Local News and Events

Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London was re-elected Chair of the Procedures and House Affairs Committee for the 41st Parliament of Canada. The vote was unanimous.
The Committee, responsible for a number of procedural and administrative matters including Private Member’s Business, questions of Parliamentary Privilege and review of Standing Orders, met for the first time this session on Thursday, June 8th. Members of the Committee include representatives from the Conservative, NDP and Liberal Caucus. For more information, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/news/preston-unanimously-re-elected

MP Joe Preston is applauding the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, saying it will have positive benefits for Ontario families, seniors and job-creating businesses.

“Canada is weathering the global recession in a stronger position than nearly all major economies, with nearly 540,000 new jobs created since July 2009. But the global economy is still fragile, we need to stay focused on the economy,” said MP Preston. For more information, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/news/mp-preston--the-next-phase-of-canada-s-economic-action-plan-on-right-track

Despite the ongoing labour disruption, Canada Post reassured their customers that socio-economic cheques will be delivered. An agreement was reached with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) in March 2011 to ensure delivery of more than two million cheques nationally on June 20th. These cheques include Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, Veteran’s Affairs, and Child Tax Benefit. For more information, visit: http://news.gc.ca
Government Happenings

The Economic Action Plan introduced significant new personal income tax reductions that are providing relief, particularly for low- and middle-income Canadians, as well as measures to help Canadians purchase or improve their homes. These tax reductions allow individuals and families to keep more of their hard-earned money and improve incentives to work, save and invest, while also contributing to the Government’s long-term economic agenda. For more information, visit: http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp

The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, along with the Honourable Steven Blaney, P.C., M.P. for Lévis-Bellechasse, Minister of Veteran Affairs, announced the re-introduction of legislation to reduce the delays that are common when court proceedings are complex and drawn-out. These proceedings are often referred to as mega-trials.

Due to the magnitude and complexity of the evidence, the numerous charges against multiple accused and the need to call many witnesses, mega-trials can take up a lot of court time and tend to progress very slowly. Longer court proceedings increase the risk of mistrials. More for information, visit: http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/news-nouv/nr-cp/2011/doc_32606.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

Citizenship Recognition

On Friday, June 10th, Relay for Life in St. Thomas hit the track for his annual fundraising event. This was the 11th year. Following the final tally, Bev Trethewey, Chair of the event announced that they surpassed the original 2011 goal of $74,000, toppling with an overwhelming $101,000 in donations. A huge congratulations to Bev and her committee and all of the participants. Your efforts will not go unnoticed.

Events

On Saturday, June 4, Joe took part in the annual Air Cadets ceremony with where honours were given to many cadets. He also visited the St. Anne’s Fair and visited through the community. Staff represented Joe at the annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at Terrace Lodge on Wednesday, June 15th.