“The prime minister is floating this idea,” said Atamanenko. “I completely disagree with what he’s doing. This is wrong. Any kind of spending is based on priorities. Why would he cut pensions to seniors or raise eligibility when at the same time he is proposing to give another round of corporate tax cuts to people who don’t need it?” said the NDP MP.

Atamanenko pointed out that the government’s own experts are baffled by the Harper government’s actions. “Several pension policy analysts who prepared reports for the government concluded that Canada’s public pension system does not face major financial sustainability challenges. Unfortunately, the Conservatives won’t listen to advice they don’t like, and they aren’t listening to Canadians,” he said.

The prime minister chose to break the news about the government’s review of OAS during an address to the delegates at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He said that the growth in Canada’s aging population “constitute a threat to the social programs and services that Canadians cherish.”

The government says that OAS will cost $108 billion by 2030, up from $36.5 billion today. But critics say Harper is ignoring an important fact—that the economy will also grow over the next 20 years.

While Harper has since insisted that no immediate changes are coming and current seniors “will not lose a penny,” public reaction, especially from senior’s groups, has been largely critical of the Conservative announcement.

“People have been calling and writing my riding offices with their concerns about these changes,” said Atamanenko. “When you’ve made plans for your retirement and have already lost a pile of money from other savings being hit hard, it seems like the prime minister is hitting them again.”

The results of an internal survey of members of the Canadian Association of Retired Person (CARP) show that more than 60 percent of 3,000 respondents strongly disagreed or disagreed with the Harper announcement. “Our members are mostly retired,” said a CARP representative. “They themselves already get their OAS. Their reaction is about the principle.”

“I believe that Canada should be taking practical, affordable measures to lift seniors out of poverty—not make it worse by slashing Old Age Security,” said Atamanenko. “The New Democrats want to strengthen pensions, not weaken them.”

The NDP will use its opposition day on February 2 to try to goad Conservatives into revealing their plans to reform Old Age Security. Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe, Quebec MP and the NDP’s deputy critic for seniors, will introduce the motion: “That this House rejects calls by the Prime Minister to balance the Conservative deficit on the backs of Canada’s seniors by means such as raising the age of eligibility for Old Age Security and calls on the government to make the reduction and eventual elimination of seniors’ poverty a cornerstone of the next budget.”

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Contact: Alex Atamanenko, MP, 250-365-2792, 1-800-667-2393

Thursday, December 08, 2011

ATAMANENKO: COURT RULES – DEMOCRACY BREATHES

Conservative Bill to bulldoze Canadian Wheat Board against the law

Ottawa, ON – Alex Atamanenko, MP - BC Southern Interior is pleased with yesterday’s federal court decision on the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) in which the court ruled that the Minister of Agriculture acted illegally in denying prairie farmers a vote before moving forward with legislation to strip it of its powers.

Atamanenko supports the call of Allen Oberg, Chair of the CWB, for the Minister to cease actions that would strip away prairie farmers’ single-desk marketing system without first allowing a vote by affected producers.

“The Canadian Wheat Board Act requires a producer plebiscite before dismantling the CWB single-desk for western Canadian wheat and Barley.  Instead of breaking the law by ramming this bill through the un-elected Senate, it is time for the Conservatives to hold a democratic vote among farmers and to respect their decision,” stated Atamanenko, the former NDP Agricutlure critic.  “After this ruling the Conservatives should give thought to the taxpayer money that will go into defending that law. Farmers have just been handed a very strong case for further court action if the government proceeds with taking away their board without their permission.”

For more information contact:

Alex Atamanenko, MP - (613) 996 8036

Atamanenko Presents Petition with 1200 Signatures in House of Commons

The Government should ban bottled water in Federal Institutions

Ottawa, ON – Alex Atamanenko, MP - BC Southern Interior, rose in the House of Commons today to introduce a petition on behalf of the BC/Yukon Region Canadian Catholic Development and Peace organization. Signed by 1200 people from the Dioceses of Nelson & Victoria the petition calls on the government to ban the purchase of bottled water in federal institutions wherever potable water is available.

Atamanenko says the Government of Canada has purchased millions of dollars of bottled water over the past 10 years despite the fact that, in most cases, potable water is already supplied at great expense by municipalities. Only 20% of these plastic water bottles are being recycled meaning that 80% are sent to landfills.  A good portion is being sent to poorer countries where the products were never consumed. After the costs there are the harmful environmental implications to be considered.

The province of Nova Scotia, along with many other Canadian cities, has already banned bottled water in their government buildings. Atamanenko believes it is time for the federal government to get on board this program and start leading by example.

According to Barry Nelson, Regional Development & Peace organizer of this petition, the No To Bottled Water campaign that stretched across the country saw people in the tens of thousands agree to not use bottled water when potable water is available. “This should show the Federal Government that it is time to join the rest of us and reduce their use of bottled water as well,” declared Nelson.

“I support this worthwhile effort and would like to thank the Nelson Diocese folks for gathering over 1200 names and for the glass water bottle I now use in my travels across the riding,” concluded Atamanenko. “I have also signed a commitment card that I will personally refrain from using bottled water whenever potable water is available.”

For more information contact:

Alex Atamanenko, MP  -  (613) 996 8036

December 05, 2011

NDP CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO SHUT DOWN HORSE SLAUGHTER INDUSTRY

Regulators and operators cannot be trusted to operate honestly or humanely

Ottawa – NDP MP Alex Atamanenko (BC Southern Interior) reacted today to a shocking investigation by the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) which revealed inhumane horse slaughter and other abuses at yet another Canadian slaughterhouse.

“I join with so many Canadians who are sickened and disappointed that our government continues to allow this industry to abuse these animals and the regulatory system with obvious impunity,” stated Atamanenko. “This is the fourth plant to be exposed by undercover investigations indicating that an ingrained culture of abuse is still firmly in place.”

Despite reassurances from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that horse slaughter plant conditions would be improved, the disturbing footage captured on July 13th and 14th of 2011 at Les Viandes de la Petite-Nation, Inc. in St. Andre-Avellin, Quebec shows serious violations of humane slaughter regulations.  “There is no reason that it should take eleven shots to the head to kill a horse,” said Atamanenko. “Why is this plant being allowed to operate in such an inefficient and inhumane way?”

Atamanenko was also concerned by the discrepancies revealed by the report concerning in the new Equine Identity Document (EID) system which is meant to record medical histories and keep horses that have been administered banned drugs from entering the slaughter pipeline. “The EID system is fraught with loopholes that are obviously being taken advantage by predatory kill-buyers looking for product,” said the BC MP. “Clearly the horse meat we are selling for human consumption is not a fit food for humans, especially children.”

According to Atamanenko, the commonly administered drug “phenylbutazone”, more commonly known as ‘horse’s aspirin’, can cause anaplastic anemia in children if consumed in even the tiniest amounts.  It was this fact that led the EU to stamp new passports on horses over the age of six months as ineligible for the food supply.  “It is reprehensible that we have an industry without such a segregation system,” declared Atamanenko.”

The NDP MP says the overwhelming majority of horses are not raised as food and are commonly administered drugs that are dangerous to people. “It is criminal to sell this meat to humans and the government must shut this industry down immediately,” concluded Atamanenko.

For more information contact:

Alex Atamanenko, MP  613 996 8036

November 30, 2011

Ottawa, ON – Alex Atamanenko, MP (BC Southern Interior), was joined at a press conference today by fellow peace advocates, along with Elizabeth May of the Green Party and Liberal Jim Karygiannis to herald the introduction later in the day of his Private Members Bill to create a federal Department of Peace. May and Karygiannis are co-seconding the Bill.

Atamanenko’s bill is a slightly amended version of retired NDP MP, Bill Siksay’s bill from the last parliament, notable for the non-partisan support it had gathered.

Karygiannis says this is one issue where party politics should not get in the way. “It is time for Canada to serve the global constituency by committing to the creation of a Department of Peace.”

Elizabeth May stressed her party’s continued support of this initiative. “Peace is more than the absence of war. Non-violent solutions, ‘waging peace,’ requires a focused investment and shift in consciousness. Even talking about a Department of Peace helps in that shift,” she said.

Representatives for Canadian Department of Peace Initiative (CDPI) at the press conference described the bill as exemplifying a global movement in 30 countries promoting infrastructures of non-violent peace within governments, with Peace Ministries and Departments in three countries, most recently Costa Rica. “The bill illustrates the need to prepare for peace in the same way as we prepare for war – with adequate resources and expertise,” stated CDPI Co-Founder, Bill Bhaneja.

“This is an opportunity to unify the millions of voices expressing a will to follow a new path where our road markers are not fear, anger and vengeful killing but rather prevention, empathy and justice for all of humanity,” declared Theresa Dunn, co-Chair for CDPI.

Doukhobor writer and historian Koozma J. Tarasoff said the need for the architecture for peace is urgent at a time when nuclear and robotic weapons are posing a threat to the world community. “As Canadians, let’s regain our status not only as a peacekeeping nation, but also as a non-killing one.”

“The notion that there can be peace in the world may be a utopian ideal but each generation owes it to the next to make a dedicated attempt to get as close to it as humanly possible.” concluded Atamanenko.

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For more information:

Alex Atamanenko, MP - 613 996 8036

Atamanenko seeks to give Conscientious Objectors the right to stop paying for war

Ottawa, ON – Alex Atamanenko, MP (BC Southern Interior), introduced a Private Members Bill in the House of Commons today that would give conscientious objectors an official sanction to spend their taxes on nonviolent alternatives to war.

Bill C-363, would allow Canadians, who object to paying taxes for military purposes on conscientious or religious grounds, to divert an amount equal to the military portion of their income tax to a special account that could only be allocated to non-military peace-building purposes.

“Having the ability to register with Canada Revenue as a conscientious objector to war and direct some of your tax money directly towards promoting peace in the world lies at the very heart of what democracy is all about,” stated the BC MP.  “For those who believe we are all responsible for our nation’s military actions and role in the world, this right is fundamental.”

A particular tenet of the bill is that regulations would be developed in consultation with Conscience Canada Inc., Mennonite Church Canada, Mennonite Central Committee of Canada and the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Canada.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to continue the work begun by my retired NDP colleague Bill Siksay, who authored the original bill.  Thanks to Anna Kirkpatrick and Conscience Canada for the valuable input they provided to strengthen Bill C-363.”

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For more information:

Alex Atamanenko, MP - (613) 996 8036

NOVEMBER 22, 2011

Castlegar – “As of December 1^st, 2011 Passport Canada will be requiring that applications for children under 16 years of age be accompanied by further proof of parentage documentation,” said Alex Atamanenko, MP for BC Southern Interior.

“I want to remind constituents of this so there are no last minute surprises and they will have time to apply for new birth certificates listing BOTH parents, should they currently not have such a certificate,” he added.

Effective December 1, 2011, parents or legal guardians must provide with their child’s passport application a detailed government birth certificate, naming both parents, or an order of adoption naming the adoptive parents. Certain other requirements may also apply.

All legal documents that refer to custody, the mobility of, or access to the child must be provided. If a divorce has been granted, a copy of the divorce judgment or order must also be provided. If a separation agreement exists, it must also be provided with the application.

“There are some exceptions,” said Atamanenko, adding that if a passport has previously been issued to the child in his or her name, it is still valid or expired for less than one year, and it is included in the new application, this will be acceptable.

“It is now about five years since the new passport regulations started to be introduced, and my offices are seeing an increase in applicants who are renewing their five-year passports,” said Atamanenko.

“I note that the government is promising to introduce an enhanced ten-year passport by 2013, which is something I have been recommending for a while, and constituents have been asking for,” he added.

“However, I would encourage anyone with questions or concerns about increased fees, and the implementation of this new higher-security electronic passport to visit Passport Canada’s website page and provide feedback to the government,” noted Atamanenko.  The site is at:  http://www.ppt.gc.ca/articles/20111110.aspx?lang=eng

Atamanenko just became aware of the proposed changes himself, posted recently on-line, with the consultation ending Friday, November 23^rd.  “It is not a widely known nor long consultation,” he said, “having only apparently been launched on November 10^th.”

“My offices in Castlegar and Oliver would be happy to assist with any questions about applications,” said Atamanenko.  Passports are required for travel to the U.S. by land, sea or air”. Constituents can call 1-800-667-2393 or visit his website for passport information as well:  www.alexndp.ca .

There are also three other offices that people can visit:

Kelowna: Passport Canada issuing office: Capri Centre, 1835 Gordon Drive, Suite 110, (Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

Nelson: A NEW LOCATION: Service Canada Passport Receiving Agent: Chahko Mika Mall (by the lake), 1125 Lakeside Drive (Mon- Fri 8:30 to 4:00 pm).

Penticton: Service Canada Passport Receiving Centre: 386 Ellis Street, Suite 101, (Mon – Fri 8:30 to 4:00 pm)

Constituents can also phone Passport Canada at 1-800-567-6868, or go to their website: www.pptc.gc.ca for more information.    .

Applications can be picked up at any post office, at Atamanenko’s Constituency Offices, at any Service Canada location, or downloaded from the Passport Canada website.

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For more information:   Alex Atamanenko     250-365-2792       1-800-667-2393

NOVEMBER 18, 2011

Castlegar, BC – According to Alex Atamanenko, MP for BC Southern Interior, the Conservatives are hiding from opposition scrutiny by invoking closure to limit the Justice Committee’s debate on the government’s controversial omnibus crime bill, C-10.

“This is just the latest of seven examples this session where Stephen Harper’s Conservatives have moved to bypass parliamentary work and prevent MPs from doing what we were all were elected to do by Canadians,” noted the BC MP.

Atamanenko says there are 208 clauses that should undergo a thorough parliamentary scrutiny, as well as hundreds of amendments that will undoubtedly not be discussed at all. Bill C-10, which has sparked numerous controversies across the country, will probably be adopted practically as is. This is a problem for the Provinces because it is they who will have to pick up the tab for what is being regarded by experts and opposition critics as an expensive and ineffective approach to criminal justice.

“I can see why the Conservatives don’t want to come under any further scrutiny in the face of the fire-storm they have brought down on themselves,” stated Atamanenko. “But, this kind of authoritarian rule and abuse of power has no place in a Parliamentary democracy.”

The omnibus crime bill has been the object of severe criticism since being introduced. The provinces are refusing to pay the bill for these changes to the Criminal Code, which would increase prison population while denying young offenders the possibility of rehabilitation. The bill makes little sense in the face of Canada’s falling crime rates, especially as they have steadily declined over the last 20 years.

“Provincial leaders have raised serious and justifiable concerns about this bill. They’re worried they can’t afford it, and that it won’t make communities safer,” concluded Atamanenko. “By putting a gag order on democracy the Conservatives are saying they don’t care what the provinces think and they are not interested in what experts say or what the facts are. Worst of all they are saying they don’t care what Canadians think.”

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For more information:

Alex Atamanenko, MP 1-800-667-2393 or 250-365-2792

October 14, 2011

Some of the “Orange Crush” wave of newly-elected, young Quebec MPs will be in the West Kootenays at the end of October, joining in on local events.

On Saturday, October 29th at the Fireside Inn in Castlegar, the federal NDP Riding Association of BC Southern Interior will be holding its Annual General Meeting from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. It will feature a presentation by MP Alex Atamanenko and an introduction of the newly-elected MPs, followed by a chance to meet and speak with the MPs at a reception immediately after the meeting.

A Gala Fundraising Dinner will follow in the evening at the Fireside Inn, beginning at 5:30 PM. Guest Speakers include Atamanenko, MPs Alexandrine Latendresse, Philip Toone and others.

Everyone is invited to attend both events and meet these dynamic new Quebec MPs who will share their stories about the orange wave which swept Quebec and engaged so many youth and others in the last federal election.

For further information or to purchase or reserve tickets phone 250-365-7633 or email snowdance@shaw.ca.

There are also plans for the new MPs to make some guest appearances at other upcoming events in Castlegar, Nelson and Kaslo. Stay tuned for more information!

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Vince Salvo 250-365-7633
Bev Onischak 250-365-5780

OTTAWA – New Democrat Agriculture Critic, Alex Atamanenko (BC Southern Interior) has re-introduced a Private Members Bill that would effectively shut down the slaughtering of horses for human consumption in Canada. “Since I first introduced this bill in the last Parliament, tens of thousands of Canadians have petitioned the government to legislate an end to this practice,” said Atamanenko. “I think it’s high time the government listened.”

According to the BC MP, the odds are enormous that certain drugs, prohibited for use during the life of any animals destined for the human food supply, are routinely being administered to horses,” said Atamanenko. “It is irresponsible for Canada to allow the sale of meat from horses as a food item when they have never been raised in accordance with the food safety practices required for all other animals.”

Atamanenko points to the inexpensive, easily available and widely used anti-inflammatory drug, phenylbutazone (bute) or ‘horse’s aspirin’ as it is commonly called, as just one example of what is quite likely to be prevalent in horsemeat. Bute is a known carcinogen and its use is illegal in any animal that enters the food supply.

According to Atamanenko, at least fifty per cent of the horses being slaughtered in Canada are imported from the US where horse slaughter has been banned. The meat is then sold to markets in Europe. There are no regulations in the US to prevent horse owners from administering banned substances because horses are not regarded or treated as food-producing animals. “On top of that the US believes it is our task to verify the data in the EID passports as we are the ones selling the meat for human consumption,” noted Atamanenko.

Under pressure from the European Union (EU), Canada has introduced a new ‘equine passport’ system, the data from which is to be verified by the slaughter houses, to track the health history and medical treatments of horses arriving at slaughterhouses, including those from the States.

“The EID system is fraught with loopholes and it is quite a stretch to think that information on hundreds of thousands of horses gathered from every nook and cranny across Canada and America, will be complete or accurate,” concluded Atamanenko. “The right thing for the government to do would be to adopt Bill C-322 so the issue can be debated as soon as possible.”

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For more information:
Office of Alex Atamanenko, 613-996-8036