NDP HOPEFUL ATTACKS EMERSON,
TORIES FOR HURTING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
Don Davies, a candidate for the NDP nomination
in the federal riding of Vancouver Kingsway, blasted David Emerson
and the Harper Conservatives for canceling $60 million in supported
child development funds.
The monies are used to fund a number of initiatives
to aid disabled and developmentally delayed children.
“The Harper Conservatives have just cut funds
that are critical to assist our most vulnerable citizens – handicapped
kids,” charged Davies. “In a fiscal environment of
large surpluses, this is as unjustified as it is mean-spirited.”
Davies, who has an 11 year old daughter with a
developmental disability, says ensuring support for disabled
children and adults is an issue of particular passion for him
and these cuts deepen an already underfunded problem.
“Even with these funds, there are grossly
insufficient resources available for disabled children in our
schools and communities,” Davies said. “Most disabled
children do not get anywhere near the support they need and deserve - yet
Mr. Emerson and his Cabinet colleagues have chosen to cut what
little support the federal government provides.”
Davies further attacked David Emerson for his silence
on this issue and what he called Emerson’s “pattern
of ignoring his constituents”.
“Unlike David Emerson, my family lives in
Vancouver Kingsway and these cuts affect families in this riding.
We wrote to him about these funding cuts in November – and
he has failed to respond to this day.
“When he crossed the floor, Emerson ignored
his constituents. When his constituents write to him, he
continues to ignore them.
“If I win the right to represent the NDP
as the federal candidate in Vancouver Kingsway, I will directly
challenge Mr. Emerson on his disrespect for the views of those
he is supposed to represent,” Davies continued, “that
is, if he has the integrity and courage to run.”
Davies’ campaign to win the NDP nomination
is gaining steam and has attracted the endorsement of many key
supporters, including former Premier Glen Clark.
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For more information, contact:
Don Davies – 604-874-9906
