National water standards needed

Political speak - With close to 1,800 communities facing boil water orders, why has Canada not implemented national clean drinking water standards? The NDP is calling on the federal government to prioritize water safety and accessibility.

A national water policy would be one step to address urgent water issues and I have introduced a bill calling for national drinking water quality standards. Canada must act now to preserve and protect our water for future generations.

Shame on the Conservatives for blocking a motion to recognize water as a basic human right at the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting last month. The access to clean water is not a privilege but a human right for all.

Improvements Needed for Reservists Health Care

A recent report from the Interim Canadian Forces and National Defence Ombudsman highlighted major inequities in the treatment and health care benefits available to reservists.

The report found that injured reservists get only 40 per cent of the amount of accidental dismemberment benefits as compared to regular force members.

For example, a reservist who loses a limb would receive a maximum of $50,000 whereas a regular force soldier with the same injury would be compensated up to $125,000. Standards are also different for health assessments, immunizations, treatment of injuries, and medical record handling. Even the military Director General of Health admitted that the health care rules governing reservists are confusing. He said: "No one is really 100 per cent sure who gets what. Nobody really knows - including me, and I run the system."

This double standard is unacceptable. DND must immediately resolve this issue and ensure reservists and regular force members are compensated equally in both medical benefits and wages. Reservists make up approximately 20 per cent of the contingent serving in Afghanistan and many more regularly assist the Canadian Forces with operations at home. Reservists and their families deserve to be treated fairly and equitably.

Submarine Contract

DND, Public Works and the Treasury Board may have ignored contract rules when they awarded the Victoria Class Submarine maintenance contract to a company in British Columbia last year.

Treasury Board rules require contracts to be designated a Major Crown Project when they exceed $100 million and are a high risk. This submarine contract is well over the $100 million amount (it is worth $1.5 billion) and can be defined as high risk because the contract lasts for fifteen years.

It will also cost over $1 million to transport three of the submarines based in Halifax to the West Coast for upgrades. I have written the president of the Treasury Board and asked for the process to be restarted and in compliance with these rules.

As always, please contact me if you have any concerns or questions. You can reach me at (902) 861-2311 or 1-888-701-5557.