Today, Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London rose to address the commons for the first time in the 40th Parliament.

Preston’s speech focused on his riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London addressing both the large rural and agricultural area along with the large industrial and automotive base.  His comments supported the Throne Speech and the mandate outlined.

“One of the major problems facing my riding today is the recent announcement of the impending closure of the Sterling truck plant and so many other plants with scheduled layoffs in St. Thomas and surrounding areas”, Preston stated in the Commons.

He also commented on the strength of his community and the involvement of our leaders including Al Hughson and volunteers involved in the recent Santa Claus parade. “Manufacturing facilities and their employees still pulled together and had some of the best looking floats and were still out there working for their community….this is how our community works.”

Preston’s speech also focused on the vibrant senior’s population, solar power being used by Enerworks in Dorchester and the ethanol plant in Aylmer.

Recognizing the many issues currently at large, Preston said "I am not sure the solution can come from one little place here in Ottawa. The solution has to come by all of us working together.”