Libby Davies

Remember Jack Layton and build a better Canada

rabble staff — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 14:19:03 +0000

Friday, August 21, 2015

Saturday August 22 marks the fourth anniversary of Jack Layton's death. On this day we remember Jack and his life, what will you think about? What will you resolve to do?

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Libby Davies' statement on deciding not to run in 2015

rabble staff — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 17:27:44 +0000

Friday, December 12, 2014

Today, after 18 years as MP, Libby Davies announced she will not be running in the 2015 election.

After almost 40 years of public service and elected office, it's time for me to call it a day. I have worked hard as the Member of Parliament for Vancouver East for the last 18 years and I know it's time for me to pass the torch. I will not be seeking re-election in the next federal election.

It has been the most extraordinary experience to represent the people of Vancouver East. I have loved my work both in the community and in Ottawa and I thank the good folks of east Vancouver who elected me six times as their representative.

Libby Davies remembers poet and activist Bud Osborn

rabble staff — Thu, 08 May 2014 00:07:00 +0000

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Poet, and activist Bud Osborn died today. Libby Davies knew Bud well through his and her work in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. She remembers him here.

It is with a heavy heart that I write about the death of Bud Osborn. He was a true hero to a community we know as the Downtown Eastside, but far beyond that, he inspired and gave hope to our city, and many people across the country.

I knew Bud for many years and he was a dear, close friend. When times were dark and people felt hopeless; he gave us hope. When people felt they had no voice; his poetry raised many voices and gave people courage. When people yearned for belonging and community; he led by example and united people in a common cause for human dignity and respect.

Landmark decision on sex worker rights finally here

the views expressed — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 03:03:05 +0000

It was worth getting up so early Friday morning, 5:30AM Vancouver time, to head down to PIVOT's office to hear the Supreme Court of Canada's landmark decision on the Canada v. Bedford case.

What a great victory. I feel like saying "hallelujah" that these awful laws have been struck down. It’s been decades of work by selfless people, sex workers and allies alike, to undertake legal challenges, advocacy, and lobbying, and staying focussed on why these laws needed to be eliminated.

Homemade #eatlocal meals: Delicious and nutritious leek soup recipe

Eat Local — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 00:13:31 +0000

With a little thought rabble.ca's Eat Local: food and sustainability challenge isn't that much of a challenge in Vancouver, where we have the abundant Fraser Valley, brimming with autumn fare for us all to enjoy. And the best part is shopping at Trout Lake Farmers Market on Saturdays. Its more like a social outing where fresh, local veggies, fruits, cheeses, breads, fish and more, are part of the conversation.

Vancouver's Insite celebrates 10 years as threat of Conservatives' Bill C-65 looms

rabble staff — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 12:38:48 +0000

Friday, September 20, 2013

As Insite celebrates its 10th anniversary of successful operation in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, the Conservative government in Ottawa is still railing against Safe Injection Sites.

It's ironic, and typical, that as Insite celebrates its 10th anniversary of successful operation in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, the Conservative government in Ottawa is still railing against Safe Injection Sites and no doubt has Bill C-65 ready to go when Parliament returns October 16.

Bill C-65, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, was the last bill to be introduced before parliament recessed in June. It's a nasty bill, couched in anti-harm reduction rhetoric, full of misconceptions, and designed to shut down any attempt to open a safe injection site in Canada.

The bill is a shining example of Conservative ideology trumping evidence-based health and science.

rabble Vegan Challenge Diary: Sun, cherry blossoms and extraordinary meals in Vancouver

Vegan Challenge — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:12:17 +0000

Follow rabble staff and contributors as they take the 2013 Vegan Challenge in our rabble Vegan Challenge Diary, where participants will chronicle their experiences eating vegan throughout the week!

One good thing about a vegan diet is that porridge is A-OK! So add nuts, fresh berries and almond milk, and it's a winner! Actually this is something I eat for breakfast a lot; it's a great way to start the day. Of course, steel cut oats, slow cooked, are the way to go!

Vegan Challenge recipes: Chili with a quinoa twist

Vegan Challenge — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:28:25 +0000

For rabble.ca's Vegan Challenge, our contributors, staff and friends are sharing their favourite recipes for tasty vegan meals. Check here for a roundup of recipe inspiration!

This is a really nice recipe that results in a hearty and healthy meal you'd be happy to eat with your friends. - Libby

Chili with a quinoa twist

rabble Vegan Challenge Diary: Eating vegan from Ottawa to Vancouver

Vegan Challenge — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:54:07 +0000

Follow rabble staff and contributors as they take the 2013 Vegan Challenge in our rabble Vegan Challenge Diary, where participants will chronicle their experiences eating vegan throughout the week!

Upcoming premiers' conference puts spotlight on public health care

mgregus — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:38:19 +0000

As the premiers' conference on health care gets underway, it's critical that the public interest is heard.

As premiers prepare to meet in Victoria, civil society comes together to protect public health care

rabble staff — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:50:45 +0000

Monday, January 16, 2012

This week, Victoria will host the premiers' conference on health care. But their meeting has already been undermined by the federal Finance Minister's unilateral declaration on future federal funding.

Protection of our public health-care system always ranks as Canadians' number one concern. It reflects deep Canadian values of fairness and accessibility in the provision of basic services that we all need.

I hear all the time from people who are very worried about what the Conservative government is up to when it comes to health care.

The New Politics Initiative created space for real, open political debate

rabble staff — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:19:03 +0000

Monday, December 5, 2011

The NPI, like Occupy, was not about one big tent where everyone agreed, but meaningful relationships that produced effective and progressive change, especially in today's world of failed capitalism.

I wasn't sure what to think when I was approached to reflect on the 10th anniversary of the New Politics Initiative.

My immediate reaction was, I'm too busy, and would people be interested anyway? But then I thought, well, maybe there are some good experiences to share here that will help people as they grapple with the politics of today -- a decade later.

So here goes....

What's next for the NDP?

rabble staff — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:31:11 +0000

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Vancouver East MP Libby Davies reflects on the challenges ahead of the NDP without Jack Layton.

Pour la version française cliquez ici.

Jack Layton has had a profound impact on us all and on politics in Canada -- across the political spectrum. Anyone unwilling to acknowledge that could not have been paying attention to the response of Canadians across the country, from every walk of life.

Like many people, I've been thinking about what has taken place these past few weeks, and its significance, even in the midst of news cycles that march on, caught up in leadership issues, talk of mergers, and the like.

Missing and murdered women: Produce a report that cannot be ignored

rabble staff — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 05:18:04 +0000

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The address by the MP for Vancouver East to those gathered at the Community Engagement Forum for the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry carefully lays out what needs to be achieved.

Presentation by Libby Davies (Member of Parliament for Vancouver East) to Commissioner Wally Oppal and others gathered at the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, Community Engagement Forum, held Jan. 19, 2011

Mr. Oppal, respected elders, family members and members of the community,

I thought hard about how to begin today, having been involved with this tragedy of the missing women since the 1980s, when I was a Vancouver City Councillor.

The missing and murdered women of Vancouver deserve an inquiry

rabble staff — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:13:20 +0000

Friday, August 27, 2010

Year after year, there were calls for a special task force to investigate the missing women, and warnings from the community that a possible serial killer was at work -- yet no action was taken.

When it comes to considering the missing and murder women from the Downtown Eastside, these are the concerns:

• Why did so many things go wrong?

• A lack of trust for police still keeps women from reporting violence.

• What can we learn about solicitation laws and why they don't work?

• Jurisdictional issues need to be addressed.

• A necessary evaluation of any public program is needed.

• What can we learn about marginalized women and men?

• What do policymakers need to understand and learn?

• It's not about pointing fingers.

• Why are sex workers treated differently under the law and their safety not taken seriously?