Rachel A. BlaneyMP (born 18 September 1974) is a Canadian politician who represents the federal electoral district of North Island—Powell River in the House of Commons. She was elected during the 2015 Canadian federal election to the 42nd Parliament and re-elected in the 2019 election to the 43rd Parliament. A member of the New Democratic Party was a member of an opposition party during both parliaments. During the 42nd Parliament she served as the party's critic for multiculturalism and then for seniors issues and veteran affairs. She introduced two bills: An Act to amend the Canadian Bill of Rights (right to housing) which sought to add the right to proper housing free of unreasonable barriers into the Canadian Bill of Rights, though it was defeated at second reading, and An Act to amend the Old Age Security Act (monthly guaranteed income supplement) to provide guaranteed income supplement recipients assistance in filing yearly taxes. During the 43rd Parliament, she became the NDP whip, remained critic for veteran affairs, and introduced one bill, An Act to establish National Food Waste Awareness Day and to provide for the development of a national strategy to reduce food waste in Canada, which if passed would have required the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to create a national strategy to reduce food waste.
Rachel Blaney was raised in Terrace, British Columbia, as an adoptive daughter of a Stellat'en First Nation family.[1] She moved to Nanaimo to attend Malaspina University-College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in First Nation studies.[2] She moved to Campbell River in 1998 where she married, and raised three children. She worked with the Homalco First Nation before becoming the executive director of the Immigrant Welcome Centre of North Vancouver Island (later the Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association of North Vancouver Island) in 2007.[3]
In fall 2014, the 40-year-old Blaney sought to be the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in the North Island—Powell River riding for the upcoming 2015 federal election, gaining the candidacy over challenger Dave Coles, a retired union leader also from Campbell River.[3] She was encouraged by a visit from party leader Tom Mulcair in December 2014, and campaigned throughout 2015 in preparation for the October election in which she was viewed as a likely contender to wrest her riding away from the Conservative Party.[4] In the election, she electorally benefited from a wave of NDP support over Vancouver Island[5] and defeated Conservative Party political advisor Laura Smith, retired meteorologist Peter Schwarzhoff for the Liberal Party and financial administrator Brenda Sayers for the Green Party.[6]
42nd Canadian ParliamentEdit
Though Blaney was elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the North Island—Powell River constituency, her party had lost seats overall and formed the third party in the 42nd Canadian Parliament. She opened constituency offices in Powell River and a shared Campbell River office with MLAClaire Trevena. For constituency work, Blaney hosted numerous public meetings on a variety of topics,[7] including hosting Romeo Saganash to discuss aboriginal affairs[8] and the NDP critic on international trade Tracey Ramsey to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership.[9] Party leader Tom Mulcair assigned her to be the party's critic on multiculturalism issues and deputy critic (to Matthew Dubé) for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Communities. Mulcair reassigned her critic role from multiculturalism to seniors issues in February 2017.[10] Also in 2017, Blaney was named as a defendant in a defamation lawsuit for a Facebook post that read, "Taxpayers paid $550,000 for what? No notes, nothing tracking the work he had done.". The lawsuit was filed by Gordon Wilson, whose politically appointed position as "LNG - Buy BC Advocate" was eliminated by a new provincial government and that Blaney ought to have known that the post was false.[11][12] In the October 2017 NDP leadership election Blaney endorsed Jagmeet Singh,[13] who went on to win and appoint Blaney as the party's Deputy Whip under Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet,[14] and a year later, in 2019, added critic for veterans affair to her portfolio.[15]
Blaney introduced two bills into parliament. First, An Act to amend the Canadian Bill of Rights (right to housing) (Bill C-325), sought to add the right to proper housing free of unreasonable barriers into the Canadian Bill of Rights.[16] It was the same bill that Peter Stoffer had introduced in the previous four parliaments (38 through 41), but while it received first reading in December 2016, the bill was defeated at second reading in November 2017 with both the Liberal and Conservative parties voting against it. Blaney went on to introduced An Act to amend the Old Age Security Act (monthly guaranteed income supplement) (Bill C-449), in May 2019, which sought to allow guaranteed income supplement recipients additional time to file taxes and to mandate Employment and Social Development Canada to provide assistance in their tax filings.[17] Along with Courtenay—Alberni MP Gord Johns, she advocated for reversing the previous government's scheduled closure of the Comox Marine Communications and Traffic Services.[18] While the new government directed the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans to review the closure, they ultimately upheld it.[19]
43rd Canadian ParliamentEdit
Blaney sought reelection in 2019 Canadian federal election but was again challenged by Schwarzhoff for the Liberal Party, as well as Port McNeill town councillor Shelley Downey for the Conservative Party.[20] While Blaney won her North Island—Powell River riding, the 43rd Canadian Parliament convened in December 2019 with a Liberal Party minority government with her NDP being the fourth largest party. NDP leader Singh appointed Blaney to be party whip and kept her as critic for veterans affairs.[21] During the 43rd Parliament Blaney introduced one private member's bill: Bill C-283 An Act to establish National Food Waste Awareness Day and to provide for the development of a national strategy to reduce food waste in Canada. It was the same bill as was introduced by Ruth Ellen Brosseau in the 42nd Parliament, though it never came up for second reading in either parliament. The bill proposed to require the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to develop and implement a national strategy to reduce food waste and make October 16 "National Food Waste Awareness Day".[22]
^Cleverley, Bill (October 20, 2015). "Island's largest riding votes orange, Blaney maintains early lead". Times - Colonist. Victoria, British Columbia. p. A5.
^Doll, Jocelyn (October 25, 2016). "After one year in office Blaney inspired and determined". Campbell River Mirror. Campbell River, British Columbia.
^Doll, Jocelyn (September 14, 2016). "Aboriginal affairs critic tours to gather support for C-262". Campbell River Mirror. Campbell River, British Columbia.
^Dhillon, Sunny (September 11, 2017). "Horgan files defence in defamation case: Premier cites responsible communication, fair comment and qualified privilege in disputing former LNG advocate's accusation". The Globe and Mail. p. S1.
^"Blaney endorses Jagmeet Singh in NDP leadership race". Black Press Media. September 21, 2017. Retrieved August 24, 2019.
^Davies, Mike (January 26, 2016). "North Island - Powell River MP Rachel Blaney named NDP deputy Whip". Campbell River Mirror. Campbell River, British Columbia.
^"MPs Gord Johns and Rachel Blaney appointed to new NDP party roles". The Courtenay Comox Valley Record. Courtenay, British Columbia. March 14, 2019.
^"North Island-Powell River MP wants to help seniors retain pensions". Courtenay, British Columbia: mycomoxvalleynow.com (Vista Radio). May 17, 2019. Retrieved June 4, 2019.
^"MPs fighting for Coast Guard station". The Courtenay Comox Valley Record. Courtenay, British Columbia. December 23, 2015.
^"Sun sets on communications centre". The Courtenay Comox Valley Record. Courtenay, British Columbia. May 11, 2016.
^"Shelley Downey acclaimed as North Island—Powell River federal Conservative candidate". Campbell River Mirror. December 11, 2018.
^"North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney selected as NDP party whip". Campbell River Mirror. November 23, 2019.
^Kitteringham, Marc (April 13, 2021). "Anti-Food Waste bill introduced by North Island-Powell River MP". Campbell River Mirror.
^"Election Night Results". Elections Canada. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
External linksEdit
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rachel Blaney.
Rachel Blaney – Parliament of Canada biography
Rachel Blaney - New Democratic Member of Parliament (North Island—Powell River)
Bill C-325
October 21, 2023
rachel, blaney, rachel, blaney, born, september, 1974, canadian, politician, represents, federal, electoral, district, north, island, powell, river, house, commons, elected, during, 2015, canadian, federal, election, 42nd, parliament, elected, 2019, election, . Rachel A Blaney MP born 18 September 1974 is a Canadian politician who represents the federal electoral district of North Island Powell River in the House of Commons She was elected during the 2015 Canadian federal election to the 42nd Parliament and re elected in the 2019 election to the 43rd Parliament A member of the New Democratic Party was a member of an opposition party during both parliaments During the 42nd Parliament she served as the party s critic for multiculturalism and then for seniors issues and veteran affairs She introduced two bills An Act to amend the Canadian Bill of Rights right to housing which sought to add the right to proper housing free of unreasonable barriers into the Canadian Bill of Rights though it was defeated at second reading and An Act to amend the Old Age Security Act monthly guaranteed income supplement to provide guaranteed income supplement recipients assistance in filing yearly taxes During the 43rd Parliament she became the NDP whip remained critic for veteran affairs and introduced one bill An Act to establish National Food Waste Awareness Day and to provide for the development of a national strategy to reduce food waste in Canada which if passed would have required the Minister of Agriculture and Agri Food to create a national strategy to reduce food waste Rachel BlaneyMPBlaney in 2015Whip of theNew Democratic PartyIncumbentAssumed office November 26 2019LeaderJagmeet SinghDeputyLindsay MathyssenHeather McPhersonPreceded byRuth Ellen BrosseauMember of Parliamentfor North Island Powell RiverIncumbentAssumed office October 19 2015Preceded byJohn DuncanPersonal detailsBorn 1974 09 18 September 18 1974 age 49 Political partyNew DemocraticResidenceCampbell River British ColumbiaProfessionExecutive director non profit Contents 1 Background 2 42nd Canadian Parliament 3 43rd Canadian Parliament 4 Electoral record 5 References 6 External linksBackground EditRachel Blaney was raised in Terrace British Columbia as an adoptive daughter of a Stellat en First Nation family 1 She moved to Nanaimo to attend Malaspina University College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in First Nation studies 2 She moved to Campbell River in 1998 where she married and raised three children She worked with the Homalco First Nation before becoming the executive director of the Immigrant Welcome Centre of North Vancouver Island later the Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association of North Vancouver Island in 2007 3 In fall 2014 the 40 year old Blaney sought to be the New Democratic Party NDP candidate in the North Island Powell River riding for the upcoming 2015 federal election gaining the candidacy over challenger Dave Coles a retired union leader also from Campbell River 3 She was encouraged by a visit from party leader Tom Mulcair in December 2014 and campaigned throughout 2015 in preparation for the October election in which she was viewed as a likely contender to wrest her riding away from the Conservative Party 4 In the election she electorally benefited from a wave of NDP support over Vancouver Island 5 and defeated Conservative Party political advisor Laura Smith retired meteorologist Peter Schwarzhoff for the Liberal Party and financial administrator Brenda Sayers for the Green Party 6 42nd Canadian Parliament EditThough Blaney was elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the North Island Powell River constituency her party had lost seats overall and formed the third party in the 42nd Canadian Parliament She opened constituency offices in Powell River and a shared Campbell River office with MLA Claire Trevena For constituency work Blaney hosted numerous public meetings on a variety of topics 7 including hosting Romeo Saganash to discuss aboriginal affairs 8 and the NDP critic on international trade Tracey Ramsey to discuss the Trans Pacific Partnership 9 Party leader Tom Mulcair assigned her to be the party s critic on multiculturalism issues and deputy critic to Matthew Dube for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Communities Mulcair reassigned her critic role from multiculturalism to seniors issues in February 2017 10 Also in 2017 Blaney was named as a defendant in a defamation lawsuit for a Facebook post that read Taxpayers paid 550 000 for what No notes nothing tracking the work he had done The lawsuit was filed by Gordon Wilson whose politically appointed position as LNG Buy BC Advocate was eliminated by a new provincial government and that Blaney ought to have known that the post was false 11 12 In the October 2017 NDP leadership election Blaney endorsed Jagmeet Singh 13 who went on to win and appoint Blaney as the party s Deputy Whip under Marjolaine Boutin Sweet 14 and a year later in 2019 added critic for veterans affair to her portfolio 15 Blaney introduced two bills into parliament First An Act to amend the Canadian Bill of Rights right to housing Bill C 325 sought to add the right to proper housing free of unreasonable barriers into the Canadian Bill of Rights 16 It was the same bill that Peter Stoffer had introduced in the previous four parliaments 38 through 41 but while it received first reading in December 2016 the bill was defeated at second reading in November 2017 with both the Liberal and Conservative parties voting against it Blaney went on to introduced An Act to amend the Old Age Security Act monthly guaranteed income supplement Bill C 449 in May 2019 which sought to allow guaranteed income supplement recipients additional time to file taxes and to mandate Employment and Social Development Canada to provide assistance in their tax filings 17 Along with Courtenay Alberni MP Gord Johns she advocated for reversing the previous government s scheduled closure of the Comox Marine Communications and Traffic Services 18 While the new government directed the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans to review the closure they ultimately upheld it 19 43rd Canadian Parliament EditBlaney sought reelection in 2019 Canadian federal election but was again challenged by Schwarzhoff for the Liberal Party as well as Port McNeill town councillor Shelley Downey for the Conservative Party 20 While Blaney won her North Island Powell River riding the 43rd Canadian Parliament convened in December 2019 with a Liberal Party minority government with her NDP being the fourth largest party NDP leader Singh appointed Blaney to be party whip and kept her as critic for veterans affairs 21 During the 43rd Parliament Blaney introduced one private member s bill Bill C 283 An Act to establish National Food Waste Awareness Day and to provide for the development of a national strategy to reduce food waste in Canada It was the same bill as was introduced by Ruth Ellen Brosseau in the 42nd Parliament though it never came up for second reading in either parliament The bill proposed to require the Minister of Agriculture and Agri Food to develop and implement a national strategy to reduce food waste and make October 16 National Food Waste Awareness Day 22 Electoral record Editvte2019 Canadian federal election North Island Powell RiverParty Candidate Votes ExpendituresNew Democratic Rachel Blaney 23 834 37 9 2 31 59 655 63Conservative Shelley Downey 20 502 32 6 6 43 49 894 99Green Mark de Bruijn 8 891 14 1 5 94 34 354 18Liberal Peter Schwarzhoff 8 251 13 1 12 37 none listedPeople s Brian Rundle 1 102 1 8 5 894 54Independent Glen Staples 287 0 5 3 027 54Marxist Leninist Carla Neal 48 0 1 none listedTotal valid votes 62 915 100 00 Total rejected ballots 291 Turnout 63 206 Eligible voters 89 561New Democratic hold Swing 4 37Source Elections Canada 23 2015 Canadian federal election Party Candidate Votes ExpendituresNew Democratic Rachel Blaney 24 340 40 21 1 53 139 441 92Conservative Laura Smith 15 840 26 17 19 86 83 346 00Liberal Peter Schwarzhoff 15 416 25 47 19 11 40 436 14Green Brenda Sayers 4 940 8 16 3 01 37 000 01Total valid votes Expense limit 60 536 100 00 268 365 27Total rejected ballots 177 0 29 Turnout 60 713 75 21 Eligible voters 80 730New Democratic notional gain from Conservative Swing 9 17Source Elections CanadaReferences Edit Farrell Terry November 4 2015 Rachel Blaney represents diversity in Parliament Comox Valley Record Retrieved November 30 2017 Meet the new head of the multicultural association Campbell River Mirror Campbell River British Columbia August 15 2007 p A3 a b Douglas Kristen November 25 2014 Blaney to carry NDP banner into federal election Campbell River Mirror Campbell River British Columbia Cassidy Olivier October 13 2015 Group urges anti Tory vote to go NDP in five ridings The Province Vancouver British Columbia p A6 Cleverley Bill October 20 2015 Island s largest riding votes orange Blaney maintains early lead Times Colonist Victoria British Columbia p A5 Candidates outline their strengths Campbell River Mirror Campbell River British Columbia October 13 2015 Doll Jocelyn October 25 2016 After one year in office Blaney inspired and determined Campbell River Mirror Campbell River British Columbia Doll Jocelyn September 14 2016 Aboriginal affairs critic tours to gather support for C 262 Campbell River Mirror Campbell River British Columbia Doll Jocelyn July 28 2016 Blaney hosts anti TPP info session Campbell River Mirror Campbell River British Columbia Blaney takes on critic role for seniors issues Campbell River Mirror Campbell River British Columbia February 16 2017 Smyth Mike August 6 2017 Sacked LNG advocate threatens to sue B C premier The Province Vancouver British Columbia p A9 Dhillon Sunny September 11 2017 Horgan files defence in defamation case Premier cites responsible communication fair comment and qualified privilege in disputing former LNG advocate s accusation The Globe and Mail p S1 Blaney endorses Jagmeet Singh in NDP leadership race Black Press Media September 21 2017 Retrieved August 24 2019 Davies Mike January 26 2016 North Island Powell River MP Rachel Blaney named NDP deputy Whip Campbell River Mirror Campbell River British Columbia MPs Gord Johns and Rachel Blaney appointed to new NDP party roles The Courtenay Comox Valley Record Courtenay British Columbia March 14 2019 Blaney introduces right to housing bill Campbell River Mirror Campbell River British Columbia December 8 2016 North Island Powell River MP wants to help seniors retain pensions Courtenay British Columbia mycomoxvalleynow com Vista Radio May 17 2019 Retrieved June 4 2019 MPs fighting for Coast Guard station The Courtenay Comox Valley Record Courtenay British Columbia December 23 2015 Sun sets on communications centre The Courtenay Comox Valley Record Courtenay British Columbia May 11 2016 Shelley Downey acclaimed as North Island Powell River federal Conservative candidate Campbell River Mirror December 11 2018 North Island Powell River MP Rachel Blaney selected as NDP party whip Campbell River Mirror November 23 2019 Kitteringham Marc April 13 2021 Anti Food Waste bill introduced by North Island Powell River MP Campbell River Mirror Election Night Results Elections Canada Retrieved November 16 2019 External links Edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rachel Blaney Rachel Blaney Parliament of Canada biography Rachel Blaney New Democratic Member of Parliament North Island Powell River Bill C 325 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Rachel Blaney amp oldid 1171512752, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
