Canadian Parliamentary Delegation Visits Armenia to Further Strengthen Growing Friendship

August 31, 2010

A high level delegation comprised of representatives of the four major political parties of Canada will attend an official visit to Yerevan September 6 through 10, 2010 for bilateral discussions with the officials of the Republic of Armenia.  The Canadian parliamentarians’ initiative highlights the growing strength in the friendship between the two countries.

Members of Canadian Parliament participating in the visit are Harold Albrecht- Conservative and Chairman of Canada-Armenia Friendship Group, Rob Oliphant-Liberal, Nicole Demers-Bloc Quebecois, Tony Martin-New Democratic Party. In Armenia the group will be hosted by His Excellency Hovik Abrahamyan, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Armenia. More...

 

Liberals criticize Conservative decision to sack Veterans Ombudsman; call for his reappointment

August 14th, 2010

Liberal Veterans Affairs Critic Rob Oliphant is condemning the Conservative government’s decision to silence Veterans Ombudsman Pat Stogran following his criticism of the government’s attitude towards Canada’s veterans.

“Here we go again. The Conservatives are punting another expert who doesn’t tell them what they want to hear,” said Mr. Oliphant. “Mr. Stogran is being punished for telling the government who Canada’s veterans are and what they need. He understands our veterans, because he is one himself, having served our country with great distinction. More ...

Harper government abandoning war veterans and their loved ones

August 6th, 2010

It is appalling that the Harper government is abandoning Canada’s treasured war veterans and their loved ones with proposed cuts to the Veterans Affairs Department, Liberal Veterans Affairs Critic Rob Oliphant said today.

“The way this government is treating our proud veterans is shameful – particularly as they waste billions of dollars on fighter jets,” said Mr. Oliphant. More ...

Liberals Call on Government to Extend Funding to Protect Religious Communities and Buildings

July 27th, 2010

TORONTO- Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, and Mark Holland, Member of Parliament for Ajax-Pickering, called on the Minister of Public Safety to extend the federal government program designed to improve safety and security in places of worship and similar facilities used by religious communities. More...

Robert Oliphant, M.P. Calls for Full Public Inquiry into Agent Orange

July 23rd, 2010

OROMOCTO, N.B. – Robert Oliphant, Liberal Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, and Official Opposition Critic for Veterans Affairs, re-iterated his call for the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs to initiate a full study and conduct hearings investigating the Agent Orange spraying program at CFB Gagetown and surrounding areas during a town hall event held yesterday.  During his remarks yesterday, Mr. Oliphant assured community members that he would push for increased compensation and a full public inquiry. More ...

Rob Oliphant, M.P. decries Conservative decision on census: some will be left out

July 20th, 2010

The Conservative Government’s decision to scrap the decades-old long form for the next census, in favour of a voluntary national survey, is both short-sighted and irresponsible according to Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West and Chair of the Liberal's Multicultural Outreach Working Group. More ...

Liberals condemn threatened Conservative cuts to Veterans Affairs

July 14, 2010

OTTAWA – The Harper government’s short-sighted, skewed priorities could leave Canada’s war veterans and their families without support while billions are wasted on the G20 and sole-sourcing military airplanes, Liberal Veterans Affairs Critic Rob Oliphant said today. More...

Rob Oliphant M.P. Calls on the Government to Enact Committee Recommendations on the New Veterans Charter

June 21 , 2010

OTTAWA – Robert Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West and Official Opposition Critic for Veterans Affairs, called on the Conservative Government to support the recommendations put forward by the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs in a report tabled in the House of Commons. More...

Liberals Blast Government for Failing Veterans

June 15 , 2010

OTTAWA – The Liberal Party of Canada renewed calls today for the government to act immediately on behalf of Canadian veterans and implement the changes to the New Veterans Charter, which veterans have been calling for since the Harper government took office four years ago. More...

Rob Oliphant, M.P. Presents Bill Calling for Srebrenica Remembrance Day, Blasts Government for thier Inaction

June 10 , 2010

OTTAWA – Robert Oliphant, Liberal Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, introduced a Private Members’ Bill this morning in the House of Commons.  The Bill calls for the establishment of a Srebrenica Remembrance Day to be held on July 11 of every year.  More...

Don Valley West M.P. Rob Oliphant Discloses Expenses and Welcomes Auditor-General's Scrutiny

May 26th , 2010

OTTAWA – Citing the need for both greater transparency and accountability, Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, today released his preliminary 2009-2010 office expenditures and called upon the House of Commons’ Board of Internal Economy to reconsider its decision to bar Sheila Fraser, the Auditor-General, from examining the books of all Members of Parliament and Parliament itself. More...

Statement from M.P. Rob Oliphant (Don Valley West) on the attack against the Waterloo Masjid

March 23, 2010

TORONTO - In response to the attack against the Waterloo Masjid, Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West made the following statement.

“I was deeply saddened to learn about the attack on the Waterloo Masjid. Please know that I, residents of  my constituency, members of the federal Liberal Caucus and Canadians as a whole, condemn these actions. We sincerely hope that those responsible will be brought to justice.” More...

Statement from M.P. Rob Oliphant (Don Valley West) on the attack against the Ahavas Yisroel Viznitz Synagogue

March 23, 2010

TORONTO - In response to the attack against the Ahavas Yisroel Viznitz Synagogue, Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West made the following statement.

“I was deeply disturbed to learn of the attack on the Ahavas Yisroel Viznitz Synagogue. Religious institutions should be places of peace and sanctuary. The individuals responsible for this hate crime have violated the sacred nature of this place of worship and it is my sincere hope that the perpetrators are found and held to account for their actions". More...

Rob Oliphant calls on Conservative Government to immediately apologize and compensate Ahmad Elmaati

March 2, 2010

OTTAWA – Last week, the Honourable Justice Frank Iacobucci issued a supplement to the public report he prepared following his Inquiry into the detention and torture of three Canadians, Abdullah Almalki, Ahmad Abou-Elmaati and Muayyed Nureddin.  This supplement, which focused on the detention of Mr. Elmaati in Egypt, includes evidence held back from the original report on October 21, 2008.  Citing national security concerns, the Conservative Government refused to allow this information to be published.  The release of the supplement today obviously indicates that no such threat ever truly existed. More...

Harper government refuses to help veterans in need

For Immediate Release
February 11, 2010

OTTAWA – The recent cases of Canadian veterans being shut out of Ste. Anne’s veterans hospital is just the latest example of how the Harper government is abandoning our veterans in need, Liberal Veterans Affairs Critic Rob Oliphant said today. 

“Veterans groups signed on to the 2006 New Veterans Charter with the understanding that the government would use it to meet the needs of veterans as they arose,” said Mr. Oliphant.

“The Charter gives Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn the discretion to step in and ensure things like this don’t happen. And yet he won’t even respond to inquiries made to him by family members who are fighting to get their loved ones the health care they deserve.” More...

Rob Oliphant, MP condemns Conservative inaction on repatriation of Omar Khadr

February 8, 2010

TORONTO -   In a statement, Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, repeated his call for the repatriation of Omar Khadr to Canada.  “As a Canadian citizen, he deserves fair, transparent and just treatment before a legitimate court of law. The Supreme Court of Canada has now agreed that the Canadian government has violated his rights as a Canadian Citizen.”  Oliphant said

“While I am hopeful that Mr. Harper does the right thing, and brings Omar Khadr home, I equally understand that if he does not it will further expose the flagrant and continued disregard for our Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” Oliphant said. “This only further exposes this Government’s refusal to protect Canadians abroad,” he continued. More...

MP Rob Oliphant Speaks out on the Prorogation of Parliament

January 7, 2010

TORONTO- On December 30, 2009, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced his decision to shut down Parliament for the second time in just over a year’s time.

“It is clear that Prime Minster Harper`s decision to shut down Parliament has more to do with politics than with good governance and is his way of avoiding difficult questions and hiding from public scrutiny,” said Mr. Oliphant.

This prorogation will not stop Liberal parliamentarians from working, however. On January 25, when Parliament was to have resumed, Mr. Oliphant and his Liberal colleagues will be back at work in Ottawa. During that first week, the Liberal Caucus will host working sessions on a series of issues, working with Canadians as they prepare for the “Canada at 150” conference in March. Mr. Oliphant will personally be hosting a session in his capacity as the Official Opposition Veterans Affairs Critic. More...

Rob Oliphant, M.P., awaits action, not words, on recognition of foreign credentials

November 30, 2009

TORONTO–While welcoming the new federal-provincial agreement on recognition of foreign credentials, Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, called on the Harper government to take more concrete actions to help new Canadians.  “What new Canadians are really looking for is an opportunity to use their skills to help build a better Canada.  They need Canadian experience to help make a contribution.  Foreign credential recognition is only a part of this goal.  This government must ensure they are creating these jobs as well.” Oliphant said.  More...

Liberal Veterans' Critic expresses outrage at Fredericton War Memorial vanadlism

November 10, 2009

OTTAWA– The Liberal Party of Canada’s Critic for Veterans Affairs, Robert Oliphant, M.P. for Don Valley West, made the following statement today on behalf of the Official Opposition regarding the damage done to the Fredericton War Memorial:
 
“As millions of Canadians prepare for Remembrance Day observances to honour Canadian Veterans and the men and women who have served with courage and dignity in the Canadian Forces, I join with all Canadians in denouncing the vandalism done this week to the Fredericton War Memorial.. More...

Liberal MPs stand up to protect Canadian Nortel Employees

October 21, 2009

OTTAWA– Today, in the House of Commons, Liberal MPs presented over 1400 pages of petitions signed by Canadians concerned with the Government’s response to the announced sale of Nortel to a foreign buyer.  Liberal Members of Parliament Robert Oliphant (Don Valley West), Judy Sgro (York West), Ruby Dhalla (Brampton-Springdale) and David McGuinty (Ottawa South), tabled these petitions for the Government’s review in front of a packed gallery of supporters who were in Ottawa for a rally on Parliament Hill earlier that day.. More...

Rob Oliphant Awarded 2009 Parliamentary Intern

October 16, 2009

OTTAWA– Rob Oliphant is pleased to welcome Allison O’Beirne as his Parliamentary Intern for the Fall Session of Parliament. Rob is honoured to be one of the three Liberal Members of Parliament chosen to host an Intern. Interns are selected through a rigorous national competition and then they choose Members of Parliament to work and learn with. They participate in a year-long academic seminar and have comparative study tours to legislatures in Canada and abroad. Over the past 40 years, they have contributed greatly to the quality of work on Parliament Hill and have gone on to outstanding careers in the public and private sectors. More...

Robert Oliphant named Liberal Party of Canada Critic for Veterans Affairs

October 6, 2009

OTTAWA– Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Official Opposition, announced today an addition to the Liberal Party of Canada’s Shadow Cabinet.  Robert Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, was introduced as the Party’s new Critic for Veterans Affairs and was elected vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.  More...

Rob Oliphant, MP Presents Bill Requiring Pension Funds to Disclose Environmental, Social or Governance Considerations in Investing

September 15, 2009

OTTAWA – Robert Oliphant, Liberal Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, is set to introduce a Private Members’ Bill this week in the House of Commons.  The Bill calls for amendments to the Pensions Benefits Standards Act, 1985, requiring public and private pension plans to disclose considerations given to environmental, social or governance factors during the selection, retention, or liquidation of investments under the plan’s responsibility.

“This bill is about transparency. It will ensure that clear information about the way investment decisions are made is available to protect pension plan members. It also recognizes the significant role pension funds play in the Canadian economy,” Mr. Oliphant said at a Press Conference today. More...

Rob Oliphant, MP expresses outrage over Harper Conservatives' ignoring of citizenship rights

August 14, 2009

TORONTO – Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, called on the Harper Government to apologize immediately to Toronto resident Suaad Hagi Mohamud and review government policies to better protect Canadians travelling abroad. 

“Canadian citizenship should be an inalienable right,” Oliphant said.  “This Government continues to demonstrate a selective disregard in its responsibility to protect and serve Canadian citizens abroad.”  Mr. Oliphant was incensed over the recent decision by government officials to declare Ms. Mohamud an imposter, thus handing her over to Kenyan officials to face prosecution and imprisonment.  Despite having over ten pieces of identification, Ms. Mohamud was still denied her rights as a Canadian.  Mr. Oliphant continued, “Her Government wasted no time in turning its back on her.” More...

Rob Oliphant Calls on the Government to Apologize and Compensate Abdullah Almalki, Ahmad Abou-Elmaati and Muayyed Nureddin

June 18, 2009

OTTAWA – Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, welcomed the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security Report tabled today in the House of Commons which calls on the Government of Canada to formally apologize and provide financial compensation to Messrs. Abdullah Almalki, Ahmad Abou-Elmaati and Muayyed Nureddin.  

Mr. Oliphant, a member of the Committee, has repeatedly brought this issue forward as an important public policy issue as well as a moral issue.  The Public Safety and National Security Committee has spent the last several months conducting an extensive study reviewing the findings of Justice O’Connor’s (Maher Arar) and Justice Iacobucci’s (Almalki, Abou-Elmaati, and Nureddin) inquiries.  These inquiries found that Canadian officials contributed to the torture of these men by sharing false information with foreign security agencies. More...

Stock the Shelves Event at Flemingdon Food Bank's New Location

May 21, 2009

The Flemingdon Anglican Ministry, who has taken the sole responsibility of operating the Flemingdon Food Bank for the last five years, recently received an unexpected eviction notice due to a redevelopment of the Flemingdon Plaza. This crisis pulled the Thorncliffe and Flemingdon communities together to find a solution as all agreed that the community could not afford to lose the food bank.  More...

Rob Oliphant Welcomes Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff's Statement on the Crisis in Sri Lanka

February 27, 2009

Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, strongly endorses Liberal Leader, Michael Ignatieff’s statement on the crisis situation in Sri Lanka. “It is time this Government takes action on this tragic situation. Our Party is taking a lead on this issue and is demanding a real response from this Prime Minister,” said Rob Oliphant.  “The Tamil community is reaching out to us, begging for help. Canada has a strong reputation for responding to international human rights abuses and we cannot be silent this time. How can the Conservative Government sit back and ignore their fellow Canadian’s plea for immediate intervention? Something must be done now,” he continued. More...

Don Valley West MP says the Prime Minister Must Call on the U.S. to Release Omar Khadr Immeadiately from Guantanamo Bay

February 12, 2009

Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, welcomed the recent letter to President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Harper which was signed by Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff and the other opposition leaders.  “This letter appeals to President Obama for the immediate release of Canadian Omar Khadr from detention at Guantanamo Bay; “something our party has been calling on for far too long” said Mr. Oliphant.  “We have heard nothing but silence from Mr. Harper since the announcement on January 21 by President Obama to temporarily adjourn Mr. Khadr’s case for 120 days. This is simply not acceptable” he added. More...

Rob Oliphant, MP Speaks at Vigil in Response to Suffering of Tamil Community

February 5, 2009

OTTAWA - Member of Parliament Rob Oliphant spoke at the Parliament Hill vigil on Wednesday, where he called on the Canadian Government to demand an immediate ceasefire from the Government of Sri Lanka and to allow aid to be delivered to the Tamil communities in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Oliphant responded to the lack of relief aid currently being provided by the Conservative Government. "We firmly call upon our Government to increase Canadian relief and development aid to Sri Lank, to help rebuild war-torn areas of the country, and assist international relief agencies in their attempts to deliver aid," he said. To date the Conservatives have only provided 3 million in relief aid to Sri Lanka. More...

Conservative Must Act to Address Soldiers' Health Care Needs

December 18, 2008

OTTAWA – A recent report by the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces exposes the need for the Conservative government to act to ensure that Canada’s soldiers enjoy the health care services they deserve, Liberal Veterans Affairs Critic Rob Oliphant said today.

“The time for study has passed. It is time this government took action to help our soldiers and veterans,” said Mr. Oliphant.

Mr. Oliphant was referring to the fact that this most recent report on operational stress injuries by Interim Ombudsman Mary McFadyn follows up on an earlier Ombudsman’s report that was first issued in 2002 and over half of the original recommendations have yet to be implemented by the Conservative government. More...