Richard Cannings

Jan 2, 2025 | pentictonherald.ca | Richard Cannings

As 2024 has drawn to a close, I want to reflect on the past year and celebrate the significant achievements made in Ottawa this year in improving the lives of Canadians. As many Canadians struggle with finding homes and affording to buy groceries, my NDP colleagues and I have been focused on helping those who truly need that help the most. In 2024 we continued to expand access to dental care and as a result over a million Canadians were able to go to the dentist, many for the first time in years.

Dec 5, 2024 | pentictonherald.ca | Richard Cannings

As the snow begins to fall, we are reminded that the holidays are just around the corner. But as we reach for the thermostat on these colder days, we face the reality that so many Canadians are finding it harder than ever to make ends meet. The rising cost of living has stretched family budgets to their breaking points, leaving people struggling to afford basics like food, housing, and utilities—let alone gifts and celebrations.

Nov 14, 2024 | pentictonherald.ca | Richard Cannings

In Canada, women’s reproductive rights, particularly the right to choose an abortion, have long been considered a settled issue. However, much like the situation to our south, these rights are now under threat and require renewed attention as anti-choice efforts attempt to erode both the right to and access to abortion services in Canada.

Oct 18, 2024 | castanet.net | Richard Cannings

I’ve written here before about the true cost of climate change, but new information has made it clear that it would be good to revisit this topic. Some of those costs are difficult to put numbers on. We are increasingly feeling the emotional costs of summers full of wildfire evacuations, as the residents of the Slocan Valley dealt with this year. But the direct economic hit from loss of livelihoods or homes can be quantified to some extent.

Oct 4, 2024 | castanet.net | Richard Cannings

I’ve been in Ottawa for a few weeks, since Parliament resumed sitting after its summer break. It was a relaxing summer for most of us, but I want to acknowledge that for some it was full of anxiety and stress due to wildfires. The Slocan Valley in particular was on fire for many weeks, forcing several communities to evacuate for extended periods, and unfortunately some residents lost their homes.