example of green technology at its best.

Ottawa leads

The other end of this axis: Provinces lead

Excerpts call for the federal government to show leadership on urban issues and call parties to the table.

They expect the federal government to show leadership on many of these issues and to be the one to call the parties to the table to negotiate a solution to any ongoing problem. They did not want to be left alone out there.

Tighter prudential rules

The other end of this axis: Lighter capital rules and more competition

backs enhanced client identification, reporting and penalties for financial institutions

This enactment amends the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act to enhance the client identification, record keeping and reporting measures applicable to financial institutions and intermediaries. It establishes a registration regime for money services businesses and foreign exchange dealers and creates a new offence for not registering.

Expand public coverage

The other end of this axis: More private delivery

Excerpts stress the publicly financed system and warn against private for-profit delivery.

The real threat to medicare is the increasing involvement of the private sector in the delivery of necessary health care services on a for profit basis. This raises concerns about the integrity of our public system and whether a two tiered system is not far in the future.

Public supply and demand controls

The other end of this axis: Market supply and deregulation

backs legislation for secure adequate accessible and affordable housing

However, Bill C-304 again reminds us that not every Canadian has access to that simple pleasure. In fact, homelessness in Canada is a serious and growing problem, a problem of national scope that is often difficult to determine.

Stronger unions and standards

The other end of this axis: More flexibility for employers

opposes anti-union bills and backs stronger worker supports

Labour stakeholders are important people for us to be talking to when we are putting legislation together, and we have the intention of reversing several destructive policies from the previous Conservative regime. Specifically, Bill C-4 will repeal Bill C-377, Conservative legislation that promised to upset existing labour relations and did just that.