Atamanenko Introduces Peace Motion in House of Commons

June 22nd, 2011

For Immediate Release

Ottawa, ON – BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko has introduced two motions in the House of Commons endorsing the establishment of a federal Department of Peace as well as developing the concept of a Civilian Peace Service in Canada.

The NDP MP is planning on re-introducing a private members bill first introduced by former MP Bill Siksay, this fall calling for the establishment of a Department of Peace.

“As we strive to regain our stature in the world as a broker for peace, it is important for our government to have a mandate to advocate for the non-violent resolution of conflict at home and abroad. I am very grateful to my former colleague Bill Siksay for taking this initiative which I am following up on”, stated Atamanenko.

His plan is to work closely with those of the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative (CDPI) and other advocates for peace to bring this issue forward.

According to J. J. Verigin, Executive Director of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC), an umbrella organization representing many Doukhobor people in Canada, “The establishment of a Department of Peace would have the support of a great many Canadians and could serve as an inspiration and even challenge to people and governments around the world to demonstrate their determination to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

It would demonstrate our nation’s commitment to peace and resurrect our international reputation as a peacekeeper, and just as peacekeeping was a Canadian initiative born out of the necessity of that time, this too can be a Canadian initiative whose time has indeed come.”

Mr. Bill Bhaneja of CDPI also supports this initiative, “we are very pleased that Mr. Atamanenko has taken this important initiative as the two Peace Motions will lead to the re-introduction of the Private Member’s Bill on a Department of Peace. We hope they will expand the awareness and support for the need of a Federal Department of Peace in the new Parliament. CDPI will urge peace supporters across Canada to write to their MPs to endorse the two Motions. Since 2004, CDPI has been promoting the urgent need for a strategic focus for sustainable peace in the Federal Government, working towards a Culture of Peace at home and abroad and through its Minister provide the Prime Minister with advice and recommendations on effective conflict transformation through nonviolent means.”

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For more information please contact
Alex Atamanenko, MP – 613-996-8036

Pour diffusion immédiate

M. Atamanenko présente une motion de paix à la Chambre des communes

Ottawa (Ontario) – Le député de la Colombie-Britannique-Southern Interior, M. Alex Atamanenko, a présenté deux motions à la Chambre des communes qui proposent la création d’un ministère fédéral de la Paix ainsi que l’élaboration du concept de service civil canadien voué à la paix au Canada.

Le député néo-démocrate prévoit présenter de nouveau cet automne un projet de loi d’initiative parlementaire, déjà déposé par l’ancien député Bill Siksay, concernant la création d’un ministère de la Paix.

« Dans le cadre de nos efforts de reconquérir notre rang de représentant de la paix à l’échelle internationale, il est primordial que notre gouvernement dispose du mandat de préconiser la résolution non violente de conflits, tant ici qu’à l’étranger. J’exprime ici toute ma reconnaissance à mon ancien collègue Bill Siksay d’avoir lancé cette initiative et je m’empresse de la poursuivre. »

M. Atamanenko désire engager une collaboration étroite avec les gens du Canadian Department of Peace Initiative (CDPI) et autres défenseurs de la paix pour faire cheminer le projet.

Selon. J. J. Verigin, directeur général de la Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC), un organisme cadre qui représente une forte population de Doukhobors au Canada, « la création d’un ministère de la Paix, riche de l’appui de très nombreux Canadiens, pourrait servir d’inspiration et jouerait même un rôle d’influence auprès des populations et des gouvernements du monde entier dans leur détermination à épargner les horreurs de la guerre aux générations à venir. Une telle action démontrerait le fervent engagement de notre pays envers la paix et ranimerait notre réputation de gardien de la paix. Tout comme le maintien de la paix a été une initiative canadienne provoquée par les besoins de l’époque, ce ministère pourrait aussi être un signe des temps actuels. »

M. Bill Bhaneja du CDPI appuie cette initiative. « Nous nous réjouissons de ce geste important de la part de M. Atamanenko, car les deux motions permettront de ranimer le projet de loi sur la création d’un ministère de la Paix. Nous espérons que ce geste sensibilisera encore davantage le nouveau Parlement à la nécessité d’un ministère fédéral de la Paix. Le CDPI exhortera les défenseurs de la paix partout au Canada à écrire à leur député pour appuyer les deux motions. Depuis 2004, le CDPI s’emploie à dénoncer au sein du gouvernement fédéral l’urgence de créer une orientation stratégique visant à assurer une paix durable et à faire progresser la culture de la paix tant au pays qu’à l’étranger; de plus, par l’intermédiaire de son ministre, il présente des conseils et des recommandations en matière de résolution efficace de conflit par des moyens non violents. »

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Pour de plus amples renseignements, prière de communiquer avec
Alex Atamanenko, député – 613-996-8036

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Statement in the House of Commons

June 21st, 2011

Mr. Alex Atamanenko (British Columbia Southern Interior, NDP):

Madam Speaker, I would just like to make a comment that I have been following the file of Canada Post and its effect on our rural communities for quite a while now. I have seen some pretty devastating policies that cut back part-time work and that transferred people arbitrarily.

I have sort of come to the conclusion that Canada Post is functioning as a ruthless corporation, certainly in regard to rural B.C.

I would like the hon. member to comment. The other fact I learned is that Canada Post is mandated to make a profit but not only to make a profit but to give part of this profit back to the federal government. Other industrialized nations actually subsidize their national postal service.

I would like to hear the hon. member’s comments on what seems to be a ludicrous idea, that we have a corporation that here we have a corporation that is mandated to make a profit, not only to make ends meet but to give part of this money back to the federal government, and that institutes policies on the backs of the workers.

There is something that is not quite logical here. I would just like to hear the hon. members comments on this.

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Atamanenko: Time to Stand up for Striking Workers

June 15th, 2011

Ottawa, ON – Alex Atamanenko, MP, (BC Southern Interior) says that anyone who truly believes in democratic principles should be outraged that the Conservative government’s response to Air Canada’s (AC) employee strike action is to threaten back to work legislation that will criminalize their job action. “This is an unprecedented assault on labour rights and should be firmly denounced by all Canadians,” stated Atamanenko.

“Besides a 77 percent increase in his salary this year, Air Canada’s CEO Calin Rovinescu will enjoy a defined benefit pension of over $350,000 per year when he retires,” noted the BC MP. “Meanwhile Air Canada wants to cut and eventually eliminate the defined benefit pension plan for all of its workers and create a two-tier wage structure between old and new hires.”

At the same time, members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have been locked out in response to their limited job action. While working to disrupt the public as little as possible, the message from CUPW is that the union is adamantly opposed to the unfair conditions proposed by Canada Post Corporation (CPC).

Despite the fact that CPC is a profitable Crown corporation and has been for a number of years, CPC continues to expect concessions from the workers. CUPW is asking CPC to negotiate in good faith, to hold the line on proposed wage roll-backs, to appropriately address workplace safety issues and attend to other crucial issues.

According to Atamanenko’s assistant, Laurel Walton, who visited CUPW workers locked out at the Castlegar post office this morning, “These workers are defending the future of Canada. If Canada Post gets its way, it will signal a downward spiral in working conditions for workers and the well-being of retired persons nation-wide.”

Atamanenko agrees and calls upon all working people, whether unionized or not, to support striking and locked-out workers.

“It’s up to each one of us to determine what future we want. Whatever we do, it will make a difference, one way or the other. When we support these workers and others, we let the corporations and the Conservative government know that contracts must include work for reasonable wages, workplace safety issues that are properly addressed and a pension that people can live on in their senior years,” he concluded.

For more information please contact Alex Atamanenko, MP – 613-996-8036

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Corporations over Canadians

June 6th, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2011

Corporations over Canadians
Conservative budget fails families and seniors

OTTAWA – New Democrat MP Alex Atamanenko feels that the budget presented today falls short of meeting expectations of Canadian families.

“As with all budgets, there are some positive aspects such as providing permanent gas tax dollars for predictable long-term infrastructure funding for municipalities. However, overall the budget fails to make life more affordable for Canadian families still struggling to recover from the effects of the recession,” stated Atamanenko.

According to the BC MP, there is nothing in the budget to substantially lift seniors out of poverty or to fix frontline health care. “On January 1, 2012 the Conservatives will hand over a further $2 billion to the corporate sector in the form of tax breaks. Instead of giving money to those who need it the least, would it not make more sense to double the CPP for seniors, hire more doctors and nurses and to implement a national affordable housing strategy?”

With a planned cut of $3.2 million to Western Diversification in 2011-12, the BC Southern Interior MP is worried this will affect all the good work that Community Futures programs do to assist small businesses. “There should be more money for regional economic development and not less. The total cuts to Western Diversification will be $17.8 million by 2014. This is clearly not acceptable,” said Atamanenko.

Atamanenko also has concerns about the planned one-year strategic and operating review. “It is my fear that public sector employees will be targeted much the same as the workers at Canada Post. The Finance Minister is trying to find ways to balance the budget. If he is giving tax breaks to corporations and committed to maintaining transfers to the provinces, the target will, without a doubt, be our public service. Just as with the postal workers, we need to ensure that good union jobs are not contracted out to the private sector with a loss of pay and benefits. Budgets should not be balanced on the backs of workers,” concluded Atamanenko.

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For more information, please contact:
Alex Atamanenko, MP – 613-996-8036

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David Finnis and Alex Atamanenko meet at the border of their ridings

April 30th, 2011

2col-2

David Finnis
Okanagan-Coquihalla

MEDIA RELEASE
April 30, 2011

For Immediate Release

David Finnis and Alex Atamanenko meet at the border of their ridings

Alex Atamanenko, NDP candidate for B.C. Southern Interior steps over the border to join Okanagan-Coquihalla candidate David Finnis on the campaign trail to do some final mainstreeting in the community of Okanagan Falls.

“David is a strong, knowledgeable candidate. David served three terms on Summerland municipal council and knows his constituents well” said Atamanenko.

David welcomes Alex to his riding to join him on the campaign trail. “I feel honoured that Alex would take the time to meet with me. He is well respected throughout his community and works tirelessly for his constituents” Finnis said.

David is hopeful that he will be able to join Alex and be a part of Jack Layton’s team in Ottawa.

Both are looking forward to the results coming in on Monday evening. This election may be one of the most exciting in Canadian history.

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Jeanette Wood, campaign manager,
phone: 250-493-4341; cell ph. 250-486-1501
e-mail: okanagancoquihallandp@shaw.ca

For further information contact:
David Finnis, candidate, ph. 250-494-8994 or cell 250-809-7961
Website: http://davidfinnis.ndp.ca
E-mail: davidfinnis4NDP@gmail.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/davidfinnis4NDP
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DavidFinnis4NDP

Authorized by the Official Agent for David Finnis

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Atamanenko Congratulates New BC Leader

April 20th, 2011

APRIL 19, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CASTLEGAR – Federal NDP candidate Alex Atamanenko congratulates Adrian Dix on his victory as the new leader of the BC New Democrats.

“I would like to wish Adrian all the very best as he leads us into the next provincial election. We are unified and ready to take back our province.”

The federal NDP candidate was very impressed by all the leadership candidates.

“Thank you to all of those who took the time to seek nomination. Democracy is alive and well in the NDP. I would also like to thank Dawn Black, interim leader, for her work in leading our party during the candidate selection process.”

Atamanenko says he is ready to help in the next provincial election. “It is crucial that we regain control of our province and Adrian is the person to lead us in this work starting today. Together, we can make sure we elect a government that will bring compassion and reason to the forefront in the BC legislature as we work to build a better BC for all.”

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Updated All-Candidate Forum information (as of April 14th)

April 14th, 2011

Midway: Saturday, April 16th – 7 pm at the Midway Community Hall

Grand Forks: Monday, April 18th – 6:30 pm at Grand Forks Senior Secondary School Auditorium (turn right on highway across from Shell station)

Nelson: Tuesday, April 19th – 6:30pm in the Hume Room at the Hume Hotel

Oliver: (Televised only) Wednesday, April 20th – 2 pm at the Oliver Council Chambers
(media only, not open to the public)

Keremeos: Wednesday, April 20th – 7 pm at Victory Hall, 7th Avenue

Princeton: Thursday, April 21st – 7 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall at 170 Bridge Street

Trail: Tuesday, April 26th – 7 pm at the Cominco Gym

Rossland: Wednesday, April 27th – 7 pm at the Miners’ Hall

Forum on Social Issues (Nelson): Friday, April 29th – 6:30 p.m. at the Anglican Hall (corner of Ward & Carbonate)

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Schedule of Confirmed All Candidate Forums for BC Southern Interior

April 12th, 2011

Here is the current information regarding All-Candidates’ Forums in the riding…

Castlegar: Tuesday, April 12 – 6pm at the Fireside Inn

Rossland: Wednesday, April 27 – 7pm at the Miners’ Hall

Silverton: Wednesday, April 13 – 7pm at the Silverton Memorial Hall

Trail: Tuesday, April 26 – 7pm at the Cominco Gym

Keremeos: Wednesday, April 20 – 7pm at Victory Hall, 7th Avenue

Nelson: Tuesday, April 19th – 6:30pm in the Hume Room at the Hume Hotel

Oliver: (Televised only) Wednesday, April 20th – 2pm at the Oliver Council Chambers
(media only, not open to the public)

Grand Forks: Monday, April 18 – 7pm Location TBA

Nelson Anti-Poverty Forum: Friday, April 29 – 6pm Location TBA

Princeton: Thursday, April 21 – 7pm at the Legion Hall

Midway: Saturday, April 16 – 7pm Location TBA

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Budget Fails to Address Farmers’ Priorities

March 23rd, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 23, 2011

OTTAWA – New Democrat Agriculture Critic Alex Atamanenko (BC Southern Interior), says he’s disappointed but not surprised that the Conservatives failed to make agriculture a priority in yesterday’s budget.

“Those of us who have to work with Conservatives and their antics at the Standing Committee on Agriculture can tell you that this government isn’t interested in acting on the real concerns facing farmers in a future filled with uncertainties,” said Atamanenko. “Nothing in this budget will take the country even one step closer to having the comprehensive national food strategy that most farm organizations and civil society groups are calling for.”

According to Atamanenko the Conservatives remains oblivious to the fact that, for many food growers, income stabilization programs are still failing to be bankable and responsive.

“I know farmers will be disappointed that, once again, the federal government is refusing to include Business Risk Management as an eligible component of the Agri-Flex program,” said Atamanenko. “It is also abundantly clear that the much needed costing review of railway charges that are gouging farmers is never going to happen under a Conservative government.”

Atamanenko says he would have liked to see much more in the budget to nurture the local food movement that is gaining in strength as Canadians try to do more to support farmers and eat healthier food. “There is nothing in the budget to address the dire situation facing Okanagan fruit growers in BC who have lost so much money due to the yearly dumping into our markets at harvest time by the US and China as a result of trade agreements.

“All in all, what is clearly indicated in this budget is that Conservatives are determined to stay the course with the same failed policies and lack of vision that will ensure the number of family farms in Canada will continue to decline,” concluded Atamanenko.

For more information, please contact:
Alex Atamanenko’s office at 613-996-8036

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Conservative Budget Fails

March 22nd, 2011

OTTAWA – Today’s budget fails to address the real day-to-day needs of Canadians according to Alex Atamanenko, MP for BC Southern Interior.

“There are half measures to raise the GIS, vague language in regard to the CPP, nothing to take the HST off home heating and no concrete measures to increase the number of doctors and nurses in our communities”, stated Atamanenko.

The Conservatives are continuing with their corporate tax giveaways with a further $2 Billion going to the most profitable corporations in January of 2012.

Money will also be spent on new F-35 jet fighters and new prisons, even though the crime rate is decreasing.

“At the same time, we see 156,000 fewer full time jobs and the creation of an overwhelming proportion of part-time jobs”, said the NDP MP. “This is not the direction that is right for the country. Clearly, the Prime Minister is not prepared to work with Parliament for the good of our country”.

For more information, please contact:
Alex Atamanenko, MP – 613-996-8036

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