Local News and Events
On Monday, July 11th, MP Joe Preston and MPP Steve Peters joined local city officials and representatives from St. Thomas Energy at the grand-opening of the new splashpad at Waterworks Park. Funding to improve the park was provided through the RINc program. For photos, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/photo-gallery/splash-pad-at-waterworks-park-official-opening

Middlesex County will be undertaking the construction of a new bridge across the Thames River in Dorchester, Ontario with the assistance of the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada through the Build Canada Fund – Communities Component Program. The construction of this bridge is scheduled to begin this summer with completion expected in the fall of 2012. This bridge will serve as a replacement for the existing structure at Bridge Street which has a restricted weight posting and is at the end of its serviceable life. Once the new bridge has been completed at the extension of Dorchester Road, it is proposed that the existing bridge be replaced with a pedestrian structure. The official groundbreaking took place July 8th. For photos, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/photo-gallery/dorchester-bridge-groundbreaking

Government Happenings
The Government of Canada has renewed the popular ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program. From June 6, 2011 until March 31, 2012, homeowners are eligible to receive grants of up to $5,000 to make their homes more energy-efficient. Homeowners who participated in the program to date have saved 20 percent on their energy bills. For more information, visit: http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomes-renovationmaisons-eng.cfm

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal Grants and Contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in their communities and in the lives of others. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for projects that encourage seniors to share their skills and experiences with others and help communities increase their capacity to address local issues. Deadline for applications is September 16, 2011. For more information, visit: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/community_partnerships/seniors/nhsp/cbpf/index.shtml

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) supports community-based projects across Canada that improve accessibility, remove barriers, and enable Canadians with disabilities to participate in and contribute to their communities. This program provides grants of up to $50,000 per project for the renovation, construction and retrofitting of buildings; modification of vehicles for community use; and through the provision of accessible information and communication technologies. Deadline for applications is September 23, 2011. http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/disability_issues/eaf/cfp/small_projects/index.shtml

The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced that Canada will respond to help the victims of the severe drought now affecting approximately 11 million people in East Africa. Canada will increase its financial support and establish the East Africa Drought Relief Fund. For more information, visit: http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/NAT-72211442-LG3

The federal government asked Canadians to help in identifying 30 individuals accused of, or complicit in, war crimes or crimes against humanity, and who are thought to be hiding out in locations across Canada. The announcement was made in Toronto by Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, and Luc Portelance, President of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). For more information, visit: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/media/release-communique/2011/2011-07-21-eng.html

Program Information Update
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is changing to better reflect how Canadians choose to live, work, and retire. The Government of Canada is adapting the CPP to ensure it remains fair and sustainable, and that it responds to the evolving needs of Canada's aging population and to changes in the economy and labour market. For information, visit: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/pub/factsheets/ISPB-348-11-10_E.pdf

Citizen Recognition
When tragedy strikes, The Municipality of Thames Centre knows how to pull it together. The Municipality was contacted by EMO (Emergency Management Ontario) to assist with housing families and individuals evacuated from the Northwestern Ontario Forest Fires. I would like to take this time to honour those who stepped forward and had food, shelter and clothing available within hours.

Events
On Tuesday, July 12th, MP Preston along with London MPs Susan Truppe and Ed Holder met with Regional Minister and Minister of HRSDC, The Honourable Diane Finley to discuss local issues surrounding our region. Joe participated in the annual Seniors’ Picnic at Pinafore Park; met with Canada Farm Credit; the London-St. Thomas Real Estate Board; and the Elgin Agricultural Producers. Currently, MP Preston, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Parliamentary Association is representing Canada in London, England at the 57th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.