Halifax West Riding Twitter & Social Media

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Riding Community Tweets (#r12005)

halifaxtweetersRT @geoffregan: My suite of #elxn41 videos. Proud of my record representing #Halifax West #r12005 http://fb.me/ISxKsoFn
May 01, 2011 12:18 pm |

MPlibgeoffreganMy suite of #elxn41 videos. Proud of my record representing #Halifax West #r12005 http://fb.me/ISxKsoFn
May 01, 2011 12:10 pm |

MPlibgeoffreganI continue 2 support Community Access Program. Access 4 rural areas, seniors & computer training programs benefit all Cdns. #elxn41 #r12005
Apr 20, 2011 5:10 am |

MPlibgeoffreganAudio message from Geoff Regan (opens with Media Player) #elxn41 #r12005 #lpc http://fb.me/zFIriRYP
Apr 18, 2011 3:47 am |

MPlibgeoffreganGeoff Regan: A strong voice for Halifax West http://t.co/CwSkux9 via @youtube #elxn41 #lpc #r12005
Apr 15, 2011 8:08 am |

Riding Mentions in News, Blogs, Facebook & Hansard

MP news Government ads run at expense of students - TheChronicleHerald.ca
And while much of that work would likely be minimum wage, plenty of students would be happy to have the work, said Halifax West MP Geoff Regan, who also attended the news conference. Jared Perry, president of the Saint Mary's University Students ...and more » read more
May 16, 2013 5:27 pm> |

MPcon Dean Allison 983 post Anaphylaxis
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues on all sides of the House before I get to my prepared remarks to wrap up. One of the great things about being a member of Parliament is the opportunities to learn on an ongoing basis. I want to thank my colleague from Québec who shared his personal experiences, as well as my colleague from Halifax West who, as we have mentioned, worked on committee before.

I personally have never had family members who have had to deal with this, but as I have gone through the learning process, it has been most educational. The purpose of what we are trying to do with this motion is to make sure we educate people and raise awareness, as has been mentioned. I want to thank the two members on the opposite side of the House for sharing their personal stories. They were very helpful.

I would also like to thank everyone who has spoken on Motion No. 230. Their inspiring words of support are very encouraging. I am glad to see that so many members recognize the dangers of anaphylaxis. When I began this process, I received a lot of support from various individuals and organizations. I would like to thank the hon. member for St. Catharines who first introduced the precursor to Motion No. 230 in the 39th Parliament.

I also extend a special thanks to the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative and the Niagara Anaphylaxis Support and Knowledge. These two organizations do tremendous work. They spread awareness of anaphylaxis and have been unwavering in their support of this motion. They have provided me with much appreciated knowledge and expertise throughout this process, and I am grateful for their insight.

I would also like to thank the numerous people who have called, written and met with me in person to discuss their personal struggles with anaphylaxis. Their stories furthered my commitment to seeing this motion brought to the House and passed. This widespread support is an indication of the magnitude and dangers of this condition.

With 2.5 million Canadians affected, a number which continues to rise every year, it is concerning that many Canadians are not aware of the risks associated with anaphylaxis. An anaphylactic reaction is a very serious and potentially life-threatening experience and, on the average, there are 3,500 reactions per year in Canada, of which 12 will be fatal.

As mentioned in many of the speeches on this motion, epinephrine treats the short-term symptoms of anaphylaxis, but awareness can substantially reduce the amount of anaphylactic reactions in the future. Awareness includes an understanding of anaphylaxis as a condition, its different causes and triggers, and strategies to limit exposure.

On the first day of discussion in the House, I referred to the stories of Lucas, Liam and David. Their daily struggles with anaphylaxis and the fear of reaction can be reduced. Motion No. 230 aims for this goal. By bringing more attention and awareness to the Canadian public, this motion will help these children and many other Canadians who live with this condition. It will help Canadians understand the signs, dangers and consequences of an anaphylactic reaction. As was mentioned in the first hour of debate, important steps have been taken by various businesses and levels of government.

My colleague from Mississauga—Streetsville mentioned that the Toronto Blue Jays, a member of the private sector, introduced a peanut-controlled zone at three of their home games in the previous season. By doing this, they created a safer environment for their fans to enjoy the game. I am pleased to have recently found out that the Blue Jays plan to carry on this policy during the season. There will be at least another three home games that will have a peanut-controlled zone.

As a government, we have provided a significant amount of funds for allergy research, including $36.5 million to support AllerGen, which is the Allergy, Genes and Environment Network of centres of excellence that conducts allergy research. Also, in August 2012, new regulations were implemented which enhanced the labelling of priority food allergens on prepackaged retail foods. These regulations help consumers classify which foods are safe and which products they must avoid. Our government has also designated May as National Anaphylaxis Month.

Although these considerable steps have been taken, more can be done. Businesses and governments should do more to help those who live with the condition. More specifically, Parliament should recognize that anaphylaxis is a serious condition and create the necessary awareness to help those living with anaphylaxis have a higher quality of life.

Preventive measures should be taken by everyday Canadians in order to ensure the safety of those around them, especially those at risk of having an anaphylactic reaction. Understanding the condition and which allergens could cause reactions could lead to a reduction of incidents and more peace of mind for Canadians living with severe life-threatening allergies. With the passing of Motion No. 230, Canadians living with anaphylaxis will receive much needed recognition from our government. We stand with them in their efforts to promote awareness of the condition.

Once again, I would like to thank all the hon. members here today, as well as those who have pledged their support for this motion.
May 08, 2013 4:35 pm |

MPlib
Geoff ReganHalifax West residents call for moratorium on release of GMO alfalfa
http://www.geoffregan.ca/geoff-on-the-hill/calling-parliament-impose-moratorium-release-geneticallym
May 02, 2013 6:17 am |

MPlib Rodger Cuzner 1192 post Strengthening Military Justice in the Defence of Canada Act
Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure to join in the debate. It has been informative. Being neither a lawyer with a legal background or a member of the Canadian Armed Forces with a military background, I have certainly learned quite a bit from the debate here today. It has been worthwhile.

That being said, our caucus is blessed with a great depth of legal knowledge. My colleague, the member for Mount Royal, and my colleague from down the road in Halifax West have addressed many of the rights issues woven throughout this piece of legislation. I am certainly respectful of their opinion on it.

As well, our caucus boasts a number of people who have served our country in military service. The member for Winnipeg North is a former member of the Canadian air force. He was posted in Edmonton for a number of years. Our colleague, the member for Westmount—Ville-Marie, is a former naval officer, a colonel, in the Canadian navy. He went on to become involved in the space program and was Canada's first astronaut. He is a man whose opinion is widely respected across the country.

Then, of course, from the red chamber, there is Senator Romeo Dallaire. His vast experience and understanding of all issues military has a great deal of equity in his opinion. When people of that calibre bring forward concerns on a particular piece of legislation, such as Bill C-15, obviously it is worth taking note.

One of the key provisions brought forward today is the provision for security of tenure for military justices until they reach the retirement age of 60, resign or are removed for cause on the recommendation of an inquiry committee. The outlining of sentences, objectives and principles is another provision. The legislation would also amend the composition of a court marshal panel according to the rank of the accused. The bill also changes the name of the Canadian Forces Grievance Board to the Military Grievances External Review Committee. One of the other key components is that it allows certain service offences to carry a criminal record.

In our party, we understand the need to reform the Canadian court marshal system and to ensure that it remains effective, fair and transparent. However, we also believe that Canadian citizens who make that career decision, that life choice, to join the Canadian Forces should not lose some of their rights before the courts.

We believe and understand that rights and equality are universal. Without an effective means for appeal, and no recorded proceedings, which was mentioned by my colleague from Halifax West, the current summary trial system is unbalanced and does not respect the basic rights of Canadian Forces members. Our party does not believe that introducing a criminal record for Canadian Forces members for certain service offences is fair and just, as the means of pardoning offences has been recently removed by the government.

Finally, we find it problematic that the VCDS can intervene and give direction in military police investigations. The VCDS is also subject to the code of service discipline.

Obviously, there are a number of disparities between the military and civil justice systems that should be narrowed as much as possible. While we recognize that updates to the military justice system must be made, the government is missing an opportunity to make these changes properly.

Many aspects of the MJS inexplicably remain unimproved or provide unnecessary powers. For example, Bill C-15 enshrines in law a list of military offences that will now carry a criminal record, and some are hardly necessary. Without a pardon system, which was recently revoked by the Conservatives, and summary trials set up with no records and no meaningful appeal, a Canadian Forces member would be left haunted by a record and unable to find employment upon release.

I would think it would have twigged on the government that many Canadians, after they finish their military service, have challenges securing that first job out of the service. Many times, the skills an individual acquires, even the technical skills, do not align with accepted or traditional construction trade skills.

The helmets to hard hats program, which works with members who try to seek employment after having left the military, is recognition of that. The Conservatives take a great deal of credit for it, but they have put only $150,000 into the program. The program is really run by Canadian building trades and a number of corporate sponsors. That being said, it is a program that recognizes some of the challenges members of the Canadian Forces face upon release. It would be nice if the government would play a more significant role.

That being said, if the Conservatives were attuned to the challenges of departing members, one would think they would understand that coming out of the military with a criminal record because of an offence that in our own court system would not be recognized as a criminal act becomes a burden in itself. That is yet another challenge that has to be overcome by an individual. It is truly unfortunate and unnecessary.

My colleague from Ajax—Pickering said that the testimony given by a couple of witnesses was somewhat extreme. Retired Colonel Michel Drapeau is a respected Canadian with a very distinguished military career. I will read into the record his quote from the testimony presented:

I find it very odd that those who put their lives at risk to protect the rights of Canadians are themselves deprived of some of these charter rights when facing a quasi-criminal process with the possibility of loss of liberty through detention in military barracks.

We cannot dismiss testimony from individuals whose opinions we greatly respect. We should take that into consideration. Certainly the testimony of both Retired Colonel Drapeau and M. Létourneau was very compelling and should be reflected going forward.
Apr 29, 2013 10:05 am |

MPlib Joyce Murray 1253 post Strengthening Military Justice in the Defence of Canada Act
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to join my colleagues who have spoken so eloquently for equality for those individuals in the military who serve Canadians. This particular legislation purports to update our military criminal justice system, but in fact has some significant gaps.

It is always good to review our laws to make sure that they reflect present realities and that they are equitable, appropriate and consistent with our Constitution. The military criminal justice system is no exception. This legislation has been worked on for a long time but the Liberal Party of Canada believes it is not where it needs to be in order to get our support. The members for Winnipeg North, Halifax West and York West made that case in quite a specific and compelling way. We are being asked to support something that still has so many flaws; that is politics.

Clearly, many aspects of the military justice system remain inexplicably unchanged or give unnecessary powers in this bill. For instance, the bill enshrines in law a list of military offences that will carry a criminal record in the future, which is not necessary in many cases.

Given that the pardon system was recently revoked and that summary trials are what they are—with no record and no means of meaningful appeal—the members of the armed forces will find themselves with criminal records and unable to find employment upon release.

Clearly there are some flaws in the bill. The one I want to focus on in particular is the issue of human rights and equality. It really boils down to what kind of society we want to have in Canada, and I think Canadians are clear. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Canada is widely supported right across the country and is a very proud part of our framework for protecting rights but also for enshrining responsibilities in our country, to make sure those who are vulnerable have the law on their side to protect their right to equality.

It has been shameful and disappointing that the Conservative Party of Canada has chosen to minimize the importance of this very important part of our Constitution, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, essentially dismissing and not celebrating its great anniversaries. Last year was the 30th anniversary, and there was not much of a murmur from the government, but hundreds of millions of dollars went into celebrating the anniversary of a war.

That goes down to what kind of society we want to have. Do we want to have one that protects rights and freedoms, or do we want to have one that is all about punishment? We see changes to immigration. We see in Bill C-10, that grab bag of bad public policy, that the Conservative government is much more focused on punishment than on equality. That is reflected in this bill as well.

In his testimony before committee, retired Colonel Michel Drapeau noted:

...someone accused before a summary trial has no right to appeal either the verdict or the sentence. This is despite the fact that the verdict and sentence are imposed without any regard to the minimum standards of procedural rights in criminal proceedings, such as the right to counsel, the presence of rules of evidence, and the right to appeal.

In Canada, these rights do not exist in summary trials, not even for a decorated veteran, yet a Canadian charged with a summary conviction offence in civilian court... enjoys all of these rights. So does someone appearing in a small claims court or in a traffic court.

He goes on to say:

I find it very odd that those who put their lives at risk to protect the rights of Canadians are themselves deprived of some of these charter rights when facing a quasi-criminal process with the possibility of loss of liberty through detention in a military barracks.

Clear questions of inequality have arisen here. There are problems with the bill that are fundamental to the kind of society we want to have, not just a few tweaks that we could have put into the bill and that the government has not done. This does go down to fundamentally what kind of society we want to have. This kind of inequality is being unfortunately cemented into other bills and other laws brought forward by the Conservative government.

I want to refer to some comments made by my colleague from Mount Royal recently on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

According to Justice Létourneau, soldiers are citizens and they should enjoy the same constitutional rights guaranteed by the charter as any other citizen.

This is what he said:

“We as a society have forgotten, with harsh consequences for the members of the armed forces, that a soldier is before all a Canadian citizen, a Canadian citizen in uniform.”

In other words, they should be able to count on all of the rights and protections that citizens enjoy in our country.

Referring to our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the member for Mount Royal raised a question of privilege in the House this past March and expressed concern that the government is failing to live up to its own statutory obligation, which is expressed in section 4.1 of the Department of Justice Act.

In law, this is requiring that the government, that the Minister of Justice, examine each and every government bill introduced in the House to ensure it is consistent with the charter. That would seem like a simple step to respect our fundamental constitutional obligations as parliamentarians and as government in law-making and public policy-making.

How often has the government actually done that? How often has the government checked and done a review to ensure that its bills introduced in the House are consistent with the charter and receive the constitutional seal of approval? How often has the government reported any inconsistencies, or otherwise, to the House?

Does anybody have an answer to that question?
Apr 29, 2013 9:50 am |

MPcon BarryDevolin_MP 13 post Strengthening Military Justice in the Defence of Canada Act
Resuming debate, the hon. member for Halifax West.
Apr 29, 2013 9:20 am |

MPndp Megan Leslie 353 post Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Halifax West for his question. He is a member of the Halifax community. He was there, and he knows how important this is to the folks at home.

I cannot answer his first question about my experience because I am not a lawyer. Everybody forgets that. I have a law degree and I worked as a community legal worker at Dalhousie Legal Aid, but I did not practise criminal law, so I cannot share any experiences of mens rea.

However, it certainly is a big topic in the study of law, whether or not a person actually knows what they are doing and has that awareness. That is the key thing when a person is found to be not criminally responsible. If a person did not know what they were doing, how could they take responsibility?

If we look at the criminal law, what is the purpose of it? It is to deter, to punish and to send the message to communities that this is what is acceptable and not acceptable. However, if we have someone whose mental health is in a state where they are barely even cognizant of being a member of that community, and they do not understand what is right and wrong, or even what they are doing, how do we address that? That is a mental health issue. I think we could certainly put more resources into that system.

Raymond Taavel did not have to die. That is a failure of our community, on lots of levels. I am not saying it was the failure of the East Coast Forensic Hospital, but it is a failure of our community and our mental health system overall.

Raymond's death could have been prevented if we could have had the political will to look the issue in the eye.
Apr 26, 2013 10:00 am |

MPndp
Robert ChisholmNova Scotians should be proud to be the first province to create the sort of legislation announced below. Some of my colleagues in the federal NDP and I met the NS delegation in Ottawa this week to talk about their idea to change the criminal code. We’ll do whatever we can to help move this issue along. PREMIER'S OFFICE--Cyberbullying Investigative Unit a First in Canada ----------------------------------------------------------------- Victims will be better protected and cyberbullies will be held accountable for their actions, with legislative changes, including a new Cyber-Safety Act the province introduced today, April 25. The legislation will create the country's first cyber-investigative unit and allow families and victims to get protection orders from the court. School principals will also have clear authority to act against bullying or cyberbullying, on or off school grounds. "For too long, cyberbullies have been able to torment others, knowing the authorities would have a hard time holding them accountable," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "That is about to change. "This legislation will help identify cyberbullies who often hide behind IP addresses or off school grounds, and stop their harmful actions." The province is creating a new Cyber SCAN investigative unit within the Justice Department. Investigators will respond quickly to complaints, negotiate formal or informal resolutions and, if necessary, seek a cyberbullying prevention order. The court may order a person stop the online communication. The unit will be up and running this fall. Education Act amendments will also reflect the need for school boards to co-operate fully with investigators. "We need to remember that students who are cyberbullying are young people, too, and some do not understand the seriousness of their behaviour," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Ramona Jennex. "Having an investigator come to their door can, very quickly, take away their keyboard courage, stopping the harmful action and teaching young people to take responsibility and make better decisions in future." The legislation will also allow victims and their families to seek a court protection order. Similar to an order that can be sought by the cyber-investigative unit, it can ban a person from contacting the victim, talking about them online, or using any means of electronic communication. Courts could also order computers, smartphones or tablets be confiscated. "As a student attending high school, I feel that if I were to ever come across a problem such as cyberbullying, I would feel more than comfortable going to a teacher or an adult," said Hilary Beck, a Grade 12 student at Halifax West High School. "If this was done to me or another student, the ability to speak to an adult is so important during these times." Victims will also be able to file a legal action against cyberbullies. If the cyberbully is a minor, their parents could be liable for damages. The events leading up to Rehtaeh Parsons's tragic death earlier this month made the need clear for swift and comprehensive actions. Other provincial actions include: -- pushing for changes to the Criminal Code -- reviewing how the Halifax Regional School Board, IWK Health Centre, Capital Health and associated agencies approached events leading up to Ms. Parsons's death -- reviewing how the police and Public Prosecution Service handled the case, immediately after the criminal process -- co-ordinating a public education campaign Status of Women Minister Marilyn More is co-ordinating the provincial action. She is meeting with community and women's groups, youth and others to seek their advice. She is also meeting with Wayne MacKay, who chaired the task force on bullying and cyberbullying. "Cyberbullying and technology is changing the world around us at a rapid pace, but technology is only a tool," said Ms. More. "The reason that technology is used to cause hurt and harm link to broader issues around sexual violence, issues that have evolved over generations. "Nova Scotia is not alone in the need to respond to this tremendous challenge, but I am inspired by the countless groups and individuals who have asked what they can do." Ms. More also thanked the cyberbullying task force members for their advice that is shaping the way forward. "This collective energy and will presents an opportunity to make a real difference, and to better protect girls, women and all Nova Scotians," she said. More information on where people can turn if they need help is available at www.novascotia.ca .
Apr 25, 2013 3:46 pm |

MPcon BarryDevolin_MP 28 post Respecting Families of Murdered and Brutalized Persons Act
Order, please. Resuming debate, the hon. member for Halifax West.
Apr 25, 2013 3:30 pm |

MPcon bruce_stanton 47 post Business of Supply
Order, please. I would like to remind hon. members to direct their comments and questions through the chair.

The hon. member for Halifax West.
Apr 18, 2013 1:50 pm |

MPndp
Jack HarrisI met with Halifax student Cassidy Megan, founder of Purple Day, an International Epilepsy Awareness Day, on March 26 in Ottawa. Here she is with me and the Hon. Geoff Regan, MP for Halifax West.

Apr 02, 2013 1:06 pm |

MPcon
rodneywestonsjI was proud to wear a purple tie in the House of Commons today in honour of Purple Day. Founded in 2008 by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan from Halifax West, Purple Day is now an international movement dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy. On March 26th, people from across the globe will wear purple to spread the word about epilepsy. Canada has become a world leader in epilepsy awareness as the first country to officially recognize March 26th as Purple Day.
Mar 26, 2013 12:46 pm |

MPlib Geoff Regan 156 post Purple Day
Mr. Speaker, thanks to the unanimous support from members on all sides of this House last year for the Purple Day Act, I am thrilled to stand in the House today to recognize the first official Purple Day in Canada.

Purple Day was founded by Cassidy Megan, a young woman from Halifax West, to raise international awareness about epilepsy. This condition affects 300,000 Canadians and 50 million people worldwide. Cassidy and members of the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance are on Parliament Hill today to help us celebrate Canada's leadership in epilepsy awareness. I invite you, Mr. Speaker, and all my colleagues to a reception down the hall after question period to meet Cassidy Megan.

I know all members will join me in extending our thanks to Cassidy for her courage and her commitment to improving the quality of life for all people with epilepsy.
Mar 26, 2013 11:10 am |

MP news All a-Twitter about black history - TheChronicleHerald.ca
Labour Minister Lisa Raitt tweeted a touching salute to former Nova Scotia lieutenant-governor Mayann Francis and her Maritime roots. Halifax West MP Geoff Regan mentioned the late Daurene Lewis of Annapolis Royal. She was Canada's first black female ...and more » read more
Feb 28, 2013 3:17 am> |

MPndp Joe Comartin 79 post Business of Supply
Order.

It is my duty, pursuant to Standing Order 38, to inform the House that the questions to be raised tonight at the time of adjournment are as follows: the member for Halifax West, Foreign Investment; the member for Châteauguay—Saint-Constant, Canadian Heritage.
Feb 26, 2013 1:35 pm |

MP news Conservatives fail to implement digital economic strategy today - Hill Times (subscription)
We must make the digital economy a defining part of the Canadian economy for the jobs of today and tomorrow. It is time Canada had a digital economic strategy which ensures this happens. Liberal MP Geoff Regan, who represents Halifax West, N.S., is his ...and more » read more
Feb 24, 2013 9:22 pm> |

MPlib Geoff Regan 194 post Daurene Lewis
Mr. Speaker, on this the first day of Black History Month, I stand in the House to honour Canada's first black female mayor.

Daurene Lewis was many things: a role model, mentor, community leader, businesswoman and educator. She was also an inspiration for many Nova Scotians and a resident a Halifax West whom I deeply respect and admired.

Sadly, Ms. Lewis died Saturday, at the age of 69.

As the Halifax Chronicle Herald correctly stated:

...she was the champion of a fine world where all of us are respected as persons and judged on our merits. And where leadership is about being creative, stretching your abilities and doing a good job as the representative of everyone, of the whole community.

I would ask all my colleagues to join me in extending condolences to her family and in saying a fond farewell to Daurene Lewis, a truly inspiring woman.
Feb 01, 2013 8:10 am |

MP news Liberals opt for individual TV interviews in Winnipeg, not a televised ... - Hill Times (subscription)
Liberal MP Geoff Regan (Halifax West, N.S.), who organized candidate debates in 1992 for a Nova Scotia provincial Liberal leadership election, said it came as a surprise. “But I understand the desire to find creative, meaningful ways for people who are ...and more » read more
Jan 31, 2013 5:52 pm> |

MPlib Geoff Regan 134 post BlackBerry
Mr. Speaker, this is an exciting day for the hundreds of BlackBerry employees who work in my riding of Halifax West. Today the company launched the new BlackBerry 10. Just as a mere decade ago the first BlackBerrys changed how people on the go communicate, today's launch ushers in a new era of mobile computing.

Employees at the BlackBerry facility in Bedford already assist 79 million customers across the globe, and they will play a critical role in support of BlackBerry 10, which represents a redesigned, re-engineered and reinvented BlackBerry. I know that members of the House, so many of whom use BlackBerrys, will join me in congratulating this great, innovative Canadian company on the launch of BlackBerry 10 and in extending our best wishes for continued success.
Jan 30, 2013 11:15 am |