Shirley Smallwood

Comments From a Reader

2006-09-17T12:58:00.000-04:00

Throughout her career as a certified nurse and her advocacy work, Shirley Smallwood has exemplified dedication, public service and leadership.

Through her hard work and efforts she has advanced the causes, and increased awareness of, the healthcare needs in the Moncton-area and the Province. She's also provided lectures and seminars on these issues to health care professionals and government agencies.

Her long list of accomplishments, her energy and her dedication are all assets which will make her an excellent MLA for Moncton-Crescent. Her involvement with the community gives her an understanding of the concerns of the residents of this riding that she will bring to the Legislature. As well, she will listen to constituents and ensure their voices are heard in the corridors of government in Fredericton.

Shirley and the Liberal Party will also work to build better schools and healthcare services for the residents of Moncton-Crescent. She will also stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, including those with special needs, autism and ALS.

As well, there are few women candidates in this election, and we need more women in the Legislature.

On September 18th, please vote for Shirley Smallwood and the Liberal Party.

Autism Spectrum Disorders and ALS

2006-09-15T18:24:00.000-04:00

From my Speech on Rogers TV:

As an oncology nurse at the Dr. Léon Richard Oncology Centre in Moncton, and equally as important, as an educator and advocate for Autism Spectrum Disorders and ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, I’ve made healthcare, wellness and education a lifelong pursuit.

I’m continuously exposed to the true meaning of courage as patients go through some of the most difficult times of their lives during cancer treatment. I have personally seen the ravages of ALS, and I know the challenges of raising a child with Autism. So when I talk about health care, wellness and education in New Brunswick, I mean every word I say.

The situation now is unacceptable:
Some TA’s are being asked to remove their special needs students from the classroom only to work with them in a storage closet due to lack of space. An additional north end school is no longer an option… it is down right urgent.

It's Time for Change

2006-09-15T17:58:00.000-04:00

From My Speech on Rogers TV:

It’s time for change… it’s time we protect our young, elderly and special needs population from having to choose their power bill over prescriptions and or other services destined to impact the quality of their lives…no matter how long or short their life spans may be. Yes… a serious issue, living right here in our riding of Moncton-Crescent.

Étant professionnel de santé, il est tout simplement inexcusable que nos enfants se comptent parmi les plus obèses et les moins actifs au Canada.

As a parent of two children in the public school system, I understand some of the serious issues faced by our educators as they commit their entire professional lives to the hopes and dreams of our children. They are being faced with many dynamics within their own classroom settings… classroom composition, overcrowding and decreased educational resources just to mention a few.

Without change, our children will continue to be most illiterate in the country. The refusal of the Lord government to implement the recommendations of the MacKay Report upon completion is simply unacceptable. Under the current government, there are no therapeutic services for children over the age of five suffering from autism and related disorders. What a violation, we all know that a neurological condition such as autism is not age-dependant.

It’s time for a change, it’s time your MLA speaks up for those who cannot, proving that just because some people may not be able to speak…doesn’t mean they don’t have anything to say.

We need to invest in our children today…so they will have a future in our province tomorrow and by doing so, New Brunswick will cease to be the long term breeding ground for Alberta’s workforce. Another serious issue for the riding of Moncton Crescent.

It’s time for change. It’s time we invest in our early childhood centres, allowing them to attract quality early childhood educators who promote learning in a playful environment. This is not happening now. In one accredited daycare centre alone, the waiting list exceeds 300 while the pre-school children of Moncton-Crescent wait for their opportunity for early childhood education.

To often do we overlook the specific needs of our aging population. Our seniors deserve to be heard…they deserve our respect.

To the constituents of Moncton-Crescent, I ask you entrust me with your vote of confidence on September 18th. In return, I assure you that I will treat it with the highest level of respect.

As your next Member of the Legislative Assembly for Moncton-Crescent, I vow to listen to you Intensely; Attentively and most of all Actively. Your voices will be heard. You will not have to chase me. I will be there and I will answer your calls, I will get the job done. I will be accountable to you, the constituents of Moncton-Crescent.

Thank you very much
Merci Beaucoup
God Bless.

Graham Announces Liberal Non-Profit Task Force

2006-09-14T19:05:00.000-04:00

A Liberal government will present new and innovative policy solutions that will make New Brunswick the place to be in the 21st century.

Liberals pledges landmark partnership with non-profit sector

Edmundston, Sept. 12, 2006 – Liberal Leader Shawn Graham says that a Liberal Government will form a Non-Profit Task Force within 90 days of taking office to ensure that the work of non-profit community organizations will continue to benefit the people of New Brunswick.

“Non-profit community organizations provide a wide range of vital services in our province,” said Graham.

“The vast non-profit network in New Brunswick is made up of incredibly committed and passionate people, working to address issues of concern for all New Brunswickers.”

“Non-profit organizations play an important role in service delivery in our province. I think of leaders like Moncton Headstart, which provides kids with the best start in life, the YM/ YWCAs in New Brunswick that build employment skills and the many organizations that help people in need, like the Fredericton Community Kitchen and Vibrant Communities in Saint John.”

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Le Nouveau-Brunswick Perd 8000 Emplois En Deux Mois

2006-09-10T21:05:00.000-04:00

Graham promet que les Libéraux feront de la création d’emploi une priorité de nouveau

Fredericton, le 8 sept. 2006 – Le chef du Parti libéral Shawn Graham affirme que la perte de 8000 emplois en juillet et août est la preuve que le Nouveau-Brunswick doit en faire davantage en matière de création d’emploi. Selon une enquête sur la population active réalisée par Statistique Canada, le Nouveau-Brunswick a subi une perte totale de plus de 8 000 emplois à temps plein et à temps partiel au cours des deux derniers mois.

« Les conservateurs de Bernard Lord essayent de nous faire croire que le statu quo est acceptable. Eh bien, je ne suis pas satisfait », affirme M. Graham. « Nous pouvons faire mieux. Nous devons faire mieux. C’est le temps de changer notre approche dans le développement économique. »

Cliqueter Ici

Orimulson and Auto Insurance

2006-09-07T16:49:00.000-04:00

Both are fiascos of the Lord Conservative government that have cost New Brunswickers dearly.

The Liberals will stop the waste, restore accountability to the people of New Brunswick and put an end to Tory fiascos.

Liberals Commit to Independent Inquiry on Orimulsion: Graham says it's time Lord Conservatives took responsibility

Lord Government Duped by Insurance Industry - CBC report confirms insurance woes in New Brunswick

Liberals to Work With Special Care Homes to Deliver Higher Levels of Care

2006-09-07T16:45:00.000-04:00

Graham reiterates commitment to senior care

Riverview, Sept. 6, 2006 —Liberal Leader Shawn Graham has committed that a new Liberal Government will work with special care home operators to increase their capacity for delivering high levels of senior care. This will be part of the Liberal commitment to a new Long-Term Care Strategy.

“Our Liberal Charter for Change is based on the Three Es – Energy, Economy and Education. We will turn New Brunswick into a leader in energy conservation and generation, make New Brunswick the best in economic development and go from worst to first in education. The 3Es are the foundation for a strong, bright future,” said Graham.

“The seniors of New Brunswick know how important a solid foundation is. They’ve built this province. And I am here today to restate to them the Liberal Party’s commitment to senior care.”

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Liberals to Provide $2000 Grant to First-Year University Students

2006-09-04T19:45:00.000-04:00

Fredericton, Sept. 1, 2006 - A new $2000 grant for every first-year university student will be a cornerstone of the Liberal plan for post-secondary education. The grant will be highlighted in a new Liberal ad campaign to be released tomorrow.

"The Liberal Charter for Change is based on the Three Es - we want go from worst to first in education," said Liberal Leader Shawn Graham. "To put our province on the road to self-sufficiency, we need to make sure New Brunswick students have more access to affordable post-secondary education and skills training."

"High tuition is discouraging too many young New Brunswickers who want to pursue higher education," said Graham. "The Liberal government's one-time grant of $2000 to first-year university students attending a New Brunswick university will help younger New Brunswickers begin their post-secondary education."

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Graham Committed to Fairness in Automobile Insurance

2006-09-04T19:40:00.000-04:00

Tracadie-Sheila, Sept. 1, 206 – Liberal Leader Shawn Graham (MLA – Kent) has promised a new Liberal Government will eliminate all discriminatory practices for the purpose of automobile insurance including gender, age, marital status and where a person lives.

“Some people are wondering how automobile insurance fits into the Three Es in the Liberal Charter for Change. The fact is you cannot attract new people to come to New Brunswick if they can’t afford to buy insurance for the car they use on a daily basis to get to work. As well, to assess people and companies different premiums based solely on where they live or operate means an unequal playing field for new investments or recruiting personnel. In order to foster economic growth and development in every part of this Province, New Brunswickers need fair and insurance premiums.”

“According to Statistics Canada, automobile insurance premiums increased in New Brunswick by 70.6% between January 2002 and January 2003”, explained Mr. Graham. “Insurance was a major issue in the 2003 provincial election, and we stand by our past commitments.”

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Comments From a Reader

2006-09-02T12:58:00.000-04:00

With the NDP campaign faltering and their failure to field candidates in all the ridings, that can only help the Liberal campaign - as most NDP voters would vote Liberal rather than Conservative. This weakness of the NDP is especially evident among francophones as their leader is not participating in the Radio Canada debate and the party is not fielding candidates in two ridings overlapping the federal riding of Acadie-Bathurst (represented by NDP MP Yvon Godin).

The Liberals are strong among both francophone and anglophone voters with fluently billingual candidates such as Shirley Smallwood here in Moncton-Crescent.

Voters have sensed the opportunistic timing of this early election call by Bernard Lord - this can only work against him. As well, even though a recent poll gave the Tories the lead the sample size was too small to be considered accurate. Even Bernard Lord had to shrug this poll off when, in an unusually candid moment, he said "We prefer when we're ahead in the polls than when we're behind, but at the same time there are 2 1/2 weeks of campaigning left." Even Lord's spin doctors couldn't come up with something better - Lord had to admit that this poll was far from indicating a victory for his party.

At the moment, it's a dead-heat between the Liberals and the Conservatives - though the upcoming leadership debate should tilt this vote in the Liberals' favour as Shawn Graham performed strongly in the 2003 debates where he was seen as the winner. Furthermore, in Moncton-Crescent, with Shirley's determined campaigning, energy and her involvement with various community groups, this seat will be a Liberal pick-up, especially as John Betts won this seat by a relatively narrow margin in the last election. Shirley has impressed all those who know her with her compassion in standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves, and her dedication.

The Smallwood campaign has been greatly encouraged by the positive feedback from voters, such as eMarking Manager Thomas Mitchell who writes: "Just came across your blog through a link from Autism New Brunswick. Nice job … and good luck in the election!"

Energy - TV Ad

2006-08-31T21:55:00.000-04:00

“We will immediately restore the ambulance service cut by the Lord Government.” - Shawn Graham

2006-08-30T19:25:00.000-04:00

LIBERALS PLEDGE SINGLE PROVINCE-WIDE AMBULANCE SERVICE: GRAHAM PROMISES SERVICE WILL MEET INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION
August 30, 2006

Boiestown, August 30, 2006 – Liberal Leader Shawn Graham has committed today that a Liberal government will establish a single, province-wide ambulance service.

“I have spent the last few weeks traveling throughout New Brunswick talking about the 3Es – energy, education and the economy,” said Graham. “And people have asked about how health care fits in. It’s very simple – if you’re looking to grow your region, attract investment and bring in new families, you need to have a quality, stable health care system.”

Graham announced that a new Liberal government would ensure that a single, province-wide ambulance service modeled on the Nova Scotia system is put in place in New Brunswick.

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Shawn Graham Speaks to New Brunswick's Bright Future

2006-08-29T22:39:00.000-04:00

Liberal Government will Double Infant Spaces in Daycare

2006-08-29T22:25:00.000-04:00

Will establish Moncton Headstart as a Provincial Centre of Excellence in early learning

Graham announced that his government will establish Moncton Headstart as a Centre of Excellence for upgrading the skills of early learning workers around the province. This marks an investment of $2 million a year over the next four years.

“The early years are the foundation of our children’s lives. Programs like the Moncton Headstart Program have been used successfully for many years but far too few New Brunswick children have access to these opportunities,” said Graham. “We want to build on the success of Headstart to create opportunity for more young families.”

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Graham Unveils Northern New Brunswick Initiative

2006-08-29T18:39:00.000-04:00

$100 Million fund to focus on closing economic gap

Dalhousie, August 24, 2006 – Liberal Leader Shawn Graham has announced that a Liberal Government will create a Northern New Brunswick Initiative as a comprehensive economic development strategy for Miramichi, the Acadian Peninsula and the Restigouche-Chaleur regions of New Brunswick. The initiative is aimed at closing the gap between these regions and the rest of the province.

“A Liberal government will make job creation a priority again – for all of New Brunswick. We know that to achieve our goal of self-sufficiency tomorrow we need to make investments today,” said Mr. Graham.

“To be a full partner in the North American economy, Northern New Brunswick must have a program of equal economic opportunity. You can’t compete if your infrastructure is inferior,” said Graham. “That is why the cornerstone of this initiative will be a significant investment in the infrastructure of Northern New Brunswick.”

Mr Graham announced that his government would work extensively with partners in these regions, including establishing a comprehensive transportation strategy, expanded communications infrastructure, cost-free space in industrial parks to attract new investment and investments in tourism infrastructure. As well, the Liberal government will study the feasibility of expanding the Belledune Generating Station and of bringing natural gas to Northern New Brunswick.

“We will ensure that this region is a part of building a strong economic future for all of New Brunswick,” stated Mr. Graham.

“We believe that New Brunswick can do better, and this investment will ensure that Northern New Brunswick will not get left behind. We also know that without access to the world economy no region can thrive.”
Graham said he would outline more specific transportation infrastructure investments for these regions as the campaign unfolds. He made the announcement in Dalhousie with Dalhousie – Restigouche East MLA Donald Arseneault.

“The Northern New Brunswick Initiative will be a major factor in the economic success of this region,” said Arseneault. “The North has been neglected by the Lord Government, and under a new Liberal government I know we will be a key component of the economic revitalisation of New Brunswick.”

Click Here for More Information - A New Era For Northern New Brunswick

Biography

2006-08-28T11:26:00.000-04:00

Your Moncton Crescent Liberal Candidate is the definition of compassion, dedication and leadership. Shirley Smallwood is a certified oncology nurse with Beauséjour Regional Health Authority, namely the Dr. Leon Richard Oncology Centre in Moncton.

Shirley has dedicated most of her adult life to increasing public awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Her efforts are responsible for the 1st Annual ALS Charity Golf Tournament, the 1st New Brunswick Walk for ALS and the first ever ALS Patient’s Bill of Rights. Believing that people do make a difference, Shirley gives of her time to coordinate the client services portfolio of the ALS Society of New Brunswick, lectures to health care professionals and government agencies on the subjects of ALS and Autism, while visiting families who have been afflicted by these neurological conditions.

Shirley believes that taking care of the “patients of life” include people of all walks of life and of all ages. Shirley understands the importance of quality health care services for all.

Shirley is a strong advocate for the youth and the young at heart and offers a “can-do” approach to our system's shortcomings. Her track record proves that one person “can make a difference” and Shirley’s determination will serve her and her constituents well in our Province’s Legislative Assembly.

Shirley Smallwood is a proud graduate of the Miss A.J. MacMaster School of Nursing and holds a Bachelor degree in nursing from the Université de Moncton. In addition, Shirley holds a national certification in Oncology as recognized by the Canadian Nursing Association. Shirley is a model volunteer and an important contributor to her community namely as President of the Home & School Association at École Saint Henri, as a youth Soccer Coach in the Codiac Soccer League and as a Sunday School Teacher. Her selfless contributions have earned her the ALS President’s Award and the Myra Rosenfeld Volunteer Award for exemplary volunteerism and compassion both in 2004 and 2005.

Fluently bilingual, Shirley is a life-long resident of Greater Moncton. She and her husband Gordon currently reside on Hilton Drive in Moncton Crescent with their two young sons, Ryan and Alex.

Liberals Commit Start-Up Funding For Small and Medium Size Businesses

2006-08-25T18:14:00.000-04:00

Graham aims to assist 50 businesses every year
August 25, 2006

Edmundston, August 25, 2006 - Liberal Leader Shawn Graham has promised a new Liberal Government will establish a new program to provide funding to small- and
medium-sized businesses for start-up, diversification and expansion projects. This $5 million per year program aims to assist 50 businesses ever year over the next four years.

"Economic development is one of the Three Es in the Liberal Charter for Change and small and medium sized businesses have an important role to play in this vision," stated Graham. "Of the 46,000 businesses in this province, 97% have fewer than 50 employees."

"It's evident that small- and medium-sized businesses are key to our economic success. However, according to Statistics Canada, the number of entrepreneurs has decreased in New Brunswick since 2000," said Graham. "There was a time when someone with an entrepreneurial bent could see their dreams mirrored in their leaders. Government was on their side. A new Liberal government will bring back that 'Can-Do' spirit."

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Welcome

2006-08-25T16:46:00.000-04:00