News

U.K. non-government officials reported on the initial progress made in fighting child poverty in their country.

They further descrobed how momentum has stalled particularly because of the issue of working poor and the depth of poverty. A labour market strategy had its limitations in reducing poverty.
For the entire testimony this day, go to:

http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/cmte/CommitteePublication.aspx?SourceId=245404&La...

Gerry Mangan, Director of the Irish Office of Social Inclusion, testified about the economic advantages in fighting poverty.

He said the political will and partnerships with employers and trade unions are all essential in a national poverty plan. Tony summarized the Irish game plan this way:

by Glenn Humphreys — last modified 2008-08-09 13:43

“May it be as big and as breathtaking as our country”

OTTAWA – Sault MP Tony Martin believes he will be on sacred ground today in The House of Commons as he hears Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologize to Aboriginal People for residential schools.

“My hope is that this historic apology will be as big and as breathtaking as our country Canada” Martin said. “The apology holds out the hope of nurturing a new relationship with Aboriginal People, creating a new vision for our country.

Human Resources, Labour and Employment Minister Shawn Skinner re-enforced the invaluable role the federal government can play in reducing poverty in his own province.

He said a national plan would speed up and facilitate the meeting of poverty plan targets by his own government. Specifically, Minister Skinner sees a critical role for the federal government in housing, education and literacy, assisting persons with disabilities and in a national drug program.
For the entire testimony this day, go to:

SUDBURY – NDP MP Tony Martin (Sault Ste-Marie) today capped an extensive consultation on FedNor by calling on Minister Tony Clement to listen to the voice of northerners and end the regional development agency’s “second class” status.

“Northerners said FedNor’s status quo has got to go,” said Martin reporting on his findings after conducting six round tables on his private member’s bill to make FedNor a fully independent agency.

“Other regions in Canada have their own, arms length, independent agency with full accountability that serves local communities. Why not Northern Ontario?”

By Tony Martin, MP Sault Ste. Marie
NDP FedNor Critic
MAY 2008

A. BACKGROUND

Sault Ste. Marie: After visiting with constituents from the Sault Federal Riding yesterday and today world renowned cyanobacteria (aka algae blooms) specialist, Dr. Charles Trick, from the Schulich School of Medicine at the University of Western Ontario will begin a study in the area.

IN THE PHOTO: Dr. Charles Trick, world renown Canadian scientist, looks at a test tube with a form of cyanobacteria today with Sault College Environmental Water Resources Professor David Trowbridge and Johnson Township Mayor Edith Orr.

“Both the gender income gap and the number of poor are still unacceptable. We need in our economic strategy to leave no one behind.” -Tony Martin, M.P.

Ottawa – The average family in Sault Ste. Marie has increased its median income over 7 per cent in five years, double the national average and five times the Ontario average.

“This is recognition of the good economic times we have seen in the community,” Sault MP Tony Martin said. “Algoma Steel, St Marys, Flakeboard, the OLGC, some trades, all are performing well.”

The Conservatives have drained the fiscal capacity of this country to weather the tough economic times ahead.

OTTAWA – With the income gap in this country growing and ordinary Canadians working harder and longer just to make ends meet, the NDP is committed to standing up to the Conservative government’s out of touch approach to dealing with important issues. Today, the NDP has introduced a non-confidence motion on the issue for its opposition day motion.

Sudbury- Yesterday, the office of Industry Minister Tony Clement revealed that the Sudbury’s Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) would not get funding because it was not a priority for the Conservative government. The NDP is joining with the Sudbury community in denouncing this blatant act of short-sightedness and neglect.