Later today, the Minister of Finance will unveil the federal budget at 4:00pm. Information will be available on the Department of Finance website later today:  http://www.budget.gc.ca/notice-avis-eng.html

Local News
The Government of Canada is investing in a start-up company in the renewable energy sector that will build foundations for solar panels and wind turbine bases. The investment of $117,000 to DrillTech Canada was announced by Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London Joe Preston, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. 
“This investment means more skilled jobs in Middlesex County.” said MP Preston. “Investing in local green companies like DrillTech Canada is essential to helping the environment and our communities.” For more details, visit   http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/news/government-of-canada-invests-in-new-business-in-middlesex-county-to-boost-economy-and-create-jobs

Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), highlighted that the Government of Canada has renewed its investment of $3.5 million to create hundreds of internships for post-secondary students across Canada through Canada’s Small Business Internship Program (SBIP). 
“Our government’s top priority is the economy,” said MP Preston. “The investment in the SBIP is one of the ways our government is helping entrepreneurs while creating jobs for post-secondary students. These young Canadians will gain valuable work experience while contributing to Canada’s economic recovery.” For more details, visit:  http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/news/harper-government-highlights-renewed-investment-in-small-business-internship-program-during-year-of-the-entrepreneur

The grand opening of the Thames Centre Recreation Facility took place Friday, March 11, 2011. The new Recreation Facility was made possible in part from funding received from the Federal Government and from the Province of Ontario as their 2/3 share of the Building Canada Fund (BCF) for the Thames Centre Recreation Facility Expansion Project. For more information and photos of the event, visit:  http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/news/thames-centre-grand-opening-of-the-new-thames-centre-recreation-facility

Government Happenings
On March 11, 2011, a powerful 9.0 earthquake struck off the east coast of Honshu, Japan and a series of significant aftershocks have already struck the same area. 
Government of Canada Officials in Ottawa and at our Embassy in Tokyo are closely monitoring the situation and are working closely with local authorities to identify and locate Canadians in need of assistance. Embassy staff are providing consular assistance where required. For more informaiton on this disaster and our efforts, visit: http://www.international.gc.ca/humanitarian-humanitaire/japan_earthquake_japon_seisme.aspx?lang=eng

The Government of Canada continues to work with key allies and the international community to intensify pressure on the Libyan regime and further calls upon the Libyan authorities to respect the human rights of its people; those individuals in Libya who continue to violate international law should be aware that they will be held criminally responsible. For more details on Canada’s role in Libya, visit:   http://www.international.gc.ca/international/libya-libye.aspx?lang=eng

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