Budget 2018 fails Lambton-Kent-Middlesex and all Canadians

This past Tuesday, the Liberal Government tabled Budget 2018. While this was a great opportunity for PM Justin Trudeau, he has instead raised taxes on over 90 per cent of Canadian middle-class families. What is disappointing to me is the budget didn’t talk about agriculture, manufacturing or trade- areas that are vital to the economic growth and stability of our rural regions and communities in Southwestern Ontario. He is also borrowing an additional $18 billion, failing on his election campaign promise of balancing the budget by 2019. It is estimated this deficit will be in place until 2045, which places a huge financial burden on our children and grandchildren.

I will continue to advocate for my constituents of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, speak out against policies that burden our rural communities, businesses and families, and support initiatives that will better the everyday lives of those in my riding and all Canadians.

Prime Minister Trudeau’s disastrous trip to India

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent trip to India sparked international attention as he continuously made a mockery of both himself and Canada. While many are making jokes about the Prime Minister’s trip, Justin Trudeau failed Canada on the international stage. He compromised our relationship with India – the fastest growing economy – and failed to promote Canada’s interests. A convicted attempted murderer was also invited to dine with the Prime Minister at an event hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner. In response, PMO forced a senior security official to make a very serious accusation against the government of India – that Jaspal Atwal may have been planted by the Indian Government. If the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada have evidence that a foreign government intentionally tried to sabotage Canada’s reputation, the Prime Minister must provide evidence for such an accusation as it would be irresponsible to make such an accusation against a foreign government simply to shift attention from his gaffes.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir bring home Gold!!!

Last week, the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics wrapped up, and Canada placed third overall, earning 29 medals: 11 Gold, 8 Silver and 10 Bronze. People in Ilderton, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, and across Canada were thrilled when Olympic flag bearers and Ice Dance champions, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, secured Canada’s first Gold Medal of the 2018 Olympics in the Figure Skating Team Event. The duo earned a second Gold Medal in PyeongChang with their unforgettable Ice Dance performances. This brings their total Olympic medal count to five, making them the most decorated figure skaters in the history of the Games. Thanks, Tessa and Scott, for being the amazing couple you are as well as being the best athletes in your category that the world has ever seen!

Did you know?

– The Dutch won all their medals in speed skating.
– Canada is the world’s most educated country; over half our residents have college degrees.
– Spring Break is one of the most popular times for Canadians to travel – if you are traveling abroad, you can find travel safety info on my website at www.bevshipley.ca/spring-break-travel-tips.