In the News

Even with strict containment measures, COVID-19 could claim 22,000 lives, federal officials project

NDP health critic Don Davies said he's troubled by the projections outlined today, especially in light of evidence heard by the House of Commons health committee earlier this week.

The heads of organizations representing Canada's doctors and nurses told MPs there is a critical lack of personal protective equipment for front line workers, and called the situation "outrageous and unacceptable."

They warned that lives are at stake and asked for more transparency and urgent federal action to keep health professionals safe.

"There is insufficient national coordination and inconsistent and incomplete data. We are behind in testing, contact tracing and isolating," Davies said.

"The shortage of PPE increases risk not only for health care workers but for those working with the public generally. Our border controls still are not as vigorous as they could be."

 

Canada failed to learn from past pandemics: health-care associations

Linda Silas, president of the Federation of Nurses Unions, said health workers are often taught to put patients first. But in a situation where workers' lives and their family's lives are at risk, their safety must be put on equal footing.

NDP health critic Don Davies referenced a memo from a Hamilton, Ont., hospital that suggested workers should continue to use the same mask until they were "grossly soiled," as a means of rationing supply.

"Sick, sick, sick," Silas responded.

That's leading to a lot of anxiety for physicians and other medical staff about what will happen if they run out of masks and protective clothing and start to get sick, Buchman said.

Ottawa yet to release virus projections

The federal NDP is calling for the immediate release of those models. “We can’t fight this virus blindly,” B.C. MP Don Davies said.

New Democrats call on federal government to give Canadians more information on COVID-19

VANCOUVER – Today, NDP Health Critic Don Davies called on the federal government to release its modelling and projections of COVID-19 transmission in Canada.

 

Mental health a ‘missing piece’ in feds’ COVID-19 response, say critics, advocates

Mental health is underfunded at the best of times.
With COVID-19, Canadians will experience added health concerns, job loss, financial problems, social isolation and more that will increase mental health challenges.
I am calling for more resources and funding to address this.

Don Davies Calls for Moratorium on Rent, Mortgages

Don Davies, NDP MP for Vancouver Kingsway, said the tough situation facing many renters and landlords shows why more action is needed from the federal government. New Democrats have called for a federal moratorium on rent, mortgage payments and utility bills.

“We need extraordinary measures, I think, to deal with an extraordinary situation,” he said

COVID-19 can’t end parliamentary scrutiny, say experts

“I think Canadians expect us and want us, to the extent we can, work across party lines in as a non-partisan way as possible and focus on the task at hand, which is, I think, ferreting out the most comprehensive information we can, holding the government to account, and making sure that we come up with the best possible proposal we can,” Mr. Davies said.

Bars, nightclubs and cannabis growers don’t qualify for BDC COVID-19 loans

NDP MP Don Davies, Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith and Conservative MP Scott Reid are urging the Department of Finance to provide support for the cannabis industry.

In a letter sent to Finance Minister Bill Morneau on March 19, they wrote, “Cannabis firms are new businesses in a fledgling, complicated sector and, like other Canadian businesses, need support from the federal government to weather the economic impacts of COVID-19.”

Facebook Live Townhall - Keeping Connected

Dear Constituents,

I hope you are doing well at this difficult time.
Although we are all practicing social distancing to help combat the spread of COVID-19, I and my team are working hard to remain open and accessible to you.
As part of our efforts to stay connected, we hosted a Facebook Live townhall meeting to keep you informed and answer any questions you may have.

You can view the recording of the townhall at this link. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

 

The COVID-19 Emergency Response Act

On March 25, Parliament unanimously adopted the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act. This legislation implements a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. 

These measures will provide up to $52 billion in direct support to people and businesses, along with $55 billion in tax deferrals. Many of the provisions mirror proposals that the NDP has put forward.

However, we still believe that more money needs to flow to more people, faster. We also want wider protection for people, including a moratorium on rents, utilities, evictions and the elimination of interest on credit cards for at least two payment cycles.

We will continue to fight for the best protection available to help get Canadians through this public health crisis.