On Monday, May 2nd, the people of Elgin-Middlesex-London elected me to represent this riding. I am thrilled to represent a riding filled with quality agricultural land; quaint villages and tourism spots; beautiful parks; but most of all, great people and communities. I would like to thank you for re-electing me. I look forward to continue serving this riding in Ottawa.

Local News and Events

Fanshawe officially opened its new Centre for Applied Transportation Technologies (CATT) on May 13, 2011.The new Centre will accommodate 1,500 students who are seeking job-ready credentials in trades and technologies that support the transportation industry. The Centre was built with funding received in 2009 from the Government of Ontario and the federal government's Knowledge Infrastructure Program.
For more information, visit: www.fanshawec.ca/catt

Mackie’s, a family destination, celebrated their 100th anniversary Saturday, May 14th.  Famous for their Orangeade and special Mackie’s sauce, Preston was excited to take part in the celebration.
“Mackie’s is just special place; full of memoires and great food” said Preston.
Best wishes! For photos, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/photo-gallery/mackie-s-100th-anniversary

Government Happenings

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, announced that the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan: A Low-Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth will be delivered in Parliament on June 6. 
“A little over two months ago, our Government introduced Budget 2011—the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan: A Low-Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth—a plan that will continue to ensure Canada remains at the forefront of economic growth and job creation,” said Minister Flaherty. “Our Government is focused on completing the economic recovery. Canada has created nearly 540,000 jobs since July 2009, and our economy has grown for six straight quarters. But too many Canadians are still looking for work and the global economic recovery remains fragile.”
For more details, visit: http://www.fin.gc.ca/n11/11-038-eng.asp

In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada will support international efforts to complete safety and stabilization work at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. This delivers on important commitments made by G-8 Leaders at the 2010 Muskoka Summit and will help permanently confine the damaged reactor site.

“Our Government remains committed to helping the people of Ukraine deal with the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear accident,” said the Prime Minister. “It is fitting, on the 25th anniversary of this tragedy, to join the international community in closing this sad chapter once and for all.” For  more details, visit: http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?category=1&id=4129&featureId=6&pageId=26

The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, joined the Canadian Centre for Child Protection to launch a new Internet safety portal. This portal advises parents on getting involved in their children’s online safety.
“Safer Internet Day reminds us of the importance of being involved in our children’s Internet activities,” said Minister Toews.  “Our Government remains committed to fighting exploitation of children on the Internet. We will continue our work with our valued partners such as the Canadian Centre for Child Protection and the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre.”For more details, visit: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/media/nr/2010/nr20100208-eng.aspx

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

Every five years Statistics Canada conducts a census. The next Census of Canada will take place in May 2011.Why is the census important? 
When you complete your census questionnaire you are providing important information that will be used in making decisions—for your neighbourhood, your community, your province, and the country as a whole.
Communities depend on census information when planning for new schools, roads, waterworks, public transit, and police and fire services. Town planners use census information on households and families to plan current and future housing needs, health care, and day-care centres.
Population estimates obtained from the census are used to allocate transfer payments from the federal government to the provinces and territories and from the provinces to municipalities

Citizenship Recognition

I would like to take this time to recognize all my fellow candidates who put their name forward for the 41st Election of Parliament~ Fred Sinclair, Graham Warwick, John Fisher, Carl Hiemstra and Will Arlow. I appreciate everyone’s hardwork. Thanks for making Canada’s democracy work.

Events

All of the schools in the riding have received information on our 3rd Annual Canada Day Poster Challenge. Submissions need to be into the office by June 15th and will be voted on by the constituents. Students are invited to send a poster into the office that reflects this year’s theme~ Canada: A proud past, a bright future!
Congratulations to the Lions Seniors’ Centre in Dorchester on their 20th anniversary. 


The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards have been created to recognize the exceptional contribution of volunteers, local businesses and innovative not-for-profit organizations in improving the well-being of families and their communities. For more details, visit: http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/feature.asp?pageId=152&featureId=7

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